€3,000 and travel experience for Young Sheep Farmer Scholarship
Now in its fifth year, this award for Macra members has a total prize fund of €3,000 and strengthens both groups’ commitment to promoting the professional development of young farmers.
Macra president Kieran O’Dowd said the award is a fantastic opportunity for young farmers to learn and develop their skills based on international best practice.
“This knowledge is crucial to developing the industry in Ireland and we’re delighted to be able to support the training of young farmers with the support of the RDS,” he said
Tom Cannon, RDS committee of agriculture chairman, said the project will give sheep farmers the opportunity to travel and gain experience in another country.
The winner will receive an RDS silver medal and a grant for €3,000 to undertake international travel for a minimum of six weeks to learn about sheep farming in another country and gain knowledge that will subsequently benefit the individual in Ireland.
Applicants can be full-time or part-time sheep farmers or aspiring students. Eligible applicants must be under 35 years of age on the date of application.
Meanwhile, Macra has warned that the time directors may sit on the board of a co-operative could have a negative impact on young farmer involvement in co-op management.
Kieran O’Dowd, president, made the comment at a meeting of Macra’s agricultural affairs committee when reference was made to a Dairygold proposal to increase the number of five-year terms a director could be involved on co-operative boards from three to four.
“This is a proposal that may militate against young farmer involvement at board level,” he said.
Mr O’Dowd said co-ops should encourage and facilitate young farmers to play an active role in the governance and development of their business. They should ensure every opportunity is available to the farmers to be actively involved in their co-operative, he said.
Mr O’Dowd added that young farmers will be at the forefront of agriculture growth in Ireland and thus should be able to participate in key decisions affecting their livelihoods.
