FBD Young Farmer of the Year 2016, Kevin Moran.

Mayo man named Young Farmer of the Year

THE 18th FBD Young Farmer of the Year was last night named as Kevin Moran, a young dairy farmer from Co. Mayo.

Kevin, from Claremorris, won the prestigious title following a challenging interview process and an on-farm visit. Judging panel chairman, Michael Hoey, managing director of Country Crest, announced the winner at an awards ceremony in the Boyne Valley Hotel and Country Club yesterday (Tuesday). Kevin has won a travel bursary worth €3,000.

The competition is organised by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA and sponsors FBD.

There were also sector prizes for dairy, beef, sheep and tillage/other. The winners were Michael Kenny from Co.Offaly (beef), Mattie John Kelly from Roscommon (sheep), while Kevin Moran picked up the dairy award too, with Stephen Robb from Donegal winning the tillage sector.

Macra president Seán Finan said: “This is one of the most prestigious nights on the farming calendar where industry and farmers come together to recognise and award the brightest and best young farmers in the country. Well done to everyone who took part and congratulations to the category winners and to Kevin Moran, the 18th FBD Young Farmer of the Year.”