The RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards are a rare occasion in which farmers across all sectors come together to celebrate all they have achieved. The goal of the RDS Agriculture and Rural Affairs programme is to promote best practice and efficiency in farming to ensure farm household profitability and sustainability in Ireland. Livestock farmers, foresters and in future years, agri-entrepreneurs will come together to both celebrate their achievements and learn from each other.
Farmers and Foresters from around the country attended the 2018 RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards which took place in the RDS Concert Hall on Wednesday, April 4. There were two main award categories, livestock and forestry.
RDS Forest and Woodland Awards
The twin goals of promoting the economic and environmental benefits of good forestry and farming is the underlying motivation behind these Awards. All woodland owners and managers are encouraged to enter the Awards as all woodlands, large or small, are of merit.
RDS Livestock Awards
The RDS Livestock Awards showcase the most efficient livestock producers in Ireland by rewarding and celebrating farmers combining the best science and best agricultural practices. These Awards build upon the RDS Spring Show which was known the length and breadth of Ireland for showcasing the best livestock in the country.
Full list of Award recipients for the 2018 Awards
RDS Champion of Champions 2018
Irish Angus – Michael & Niamh Barron
Irish Aberdeen Angus – Matchett family
Irish Charolais – Michael J. Quin
Irish Hereford – John and Frank Appelbe
Irish Holstein Friesian – Henry O Keeffe
Irish Limousin – Owen Hester
Genetic Index Awards 2018
Euro-Star Replacement Index – Jonathan Harte
Economic Breeding Index – James Lynch
Beef Herd Award – Richard Fortune
Dairy Herd Award – Brendan Meade
Forestry Awards 2018
Community Woodlands Runner Up – Teagasc Ballyhaise College
Community Woodlands Winner – Colin Glen Forest Park
Multipurpose Forestry Runner Up – Hilton Park
Multipurpose Forestry Winner – Curraghchase Forest Park
Production Forestry Runner Up – Colm Foy
Production Forestry Winner – Ashling Minnock
Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Runner Up – Thomas Duffy
Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Winner – Andrew O’Carroll
Source: The RDS
