National Cultivate Week: 20-26 April 2026

Northwest Credit Union marks National Cultivate Week with events for farming families 

National Cultivate Week returns from 20 to 26 April 2026, with participating credit unions across the Republic of Ireland hosting events to celebrate Irish farmers and the role they play in communities right across the country.

Northwest Credit Union is proud to take part in this year's National Cultivate Week. We're marking the week with Farm Finance talks with our lending team and IFAC Accountant Trevor Boland, Coffee Morning and Open day with Ocean FM Road caster in our Sligo branch and Shannonside Road caster in our Boyle branch, Colouring in Competition and our search for the best Toy Farm set-up in the Northwest.

Since joining Cultivate earlier this year, Northwest Credit Union is supporting farming families across Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon with flexible, affordable farm finance.

Cultivate Week comes at a busy time on the land. Spring grazing is underway, breeding season is around the corner, and many farmers are weighing up what investment is needed in the months ahead, from machinery upgrades to building improvements to managing cash flow through the season.

A growing network 

Cultivate is an initiative of a group of credit unions across the Republic of Ireland that provides short to medium-term loans built for farming members, from every day running costs to bigger investments in the farm. Launched in 2017 by four credit unions, Cultivate has seen record growth every year, and its network of participating credit unions continues to expand.

Therese Conway, CEO of Collaborative Finance, the organisation behind the Cultivate brand, said: "National Cultivate Week is about recognising the work Irish farmers put in, day in, day out, and showing that credit unions are with them every step of the way.

"Cultivate loans are designed around the realities of farm life, offering flexibility, speed, and a genuinely personal service. Our unsecured lending limit has increased to €100,000, giving farmers even greater access to the finance they need, when they need it. More and more farmers are choosing their local credit union for farm finance, and that's something we're very proud of. We look forward to welcoming farmers to events in credit unions nationwide during National Cultivate Week."

Northwest Credit Union marks National Cultivate Week with events for farming families. NATIONAL CULTIVATE WEEK: 20 TO 26 APRIL 2026.

Local events at NORTHWEST CREDIT UNION  

Children’s Colouring Competition

A creative colouring competition for our youngest visitors, with prizes up for grabs. Colouring sheets can be collected from any Northwest Credit Union branch or downloaded from www.nwcu.ie. Completed entries should be returned to your local branch. Winners will be contacted by the end of the month.

NWCU NCW COLOURING IN SHEET 2026

The Great Online Toy Farm Hunt – Search for the Best Toy Farm

Does your little one have the most impressive toy farm set‑up at home? Northwest Credit Union is inviting families to submit a photo or video of their Toy Farm Set‑Up to @northwestcreditunion. We are searching for the best of the West. The top Toy Farmers will be shortlisted and invited to an in‑branch judging event on Saturday, 25 April, at our Boyle Branch. A top prize of €100 is up for grabs.

Farm Finance Clinic with IFAC – Ask the Expert

Northwest Credit Union is delighted to welcome Trevor Boland, Accountant with IFAC Sligo, who will be available in our Sligo Branch on Friday 24^th April for drop‑in farm finance clinics. These sessions will provide practical, confidential advice and an opportunity to discuss farm finances, planning, and key considerations.

Cultivate Corner – Meet Our Lending Team

Throughout the week, the Northwest Credit Union lending team will be based in the Cultivate Office in the main banking hall. Members are welcome to drop in to discuss Cultivate Farm Loans, funding options, and future planning. No appointment is required.

Community Coffee Morning and Live Radio Broadcast with Shannonside FM on Tuesday 21^st April and Ocean FM on Friday 24^th April

Members and the wider community are invited to two relaxed coffee mornings as Ocean FM’s Roadcaster visits Northwest Credit Union Sligo. Michelle Feeney will broadcast her programme, Afternoon Delight, live from the branch on Friday 24^th April. And Shannonside FM’s Roadcaster visits Northwest Credit Union Boyle. Broadcasting their Afternoon programme live from the Boyle Branch. Lending team members and IFAC advisors will be available throughout the day to answer questions, with giveaways and spot prizes on offer. Visitors are encouraged to call in for a coffee and a chat with the team.

All farmers and farming families are welcome. No appointment needed. Drop in for a chat about how Cultivate could work for your farm. 

National Cultivate Week 2026 Agenda Northwest Credit Union

For further information 

Contact Niall, Donna or Olive at Northwest Credit Union on 071 93 17500 or email info@nwcu.ie

Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply.