Last year, saw Sean Tracey from Co. Wexford scoop the top prize for his farmyard. Based in Paradise, Tomhaggard, the Tracey Farmyard is a culmination of many years of investment and planning. It is no exaggeration to say that Sean has done everything possible to make his farmyard safe, functional and a perfect place for both the family and animals. Effort, diligence and attention to detail make this a winning farmyard.

Category winners and runners-up will share a prize fund of over €17,000*, sponsored by FBD and includes a commemorative plaque and a profile in the Irish Farmers Journal.

  • National Winner - €5,000 + commemorative plaque
  • Livestock (beef and sheep) winner - €2,000 + commemorative plaque
  • Runner-up - €1,000 + commemorative plaque
  • Livestock (dairy) winner - €2,000 + commemorative plaque
  • Runner-up - €1,000 + commemorative plaque
  • Alternative farm enterprises** winner - €2,000 + commemorative plaque
  • Runner-up - €1,000 + commemorative plaque

    • *The prize fund of over €17,000 includes €15,000 for cash prizes and €2,000 for Farmyard wall plaques.

    **This category includes any farm enterprises not already mentioned in the other categories. i.e. Tillage, Mushrooms, Pigs etc

    New Categories:

    Equestrian Enterprise of the Year -

    This year sees the introduction of a new category to the National Farmyard Awards – Equestrian Enterprise of the Year. This category is open to all enterprises that are equestrian based on the island of Ireland. The ability to demonstrate excellence in the planning and operation of their equestrian enterprise is key, along with ensuring it is efficient, safe and progressive. The winning enterprise will receive a cash prize of €500, along with a commemorative plaque and a profile in The Irish Field newspaper.

    Farm Safety Champion of the Year

    This year sees the introduction of a new category to the National Farmyard Awards – Farm Safety Champion of the Year. This category is open to all farmers across the island of Ireland and aims to recognise the family member behind a successful and progressive farmyard due to high standards in farm safety. Key factors like that of safety, innovation and appearance of the farmyard are all components to making a successful business spear headed by a farm safety champion. The winning farmer will receive a cash prize of €500, along with a commemorative plaque and a profile in the Irish Farmers Journal.

    Judging Criteria:

    Farmyard Design - 20 Marks

    Farmyard Appearance/Maintenance/Tidiness - 30 Marks

    Health & Safety - 20 Marks

    Landscaping/Shelter belting/Biodiversity - 15 Marks

    Overall Impression - 15 Marks

    Total Marks: 100

    *The decision of the judges shall be final and absolute in all matters relating to this competition.

    Why apply?

  • To receive recognition for all the time and money invested in developing your farmyard
  • To 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.

    • Who can enter?

  • 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.

    • What happens then?

  • 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 Ploughing Championships in Tullamore in September.

    • How to enter:

  • Send a minimum of four photos, each photo named and related to the adjudication categories and a cover letter of 200 words outlining why you should win the competition to farmyard@farmersjournal.ie. The closer your photos relate to our adjudication criteria, the greater your chances of getting chosen for a farm visit.
  • Alternatively, post entries to: FBD Farmyard Competition, Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.
  • Please include your name, address, email and phone number with all entries.
  • Entries can be received from individuals or you can be nominated
  • Farmers can nominate themselves OR be nominated by any third party (Teagasc Advisor, friend, family member, fellow farmer and so on).
  • Photos and entries will not be returned.
  • Closing date for applications is Friday 5 August 2016

    • The awards are a joint venture between FBD and the Irish Farmers Journal. So, see if you farm fits the bill and good luck in the competition.