This article is from page 34 of the 2008-08-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 34 JPG
IT may not be his most prestigious ever nomination, but former Taoi- seach Bertie Ahern (FF) was last week announced as the Chairper- son of the 10th Annual Macra/FBD Young Farmer of the Year Judging Sroyeaveesimteron
Making the announcement last Thursday, a representative from the young farmers organisation said that he was both happy and proud that the former Taoiseach had taken up the position.
This years competition, which will take place in the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny on September 2, aims to recognise and reward the top young
farmers in the country.
The event is run annually by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA and sponsored by FBD Insur- ance.
County rounds of the competition are currently taking place and 29 farmers will make it through to the final where they will be judged ac- cording to a number of criteria in- cluding farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection aware- ness, as well as agricultural knowl- edge and community involvement.
The identity of the Clare represent- ative 1s expected to be know in the coming weeks.
The overall winner will be revealed at a special awards ceremony in the Newpark Hotel on September 2nd. The top prize is a specially com- missioned sculpture by Irish-based artist Joy Ledin, a travel bursary worth €2,500 and €1,000 spending money.
Second prize is a travel bursary of €1,000 plus €500 spending money, while third prize is a travel bursary of €500 plus €250 spending money.
Meanwhile, Macra na _ Feirme’s FBD Farmskills competition has been moved to the Gurteen Agricul- tural College, County Tipperary on SE TAUD KC rN AaNOESA I azo
Therefore the six teams represent- ing Clodagh in North Tipperary,
Clonakilty in Carbery, Callen in Kil- kenny, Ballycoog in Wicklow, Kin- negad in Westmeath and Moynalty in Meath, will now do battle in Gurteen for the title of National Farmskills Champions 2008.
The deadline to get forms in for county officer training is tomorrow, August 20. The training will consist of a weekend ’s activities in Killarney on August 29 to 31.
Club officer training is being held on the weekend of September 13 and club secretaries need to have these forms back to Clare Daven- port in national office by Septem- ber 3 if you have any queries please contact Clare on Ol 426 8910 or cdavenport@macra.ie.