The search is on for the 22nd Macra na Feirme Young Farmer of the Year. Young farmers involved in dairy, drystock (beef and sheep), tillage, pigs, poultry, horticulture and other sectors are invited to enter.
The winners in each of sector will then compete to be named the 2020 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.
The competition is sponsored by FBD and supported by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). The National Rural Network sponsors the award for Biodiversity Farmer of the Year.
There is also a ‘Land Mobility’ category, which will focus on “farmers who display innovative solutions to accessing and utilising land for farming”.
“This includes farming arrangements that best demonstrate the benefits of collaborations such as long-term leases, registered partnerships, share farming, share milking and contract rearing,” Macra explained.
Thomas Duffy, the president of Macra na Feirme, said: “Every year the standard and calibre of entries demonstrates the best in farming.
The proud tradition of the competition is in showcasing the best young people in farming and the challenges they have overcome.
Meanwhile, John Cahalan, chief commercial officer for FBD Insurance, commented: “We are proud to support an award that celebrates the achievements of young farmers and their contribution to farming.
“I wish all of the applicants the very best in this competition and urge all eligible young farmers to take part and to showcase the next generation of farming talent in Ireland,” Cahalan added.
The overall winner of the Young Farmer of the Year award will receive a travel bursary of €3,000, while each category winner will receive €500. All county winners will also receive awards.
Young farmers can nominate themselves or another farmer through the Macra website. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, August 25.