Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year award-winners announced
The Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year award recognises the best grassland farmers in the country, and is now in its eighth year. These farmers are growing and utilising more grass on their farms, contributing to sustainable livestock production systems. The awards are supported by the Department of Agriculture, with an overall prize fund of €40,000.
The Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year awards are part of the Teagasc Grass10 campaign, which is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Teagasc, AIB, FBD, Grassland Agro, and the Irish Farmers Journal.
The Grass10 programme focuses on promoting efficient nutrient management, high grass/clover pastures, routine grass measurement and overall good grassland management.
Farmer category winners
Dairy category winner: Arthur Sweetman, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co Wexford;
Drystock category winner: Peter Byrne, Castledermot, Co Kildare;
Young Farmer category winner: Shane Hegarty, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow;
Organic Farming category winner: Ken Gill, Edenderry, Co Offaly;
Nutrient Management category winner: Michael Ahern, Ballyduff, Co Waterford;
Clover Category joint winner: Robert, Denis and Bernard O'Dea, Kilteely, Co Limerick;
Finalist: Joseph Murphy, Bennetsbridge, Co Kilkenny.
Student section
Student category winner: Edmund Motherway, Kildalton College;
Student category finalists: Jack Stevenson, Ballyhaise College; Luke Hosford, Clonakilty College; Donal Lyons, Pallaskenry College; David Cassells, Mountbellew College.
Congratulating the grassland farmers and students, Teagasc director Professor Frank O'Mara said: 'It's clear you and your families are all doing an excellent job on your farms, in terms of high levels of grassland management, running excellent farm enterprises. I congratulate you on your achievements in this year's awards.'
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