Overjoyed Heavin top Young Farmer

OFFALY dairy farmer Kevin Heavin was overjoyed to be named Macra na Feirme’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year.

Shortly after being crowned, Heavin said: “To be honest, I was stunned when they called out my name. I was delighted just to get to the final. The only other medal I have is an Offaly County Junior B Hurling medal with my club, Belmont GAA.

“We were 16 years trying to get that, but this young farmer award feels even better. This is a completely different kettle of fish. It’s a recognition of the work we’ve put in building up our milk quota, concentrating on dairy and getting out of beef and sheep. We’ve made a firm commitment to dairy, and we’re looking to a bright future after the end of the milk quota era.”