Success for Mayo as O’Donnell voted Young Farmer of the Year

A dairy farmer from Co Mayo was chosen as the winner of the prestigious FBD Young Farmer of the Year award in Bantry, Co Cork, last night.

Seán O’Donnell, who milks 110 cows near Ballina, plans to increase his herd number to 150.

He is at the early stages of talking about share-farming some land with a neighbour.

A delighted Seán, who is chairman of his local farm discussion group and plays football with his club, was presented with the award at a function in the Westlodge Hotel, Bantry.

A total of 28 young farmers from across Ireland competed for the top title, with FBD chairman Michael Berkery heading up the team of judges.

The competition, run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA, aims to recognise and reward the country’s top young farmers. Entrants were judged on criteria which includes 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.

Sean received a bursary of €3,000 to undertake international travel and study farm practices.