trainingiFarmpowermobile

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Your Member Benefits are better than ever!

IFA Young Leaders Programme 2014

Inside this issue• New Hotel Deal• New IFA Website• IFA connect• New mobile offer• Farm Business Skillnet• Enhanced motor deal• Exclusive Competition• FBD

Exclusive Member Benefits

• Personal Accident & Legal Liability Cover

• €75 off FBD motor, home & farm insurance

• Discounted hotel breaks• Up to €1000 discount on finance

options with Volkswagen Group Ireland Ltd

• 12% off health screening with the Mater Private

• 20% off family tickets for Dublin Zoo• 15% off family bus tickets with Bus

Éireann• 15% off motorist fares with Stena

Line• Up to 50% off commission charges

with Goodbody Stockbrokers

trainingiFarmmobile

NEWS Autumn 2014

mobiletelecom mobiletelecom

Visit IFA at the Ploughing Championships

@ Block 3 Row 22 Stand 320

The IFA Member Services team has been working hard to ensure that as well as strong representation, your member benefits continue to far outweigh the cost of your IFA Membership. Your IFA member benefits are exclusive to you and are not available through any other membership or organisation.

So what’s new….

We are delighted to announce new and improved mobile price plans from Vodafone that offer you and your family even better savings. In addition, we recently signed a hotel deal with a brand new partner, Irish Country hotels. The new deal offers members 25% off 23 Irish Country Hotels nationwide. All Irish Country Hotels are wholly Irish owned and family run. See inside for more details on these offers.

IFA continues to invest in technology: launching a new and improved version of ifarm, launching a new website and continuing to support the development of new smartphone apps through agriapps.ie.

Given the importance of technology in agriculture, IFA is focused on ensuring that IFA members are an integral part of the new national broadband plan which the Government will roll out to improve broadband services to all in rural Ireland. New technology is assisting farmers to realise savings and efficiencies in their farm business, however a consistent and strong broadband service is essential to this. Finally, Farm Business Skillnet is supporting Irish farmers in their adoption of new technology with leadership training and upskill programmes.

President Eddie Downey pictured with the participants at the Farm Business Skillnet “Young Leaders 2014” programme.  This 3 day programme is offered to young farmers in each county, as identified by the County Chair, and it is aimed at developing personal skills for running their farm business along with leadership skills applicable to their voluntary role within IFA.

IFA-Newsletter-Aug14-v18.indd 1 10/09/2014 16:01

connect

IFA invests in new technology on an ongoing basis to ensure that members have the most relevant digital resources available. IFA connect is IFA’s digital programme and its core aim is to communicate with and educate farmers through digital means to enable them to realise efficiencies in their farm business. IFA Connect will also be at the forefront of future farming technologies. We continually look at how next-generation solutions can benefit Irish farmers such as implementing smarter supply chain efficiencies, enhancing access to markets and increasing awareness of safety and well-being.

IFA connect includes: ifarm - IFA’s smart phone application, agriapps.ie - IFA’s home for all apps agriculture related, ifa.ie, ifamemberservices.ie, twitter, facebook and there is much more to come.

To download ifarm text ifarm and your name to 51000

How Digital resources can work for you!

@ifamediaifamemberservices

ifa.ie

To learn more about the farming digital resources available visit our stand at the National Ploughing Championships or visit www.ifa.ie

Effective Farm Management

Up to the minute Market Prices

Commodity Information

Access Farming Weather

Real time National Farming news Smart Farming

International Farming News

Member Benefits & Services

Government Information

Real time farming updates

Useful Farming Resources

Benefits of IFA Digital Resources

IFA-Newsletter-Aug14-v19.indd 2 10/09/2014 16:52

telecom

Have you switched yet?Packages from €29 per month

“IFA Telecom offers per second billing which means that I really only pay for what I use” Mary, Waterford.

Designed to suit you At IFA Telecom, we have packages that have been developed specifically to suit your farm business and family needs.Our packages offer tailored peak and off-peak packages and optional bolt-ons to allow you to keep your bill under control. Switching your home phone to IFA Telecom is easy, simply call us and we will handle the switching process for you which takes a matter of days and we do this for no extra cost.

Why Switch...• Unlimited ANYTIME local and

national calls

• 30 FREE ANYTIME minutes to any Irish mobile network

• Per second billing & no hidden extras

• Exceptional Customer Services

Switch todayCall us now on 1890 924 852 or visitwww.ifamemberservices.ie

“I switched to IFA Telecom 2 years ago and I have never had any surprise bills” Michael, Meath.

Tegral has a long and proud history with the agricultural sector in Ireland and is delighted to be the official building partner of the Irish Farmers’ Association at this year’s Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois. The building that will house the IFA stand at this year’s event has been clad entirely with AgribildPlus agricultural sheeting and purlins, supplied from Tegral’s metal

forming plant in Athy, Co. Kildare.

Observing the construction of the IFA stand recently, Tadhg Donohoe, Tegral’s National Sales Manager said that the company has a long established relationship with the IFA and he was proud of the fact that the IFA continues to stand behind Tegral products as the benchmark for farm buildings in Ireland.

Tegral continues to support IFA!

For more information on any of Tegral’s products check out their website www.tegral.com, email: info@tegral.com or contact Tegral on +353 (0)59 8631316

At the launch of the 2014 partnership. James Kelly IFA Director of Organisation, Tadhg Donohue Tegral National Sales Manager

IFA-Newsletter-Aug14-v18.indd 3 10/09/2014 16:01

Reduce your mobile bills

mobile

IFA members can invest in Farmer Business Developments plcThe recent decision of Farmer Business Developments plc to accept new farmer shareholders means that a new generation of farmers now has the opportunity to buy shares and invest in the company.

The company traces its roots back to the late 1960s when NFA members raised capital from farmers to set up new businesses. Over 40 years later, FBD is an acknowledged success story and the largest indigenous Irish insurer in the property and motor markets, serving farmers, private individuals and business owners.

Today, Farmer Business Developments is a 24% stakeholder in FBD Holdings plc which owns the insurance company, FBD.

The company’s other investments include: a joint venture with FBD Holdings in FBD Property & Leisure Ltd, which owns and operates four hotels in Ireland and two resorts in Spain; a stake in development lands adjacent to the new Berlin Airport; and a portfolio of smaller investments in an overall balance sheet which was worth €258m at

end 2013. In June, the company paid a 5 cent per share dividend and its shares were at €1.52*.

Reflecting its history and in order to maintain its character as a farmers’ company, Farmer Business Developments plc has decided to accept new shareholders who are both members of IFA and farming customers of FBD Insurance plc for a minimum of three years at the time of application.

Farming shareholders who hold at least 10,000 ordinary shares in Farmer Business Developments will also qualify for a 10% discount on their annual premiums with FBD Insurance for farm multiperil and motor insurance.

For application forms, contact Capita Share Dealing Services at 01 247 6559 or mbs@capitadeal.com, which operates a private market in the company’s shares, or the company itself at 01 426 0334. * Share price correct as of September 5th 2014.

Choose a smartphone and keep up to date with farming news, weather, prices and much more. Text ifarm and your name to 51000.* Terms and conditions apply.

IFA Member Services in association with Vodafone are delighted to bring you a new mobile offer. You can now start talking and texting on a smartphone from €25

✓ Save up to €204* per year✓ Choose from a range of free smartphones✓ Endless minutes and texts✓ This exclusive IFA Member offer is available

to new and existing Vodafone customers✓ Data that goes on and on✓ Friendly experts here to help

in association with:

Did you know that even if you are an existing Vodafone customer, you are entitled to a discount as an IFA Member. Simply call our friendly team on the number below and they will ensure that your discount is applied.

Vodafone RED Essential Light €25

100 ANY network minutes. Unlimited texts. Free Vodafone Calls and Texts. 500MB. Limited range of handsets.

Vodafone RED Essential €30

100 ANY network minutes. Unlimited texts. Free Vodafone Calls and Texts.

500MB.

Vodafone RED One €35 Unlimited calls & texts to

ANY network. 1GB.

Vodafone RED €45 Unlimited calls & texts (domestic). 100 worldwide mins & texts. 3GB.

Vodafone RED Super €60 Unlimited calls & texts (domestic). 500

worldwide mins & texts. 6GB.

Vodafone RED Super Business €75 Unlimited calls & texts (domestic). 750

worldwide mins & texts. 6GB.

Need a new Phone?Call to see if you are eligible for an upgrade.Call us now on 1890 924 852 for more information Or visit www.ifamemberservices.ie

IFA-Newsletter-Aug14-v18.indd 4 10/09/2014 16:01

COMPETITIONWIN an overnight break in an

Irish Country Hotel of your choice.

To enter simply answer the following:

What % discount is available to all IFA

Members when they stay at an Irish

Country hotel?

Email your answer, name and membership

number to: competition@ifa.ie

Terms and conditions apply

Need a Break?Get 25% off! Choose from23 Hotels.

And the Winner is...CONGRATULATIONS to our Spring Newsletter Competition Winner: David Flemming. We hope you enjoy your trip with Stena Line.

David Cleary, Irish Country Hotels; Orlagh Ní Stásaigh, IFA Marketing Manager; Roisin Wallace, Marketing Director Irish Country Hotels and Jer Bergin, National Treasurer/ Chairman IFA Member Services.

IFA are delighted to announce a great new member offer with Irish Country hotels. ‘Irish Country Hotels are family run and owned and we think that this offer is a great fit for IFA members as it offers a unique collection of 23 hotels across the country’ James Kelly, IFA Director of Organisation. Irish Country hotels are conveniently located in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kerry and throughout Ireland, and are close to golfing, walking trails and other family friendly activities. Stay with Irish Country Hotels for your holiday in Ireland for a truly warm Irish experience, meeting the locals in the hotel bar, enjoying locally produced Irish cuisine or taking in the fabulous scenery on the doorstep of these wonderful family owned hotels.

To avail of your discount: Call: 01 2958900 Visit: www.irishcountryhotels.comQuote: IFA14Terms and conditions apply.

IFA-Newsletter-Aug14-v18.indd 5 10/09/2014 16:01

Supported by

“I learned how to run a meeting efficiently. This training included communicating with and managing a group towards achieving agreement on various matters. I left feeling very confident. The training was very well organised and no one was forced out of their comfort zone but everyone still had an opportunity to express their opinions. I really found this training very useful and would definitely undertake a skillnets course again. Thank you skillnets.” Billy Cotter.

Improved Motor Offers for Members!

CommercialVehicles

* Terms and Conditions ApplySee your local dealer for more information

Current Motor Offers

It is almost a year since IFA joined forces with the Volkswagen group to bring members a new and improved offer on a number of brands. The deal has been hugely successful and members can avail of a discount on finance across a number of the group’s brands including Volkswagen, Volkswagen commercial, Skoda and Seat. We are delighted to announce that Skoda has now extended their exclusive €1,000 off offer until the end of February 2015. In addition to the existing €250 off finance, Volkswagen are offering members an exclusive €750 loyalty bonus for a limited time only. Seat are offering members an additional €750 off all models until December 31st.

€1,000 off €250 offfinance

Additional €750 off

Additional €750 off

Motor

This will include Smart phone training with a particular focus on Apps – how to download them, how to identify the relevant Agri-apps to help farmers run their businesses as efficiently as possible.

Farm Business Skillnet will also continue to work with various Discussion/Purchasing Groups who wish to avail of training in any area from Finance, Taxation, IT and a range of practical skills.

IFA’s Farm Business Skillnet will continue to deliver training in key areas as identified by our Membership.

For more information on Farm Business Skillnet call 061 314 196 or visit ifa.ie

At the launch of the extended Skoda offer L-r Raymond Leddy, Marketing Director Skoda Ireland, Roz Purcell and James Kelly, IFA Director of Organisation

Ger Culligan, from Clare, receives his cert for the IFA Farm Business Skillnet 2014 Young Leaders training from Jer Bergin, National Treasurer/ Chairman IFA Member Services.

IFA-Newsletter-Aug14-v18.indd 6 10/09/2014 16:01

IFA Launches Pieta House helpline for MembersThe IFA & Pieta House dedicated suicide and self-harm phone line is in response to the need for increased information and support for farmers and their families. The phone line puts farmers and their families in direct contact with a Pieta House trained therapist.

Pieta House offers a compassionate, solution focused, one to one counselling service to those in suicidal crisis or engaging in self-harm, completely free of charge.

Watch out for signs that someone might be suicidal or in distressUnforeseen changes in farming work conditions such as continual bad weather, failing a herd test, bad harvest, isolation, being over worked, financial difficulties, impending retirement or ill health are all things that might cause a farmer distress or bring on suicidal feelings.

Signs they might be in distress• Isolating themselves - Withdrawing from social situations

and being less communicative

• Turning off their mobile phone, not receiving visits from neighbours

• Lack of interest in work. Noticeable deterioration in the conditions of the farm or care of the farm animals

• Emotional outbursts, either angry or tearful

• Behavioural changes - Change in sleep patterns, loss of appetite, change in self-care or hygiene behaviour

• Possible increase in alcohol or drug use

• Becoming lethargic and emotionally withdrawn

• Becoming accident prone or continuously distracted

• And more importantly, it’s the language that they use that is most telling…

“I have no future” “I see no light at the end of the tunnel”“My family would be better off without me”“I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up”“What is the point of anything?”

What to do:1 Take them seriouslyThis is not attention seeking – he/she wants to stop the pain that’s making their life unbearable at the moment. Honour their trust by showing them kindness and compassion.Reassure them that you’ll get the help they need.

2 Take actionCall the IFA Pieta House Phoneline 1890 130 022. This allows IFA members direct access to support for someone who is in suicidal crisis or engaging in self-harm. When you contact 1890 130 022 an appointment will be made swiftly at our nearest service which is free of charge.

3 Create a support networkDo not keep this information to yourself. We are aware that pride and privacy are so important to you, but share your concerns with other family members. This way you can all be supportive and vigilant. Or there might be someone in your community, such as the clergy or local doctor, that you might trust with your worries.

If you are feeling suicidal or are concerned about a family member or friend

Call the IFA Pieta House PHONE Line 1890 130 022 Mon-Fri 9am - 6pm & Sat 10am - 2pm

Maura Canning IFA Farm Family, Joan Freeman, Pieta House & Eddie Downey IFA President

IFA-Newsletter-Aug14-v18.indd 7 10/09/2014 16:01

• FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards

• Irish Farmers’ Journal Women and Agriculture Awards

• Teagasc Irish Farmers’ Journal BETTER Farm Beef Programme

• Macra 3c Discussion Groups

• Teagasc Student of the Year Awards

• Agri Aware

• FBD Farm Skills

• Irish Shows Association

• Agricultural Science Association

• Irish Farmers’ Association

• IHFA Expo

• HERDPlus® from ICBF

FBD is committed to the following Agriculture awards and associations:

Calls may be recorded for training and verification purposes. FBD Insurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Supporting Irish Farmers

www.fbd.ie

Contact your local FBD office or call 1890 617617

IFA-Newsletter-Aug14-v18.indd 8 10/09/2014 16:01