A 24-year old part-time farmer has been named Ireland's top agricultural student in the FBD Student Award competition, writes Seán Mac Connell.
Mr John Brennan, Ballickmoyler, Co Laois, was chosen from 700 students attending Teagasc agricultural training programmes for young entrants to agriculture and the agri-industry.
Mr Brennan, who runs a 40 hectares (100 acres) suckler beef farm at Ballickmoyler, Co Laois, also works full-time as an assistant branch manager with Glanbia.
Making the presentation, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mr Walsh, said part-time farming was now a reality for a growing number of farmers.
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The joint runners-up were full-time farmers Mr Martin Jennings, Cong, Co Mayo and Mr Dara Kavanagh, Arklow, Co Wicklow.