The 16th FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition has been launched and young farmers in Mayo who are actively involved in the running of a farm, full or part time, are invited to apply. A county winner will be chosen who will go through to the All-Ireland final in September. The competition was launched by organisers, Macra na Feirme, sponsor FBD, and partner, the IFA.
Macra national president, Kieran O’Dowd, said: “We’re calling on all ambitious young farmers to enter the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition and use it as a springboard for their future career. By taking part you’ll learn what other young farmers are doing, where you can improve, and how you can be one of Ireland’s top young farmers. This is a prestigious competition which recognises the drive, ambition, and hard work of the young farmers working in the sector today. Farming, in a new CAP era and with quota abolition in the near future, is an exciting industry full of opportunity.”
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.”
The overall winner of the competition will receive a bursary to undertake international travel and study farm practices. Young farmers can also be nominated for the competition. Anyone who nominates a young farmer will be entered into a draw for two nights’ B&B for two adults in any FBD hotel including dinner on one night. Forms are available from Macra na Feirme national office by phoning 01 426 8900, from your local IFA or FBD offices, and for download on www.macra.ie and www.ifa.ie You can also apply online – just log on to macra.ie The closing date for applications and nominations is May 30.
