The Hereford society held its third annual bursary competition last week and awarded €1,000 bursaries to five successful applicants undertaking third-level degrees in agriculture or studying at agricultural college.

After a slight rejig, given the National Ploughing Championship cancellation on the Wednesday, the event was relocated to the Tullamore Court Hotel.

Ten finalists were selected after applicants submitted essays on the topic of young farmers’ challenges and opportunities in beef farming.

This competition has succeeded in highlighting the great need for further education in agriculture

A team of adjudicators, including chair of the Agricultural Trust Matt Dempsey, then whittled down the applicants to just five, who received their bursary after Mr Dempsey questioned them publicly on their essay.

The winners of the bursaries were Anna Jacob, Ciaran Moore, Diarmúid McDonald, Eoin McCormack and Niall Woods.

Lidl Ireland and Slaney Foods supported the bursary competition, with vice-president of the Hereford society Henry Dudley commenting on the continued strength of the competition.

“The challenges arising for agriculture into the future will require increased education, particularly in agricultural science,” Dudley said.

“We are confident that this competition has succeeded in highlighting the great need for further education in agriculture to meet the needs of a growing population.”

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