Challenge laid down to young farmers
Young farmers who are actively involved in the running of a farm, full or part-time, are invited to apply.
Last year’s winner, John Buckley from Cork’s Carbery region, was on hand last week to launch the Macra competition along with FBD’s new brand ambassador, rugby star Seán O’Brien.
The aim of the competition is to recognise and reward the top young farmers. Entrants are judged on 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.
The overall winner will receive a bursary to undertake international travel and study farm practices.
“We’re calling on all ambitious young farmers to enter the 16th FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition and use it as a springboard for their future career,” said Macra president Kieran O’Dowd. “Farming, in a new CAP era and with quota abolition in the near future, is an exciting industry full of opportunity.”
FBD company secretary Conor Gouldson added: “We are really delighted to continue our involvement with Macra na Feirme and the IFA in this annual search for Ireland’s best and most progressive young farming talent.
“FBD is delighted that its brand ambassador Sean O’Brien, Irish rugby player and farmer, is helping to promote this competition
“Previous winners of the competition have gone on to great success proving that there is literally no limit to how far the recipient of this award can go.”
To enter the competition farmers must be:
• Aged under 35 on January 1, 2014 and a member of Macra or the IFA.
• Involved in the running of the farm on which they currently work for at least three years, either full or part-time.
• Within 15 years of starting their agricultural education.
One county winner will be selected from each county and will qualify for the national competition.
All 2013 county winners and all past national winners are ineligible to enter.
IFA president Eddie Downey said: “The FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition is the perfect platform for the next generation of farmers to set out their plans for the future. It allows a motivated and single-minded group to benchmark themselves against each other and develop skills that will stand to them in the years ahead. IFA recognises the importance of talented innovators getting the opportunity to make a contribution to our largest indigenous sector. I would encourage young farmers across the country to get involved”.
* Forms are available from Macra’s national office on 01 4268900, from local IFA or FBD offices and from https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FBDYFY
The closing date for applications and nominations is May 30.
