You were the overall winner last year, was this your first year to enter the competition?

“Yes it was, my FBD sales rep entered me into the awards last year.”

What aspect of your farmyard are you most proud of?

“It is definitely the safety aspect. We employ staff and I like to think that everything is in working order from that point of view. We have a safe environment to work in and risk is very low. Things still may happen but you try and keep it to a minimum. My family are also very active on the farm, so that is always in the back of your mind.”

What was it like to win the award?

“It was great, it was an achievement. I wasn’t in any way thinking that it was going to happen. I was privileged to win it and it was nice to get the recognition. It’s there forever and it is something that you have done and can look back on. It really gives you the drive to go on and keep it as good as you have done before.”

What is your advice to anyone entering?

  • Tidy
  • Functional
  • Safe

“The three go hand in hand and if you have those, there is no reason why you can’t achieve a result in the competition.”

How to enter

The deadline for entries is this Friday, 30 June.

Three easy steps to enter:

1. Photos

Gather six or more photographs of your farm yard. Each of these should be named and related to the judges criteria mentioned below.

2. Cover letter

In 200 words, outline why you should win the competition. Include your name, address, email and phone number.

3. Send

Email the photographs and cover letter by Friday, 30 June 2017 to farmyard@farmersjournal.ie or alternatively, post entries to: FBD Insurance Farmyard Competition, Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.