News & Press Room
Top Young Stockjudging Champs Announced – Bord Bia
Three talented young farmers have scooped the top prizes at the All-Ireland finals of the 2013 Macra na Feirme Beef and Sheep Stockjudging competitions, sponsored by Bord Bia. Taking part in the competition as part of the Macra na Feirme Annual Conference in Carlow at the weekend, 73 young farmers took part overall. The competition final took place in Tullow Mart on Sunday, the 27th October.
Prizes were awarded in three separate categories: Senior Beef Stockjudging, Under 23 Beef Stockjudging and Senior Sheep Stockjudging.
Michael Doughlas from Ashford Macra, Co. Wicklow won first prize for Sheep Stockjudging. Runner up in this category was Padraig Beattie from South Roscommon Macra.
The Bord Bia Senior Beef Stockjudging event was won by Noel McSweeney, Tarleton Macra, Muskerry, Co. Cork. Runner up in this category was James Wilkinson, Mountmellick Macra, Co. Laois.
Top prize in the Under 23 category of Beef stockjudging went to John McSweeney who is also from Tarelton Macra. Runner up in this category was Nigel Hogan from Tullow Macra, Co. Carlow.
Macra na Feirme National President, Kieran O’Dowd, speaking at the final said, “Well done to the winners and everyone who took part in this prestigious and skilled competition. The Bord Bia stockjudging competitions help young farmers become skilled at assessing livestock, and prepares them for the actual job of buying and selling animals, a crucial skill for any young farmer.”
Mark Zieg represented sponsors, Bord Bia, at the All-Ireland final. He said, “We were impressed with the high standard of stockmanship shown by this year’s competitors. Young farmers are in-tune with the requirements of our beef and lamb markets, in terms of age, weight, fat cover and conformation. This knowledge is of key importance nowadays, in selecting animals for sale or for breeding.”
First place winners in each category have now won themselves a place on the Macra na Feirme prize-winners trip abroad next year.
