Two farmers make national finals
FARMERS John Earle from Gorey and Philip Reck from Enniscorthy were last week named as finalists at the Farmer of the Year awards which were held in Dublin.
John was named as a finalist in the Sheep Farmer of the Year category of the national competition, while Philip was named as a finalist in the Tillage Farmer of the Year section.
The Zurich Farm Insurance Farming Independent Farmer of the Year Awards, which are now in their fourth year, recognise excellence in all areas of the Irish farming industry, and shine a light on one of the most successful and important sectors in the Irish economy.
The awards featured six categories including beef, dairy, tillage and farm safety.
‘ The Farmer of the Year Awards are designed to celebrate excellence across a wide range of farming categories and to reward Ireland’s farmers for their contribution to their communities and to society,’ said Declan O’Halloran, head of sales and agri business for Zurich Insurance.
‘John Earle and Philip Reck were recognised as being among the best in their categories and we’re proud to help recognise these accomplishments,’ he added. ‘On behalf of Zurich Insurance, I would like to congratulate them both on reaching this standard, as well as all of the winners and finalists.’
‘ These awards are a celebration of their successes and a showcase of some of the world-class work carried out by Ireland’s farming community,’ he continued, adding that ‘it’s great to see them becoming an annual highlight in the farming calendar.’
Sponsors for the different categories of awards were as follows: the Health and Safety Authority; The ICMSA; The Irish Independent; and Teagasc.