A Laois man has been announced as one of six finalists for the 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year, in partnership with Macra na Feirme.
Rathdowney farmer Liam Barton was selected from over one hundred applicants for the coveted title.
The finalists were announced earlier today, Tuesday 8 September, at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard.
Finalists will now face individual interviews with the judging panel before the winners are revealed at this evening’s awards banquet.
“I’m feeling great, I just did the final interview today so we are waiting for them to reveal who the winner is,” Liam Barton told the Irish Independent.
“The semi-final interviews saw us shortlisted down to six.”
The Rathdowney farmer praised Macra na Feirme for the community work and socialisation it provides to locals across the country.
“Macra is community involvement, and trying to engage with other farmers working and living in rural Ireland, and trying to rebuild the community ties,” he said.
“I’m fortunate to be working off farm a lot, when a lot don’t leave the farm seven days a week. It’s very important for the social aspect, as well as rebuilding after Covid.
“I got involved in this competition because I’m the Macra chair in Rathdowney for two terms. I was nominated for this by another member, given that it’s on our doorstep this year,” he explained.
The Rathdowney man farms outside of the town in partnership with his father. His farm runs on a split based model of owned and rented, contract rearing dairy and beef. He was recently recognised at the Tullamore Show’s Sustainability photography competition for his photograph ‘Growing a Future from the Ground Up.’
Mr Barton has received great support from Macra members, family and friends in his nomination for Young Farmer of the Year.
“Everyone is very positive, I’m getting loads of WhatsApps wishing me the best,” he said.
The competition, sponsored by FBD and run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with IFA and Macra Agricultural Skillnet, recognises the achievements, innovation and commitment of young farmers across a range of farming enterprises.
Following a highly competitive application process, finalists have been selected across the competition’s categories, with each now vying for the title of 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.
The overall winner will be announced at tonight’s banquet, bringing the 2026 competition to its exciting conclusion.
Along with Mr Barton, the 2026 finalists include Enda Armstrong from Galway; Charlie Smyth from Cavan; Patrick Breslin from Cavan; Shane Halpin from Dublin and Joanne Cushen from Kilkenny.