Five Mayo farmers named finalists in prestigious FBD better farming awards

FIVE MAYO farmers have earned national recognition as finalists in the FBD Better Farming Awards, set to take place at the Heritage Hotel in Killenard, County Laois, this Thursday, November 7. The finalists, Sinead Moran, David Dolan, Timmy Quinn, Peter Murphy, and Kenneth O'Donnell, represent Mayo’s commitment to sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.

These Mayo farmers are competing in a variety of award categories, highlighting their unique approaches to climate-smart farming, biodiversity, and environmental conservation.

David Dolan is a finalist in two categories: the “Germinal Climate Smart Pasture Farmer of the Year” and “Agri Insider Young Researcher of the Year”. Dolan’s farm focuses on maximizing grass harvested by cows, with an emphasis on maintaining soil health and sustainability.

By integrating red and white clover swards, optimising grazing infrastructure, and minimising the use of herbicides, Dolan has crafted a low-input system that balances productivity with biodiversity. Hedgerows, owl boxes, and newly planted trees add to the natural habitat, fostering wildlife growth on the farm.

Farming along the shores of Lough Carra, Timmy Quinn has incorporated rotational grazing to promote soil health and biodiversity on his pastures. Quinn, a finalist for “Germinal Climate Smart Pasture Farmer of the Year”, has dedicated two acres of his land to remain free from fertilisers and pesticides, allowing wild plants and flowers to thrive.

Additionally, he installed a beehive to support local pollinators and preserves natural woodland areas on his property, which function as carbon sinks, capturing carbon emissions to benefit the environment.

Peter Murphy operates an 82-acre dairy farm in Anfield, Hollymount, Mayo, where he raises 88 Holstein Friesian cows. As a “Germinal Climate Smart Pasture Farmer of the Year” finalist, Murphy has focused on sustainable pasture management by reducing chemical nitrogen usage by 25% and implementing mixed-species pastures to improve soil health and biodiversity. His long-term goal is to phase out chemical nitrogen altogether within the next 5 to 10 years, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable dairy farming.

Kenneth O’Donnell runs a Mixed Hill and Lowland Pedigree Sheep enterprise in North Mayo, where he established the "Lakeside Lleyn" flock in 2012. O'Donnell, a finalist in “The Herdwatch Environmental Farmer of the Year” category, has prioritized environmental practices by reducing fertilizer use by 54% and herbicides by 85%. He uses rotational grazing and monitors sheep health through on-site Fecal Egg Count testing to ensure the best performance of his sheep while maintaining a low environmental impact.

Sinéad Moran, alongside her partner MJ McGrath, runs an organic micro dairy farm in Mayo. A finalist in the “Dairygold Biodiversity Farmer of the Year” category, Moran’s farm supplies raw dairy directly to customers and through local retailers. Her farming methods are rooted in agroecology and adaptive grazing, and she practices Korean Natural Farming to enhance soil health. Moran’s approach also emphasizes community connection, linking her farm to the local food movement.

The FBD Better Farming Awards celebrate farmers who are leading the way in environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation. This recognition brings attention to Mayo’s agricultural sector, which continues to pioneer eco-friendly practices and promote a sustainable future for Irish farming.