Mayo farmer wins sustainability photo competition at Tullamore Show

THE Sustainable Livestock Village at this year’s FBD National Livestock Show in Tullamore has named Mayo farmer Brian Joyce as overall winner of the IFJ Sustainability Photo Competition.

Brian’s striking image, titled At Home on the Mountain, captured a Mayo mountain ewe standing proudly on the boglands beneath Croagh Patrick.

The photo tells a powerful story of harmony between farming and nature: This Mayo mountain ewe stands right at home on the boglands beneath Croagh Patrick, spending the summer months grazing on heather, mountain grass, and whatever else the land offers.

These hardy sheep are built for this kind of land, and are tough, low maintenance, and can thrive where many other breeds would not.

They help keep the land in balance, supporting biodiversity, and don't need much to do well. By matching the right sheep to the right land, it keeps farming simple, sustainable and in line with both nature, and tradition.

The judges praised the image for not only its visual impact, but also for its message that sustainability can be achieved by working with the land rather than against it.

The competition attracted entries from across Ireland, each showcasing the creativity and commitment of farmers to environmental stewardship.