Seed capital: Kilkenny farmer wins prestigious agri-food award

A Kilkenny farmer has won a prestigious agri-food award.

Martin Hayden from Coolroe, Graiguenamanagh, won the Green Feed Barley prize in the Glanbia Ireland 2020 Grain Supplier of the Year Awards.

Martin has a mixed farm combining tillage with an Angus calf to beef system. He also produces ewe lambs for breeding. The crop rotation on Martin’s farm consists of winter or spring oats followed by winter barley or winter wheat, followed in turn by spring or winter barley.

Martin farms with his father, Martin Senior, while also working off farm in the agri-financial industry.

Glanbia Ireland Chairman John Murphy said: “Grain farmers across Ireland continue to produce extremely high quality grains, albeit in very challenging weather conditions over the past number of years.

“2020 was no different with 60% more than average rainfall and high winds wreaking havoc in the south and south east, particularly in August.

“Despite all of this, our award winners and their fellow growers excelled and have raised the bar even further this year,” Mr Murphy added.

Glanbia Grain Awards – category winners 2020