Elaine Houlihan is set to become the next president of Macra na Feirme in just over two months’ time, the organisation has confirmed.
This morning’s (Friday, March 3rd) announcement comes following a close of nominations at 5 pm on March 1st, 2023, which saw one nomination for the role of Macra president for 2023-2025.
As a result, no presidential election will take place in 2023, and Elaine, the current Munster vice-president, will be declared as president-elect on April 5th, 2023.
Elaine, a qualified physiotherapist, hails from a beef enterprise and family-run agricultural engineering business.
She commented: “I am excited to lead one of the most vibrant rural organisations in Ireland.”
“I am looking forward to building on the work I have done over the past two years and continuing the work that has been previously done within our organisation,” she added.
Elaine will step into the role of president on May 13th, 2023, at the organisation’s AGM.
An interview with Elaine Houlihan
That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane, previously interviewed Elaine Houlihan as part of our popular weekly Women in Ag segment.
Elaine, who completed her Green Certificate at Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, County Limerick, told us:
“I am the fifth generation to farm here in Athlacca. Some of my earliest farming memories revolve around sitting on the steps of the milking parlour.”
“My parents, Eamonn and Ann, and my brother, James, are involved in the running of our beef farm.”
“We run a calf-to-beef system, comprising Limousin-crosses, Charolais-crosses and Simmental-crosses.”
“The most enjoyable aspect of farming is being outdoors, while I find some people’s perception of female farmers the most challenging part,” added Elaine, who assists with calf-rearing duties.
“I have a keen interest in the technology side of agriculture as I believe it is the way forward for agriculture in Ireland. I have seen first-hand the benefits of adopting technology through my time in the Netherlands.”
Elaine ventured to the Netherlands for her studies at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, which she graduated from in 2019.
Throughout her time in school, she always excelled in practical subjects and desired to “have a job where I could be hands-on, and I always had an interest in helping others”.
Elaine became involved in Macra in 2016, despite residing overseas during this period to complete her undergraduate studies.
“To you tell you the truth, I joined for the FBD discount. When I moved to the Netherlands, I was not a very active member.”
“I kept in touch with the club and went to all the events when I came home on holidays. In 2018, I took over my own club, which was closing its doors, and since then, the club has been thriving,” she added.
Read Elaine’s full interview with That’s Farming.
