Applications and nominations for the FBD Young Farmer of the Year 2026 open on Thursday 7 May.
The awards now in its 28th year, running since 1999, is organised by Macra in partnership with the IFA and Macra Agricultural Skillnet, and proudly sponsored by FBD.
Categories
This year’s competition will once again feature a range of categories, including:
Dairy.Drystock (beef and sheep).Other enterprises (including horticulture, pigs, poultry, tillage, equine and forestry).Land mobility (including collaborative arrangements, shared milking and contract rearing).Career farm management. Best young entrant (under 23 years of age).Macra Agricultural Skillnet biodiversity award.Winners from each category will go on to compete for the overall title of 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.
Prize fund
The overall winner will receive a prize fund of €5,000, while each category winner and the best young entrant will receive €1,000. A prize fund of €500 will be given to the Macra Agricultural Skillnet biodiversity award winner.
Vouchers from the FBD Hotel Group and FBD Insurance will also be given to each of the winners.
Aileen Sheehan, FBD Young Farmer of the Year 2025.
“FBD is proud to continue our partnership with Macra and the IFA in celebrating the next generation of Irish farmers,” Emer O’Byrne national head of branch strategy & sales performance at FBD Insurance commented.
“The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards highlight the innovation, leadership and resilience that define modern Irish agriculture. Each year we’re inspired by young farmers driving the sector forward and shaping a sustainable future for Irish farming.”
“The FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition has time and again showcased the trailblazing young farmers that will and already do shape the future of Irish agriculture,” Josephine O’Neill Macra president said.
“It continues to be a fantastic opportunity for Macra members to highlight the extremely high standards to which they operate, their knowledge and skills and their ability to adapt to new challenges, innovation and technology.
“I have no doubt that the 2026 entrants will continue to raise the bar. I encourage members to strongly consider entering and wish them every success in the competition,” she said.
“The FBD Young Farmer of the Year provides a platform for the next generation to display their vision and ambition for the future. This year’s participants will follow in the footsteps of those who have displayed their leadership credentials in the past and I have no doubt they will go on to forge strong careers,” Francie Gorman IFA president stated.
Organisers are encouraging young farmers across all sectors to apply or to nominate a deserving candidate.
The closing date for applications is Friday 3 July and entries can be submitted on the Macra website here.
Applications and nominations for the FBD Young Farmer of the Year 2026 open on Thursday 7 May.
The awards now in its 28th year, running since 1999, is organised by Macra in partnership with the IFA and Macra Agricultural Skillnet, and proudly sponsored by FBD.
Categories
This year’s competition will once again feature a range of categories, including:
Dairy.Drystock (beef and sheep).Other enterprises (including horticulture, pigs, poultry, tillage, equine and forestry).Land mobility (including collaborative arrangements, shared milking and contract rearing).Career farm management. Best young entrant (under 23 years of age).Macra Agricultural Skillnet biodiversity award.Winners from each category will go on to compete for the overall title of 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.
Prize fund
The overall winner will receive a prize fund of €5,000, while each category winner and the best young entrant will receive €1,000. A prize fund of €500 will be given to the Macra Agricultural Skillnet biodiversity award winner.
Vouchers from the FBD Hotel Group and FBD Insurance will also be given to each of the winners.
Aileen Sheehan, FBD Young Farmer of the Year 2025.
“FBD is proud to continue our partnership with Macra and the IFA in celebrating the next generation of Irish farmers,” Emer O’Byrne national head of branch strategy & sales performance at FBD Insurance commented.
“The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards highlight the innovation, leadership and resilience that define modern Irish agriculture. Each year we’re inspired by young farmers driving the sector forward and shaping a sustainable future for Irish farming.”
“The FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition has time and again showcased the trailblazing young farmers that will and already do shape the future of Irish agriculture,” Josephine O’Neill Macra president said.
“It continues to be a fantastic opportunity for Macra members to highlight the extremely high standards to which they operate, their knowledge and skills and their ability to adapt to new challenges, innovation and technology.
“I have no doubt that the 2026 entrants will continue to raise the bar. I encourage members to strongly consider entering and wish them every success in the competition,” she said.
“The FBD Young Farmer of the Year provides a platform for the next generation to display their vision and ambition for the future. This year’s participants will follow in the footsteps of those who have displayed their leadership credentials in the past and I have no doubt they will go on to forge strong careers,” Francie Gorman IFA president stated.
Organisers are encouraging young farmers across all sectors to apply or to nominate a deserving candidate.
The closing date for applications is Friday 3 July and entries can be submitted on the Macra website here.
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