IFA presidential candidates have made their pitches to members from Co Westmeath and Co Longford as campaigns for the four-year role continue.
The role is considered the most influential position in Irish farming politics and two candidates are vying for the position.
Francie Gorman is a suckler, beef and sheep farmer from Ballinakill, Co Laois, and the current South Leinster Regional Chair.
Martin Stapleton is a dairy farmer from Oola, Co Limerick, and the current IFA National Treasurer.
Last night in Mullingar, Mr Gorman told the assembled farmers that his first priority is income.
"As your president, I want to rebuild the association, restore the strength and reputation of IFA as the negotiating body for farmers and deliver for farm incomes...and to be clear, farming income always has to be number one on the agenda for us as an association," he said.
Mr Gorman said he wants the IFA to have a powerful voice like it did in the past.
"We have got to improve how we communicate not just to the general public, but to our members because our members need to be clear on the big issues of the day and with that clarity, we will be in a stronger position to lobby our TDs, our politicians and Government departments," he said.
He said that he will deliver for farmers, telling those in attendance: "You put together your policies, you cost them, you're ambitious in how you go about representing farmers, you don’t sell farmers short, and you go in and you drive a hard bargain and do whatever you have to do to get delivery."
Mr Gorman said that if the wants of farmers are not achieved then he would take action with their support.
In his speech to the packed room in the Bloomfield House Hotel, Mr Stapleton said he would have four principles as president that would guide him.
"The need for respect for farmers and the IFA, unity, freedom to farm and the need to maintain income and supports," he said.
He said the biggest worry for farmers was being unfairly labelled in the media as the "biggest problem" when it comes to climate.
Mr Stapleton said farmers and farming organisations must focus on their common features rather than division.
"Through unity we have strength and through strength we are able to deliver," he said.
Mr Stapleton said all farmers should be free to decide what farming sector they want to be in, but "within regulations".
On the topic of protecting incomes, Mr Stapleton said: "We can't add 50c onto the kilo of beef or 20c onto the kilo of lamb, or 5c onto a litre of milk.
"We know this, but the IFA’s job has always been to ensure we get a fair return from the marketplace."
He said it is the IFA’s job to get Government to allocate supports to farmers in a manner that is fair and effective.
The Mullingar hustings was the latest in a series of 16 that began on 2 October and will end on 30 October.
For the candidates, it is an all-consuming effort that must be done before voting under way.
Current Deputy IFA President Brian Rushe is the National Returning Officer.
Mr Rushe personally experienced the election campaign four years ago when he narrowly won the role of Deputy President by 32 votes.
"It’s a gruelling process for the candidates. It really starts at the Ploughing and there’s long days, talking to farmers and no rest," Mr Rushe said.
"There are 16 hustings in all, where you have to perform, you’re under scrutiny and then you’re up the following morning on the phone again," he said.
"It's relentless for the candidates and the teams around them," he added.
Mr Rushe said that the process is great preparation for whoever gets elected.
"You’re so well informed on all the issues and the president needs to understand all sectors, in all parts of the country.
"When the president is elected, you can take it that no-one will have spoken to so many farmers in the country, something which mainstream politician’s respect.
"It’s also democratic with one member getting one vote. I don’t know of any other organisation that elects their president like this."
Postal votes
Voting for members will commence once the hustings have been completed and ballot papers are received.
Farmers who are members of the IFA can vote at their local Annual General Meeting (AGM) or for the first time they can send a vote via the post.
The decision has proved controversial within the organisation with some believing it undermines the local branch structure through which voting always took place in the past.
Brian Rushe said the ability to vote via the post is a way to increase the voting numbers.
"Previously, it was just the one night of the AGM where members could vote, but postal voting should maximise turnout," Mr Rushe said.
"It’s a recognition that some farmers cannot get to their AGM for whatever reason. Turnout 4 years ago was around 22,000, but we want to see that increase," he said.
"72,000 members will receive their ballots in the post, once the election hustings finish at the end of the month. From that point they can cast their vote," he added.
Deputy President
There are also elections for regional chairpersons and the job of IFA Deputy President.
Two candidates are vying for the Deputy President position.
Pat Murphy is the current Connacht regional chair of the IFA, and a dairy farmer from Co Galway.
Alice Doyle from Co Wexford is the current chair of the IFA National Farm Family Committee.
Both are also on the campaign trail and engaged in hustings around the country.
All votes must be submitted by 5pm on 11 December.
The count begins at 9am on 12 December in the Castleknock Hotel.
The 17th President of the IFA takes over from the current incumbent at the organisation’s national AGM in January.
