Young Farmer of the Future
That’s the view of 25-year-old Michael Gowing, Portlaoise, who has been chosen as the 2003 FBD Young Farmer of the Future.
A full-time dairy and beef farmer, he milks 100 cows with an average yield of 1,650 gallons. He also rears calves and finishes them to beef.
He said he wants to promote farming as an attractive career for those who are willing to work efficiently and wisely.
“The farmers entering this competition are a good example of the types of young people that are making a career out of agriculture,” he said. Describing farming as a very challenging profession, he said the right person can, however, make it a great career and way of life.
Pat Murphy, Ardrahan, Co Galway, came second in the final and third place went to John Downey, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.
Thirty-one contestants took part in the competition run by Macra na Feirme with the IFA whose respective presidents, Thomas Honner and John Dillon, praised the winners and participants.
Senator Mary O’Rourke, who chaired the judging panel, said the contestants had shown enthusiasm, spirit and positive thinking.
“I am confident that the future of farming in Ireland is in safe hands and that the agricultural sector will continue to make a major contribution to the Irish economy” she said.
