Young farmer misses out on national title

AN Ardrahan man was named the Galway Young Farmer of the Year recently but missed out on the national title at last week’s finals.
Trevor Flynn was named Galway’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year but the overall winner was Dermot O’Connor, a dairy farmer from Shangollden, County Limerick, who took the top award at Macra na Feirme’s 2012 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.
The announcement was made by Padraig Walshe, chair of the final adjudication panel, at an awards ceremony in Kinnity Castle, County Offaly.
Twenty-seven contestants from all over Ireland took part in the 14th FBD Young Farmer of the Year final. The competition, run by Macra na Feirme in conjunction with the IFA, aims to recognise excellence in the agricultural industry and promote farming as a career with a bright future.
Six overall finalists were interviewed by a judging panel chaired by Padraig Walshe, former president of Macra na Feirme, the IFA and COPA, with Dr Karina Pierce, lecturer in dairy production in UCD and president of the ASA; Willie Fahy, IFAC CEO; Joe Burke, Bord Bia; Joe Healy, former Macra president; Paul Maher, Teagasc advisory services and TJ Maher, former president of Macra na Feirme.
Macra na Feirme national president, Alan Jagoe, praised the young farmers who had made it through to the national final.
“Macra’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards promotes excellence among young, progressive farmers and recognises their commitment to both the agricultural industry and their local communities. Some of the indications from Government sources are worrying for young farmers with taxation and other threats looming.
“Productive young farmers, given the opportunity, will do far more for economic recovery rather than any capital taxation measures to generate national income. The Minister for Agriculture must support young farmers who see their future in farming and help them make it a viable career path,” he said.