Top Award for Young Kilkenny Farmer

19 February, 2003

Michael Parsons, a 21 year old Kilkenny farmer, has won the FBD Student of the Year Award for 2002.

He was chosen from 600 young people who completed the Certificate in Farming, the comprehensive Teagasc training programme for young entrants to farming, and was presented with the prestigious national award by Minister of State, Liam Aylward.

Michael pursued his agricultural training at Kildalton College Piltown, Co. Kilkenny and completed the certificate in farming at the Teagasc training centre in Kilkenny. He is now involved in running the family's dairy, beef and tillage farm with his parents Mary and Michael, at Outrath, on the outskirts of Kilkenny.

Since completing his training courses, Michael has also undertaken a course in mechanical engineering, an indication of his commitment to broadening his skills.

He is an active member of Macra na Feirme and is an accomplished ploughman. He has also joined a young farmers discussion group facilitated by Teagasc in Kilkenny. "It is good to listen and talk with positive people," he says.

"The quality of training provided by Teagasc at present means that we lack for nothing. As far as qualifications are concerned, young Irish farmers can hold their own with the best in the world," said Michael Parsons.