Young Farmer Competition launched

Posted on: 20/04/2012

Macra na Feirme have launched the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition with the focus being put on Farm Safety. Applications are sought from young farmers throughout Ireland who are actively involved in the running of a farm. A county winner will be chosen who will go through to the All-Ireland final in September. The competition was launched by Macra na Feirme, sponsors FBD and partners, the IFA.

The aim of the competition is to recognise and reward the top young farmers in the country. Entrants are judged according to a number of criteria including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness, as well as agricultural knowledge and community involvement. This year, in order to increase young farmers� awareness of the importance of farm safety, more points are being given for outstanding efforts in this area.

Macra National President, Alan Jagoe, said, �In the 14th Year of the competition, we are looking for outstanding young farmers who show innovation and business acumen in the running of their farm as well as a conscientious approach to farm safety. The competition is renowned for recognising young farmers who carry out all aspects of their work to the highest level. Agriculture is the cornerstone of the Irish indigenous export industry and the Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food must continue to ensure that young farmers are recognised for their contribution and given appropriate support.�

FBD�s Sales & Marketing Director, Adrian Taheny said, �Our goal in supporting these awards year on year is to recognise and support the potential of young farmers nationwide. The number of agri-science registrations has increased over 100% during the last 6 years which indicates a healthy growth of youth committing to stay in agriculture. We believe it is therefore more important than ever to get behind initiatives like these which encourage young farmers to strive for excellence.�

IFA President John Bryan said, �It is vital that we acknowledge the many highly educated young people who have embarked on a successful career in farming, although as a country we face challenging times, agriculture is the backbone of the economy. Policy incentives that facilitate the restructuring of farming must be a priority and young entrants should be given every encouragement as they embark on their career, the IFA fully supports the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition and urges farmers to get involved and receive recognition for their leadership and innovation.�

The overall winner of the competition will receive a bursary to undertake international travel and study farm practices. Young farmers can also be nominated for the competition. Anyone who nominates a young farmer will go into a draw for two nights B&B for two adults in any FBD hotel including dinner on one night. Forms are available from Macra na Feirme national office by phoning 01-426 8900 or for download at http://bit.ly/IDNJXQ
The closing date for applications and nominations is May 25th 2012.


OTHER FARMING NEWS FOR THE MONTH OF 04/2012

  • 07/04/2012 - Sheep rustling - fight back
    Some of the most valuable sheep in Fermanagh are to undergo retina scanning in a bid to protect them from rustlers.
  • 04/04/2012 - Meat and Livestock Review
    Bord Bia have published a comprehensive review and outlook on Meat and Livestock showing an 11% growth in livestock and meat exports in 2011.
  • 04/04/2012 - Dairy Farmer welcomes milking robots
    Willie Keane from Lixnaw in Kerry is so pleased with his milking robots that he is holding an open day to show how his lifestyle has changed.
  • 04/04/2012 - Sheep Farmers and Dog Attacks
    IFA National Sheep Committee Chairman James Murphy said the IFA has set up a service for sheep farmers to report all dog attacks on sheep flocks on a national database. He said the telephone number to ring is 01-4260340