IFA - to join or not join, that is the question

Siamsa Sessions

Hi all,

Just wondering what people on here think - is it worth becoming a member of the IFA?

I've looked at the various 'Member Benefits' on the website, and they all seem grand, but I'm wondering what else is there to membership, besides the representation, advocacy, etc.

To be honest, this is probably enough to convince me to join, but are there other day-to-day benefits that I don't see?

Thanks.

Miname

Siamsa Sessions wrote: »

Hi all,

Just wondering what people on here think - is it worth becoming a member of the IFA?

I've looked at the various 'Member Benefits' on the website, and they all seem grand, but I'm wondering what else is there to membership, besides the representation, advocacy, etc.

To be honest, this is probably enough to convince me to join, but are there other day-to-day benefits that I don't see?

Thanks.

There's no benefits. Cheap insurance and all can be got at even better prices if you shop around. With the Ifa for a fair few years and cancelled about two months ago, they are supposed to be representative but you have to wonder of what that is.

Sam Kade

I joined 2 years ago after lapsing for 10 years as yet I've seen no benefits other than €75 off fbd insurance but the premium is €150 as my wife is a member also because she is a fourth delegate.

_Brian

If You search there was a major thread on this maybe 1-2 years ago, got interesting, makes the marriage referendum thread look like love letters. :0

Kovu

_Brian wrote: »

If You search there was a major thread on this maybe 1-2 years ago, got interesting, makes the marriage referendum thread look like love letters. :0

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy did you have to mention that thread. If Carlsberg did car crash threads......

Sam Kade

Kovu wrote: »

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy did you have to mention that thread. If Carlsberg did car crash threads......

Here it is
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=80525325
Looks like rancher did a runner since

ganmo

Sam Kade wrote: »

Here it is
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=80525325
Looks like rancher did a runner since

Ohh you haven't ment rancher2 then...

Farmer

Many of us are better represented by http://icsaireland.ie/ or the newly formed INHFA.

Many seem to just blindly join the IFA, lured in by the discount, unaware that they may be better represented elsewhere.

All the rest sit on the fence and give out about the IFA

Nobody can represent everybody

Username John

Join if you agree with their proposals / agenda / manifesto. If you get some benefits, great...
Don't let the benefits (whatever they may or may not be) sway your decision too much I would say...

Sam Kade

ganmo wrote: »

Ohh you haven't ment rancher2 then...

Is it yourself

whelan2

Username John wrote: »

Join if you agree with their proposals / agenda / manifesto. If you get some benefits, great...
Don't let the benefits (whatever they may or may not be) sway your decision too much I would say...

dont want a row, i am a paid up member of the ifa, on the benefits, ifa power is in no way cheap , mobile/internet is in no way cheap either. I am sure with the buying power they have much better deals could be got. The ifa power deal is the standard 10% you get if you are a bord gais energy customer same as any joe soap who goes to bg, electric ireland give a 15% discount to any new customer, think airtricity have a good deal too. http://www.ifa.ie/membership/member-benefits/ here is a list of the benefits

whelan2

just reading there the personal accident benefits, would these be on top of any policy you already have with fbd or would it be one or the other, if that makes sense?

orm0nd

whelan2 wrote: »

just reading there the personal accident benefits, would these be on top of any policy you already have with fbd or would it be one or the other, if that makes sense?

separate policy, separate benefits , was glad of them in 97 , was out for nearly a year

Miname

whelan2 wrote: »

just reading there the personal accident benefits, would these be on top of any policy you already have with fbd or would it be one or the other, if that makes sense?

Personal accident benefits are a farce. The old man was near killed a few years back and I think it was €170 euro of a one off payment he got. Talk is cheap with the Ifa. They actually sent out a letter last week looking for us to rejoin. Until they can give me back one proper reason I won't be rejoining.

Sam Kade

Miname wrote: »

Personal accident benefits are a farce. The old man was near killed a few years back and I think it was €170 euro of a one off payment he got. Talk is cheap with the Ifa. They actually sent out a letter last week looking for us to rejoin. Until they can give me back one proper reason I won't be rejoining.

All I'm doing since I rejoined is making sure they don't get a slice of my mart cheques. That reminds me I start milking again I must get onto the co op to stop them.

Siamsa Sessions

Thanks for the replies folks - I'll have a look at that other thread before deciding anything.

I suppose I was really wondering if there were any practical benefits, such as advice on accounts, or a heads-up on what a new scheme might mean - that sort of thing.

Thanks again.

whelan2

Siamsa Sessions wrote: »

Thanks for the replies folks - I'll have a look at that other thread before deciding anything.

I suppose I was really wondering if there were any practical benefits, such as advice on accounts, or a heads-up on what a new scheme might mean - that sort of thing.

Thanks again.

i suppose its always handy to have them there i the background if you have an issue as they will probably have dealt with similar before

Farmer Pudsey

OP unless you have a high rate of SFP/BPS over 400/HA I see no point in joining. There main stance is maintaining the status quo. In general at this stage the organisation is run from the top down.

larrymiller

Farmer Pudsey wrote: »

OP unless you have a high rate of SFP/BPS over 400/HA I see no point in joining. There main stance is maintaining the status quo. In general at this stage the organisation is run from the top down.

Take it you're a member so pudsey

Buford T. Justice XIX

Siamsa Sessions wrote: »

Thanks for the replies folks - I'll have a look at that other thread before deciding anything.

I suppose I was really wondering if there were any practical benefits, such as advice on accounts, or a heads-up on what a new scheme might mean - that sort of thing.

Thanks again.

There are benefits but you would have to attend some meetings to get the benefit. IFA/ICMSA send out text alerts/emails from time to time, once you give them your details on joining, on any new schemes including some details and where to get more information and also reminders on closing dates for different schemes.

Your membership benefits will largely depend on how much time and effort you put into following up on the basic information they provide.

Nettleman

People would want their head testing to join IFA after last years fiasco. 30 years ago, they had power and used it, today they are just out of touch and too close to vested interests and lets not forget the LEVY cash cow. Keep your money OP

ganmo

The one thing I will say about this is ppl think that the IFA will work for members and non members alike

if you're not a member don't expect any support from them.
There was an incident near me where one lads sheep were attacked and he made it the local ifa's problem even though he wasn't a member.

Username John

ganmo wrote: »

The one thing I will say about this is ppl think that the IFA will work for members and non members alike

if you're not a member don't expect any support from them.
There was an incident near me where one lads sheep were attacked and he made it the local ifa's problem even though he wasn't a member.

Surely that's fair enough though?

Username John

Was just looking at this
http://www.ifa.ie/membership/member-benefits/legal-liability/

The thing that might make me think about joining, would be the Personal accident cover.

But does anyone know how the IFA cover stacks up against other providers? (There isn't a lot of detail on the site re what's included.

ganmo

Username John wrote: »

Surely that's fair enough though?

Yes but the amount of people that moan about about them not doing enough for them that aren't members is unreal

agriman27

Everyone on here are great at bashing the IFA but how many have even been to a monthly meeting. I got involved in the IFA almost by accident, I went to our branch agm and ended up getting a job and therefore had to attend bigger meetings which honestly opened my eyes to what work they do. It's a very narrow minded view to say they do nothing. I don't agree with some of their overall views either but without a substantial organisation we as farmers would have no voice at all and eventually be so tied up with red tape and inspections that we would be working in fear

rangler1

ganmo wrote: »

The one thing I will say about this is ppl think that the IFA will work for members and non members alike

if you're not a member don't expect any support from them.
There was an incident near me where one lads sheep were attacked and he made it the local ifa's problem even though he wasn't a member.

I never asked anyone were they a member, when they had a problem, I'd be surprised if any other voluntary officer insisted on membership either....if the local office got wind of what I was at, they wouldn't be long heading out to sign them up

Connemara Farmer

Farmer wrote: »

Many of us are better represented by http://icsaireland.ie/ or the newly formed INHFA.

Many seem to just blindly join the IFA, lured in by the discount, unaware that they may be better represented elsewhere.

All the rest sit on the fence and give out about the IFA

Nobody can represent everybody

Thanks for the plug

Username John

Connemara Farmer wrote: »

Thanks for the plug

Any more details available on it Con?

Connemara Farmer

Username John wrote: »

Any more details available on it Con?

We held a local meeting in Clifden tonight and elected a committee, of which I am secretary. Fairly good take up on positions I must say.

Website is in the process of being set up. I have the Twitter and FB presence set up but not yet active, will be getting content shortly I hope, then full steam ahead.

I know some of the lads have been down in Kerry recently at meetings and more are planned. Interest has been expressed from Cork also.

Bit of prep work going on for various things, got a national org meeting on Wednesday.

I said it before but this is all running in conjunction with various other efforts, increasing membership, GLAS, Land eligibility, other issues.

Personally I am very eager to push a web presence as it is a point to direct people to to read about the organisation and it's policies, as well as a gateway for membership etc.

Base price

Siamsa Sessions wrote: »

Thanks for the replies folks - I'll have a look at that other thread before deciding anything.

I suppose I was really wondering if there were any practical benefits, such as advice on accounts, or a heads-up on what a new scheme might mean - that sort of thing.

Thanks again.

We are IFA members.
The only reason that we continue to be members is due to a misplaced feeling of loyalty and respect to our grandparents/parents who marched to Dublin in the mid 1950's. As a member you can avail of independent financial and legal advise.

However, in my opinion, IFA (Inc/Corp) does not truly represent the base/core members. The mid/higher echelons of the organisation seem to have become a semi political organisation where they run with the hare and chase with the hounds :mad:.
I could go on ad nauseam about the lack of interaction during the beef crisis of 2013/2014 which is a personal gripe.
However on the bright side - as a member, you can get a €75 discount from FBD.

I predict that Rangler1 is going to reply to the above with a suitably IFA coached/written reply

OP there are other farming organisations that represent farmers as mentioned above. Unfortunatley they do not receive exorbitant amounts of financial funds from the EIF levy that the IFA receive.

Sam Kade

Base price wrote: »

We are IFA members.
The only reason that we continue to be members is due to a misplaced feeling of loyalty and respect to our grandparents/parents who marched to Dublin in the mid 1950's. As a member you can avail of independent financial and legal advise.

However, in my opinion, IFA (Inc/Corp) does not truly represent the base/core members. The mid/higher echelons of the organisation seem to have become a semi political organisation where they run with the hare and chase with the hounds :mad:.
I could go on ad nauseam about the lack of interaction during the beef crisis of 2013/2014 which is a personal gripe.
However on the bright side - as a member, you can get a €75 discount from FBD.

I predict that Rangler1 is going to reply to the above with a suitably IFA coached/written reply

OP there are other farming organisations that represent farmers as mentioned above. Unfortunatley they do not receive exorbitant amounts of financial funds from the EIF levy that the IFA receive.

Also if you shop around you could get that and more off.

My wife and I are members we have the farm and house insured with FBD but because it's in the one premium they will only give €75 discount instead of €150 :mad:

Farmer Pudsey

Sam Kade wrote: »

Also if you shop around you could get that and more off.

My wife and I are members we have the farm and house insured with FBD but because it's in the one premium they will only give €75 discount instead of €150 :mad:

When I was an IFA member had given up on FBD as even with discount they were more expensive than Aviva. I used to usde the vouncher off a car insurance policy I had. While they are not compeditive for house and farm insurance they are quite good on car insurance if you have a young driver on the policy.

Even this year Aviva was over 150 euro cheaper for farm, house and tractor than FBD. Mind you tractor is on a separate policy as far as I know

Sam Kade

Farmer Pudsey wrote: »

When I was an IFA member had given up on FBD as even with discount they were more expensive than Aviva. I used to usde the vouncher off a car insurance policy I had. While they are not compeditive for house and farm insurance they are quite good on car insurance if you have a young driver on the policy.

Even this year Aviva was over 150 euro cheaper for farm, house and tractor than FBD. Mind you tractor is on a separate policy as far as I know

I had a young driver named on the car last year with fbd for €1200 when the renewal came round they were looking for €1800 that was without any claims. He got insurance with axa for €1600 in his own name because he is a student, the same insurance with fbd was €2900.

Farmer Pudsey

Sam Kade wrote: »

I had a young driver named on the car last year with fbd for €1200 when the renewal came round they were looking for €1800 that was without any claims. He got insurance with axa for €1600 in his own name because he is a student, the same insurance with fbd was €2900.

They really are becoming a disaster to deal with.

orm0nd

Sam Kade wrote: »

I had a young driver named on the car last year with fbd for €1200 when the renewal came round they were looking for €1800 that was without any claims. He got insurance with axa for €1600 in his own name because he is a student, the same insurance with fbd was €2900.

been through all that, (4 times ) wait till he gets his renewal from axa

rangler1

Base price wrote: »

We are IFA members.
The only reason that we continue to be members is due to a misplaced feeling of loyalty and respect to our grandparents/parents who marched to Dublin in the mid 1950's. As a member you can avail of independent financial and legal advise.

However, in my opinion, IFA (Inc/Corp) does not truly represent the base/core members. The mid/higher echelons of the organisation seem to have become a semi political organisation where they run with the hare and chase with the hounds :mad:.
I could go on ad nauseam about the lack of interaction during the beef crisis of 2013/2014 which is a personal gripe.
However on the bright side - as a member, you can get a €75 discount from FBD.

I predict that Rangler1 is going to reply to the above with a suitably IFA coached/written reply

OP there are other farming organisations that represent farmers as mentioned above. Unfortunatley they do not receive exorbitant amounts of financial funds from the EIF levy that the IFA receive.

I only laugh at the likes of you, the lack of support for IFA protests highlighted to me that factories will always have it their own way, and how dare you accuse me of being coached, any thing I say here is based on experience and if you knew the financial gain that I've got from various stunts I've pulled over the years, you wouldn't carry on with your rubbish.
Factories flagged the problems with bulls long before it came to a head, (and so did I) and it doesn't take a genius to see that nothing was learnt with the way the calf trade is at the moment.
Farming is on a race to the bottom and I've said numerous times here that young people should get away from such a poor career, do you think that was IFA coached as well.....pathetic

blue5000

Cancelled my membership last year, so far the only person regretting it is my old dear, they rang her a few times looking for my subscription. I've cancelled the levies anywhere I sell stock as well. Why? Too little too late on beef problems in spring '14. 20-30 years ago IFA was a good organization, now it's just a money racket.

Sam Kade

orm0nd wrote: »

been through all that, (4 times ) wait till he gets his renewal from axa

Indeed I suppose I'll be shopping around again come renewal time. They were saying that premiums are going up 30% this year:mad: