The Irish Farmers Journal has been named the Media Brand of the Year at the prestigious Media Awards 2017 in Dublin.

The Irish Farmers Journal saw off stiff competition from other strong brands on the shortlist, including Independent News and Media, Media Central (home of radio stations Spin 1038 and 98FM), EVOKE.ie, Kinetic and Exterion Media.

The judging panel, which included Ciaran Cunningham, chief executive of Carat Ireland, was impressed by the Irish Farmers Journal’s ability to maintain print circulation sales in a period of massive digital growth for the brand.

The company has been at the forefront of the digital evolution, running a news desk from 7am to 10pm, while offering new print and digital advertising options to clients.

The company has also developed Traction marketing agency, which counts Bord Bia, MSD and Ornua among its clients.

Digital growth

Key to driving the digital growth has been innovative use of social media, including Snapchat, to engage the Irish Farmers Journal audience.

As well as the main print brands the Irish Farmers Journal and The Irish Field, key to the company's success was its diversification into new products such as the glossy Irish Country Magazine, Suckler Farmer, Irish Dairy Farmer, Irish Pedigree Breeder, Cheltenham and Dublin Horse Show magazines.

The company has also diversified and invested in projects such as the Greenfield Dairy Farm and the just-launched Tullamore Farm suckler and sheep demonstration farm.

Commenting on the win, Irish Farmers Journal chief executive and editor Justin McCarthy said: “We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award. It reflects our continuous focus on developing the best range of print and digital products and media services we can for our readers and commercial clients.

“Our team is passionate about agriculture and rural Ireland and I am delighted that their hard work, commitment and innovation has been recognised by the wider media industry.”