Macra na Feirme, one of Ireland's oldest farm organisations, is expected to elect a woman today as its president for the first time.
Catherine Buckley (29), Rylane, Muskerry, Co Cork, declared her candidacy for the top post in the 8,000-strong rural youth organisation some months ago.
She was competing for the job of president against Donal Glennon, Athboy, Co Meath, but a fortnight ago, Mr Glennon, who is current Leinster vice-president of Macra, withdrew.
Since no other candidate has put their name forward and if Ms Buckley remains unopposed, she will become the first female president of the organisation when the deadline for nominations close at 5pm this evening.
Ms Buckley, an accountant, has been an active member of Macroom Macra in Muskerry, close to her father's farm, since 1997.
Currently the organisation's national chair, she was national treasurer between 2004 and 2006 and served as chair of Macra's national competitions committee last year.
A fluent Irish speaker, Ms Buckley works with Cross Refrigeration in Cork.
If elected, she will be the first woman to head up a major farm organisation. Macra na Feirme is regarded as the original instigator of the other two major farm organisations, the Irish Farmers Association and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association.
The Irish Countrywomen's Association has a strong profile but has not directly involved itself in agri-politics like Macra. It has been involved in social partnership since agriculture was included in the process and down the years has provided many leaders to the larger IFA.
Irish Farmers Association president Pádraig Walshe, is a former Macra president and most IFA activists have used it as a stepping stone.
Macra na Feirme (stalwarts of the land) was founded in 1944 by Stephen Cullinan, a rural science teacher who worked in Co Kildare.
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.
Currently Macra na Feirme has about 8,000 members in 300 clubs. About a third of Macra members are involved in farming, with males making up 60 per cent of the membership.