A (silage) cut above: Limerick IFA chairperson Louise has been drawing silage for 15 seasons

WHEN Louise Crowley was elected Limerick IFA chairperson earlier this year she became just the second female in the role after Mairead Lavery.

However, breaking through the agricultural glass ceiling is nothing new for the Croom dairy farmer as she has been working for silage contractors for over a decade - traditionally a very male-dominated industry. 

The dry and warm weather meant that silage season kicked off unusually early this season, said Louise.

“Most of us have our silage done or not too far away from it,” said Louise, who dodged the showers last week to cut and bring in silage on her farm.

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She says after 15 seasons out drawing silage, for many a farmer, some things never change. 

“The excitement of silage never dies for some of us. Whether it’s the busyness of trailers in and out, seeing what drivers return each year, finding out all the local news, or figuring out how to sit everyone down for the dinner!”

Unfortunately, drivers aren’t as plentiful as when she first started out. 

“Young people are scarce and those farming aren’t that interested in the long hours driving all around the county, but for those of us at it, it’s a real community.

"Hearing which contractor has started knocking grass first, or who’s after buying some new shiny machine for the season. While we aren’t all working for the same contractors, there’s that camaraderie we have passing each other as we go to and from jobs. 

“While silage is essential for all livestock farms to sustain the herds during the winter, it plays a crucial social aspect too for farmers these days with the ever increasing isolation they face. 

“The passenger seat is always free in my cab for a farmer to have a chat, because you never know when they might need it,” said Louise.

She enjoys the work, seeing it as a break from her dairy farm. 

“I look forward to meeting the farmers every summer and hear how things are going for them, good or bad.  I’ve been lucky to work with some excellent contractors over the years, and am currently working for Sheehy Agri Contracting,” said Louise.

There wasn’t much silage harvested this week due to the rain but it won’t be long before Louise and silage contractors are out in force again. It’s badly needed too as silage was scarce in most Limerick farms at the end of the winter.