Kilcolgan dairy farmer Enda Armstrong is among the six finalists for FBD Young Farmer of the Year, with the winner due to be announced at a gala banquet this evening (Tuesday ).
Armstrong, who was one of the finalists announced earlier today, milks 137 cows, with 27 in-calf heifers and 43 calves kept as replacements. He has farmed in partnership with his father, Gerard, since 2021, operating on light limestone soil prone to drought.
The entire milking platform is owned, with a mix of owned and leased outblocks.
The farm has a strong focus on breeding and grassland management, maintaining a low empty rate through a short nine-week breeding season and achieving a six-week calving rate above 90%. In 2025, the farm grew 14 tonnes DM/ha and completed over 40 grass walks.
Enda Armstrong was the Teagasc Grass10 Pasture Progress Award winner for County Galway in 2025.
The six finalists, hailing from counties Galway, Cavan (two ), Laois, Dublin and Kilkenny, will face individual interviews with a judging panel later today.
The FBD Young Farmer of the Year, sponsored by FBD and run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with IFA and Macra Agricultural Skillnet, recognises the achievements, innovation and commitment of young farmers across a range of farming enterprises.
The overall winner will be announced this evening at a gala banquet in The Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co Laois.
