Last year saw the Lynch family's farmyard clinch the overall prize in the FBD Insurance National Farmyard Awards. Based in Grousehall, Loughduff, Co. Cavan, Eddie and Zara Lynch, along with their three children Kate, Ben and Maria run a 91-hectare commercial suckler beef herd. They also have 100 sheep. Eddie and Zara pride themselves on farm safety and especially animal safety. They have done everything possible to ensure their farm is as safe as possible for both their family and the animals, with all animal handling facilities set up and maintained to the highest standard.
This year has seen a switch from category selections to regional selections. So, instead of choosing from different farm enterprises the winners and runners up with be chosen from each region. Regional winners and runners-up will share a prize fund of over €17,000, sponsored by FBD Insurance and includes a commemorative plaque and a profile in the Irish Farmers Journal.
National winner – €5,000 cash prize, PLUS a commemorative plaque;
Regional winners – €2,000 cash prize, PLUS a commemorative plaque. Winner picked from each province – Connacht, Ulster, Munster and Leinster;
Runners-up – €1,000 cash prize, PLUS a commemorative plaque. Winner picked from each province – Connacht, Ulster, Munster and Leinster;
Judging criteria for national and regional categories
Farmyard design – 20 MarksFarmyard appearance/maintenance/tidiness – 30 MarksHealth and safety – 20 MarksLandscaping/shelter belting/biodiversity – 15 MarksOverall impression – 15 MarksTotal marks: 100
In addition to the above categories, the judges will also be awarding a prize for “Farm Safety Champion” and the “Best New Entrant” into farming.
This is the second year where we will be awarding the “Farm Safety Champion” prize which was won by Martin Fennell from Kilrush, Co. Clare in 2016. The aim of this award is to recognise someone who is a champion for change on their farmyard and has created an environment which is as safe and as practical as it can be. All farmyards are eligible to enter and it is not limited to a particular enterprise. People can be nominated or can enter themselves for this award.
2017 sees the introduction of the “Best New Entrant” award. A new entrant to farming is defined as someone who has commenced the present agricultural activity since 1 January 2008 and did not have any agricultural activity in their own name in the five years preceding 1 January 2008. The “Best New Entrant” award can be awarded to farmyards who are operating as a sole enterprise or in partnership. Half of the farmyard must be buildings which have been developed since 1 January 2008. The aim of this award is to recognise the new entrants in farming and the developing and planning which has taken place to ensure that they are running a safe, profitable and enjoyable environment. All farmyards are eligible to enter and it is not limited to a particular enterprise. People can be nominated or can enter themselves for this award.
The decision of the judges shall be final and absolute in all matters relating to this competition.
To receive recognition for all the time and money invested in developing your farmyardTo win a cash sum of up to €5,000 and be presented with your award at a special evening event at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore in September.To showcase your farmyard to the readers of the Irish Farmers Journal.Any farmer with a farm on any part of the island.Farming families who keep tidy, well-maintained and safe farmyards.Please note that previous national winners cannot enter.Following receipt of applications, farms will be shortlisted and you will be contacted in early August if your farm is one of those shortlisted.On-farm judging will take place during the last two weeks of August.The awards night will take place during the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore in September.Three easy steps to enter:
1. Photos
Gather six or more photographs of your farm yard. Each of these should be named and related to the judges criteria mentioned below.
2. Cover letter
In 200 words, outline why you should win the competition. Include your name, address, email and phone number.
3. Send
Email the photographs and cover letter by Monday, 10 July 2017 at 5pm to farmyard@farmersjournal.ie or alternatively, post entries to: FBD Insurance Farmyard Competition, Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.
The awards are a joint venture between FBD Insurance and the Irish Farmers Journal.
So, see if your farm fits the bill and good luck in the competition.
Last year saw the Lynch family's farmyard clinch the overall prize in the FBD Insurance National Farmyard Awards. Based in Grousehall, Loughduff, Co. Cavan, Eddie and Zara Lynch, along with their three children Kate, Ben and Maria run a 91-hectare commercial suckler beef herd. They also have 100 sheep. Eddie and Zara pride themselves on farm safety and especially animal safety. They have done everything possible to ensure their farm is as safe as possible for both their family and the animals, with all animal handling facilities set up and maintained to the highest standard.
This year has seen a switch from category selections to regional selections. So, instead of choosing from different farm enterprises the winners and runners up with be chosen from each region. Regional winners and runners-up will share a prize fund of over €17,000, sponsored by FBD Insurance and includes a commemorative plaque and a profile in the Irish Farmers Journal.
National winner – €5,000 cash prize, PLUS a commemorative plaque;
Regional winners – €2,000 cash prize, PLUS a commemorative plaque. Winner picked from each province – Connacht, Ulster, Munster and Leinster;
Runners-up – €1,000 cash prize, PLUS a commemorative plaque. Winner picked from each province – Connacht, Ulster, Munster and Leinster;
Judging criteria for national and regional categories
Farmyard design – 20 MarksFarmyard appearance/maintenance/tidiness – 30 MarksHealth and safety – 20 MarksLandscaping/shelter belting/biodiversity – 15 MarksOverall impression – 15 MarksTotal marks: 100
In addition to the above categories, the judges will also be awarding a prize for “Farm Safety Champion” and the “Best New Entrant” into farming.
This is the second year where we will be awarding the “Farm Safety Champion” prize which was won by Martin Fennell from Kilrush, Co. Clare in 2016. The aim of this award is to recognise someone who is a champion for change on their farmyard and has created an environment which is as safe and as practical as it can be. All farmyards are eligible to enter and it is not limited to a particular enterprise. People can be nominated or can enter themselves for this award.
2017 sees the introduction of the “Best New Entrant” award. A new entrant to farming is defined as someone who has commenced the present agricultural activity since 1 January 2008 and did not have any agricultural activity in their own name in the five years preceding 1 January 2008. The “Best New Entrant” award can be awarded to farmyards who are operating as a sole enterprise or in partnership. Half of the farmyard must be buildings which have been developed since 1 January 2008. The aim of this award is to recognise the new entrants in farming and the developing and planning which has taken place to ensure that they are running a safe, profitable and enjoyable environment. All farmyards are eligible to enter and it is not limited to a particular enterprise. People can be nominated or can enter themselves for this award.
The decision of the judges shall be final and absolute in all matters relating to this competition.
To receive recognition for all the time and money invested in developing your farmyardTo win a cash sum of up to €5,000 and be presented with your award at a special evening event at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore in September.To showcase your farmyard to the readers of the Irish Farmers Journal.Any farmer with a farm on any part of the island.Farming families who keep tidy, well-maintained and safe farmyards.Please note that previous national winners cannot enter.Following receipt of applications, farms will be shortlisted and you will be contacted in early August if your farm is one of those shortlisted.On-farm judging will take place during the last two weeks of August.The awards night will take place during the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore in September.Three easy steps to enter:
1. Photos
Gather six or more photographs of your farm yard. Each of these should be named and related to the judges criteria mentioned below.
2. Cover letter
In 200 words, outline why you should win the competition. Include your name, address, email and phone number.
3. Send
Email the photographs and cover letter by Monday, 10 July 2017 at 5pm to farmyard@farmersjournal.ie or alternatively, post entries to: FBD Insurance Farmyard Competition, Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.
The awards are a joint venture between FBD Insurance and the Irish Farmers Journal.
So, see if your farm fits the bill and good luck in the competition.
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