Conor Coakley took home the 2018 Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year title at an awards ceremony in Dublin on Tuesday. The young farmer is currently converting the beef farm in Dungourney, Co Cork, to dairy.

“If you weren’t excited about a big change in the farm, I don’t know if you should be farming,” he told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“I would recommend doing all agricultural courses as it’s a great industry to be involved in.”

Coakley did his Level 6 advanced dairy programme in Clonakilty Agricultural College. He is currently enrolled in the Teagasc professional diploma in dairy farm management. He has travelled to Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand, and worked on a 2,500-cow herd.

He plans to start off with 100 milking cows next year, with further plans to bring it up to 120 cows without being overstocked. Coakley admits that an office job is not for him.

“If you are organised, farming can be made easier and I like the lifestyle of farming and dealing with the animals. The short commute is underestimated by many people.”

The top 15 graduates of Teagasc Level 6 training programmes were presented with awards by the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed on Tuesday.

Winners

  • First runner-up: Hugh Massey, Co Limerick.
  • Second runner-up: Darren Walsh, Co Mayo.
  • The other finalists were:

  • Debbie Sunderland, Co Wexford, Teagasc Carlow Centre.
  • David Lowe, Co Tipperary, Gurteen Agricultural College.
  • Terence Cronin, Co Cork, Teagasc Macroom Centre.
  • Kevin Byrne, Co Leitrim, Teagasc Manorhamilton Centre.
  • Damien McClearn, Co Galway, Teagasc Athenry Centre.
  • Gavin Canning, Co Mayo, Teagasc Ballinrobe Centre.
  • Tommy McLaughlin, Co Donegal, Teagasc Letterkenny Centre.
  • Jason Mullin, Co Galway, Mountbellew Agricultural College.
  • Gavin Brady, Co Cavan, Ballyhaise Agricultural College.
  • Brian Kelly, Co Clare, Teagasc Ennis Centre.
  • Barry Brady, Co Roscommon, Teagasc Longford Centre.
  • Bryan Lanigan, Co Kilkenny, Kildalton Agricultural College.