Macra na Feirme has launched its search for the 23rd FBD Young Farmer of the Year.
The rural youth organisation is now seeking applications and nominations for its 2021 FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards programme.
The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards, in association with Macra na Feirme, are sponsored annually by FBD and run by Macra na Feirme with partnerships with the IFA and the National Rural Network.
The competition features category awards for:
- Dairy;
- Drystock (beef and sheep);
- Other enterprises, including horticulture, pigs, poultry, tillage, equine);
- Land mobility;
- Farm management.
Organisers are inviting young farmers in these sectors to enter.
The winner of each sector will compete for the 2021 FBD Young Farmer of the Year crown.
This year features awards for the best emerging young farmer and the National Rural Network biodiversity farmer of the year award.
Young Farmer of the Year
According to organisers, “the stakes are higher in this year’s competition”.
This year, the overall prize fund is increasing “substantially”. There is an increased overall pot of cash prizes and the addition of insurance and hotel vouchers for category winners.
The overall winner of the 2021 FBD Young Farmer of the Year will receive €5,000. Each category winner and the emerging young farmer will take home €1,000.
Each winner will also receive vouchers from the FBD Hotel Group and FBD Insurance.
‘The very best in Irish farming’
Macra president, John Keane, said:
“Since its inception over 20 years ago, the FBD Young Farmer of The Year has always showcased the very best of Irish farming.”
“Young farmers in Macra Na Feirme are crucial in delivering on challenges and opportunities that face the sector over the years ahead.”
“The Young Farmer of The Year offers an opportunity to recognise and showcase the very best of young Irish farmers, who are world leaders in sustainable food production.”
Learn, share and showcase
Tomas O’Midheach, CEO of FBD Insurance, said:
“FBD Insurance is delighted to continue our long-standing support for Macra na Feirme and the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards.”
“At FBD Insurance, we understand the importance of supporting Ireland’s young farmers and to help showcase innovation and sustainability in Irish farming.”
“These awards celebrate the achievements of young farmers and their contribution to farming.”
“I would encourage all eligible young farmers to enter this competition and to help learn, share ideas and showcase the next generation of farming talent in Ireland.”
“On behalf of the team at FBD Insurance, we wish all applicants every success in the competition.”
IFA president, Tim Cullinan, said:
“At a time of significant change in farming, it’s important to recognise innovation, talent and resilience.”
“This is the perfect platform for the emerging talent to put their ambitions to the test.”
“I would encourage anybody who is looking to create a future for themselves to enter the competition,” he added.
How to enter and closing date
You can nominate a young farmer for one of the categories or you can enter yourself by visiting www.macra.ie.
The closing date for nominations is Monday, November 22nd, 2021.
The closing date for applications is Friday, November 26th, 2021.
Read our young farmers series.
