Shane Halpin has been crowned the 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year, becoming the first winner from Dublin in the competition’s history.

The announcement was made at Tuesday evening’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year awards banquet at the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co. Laois.

Halpin runs Welgro Produce with business partner Seán, growing 7ac of cucumbers across multiple sites in north County Dublin. Having been involved in farming, particularly horticulture, from a young age, he established Welgro in 2021 on a leased 3ac nursery.

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The enterprise has expanded each season, with an additional nursery purchased in 2023 more than doubling the growing area. Welgro now employs 10 full-time staff, rising to 35 at peak times with seasonal staff. The business supplies retail, wholesale and food service customers with fresh Irish-grown cucumbers from March to November and won the Teagasc newbie award in 2021.

He also took home the other enterprises award on the night.

Achievements

The competition, organised by Macra na Feirme in partnership with FBD and the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), recognises the achievements, innovation and contribution of Ireland’s young farmers.

Following a competitive selection process, the finalists faced the judging panel in individual interviews earlier today before the overall winner was announced at this evening’s banquet.

The additional category winners were:

  • Best young entrant: Carina Mc Elchar, Donegal
  • Skillnet biodiversity award: Joanne Cushen, Kilkenny
  • Land mobility award: Liam Barton, Laois
  • Dairy: Enda Armstrong, Galway
  • Drystock: Charlie Smyth, Cavan
  • Career farm management: Patrick Breslin, Cavan
  • Runner-up: Charlie Smyth, Cavan

    • Chair of the FBD Trust Michael Berkery expressed his congratulations to all award recipients on the night.

    “On behalf of FBD Insurance, I am delighted to congratulate Shane, our Young Farmer of the Year, and six category winners on this significant achievement.

    Fitting recognition

    Macra president Josephine O’Neill said the award is a fitting recognition of the drive, ambition and resilience Halpin has shown in building his farming enterprise.

    “His passion and commitment reflect the very best of Ireland’s young farmers. Shane has been a longtime Macra member and has made significant contributions to our organisation, particularly our Ag Affairs committee. On behalf of Macra, I wish him every success for the future and look forward to working closely with him during his year as FBD Young Farmer of the Year."

    IFA president Francie Gorman praised all participants in this year’s competition.

    “We are delighted to partner with Macra and FBD to celebrate the future of the farming sector. The calibre of those who take part each year is very impressive, and it is no different with this group. Their passion and commitment bode very well for the future and prove that the next generation is equipped for the challenges ahead. I want to wish everybody involved with the event the very best.”