Macra na Feirme National President, Kieran O’Dowd, has launched the RDS-Macra na Feirme Young Sheep Farmer Award for Macra members. The Royal Dublin Society has teamed up with Macra na Feirme to identify a suitable candidate for selection.
Now in its fifth year, this award has a total prize fund of €3,000 and strengthens both organisations’ commitment to promoting the professional development of young farmers in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. O’Dowd said, “The RDS-Macra na Feirme Young Sheep Farmer Award is a fantastic opportunity for young farmers to learn and develop their skills based on international best practice. This knowledge is crucial to developing the industry in Ireland and we’re delighted to be able to support the training of young farmers with the support of the RDS.”
Tom Cannon, RDS Committee of Agriculture Chairman, said: “The RDS is delighted to partner with Macra na Feirme on this important project which gives young sheep farmers the opportunity to travel and gain experience in another country that they can apply on their return to Ireland.”
The winner of this award will receive an RDS Silver Medal and a grant for €3,000 to undertake international travel for a minimum of six weeks to learn about sheep farming in another country and gain knowledge that will subsequently benefit the individual in Ireland. Applicants can be full-time or part-time sheep farmers or students aspiring to become a sheep farmer. Eligible applicants must be under 35 years of age on the date of application.
Application forms are available from www.macra.ie and www.rds.ie/agriculture and completed forms should be returned to Derrie Dillon, Macra na Feirme, Irish farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12 or to [email protected]. The closing date for entries is Monday, June 9.
Photo caption:
Pictured launching Macra’s RDS Sheep Scholarship are Kieran O’Dowd, Macra na Feirme National President; Tom Cannon, Chair of the RDS Agricultural Committee (centre); and Paul Fitzpatrick, Trim/Dunderry Macra, Co. Meath on Paul’s farm outside Trim.