The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards entry closing date is fast approaching with all submissions to be in by Friday 28 June. You can apply directly for consideration or you can nominate someone you feel deserves the recognition.

Competition categories include drystock, dairy, land mobility and other enterprises which come with a prize of €500 each. Additional categories up for grabs are Emerging Young Farmer, Carbon Efficiency and Biodiversity. The overall winner will receive a €3,000 travel bursary.

Daniel Hawthorn, 2018 FBD Young Farmer of the Year. \ Barry Cronin

Entry requirements

Candidates must be:

  • Under 35 years of age and a member of Macra na Feirme or the IFA.
  • Involved in the running of the farm on which they currently work for at least three years.
  • A graduate of an agri-related course or hold an agricultural qualification.
  • Macra farm walks

    A series of information evenings were hosted on the farms of previous Young Farmer of the Year award winners this month.

    Maighread Barron was the Land Mobility Award winner in 2018. Read about the young dairy farmer who is currently in the second year of a 15-year lease here.

    Jonathan Marry was the overall winner in 2018. Learn more about his 10-year modernisation marathon here.

    Michael Gowing is a past Macra na Feirme president. Find out how he built up a 419-cow dairy enterprise here.

    Thomas O’Connor was the beef category winner in 2015. His farm walk took place on 25 June.

    The competition final will take place on 3 September at the Castleknock Hotel, Dublin.

    Read more

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