The Pat Kenny Show Ireland's growing number of women farmers
Nov 25, 2025
Sarah Madden, a journalist and reporter for Newstalk, dives into the inspiring world of women farmers in Ireland. She discusses the vital role these women play in food security and climate resilience. Sophie Bell, a third-generation farmer from Cavan, shares her personal journey of taking over the family farm and highlights the ergonomic challenges female farmers face with older tractor designs. Both guests emphasize the importance of community support, social media influence, and the nurturing qualities women bring to animal husbandry.
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Turning Native Sheep Into A Niche Business
- Blonit Gallagher took over Murray Meadows seven years ago and rebuilt income from Galway sheep and wool.
- She links traditional skills to new markets and stresses the need to reconnect supply chains.
Use Tools To Overcome Physical Limits
- Use tools, tractors, and clever workarounds to overcome physical barriers on the farm.
- Blonit recommends getting practical equipment (pump jacks, trolleys, Kubota) to make tasks doable and safe.
Equipment Often Isn't Designed For Smaller Farmers
- Sophie Bell describes struggling with an old tractor that doesn't fit her size and makes some tasks unsafe.
- She highlights equipment design as a practical barrier many women farmers face daily.