Young farmer winner praised by IFA boss

IFA president John Bryan has congratulated the FBD Young Farmer of the Year, Paul Kehoe, from Gorey, Co Wexford, and called on Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith, and Teagasc, to address the serious situation of young farmers being turned away from agricultural colleges this year.

Bryan said Kehoe is a top-class beef and livestock farmer, and a prominent and active member of the IFA National Livestock Committee. He said the calibre of candidates in the Macra/IFA/FBD competition was a great reflection on the emerging talent in farming.

He said: “All young farmers wishing to study at agricultural colleges must be facilitated, as education is key to developing an efficient agriculture sector capable of meeting the challenges of the 2020 Agriculture Strategy.”

Bryan also congratulated tillage and beef farmer, Mattie Moore, from Co Offaly, the runner-up, and beef and sheep farmer, John Joyce, from Co Tipperary, the second runner-up.