Pictured at the AIB/Teagasc Best Farm Business Plan Awards in Portlaoise, were (l. to r.) Professor Gerry Boyle (Director of Teagasc), Liam Phelan (AIB Agri Advisor) presenting a cheque to Hugh Massey, Pallaskenry Agri College, overall winner of the AIB / Teagasc All Ireland Best Farm Business Plan award, and Niall Blake (Pallaskenry Agri College)
Hugh Massey from Pallaskenry Agricultural College was awarded the top award in the AIB / Teagasc All Ireland Best Farm Business Plan Awards at the Maldron Hotel, County Laois on Friday 30th June.
Hugh, a Limerick native, won the Award for his interview and farm business plan which focused on increasing farm efficiencies by increasing stocking rate and also by increasing milk solids production per cow.
Speaking at the Awards presentation, Liam Phelan, AIB Agri Advisor said: “AIB are delighted to continue our partnership with Teagasc for the AIB / Teagasc Best Farm Business Plan Awards. We have been impressed by the quality and comprehensiveness of farm plans, by the confidence of the students we met today and each stage in the Agricultural Colleges. The skills derived and lessons learned will prove beneficial to students in their future farming careers, particularly in the ever volatile markets in which we operate”.
Thanking AIB for their continuing sponsorship of this award, Frank Murphy, Teagasc Curriculum Development & Standards Manager highlighted the importance of planning for any progressive farm business. The farm plan encapsulates all the learning outcomes of Teagasc courses by setting genuine physical and financial targets for a student’s home farm. He invited all finalists to continue their contact with Teagasc through advisory events, discussion groups and the various short courses which are offered by Teagasc.
Seven students represented the respective Teagasc, Greenmount and Private Agricultural Colleges. They competed for the All Ireland Award, after each had won the individual college award. The finalists were: Joe Milligan (Greenmount); Michael Farrell (Kildalton); David Sweeney (Mountbellew); William Mulcahy (Clonakilty); Hugh Massey (Pallaskenry); Darren Scally (Gurteen) and Ciaran Cooney (Ballyhaise). All were presented with their respective Awards on the day.