The best of luck Michael!
Michael McCormack from Moyvoughly, Moate, is the Westmeath representative in the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards this year.
As one of the finalist taking part in the competition next Tuesday, Michael has a chance to win a bursary to undertake international travel and study farm practices.
The final of the competition is at the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare, County Limerick on Tuesday September 3. Edmond Harty, the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012, and CEO and technical director of Dairymaster, will head up a team of judges for the prestigious FBD Young Farmer of the Year awards.
The judging panel includes Eoin Lowry, Irish Farmers Journal; Joe Burke, Bord Bia; Philip O’Connor of IFAC Accountants; and Joe Healy and Thomas Honner, both past presidents of Macra na Feirme.
The FBD Young Farmer of the Year is run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA. The aim of the competition is to recognise and reward the top young farmers in the country. Entrants are judged according to a number of criteria including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness, as well as agricultural knowledge and community involvement.
The awards will also be the location for a Macra-hosted presidential hustings for the IFA, chaired by Macra national president, Kieran O’Dowd.
Schedule for the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards
1.30pm – Announcement of 6 finalists followed by photos
2.15pm – Farm walk on the farm of FBD Young Farmer of the Year 2012, Dermot O’Connor, in Shanagolden, County Limerick
5.00pm – IFA hustings chaired by Macra National President, Kieran O’Dowd
6.30pm – County Finalist photos
7.00pm – Drinks Reception
7.30pm – Awards banquet
10.00pm approx – Announcement of winners
The FBD Young Farmer of the Year County Finalists
Eoin O’Byrne Carlow
Annieka Cadden, Cavan
Colm Ryan, Clare
John T Mullins, Avondhu, Cork
John Buckley, Carbery, Cork
Donal Sweeney, Seandun, Cork
John Michael Fitzgerald, Kerry
Gerald Harney, Galway
Thomas Hassett, Kilkenny
Richard Bond, Laois
Colm Stenson, Leitrim
Tim Scanlon, Limerick
Aidan Luddy, Louth
Pat Keane, Mayo
Peter Farrell, Meath
Paul Molloy, Offaly
Ed Payne, Roscommon
David McDonagh, Sligo
Mike Ahern, North Tipperary
Hugh Michael Brown, South Tipperary
Esther Walsh, Waterford
Michael McCormack, Westmeath
James Turner Jnr, Wexford