Farmers of the future told sector is still a major force in the economy

AS a 34-year-old Co Limerickman was named last night as the FBD Young Farmer of the Future, it was stressed that farming will continue to make a major contribution to the national economy.

The winner, Michael Reidy, Kilcoleman, Patrickswell, a full-time dairy and beef farmer who milks 60 cows to produce 70,000 gallons, also rears all his calves and finishes them to beef. “I want to promote farming as an attractive career for those who are willing to work efficiently and wisely”, said Michael, who is PRO of Limerick IFA and a former chairman of his local Macra club.

Michael Crinion, Gaybrook, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, was second and Diarmuid Hegarty, Killclough, Vicarstown, Co. Cork, was third in the awards, run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA to promote farming as an exciting and viable profession for young people.