The FLIARA Project is proud to highlight the remarkable journey of Ursula Kelly, one of Ireland’s FLIARA Ambassadors, whose leadership in agricultural innovation is reshaping the industry. Featured in a compelling article by the Irish Farmers Journal, Ursula’s story is one of perseverance, breaking barriers, and fostering competition in a historically monopolised sector.
A Legacy of Innovation in Agriculture
As the second generation in the Irish-owned family business Cormac Tagging, Ursula Kelly plays a pivotal role in supporting farmers nationwide. The company, based in Tuam, County Galway, is a Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine-approved supplier of identification products for cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Under Ursula’s direction as Operations Manager, Cormac Tagging has expanded its market presence and contributed to employment and economic development in rural Ireland.
Breaking the Monopoly: A Game-Changer for Irish Farmers
For over a decade, Irish farmers had only one option for cattle identification tags, controlled by a single supplier. Ursula’s determination to challenge this status quo led Cormac Tagging to successfully gain approval as Ireland’s second cattle tag supplier in 2016. This victory marked a crucial milestone, providing farmers with an alternative and introducing much-needed competition in the market. The company has since experienced extraordinary growth, expanding by 1200% between 2016 and 2022 while maintaining a remarkable 99.2% customer retention rate.
Recognition and Leadership in Agri-Tech
Ursula’s impact extends beyond her own business. She is the only female founding director of AgTech Ireland, advocating for technological advancements in the agricultural sector. Her work has earned her multiple accolades, including recognition as a finalist in the Irish Strategic Growth Award at the National Women in Enterprise Awards and being named AIB Network Ireland’s Established Businesswoman of the Year in 2024—the first time this prestigious award has been won by a woman in agriculture.
A Voice for Women in Rural Innovation
As an FLIARA Ambassador, Ursula is part of a European-wide effort to highlight and support female-led innovations in farming and rural areas. She has become an influential advocate for reducing gender-related barriers in the sector and promoting policy changes that empower women in agriculture. “FLIARA is more than a program; it’s a movement that highlights the often-overlooked role of women in shaping the future of farming and rural communities,” she explains.
A Lasting Impact
Ursula’s journey—from growing up on a farm in Brownsgrove, County Galway, to leading a thriving agri-business—epitomises resilience and dedication. Her story is not just about business success; it is about standing up for fairness, empowering rural communities, and ensuring that the next generation of women in agriculture has the support and representation they deserve.
For more on Ursula Kelly’s inspiring journey, read the Irish Farmers Journal feature here: Tag team: Ursula Kelly challenges the status quo. Building a company that supplies over 2.5 million tags to Irish farmers has not been an easy task, but Cormac Tagging’s MD thrives on a challenge.