Moate farmer wins FBD award
A young mixed farmer from Moate in County Westmeath has taken home an award at Macra na Feirme’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition.
Michael McCormack, (21) was awarded the prize by Conor Gouldson of FBD Insurance.
Peter Farrell, from Kilmessan in County Meathtook home third place while first place winner John Buckley comes from Bantry and second place winner, Esther Walsh is from Lismore in County Waterford.
Colm Stenson from Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim received the Special Prize for Community Involvement from Pat Smith, IFA Chief Executive, while Thomas Hassett from Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny, was presented the Award for Innovation in Farming by Edmond Connolly, Chief Executive of Macra na Feirme.
Macra na Feirme National President, Kieran O’Dowd, praised the young farmers who had made it through to the national final.
“Macra’s ‘FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards’ showcases excellence among young, highly progressive farmers and recognises their commitment to both the agricultural industry and their local communities.”
“To support young farmers the Government needs to facilitate and create the necessary supports in the current CAP and national budget process to encourage energetic and well trained young people to commence farming and support them in establishing sustainable and profitable farm businesses,” he said.
Twenty four contestants from all over Ireland took part in the 15th FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition. The competition, run by Macra na Feirme in conjunction with the IFA, aims to recognise excellence in the agricultural industry and promote farming as a career with a bright future.
Speaking at the event, Conor Gouldson, FBD said it has been our great pleasure over the years to support a competition that promotes the potential of young farmers nationwide. “The FBD Young Farmer of the Year recognises the ambitious, business-minded young farmers that are driving the agricultural industry in Ireland,” he enthused.
Six overall finalists were interviewed by a judging panel chaired by Edmond Harty with Eoin Lowry, Irish Farmers Journal; Joe Burke, Bord Bia; Philip O’Connor of IFAC Accountants; with Joe Healy and Thomas Honner, both past presidents of Macra na Feirme.
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.