The search is officially underway for the 28th FBD Young Farmer of the Year, with applications and nominations opening tomorrow, May 7th, for the 2026 awards.
The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards, run by Macra in partnership with the IFA and Macra Agricultural Skillnet, and proudly sponsored by FBD, 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.
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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.
Emer O'Byrne, National Head of Branch Strategy and Sales Performance at FBD Insurance said: 'FBD is proud to continue our partnership with Macra and the IFA in celebrating the next generation of Irish farmers.
'The FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards highlight the innovation, leadership and resilience that define modern Irish agriculture. Each year, we’re inspired by young farmers driving the sector forward and shaping a sustainable future for Irish farming.'
The competition continues to offer a strong prize fund, recognising excellence across the sector.
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 highlighted the importance of recognising the young farmers who are making their way in the sector: 'The FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition has time and again showcased the trailblazing young farmers that will and already do shape the future of Irish Agriculture. It continues to be a fantastic opportunity for Macra members to highlight the extremely high standards to which they operate, their knowledge and skills and their ability to adapt to new challenges, innovation and technology. I have no doubt that the 2026 entrants will continue to raise the bar. I encourage members to strongly consider entering and wish them every success in the competition.'
IFA President Francie Gorman said this competition, run by Macra is hugely important in the context of generational renewal for the farming sector: 'The FBD Young Farmer of the Year provides a platform for the next generation to display their vision and ambition for the future. This year’s participants will follow in the footsteps of those who have displayed their leadership credentials in the past, and I have no doubt they will go on to forge strong careers.'
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, 3rd July 2026.
