Kilkenny college to host the Agri Colleges Challenges Day

The annual Agricultural Colleges Challenges Day is set to be held on February 14 in Kildalton Agricultural College in south Kilkenny.

The challenges will be based around leadership and teamwork and will bring students together from six agricultural colleges: Kildalton Agricultural College, Mountbellew Agricultural College in Co. Galway, Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Co. Cavan, Gurteen Agricultural College in Co. Tipperary, Clonakilty Agricultural College in Co. Cork and Salesian Agricultural College Pallaskenry in Co. Limerick.

Twelve students from each college will participate in various competitions such as Tug of War, Simulator challenge, Stockjudging, Fencing and Tractor Driving, to name a few.

The Farm Business and Technology Award sponsored by National Broadband Ireland, will return for a third year in a row.
“This year the students have been tasked with demonstrating how fibre broadband is benefiting their business, whether that is from an economical, safety or environmental point of view,” said Niall Beirne, Head of Strategic Partnerships at NBI.
The FRS Memorial Scholarship will return this year. One student from each college will have the opportunity to present on ‘Leadership in Sustainability’. The winner will receive a scholarship of three months placement in an FRS office.

Memorial Scholarship
“It is a privilege for FRS to be part of the challenge day and award a student with the FRS Memorial Scholarship which plays tribute to our past colleagues and friends of FRS,” said Colette McInerney, Head of Operations, FRS Farm Relief.

Outgoing FRS Memorial Scholarship winner, Wayne Smyth thanked everyone who helped him though his scholarship. “I have gained so much knowledge throughout my time with the FRS. I have seen so much on farms and off farms. My skills have really got so much better with all the knowledge I have received. FRS is a great company, and it has loads of options - you can see all the insides to farmers getting help and support. I would recommend working at the FRS as they are a great team of people, and everyone supports each other to get the best out of each other.”

Anne-Marie Butler, Head of Education, Teagasc, said Challenge Day is a highlight of the academic year for students and colleges.
“Teagasc is delighted to work with all our partners and welcome their valued input. It’s great to see college teams working together, applying their knowledge and skills across a number of challenges and most importantly having fun.”
Macra are delighted to be associated with the annual Challenges Day. Elaine Houlihan, Macra President, said: “Macra are looking forward to an exceptional day in Kildalton Ag College and we would like to wish all the students the very best of luck.”