grasslands — Pictured in Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork at the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year Awards 2024 are overall winner Michael Ahern, Ballyduff, County Waterford, his wife Anne, children Nathaniel and Jane, father Padjo with sponsors Liz Hyland, DAFM, Colin Heaney, FBD, John Macnamara, Chairman Grass10, Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director, Donal Whelton, AIB, Liam Woulfe, Teagasc Authority and Grassland Agro, Aidan Brennan, Irish Farmers Journal, Enda McDonald, Grassland Agro, Noel Grealish T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Michael Berkery, FBD. The Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year award recognises the best grassland farmers in the country and is now in its eight year. Picture: O’Gorman Photography.

Ireland’s greenest grassland champions were celebrated on Friday as the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year Awards took place at Teagasc’s Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Moorepark, Fermoy.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Noel Grealish T.D., presented the awards, which shine a spotlight on the country’s most efficient and environmentally aware grassland farmers.

Now in its eighth year, the prestigious competition highlights how top-tier grassland management can drive more sustainable and climate-friendly farming systems. From dairy and drystock to organics and student-led initiatives, farmers across Ireland were recognised for their innovation and dedication. The awards carry a total prize fund of €40,000, funded by the Department.

The awards form a key part of the Teagasc Grass10 Campaign, supported by the Department of Agriculture, AIB, FBD, Grassland Agro, and the Irish Farmers Journal. The campaign promotes better nutrient use, increased clover in pastures, and smarter grass measuring to boost both productivity and sustainability.

Award Winners

Dairy: Arthur Sweetman, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford
Drystock: Peter Byrne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare
Young Farmer: Shane Hegarty, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow
Organic Farming: Ken Gill, Edenderry, Co. Offaly
Nutrient Management: Michael Ahern, Ballyduff, Co. Waterford
Clover Champions: Robert, Denis & Bernard O’Dea, Kilteely, Co. Limerick
Clover Finalist: Joseph Murphy, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny

Student Standouts

Winner: Edmund Motherway, Kildalton College
Finalists: Jack Stevenson (Ballyhaise), Luke Hosford (Clonakilty), Donal Lyons (Pallaskenry), David Cassells (Mountbellew)

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