Macra na Feirme (Irish pronunciation: [ˈmˠakɾˠə n̪ˠə ˈfʲɛɾʲəmʲə]; officially meaning "Stalwarts of the land")^[2] is an Irish voluntary rural youth organisation. The organisation provides a social outlet for members in sport, travel, public speaking, performing arts, community involvement and agriculture.

The organisation rebranded in September 2022 by shortening the name of the rural youth body to "Macra".^[3]

History

It was founded in 1944 by Stephen Cullinan, a rural science teacher. The organisation's original purpose was to provide young farmers with adequate training to ensure their livelihood and to provide an outlet for socialising in rural areas. Athy Town Hall became the national headquarters of the organisation in September 1947.^[4]

Macra na Feirme has been involved in the establishment of:^{[citation needed]}

• Irish Farmers Journal
• Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association
• Foróige (up to 1982 known as Macra na Tuaithe)
• National Farmers' Association (now the Irish Farmers' Association)
• Farm Apprenticeship Scheme
• IFAC Accountants (formerly Irish Farm Accounts Co-op)
• FRS Network (formerly National Co-operative Farm Relief services Ltd)

Since its foundation, over 250,000 young people have passed through the ranks of Macra na Feirme.^[5]

As of August 2016, Macra na Feirme had approximately 8,000 members in clubs around Ireland.^[1]