Four fifths of farmers say they have the right to bear arms to defend property

The majority of the 264 farmers who took part in Macra na Feirme’s Young Farmer Survey for 2016 believe they should have the right to bear arms to defend their property.

Half have already been affected by rural crime.

One respondent said: "There needs to be an app or some text service that allows people to give information if they see suspicious activity.

"Currently you only can contact Crimestoppers if you see a crime being committed."

Another said: "A lot of people take photos of their yards and post them up on social media, this is heaven for robbers."

One more who responded said if a trespasser enters property with the intent to commit a crime, the farmer should have the right to do whatever is necessary to protect their land because if nothing is done, "what stops others from going into farms and doing the same?".

Macra na Feirme will be present at the National Ploughing Championship, where they launch their new farm safety programme ‘ABP Safe Agri Skills’ in association with Skillnets.

Over the three days they will be discussing land mobility with Austin Finn, mental health and various agriculture issues affecting Ireland farmers today.

"We’ll also have fun and games for all the family including the ‘hang bar’ challenge," said a spokesperson.

A number of Kilkenny camogie players will be present at the Macra stand between 12.30 and 2pm on Wednesday September 21 along with the Senior and Intermediate All Ireland Camogie cups.

The Macra na Feirme Stand is on Block 2, Row 13, Stand 304.