Crossakiel student tops in Teagasc dairy farm course

Joe Farrelly from Crossakiel, Kells, has been named overall Student of the Year in the Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management course. Prior to completing the Level 7 diploma, Joe completed the Level 6 Advanced Certificate at Teagasc Ballyhaise in County Cavan. During his two years completing the Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management course, he worked with Kevin Cooney in County Tipperary and Michael Farrelly in County Meath. The Student of the Year award is recognised by the Farm Apprenticeship Board, Irish Farm Managers Association and the Master Farmers.

The 2020 Graduates of the Teagasc/UCD Level 7 Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management course were presented with their diplomas at an awards ceremony at Teagasc Moorepark, recently.

The awards were presented by Dr Anne-Marie Butler, Head of Education at Teagasc and Associate Professor Karina Pierce from University College Dublin. Professor Pierce congratulated the 23 participants who graduated at the ceremony, commenting on the knowledge and skills the graduates have developed over the last two years and wished them well in their dairy careers.

Dr Butler praised the graduates and their families on the significant achievement. She acknowledged the significant contribution of Teagasc research, education and advisory staff in delivering the programme as well as the commitment from host farmers who run successful farm businesses, while also providing invaluable mentoring to students and very generously share their time and private farm information with students.

The Grassland Student of the Year award went to Andrew Doyle from Roundwood, County Wicklow. This award was based on a comprehensive assessment Andrew completed in second year where he worked with Joe Leonard in County Meath.