Mixed Soils category winner Michael Walsh, Ballinakill, pictured at the awards ceremony with his parents Michael and Bridie, brother Martin and Niamh Leahy, with sponsors Donal Whelton, AIB, Enda McDonald, Grassland Agro, Michael Berkery, FBD, Minister Charlie McConalogue, Aidan Brennan, Irish Farmers Journal, Prof. Frank O’Mara, Teagasc director and Liam Herlihy, Teagasc chairman. Photo: O’Gorman Photography

A YOUNG Laois farmer has won a top prize in the Teagasc Grassland Farmer of the Year awards.

Michael Walsh from Ballinakill won the Mixed Soils category in the 2022 national awards, which were announced at the Teagasc Moorepark research centre on Thursday 25 May.

Michael was joined at the awards ceremony by his parents Michael and Bridie, his partner Niamh Leahy and his brother Martin, as he collected a €3,000 prize.

Now in their sixth year, the awards recognise top grassland farmers around the country who are growing and utilising more grass on their farms in a sustainable manner.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, agriculture minister Charlie McConalogue congratulated all finalists on their achievements. He said: “As finalists you are joining a group of top class grassland farmers. Good management of grass clover swards is essential in meeting the targets set down in the AgClimatise Strategy.”

The Grassland Farmer of the Year awards are part of the Teagasc Grass10 Campaign, which focuses on improving nutrient management and efficiency on farm and clover establishment and its management.

The awards are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with an overall prize fund of €25,000. The overall title of Grassland Farmer of the Year went to Diarmaid Fitzgerald, Cratloe, Co Clare.