Better Farming Awards has Kilkenny finalist

Kilkenny has a finalist in this year’s FBD Better Farming Awards, recognising the highest levels of achievement made in the industry’s move towards a more sustainable sector.

The awards reward initiatives, research and practices that are helping Irish agriculture meet its economic, social and environmental challenges.
They go beyond the headlines to recognise the real difference achieved by those who have excelled in various areas of agriculture.
The Kilkenny finalist, featured in the Germinal Sustainable Pasture Farmer of the year, category is Jimmy Madigan, who farms in Ballyhale.

For Jimmy, soil is a key component of grass management and is monitored by regular soil samples and adequate measures taken to maintain/ improve soil fertility.
Over/ under grazing is an important consideration which is avoided by controlling rotations. There is no use of nitrogen on the land with the introduction of white and red clover.

The inaugural Better Farming Awards gala evening presentations will take place in the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Laois this Thursday, November 30.

The Germinal Sustainable Pasture Farmer of the year competition is open to farmers from all sectors and all types of pasture based enterprises.
Recognising excellent grassland management while maintaining profitable production using regenerative and sustainable pasture practices with focus on soil health, outreach, climate resilience, carbon sequestration and long term vision.

On the night awards will also be presented in 19 categories, including the overall FBD Overall Better Farming Champion.
The overall award is open to all winners of the previous categories for who the judges deem worthy as the best ‘better farming’ action contributing to environmental, social and economic sustainability for the sector.