Top Farming Entrepreneurs Honoured

13 July, 2004

Albert Sweetnam, a 23 year old farm manager from Aughadown, Skibbereen, Co. Cork has won the premier award in the national Farm Start Awards, organised by Teagasc and sponsored by FBD Trust.

The awards are aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship among qualified farm managers. Albert Sweetnam took the top award of €2,000 for his project on developing a log splitting business.

A graduate of the Teagasc College at Clonakilty, Co. Cork, Albert qualified with the Advanced Certificate in Farm Management last year. He is currently employed in a management position on a large dairy farm in Clonakilty.

The two runners-up, Des Quinlivan, Co. Clare and Stuart Downie, Co. Waterford each received a cheque for €1,000.

Des Quinlivan, a 23 year old dairy farm manager from Knockatloe, O’Callaghan’s Mills, Co. Clare focused his project on the expansion of dairy quota on the family farm, which he is currently managing.

Stuart Downie, a 27 year old dairy farm manager from Seskin, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Waterford completed his project on the establishment of a cow scratcher enterprise. Stuart is currently employed on an intensive dairy farm in Carrick-on-Suir.

The co-ordinator of the awards, Liam Myles of Teagasc, said their primary aim is to encourage entrepreneurship among highly trained and motivated young farmers.

“The need for initiative in farming was never greater and the FBD Farm Start programme is about encouraging this in a rapidly changing industry”, he said.

On behalf of the sponsors, Seamus McCormack, Sales Manager, FBD, praised the high quality of entries from last year’s graduates.

“This competition demonstrates that the younger generation do feel there are viable and worthy career opportunities in farming. As the largest provider of insurance services to Irish farmers, FBD is pleased to be associated with a project which promotes growth and development”, he said.