CORK will be hoping for two wins in a row as the search begins for the FBD Young Farmer of the Year 2026.
Cork dairy farmer Aileen Sheehan made history last September by becoming the first woman to win the title in its 27 years.
Based in Whitechurch, she manages a 140-cow dairy herd on a fully leased farm, while balancing her career as a PE and Maths teacher, and raising a young family.
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Nominations are now open for the 2026 competition which is run by Macra in partnership with the IFA and Macra Agricultural Skillnet, and sponsored by FBD.
The awards have been recognising and celebrating the achievements of young farmers since 1999. Over the past 28 years, the awards have played a key role in highlighting the innovation, leadership and dedication of young farmers across rural Ireland.
This year’s competition will once again feature a range of categories, including dairy, drystock (beef and sheep), other enterprises (including horticulture, pigs, poultry, tillage, equine and forestry), land mobility (including collaborative arrangements, shared milking and contract rearing) and career farm management.
Winners from each category will go on to compete for the overall title of 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year. Additional awards include Best Young Entrant (under 23 years of age) and the Macra Agricultural Skillnet Biodiversity Award.
The overall winner will receive €5,000, while each category winner and the Best Young Entrant will receive €1,000.
The Macra Agricultural Skillnet Biodiversity Award winner will receive €500.
All winners will also receive vouchers from the FBD Hotel Group and FBD Insurance.
Macra national president Josephine O’Neill said: ‘This competition has time and again showcased the trailblazing young farmers that will and already do shape the future of Irish agriculture. I have no doubt that the 2026 entrants will continue to raise the bar.’
Young farmers from all sectors are encouraged to apply, and all are invited to nominate a deserving candidate. Entries can be submitted via the Macra website, www.macra.ie/YFOTY26, with the closing date for applications set for Friday, July 3rd.
