Carlow farmer honoured with prestigious national agricultural award at the RDS
Jamie Kealy from Carlow was among the winners at the The ‘Finding Common Ground’ festival this week in Dublin
There were celebrations for Carlow farmer Jamie Healy on Thursday as it was announced he was among the winners at the 'Finding Common Ground' festival at the RDS.
The festival took place over two days in Ballsbridge with the aim of exploring the benefits of natural resources and the circular economy with a view to increase awareness, education and identification of solutions.
The awards section of the festival celebrated individuals, such as Jamie, who have made a significant contribution within their area of expertise.
One major highlight of the festival was the prestigious RDS Livestock Awards which celebrated the work of farmers who actively enhance the economic and environmental development of Irish agriculture and farming. Carlow man Jamie was among the winners in this category, swooping up the RDS Dairy Herd Award.
The goal of the RDS Livestock Awards is to draw attention to the carbon footprint of production and highlight the farmers who are at the forefront of economic and environmental sustainability in Irish farming.
Speaking at the awards, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine Noel Grealish TD said: "These awards provide recognition to outstanding individuals, farm families and organisations who have excelled in enhancing the economic, environmental, and social development of Irish agriculture and their rural communities.
"The awards commend farmers dedicated to sustainable breeding programmes and their commitment ensures that future generations of livestock are healthier, more productive, and increasingly carbon efficient. I want to congratulate all category winners, and I am delighted to be present to celebrate and highlight the most productive and efficient farmers and livestock in the country."