The result of the election was announced on Tuesday after a vote count at the Irish Farm Centre in Bluebell, Dublin 12.

Finan hails from Ballinlough, Castlerea, Co Rosommon, and is one of the founding members of his club, Castlerea Macra. He is a beef farmer and also works as a construction project manager with Sisk.

"I’m delighted and honoured to be elected," he said. "It was early January when I announced my intention to run for president and it’s been a long campaign, travelling around the country and hearing the views of Macra members."

Finan has served as national treasurer and north west vice-president for Macra. His tenure as president will last two years, starting from the Macra na Feirme national AGM held on 9 May in Loughrea, Co Galway, until May 2017.

He said improving land mobility for young farmers will be a priority in the next couple of years.

"The age profile of farmers is increasing, so we have to make sure that more young farmers get involved in the industry. That’s why the Macra land mobility programme was born, to ensure there was more transfer of land. Young and old can work together to develop their business," he said.

Finan also wants to see the organisation grow and improve.

"We have to work to grow and develop the organisation. We live in a very technological age, but the core principles of Macra must be maintained. It was set up to develop leaders and that remains our ethos today," he said.

"We have a wide and diverse range of activities and just have to ensure to have a full programme of events for young people. I look forward to serving the members and working with the agri industry."

Finan succeeds Kieran O'Dowd as president. He is the second Roscommon man to serve in the role, following Laurence Fallon who was the 22nd president from 1991 to 1993.

Read more: Macra election: New vice-presidents elected