Farmer ‘honoured’ by top award

THE 2007 FBD Young Farmer of the Year is Bryan Daniels, a 27-year-old dairy farmer from Kilmoganny, Co Kilkenny.

The announcement was made at a ceremony in the Dundrum House Hotel, Co Tipperary, by former Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh. Mr Walsh chaired the judging panel for the competition, which was organised by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the Irish Farmer’s Association.

Mr Daniels, a Glanbia milk supplier, said he was surprised to have reached the final stages of the competition, let alone win.

“I feel truly honoured.”

A member of Callan Macra and of the organising committee for Iverk Show, he runs a 112-hectare dairy farm in partnership with his father.

He said the people he had met in agriculture have been young trained professionals, focused on their business, their standards of life and their families.

He was presented with a specially commissioned sculpture by Irish-based artist Birgitta Seck, a travel bursary worth €2,500 and €1,000 spending money.

Second place went to Darren Healy, 29, a dairy farmer from Redcross, Co Wicklow, while third went to John Cahalan, 33, a beef and dairy farmer from Terryglass, Nenagh, Co Tipperary. Pat Murphy, 34, a dairy and potato farmer from Drumharsna, Co Galway, received a special award for innovation.

The competition aims to recognise excellence in agriculture and promote farming as a career.