Gladiator Kevin crowned young farmer of the year
Mr Heavin took home the top prize of a specially commissioned piece by artist Erich Fichtner and a travel bursary worth €3,000.
Arguably more gruelling than any beauty pageant, Heavin had to see off 400 entrants — reduced to 25 semi-finalists yesterday afternoon, and finally down to six finalists — before lifting his crown late last night. Gladiators have earned everlasting fame for far lesser body counts.
Kevin, 34, from Birr is a member of both Ferbane Macra and the Irish Farmers’ Association. Involved in the running of his farm for 10 years, he holds a farming certificate attained in 1998.
He is also a shining example of the type of young farmer who is gearing his dairy herd for the huge export opportunities anticipated with the ending of the EU’s milk quota restrictions in April 2015.
FBD’s Conor Gouldson said: “Innovation and an ability to identify and implement opportunities for farm expansion are important judging criteria in this competition.
“Kevin is certainly a fantastic example of a progressive, ambitious farmer.
“He is a member of two discussion groups, which is a good example of how he gives something back to the community by sharing models for best farming practice. The young farmer title is all about excellence in farm management and organisational skills, areas in which Kevin has really excelled.”
Kevin has developed his farm through leasing land and increasing his dairy cow and milk quota. He is a member of two discussion groups, active in his local community and the secretary of his local IFA branch.
The judging panel was comprised of chairman Tom Arnold, the chief executive of Concern Worldwide; Teagasc director Gerry Boyle; Willie Fahy, IFAC chief executive; Joe Burke of Bord Bia; former Macra presidents Joe Healy and Seamus Phelan; and Pat O’Toole of the Irish Farmers Journal.
The five other finalists got to share the remainder of the overall €10,000 prize fund. They are: Shane O’Loughlin, Co Kildare; Fiachra Liston, Co Limerick; Denis Finnegan, Muskerry in Co Cork; Colm Ryan, Co Clare; and Gerard Burke, Co Mayo.
This year’s event attracted some welcome attention after four young women made it through to the 25 semi-final slots. The selection of Aoife Ladd, Caroline O’Neill, Elaine Dempsey and Claire Ryan for the final day of the competition is evidence of a gender swing in Irish farming, marking the highest representation of women ever to make it this far in the competition.
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