A Laois farmer was successful on the double at the Young Farmer of the Year Awards in The Heritage Hotel last night.
Killeshin native Martin O’Reilly was one of six shortlisted for the overall FBD Young Farmer of the Year Award.
While that went to Christopher Cahill of Meath, the Laois man came out in top of two categories.
Martin was named the winner of the Dairy category and also won the Macra Agricultural Skillnet Biodiversity Young Farmer of the Year award.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards.
Elaine Houlihan, Macra National President said: “The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards recognises and celebrates the talent, dedication and hard work of young farmers across Ireland since its inception over 26 years ago and has always showcased the very best of Irish farming.
“Tonight’s winner Christopher Cahill really demonstrates the talent of Ireland’s young farmers.
“In fact, all of the finalists here tonight, highlight the best and the brightest in the industry.
“It is our young farmers who are the future of farming in this country and these awards ensure that the future of farming has its night in the spotlight.”
IFA President Francie Gorman said the energy and vision shown by the entrants to the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards is very encouraging for the future.
He said: “There is a wealth of talent in farming and we’re delighted to be part of this competition with Macra. I hope those who took part will consider a leadership role in the future.
“They are already very accomplished with their own farm enterprise. From here, we would like to see them contribute outside the farmgate.
“It’s very rewarding and it’s an opportunity to shape the future for their families and their communities.”
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, and agricultural knowledge.
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