The semi-finals of the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition are under way. The county finalists for each enterprise are taking part in the semi-finals.

Six finalists will be chosen to go through to the national final in Louth on 6 September.

Prizes will be awarded to one overall FBD Young Farmer of the Year.

There will be enterprise prizes for beef, dairy, sheep and tillage/other categories. This week, we introduce you to the tillage/other category county finalists.

Ian Howard

  • Age: 28
  • County/region: Meath.
  • IFA branch: Ardcath.
  • Enterprise: Tillage.
  • Stephen Robb

  • Age: 23.
  • County/region: Donegal.
  • Macra club: Proper Job.
  • Enterprise: Tillage.
  • William Kehoe

  • Age: 24.
  • County/region: Wexford.
  • Macra club: Baltinglass.
  • Enterprise: Tillage.
  • Siobhan Gallagher

  • Age: 28.
  • County/region: Leitrim.
  • Macra club: South Leitrim.
  • Enterprise: Equine
  • Prioritising the processing of TAMS II applications

    This time of year is ideal to start the construction of various on-farm projects.

    Of critical importance is the need for immediate TAMS II approval, so farmers who have already committed to the herd expansion process are capable of starting construction and complying with nitrates regulations next year.

    As a result, Macra na Feirme is calling on the Department of Agriculture to prioritise the processing and approval of TAMS II applications to allow farmers to start construction as soon as possible.