‘Young farmers can inspire others to adopt best farming practice’

YOUNG trained farmers can inspire others to innovate, adopt best farming practices, compete effectively in a global market and meet the ever changing demands of today’s society.

That’s the view of Macra na Feirme president Michael Gowing, speaking ahead of the 11th annual FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition, run by Macra in partnership with the IFA (Irish Farmers’ Association). The final will take place in the Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar, Co Mayo on Monday and Tuesday with entrepreneur and Dragons Den star, Sean Gallagher, chairing the final adjudication panel.

Entrants are judged according to a number of criteria including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness, as well as agricultural knowledge and community involvement.