The finalists were drafted from over 200 entries across eight categories from a range of media, north and south of the border. The judging panel, chaired by Alan Dukes, will award the eight prizes and the famous overall bull award at a ceremony next Friday, with support from FBD Insurance.

Irish Farmers Journal finalist entries range from coverage of the IFA crisis and presidential election to revelations about the true value of pedigree bulls, part-time farming advice, the hugely successful Agri-Careers fair, and coverage of flooding and farm accidents - as well as the picture above.

Sadly, none of The Dealer’s own masterpieces made the cut.