Cork Man Wins National ‘Measuring Grass for Profit’ Title

The Macra Na Feirme and KW Forage Systems ‘Measuring Grass for Profit’ competition has been won by Brian O’Mahony, a farmer from Upton, Co. Cork. The winner was chosen at the national final of the competition on Tuesday, October 18^th in the Irish Farm Centre. Six finalists, Brian O’Mahony, Upton, Cork; Brian Harnedy, Youghal, Waterford; Richard Dempsey, New Ross, Wexford; Kieran Bolger, Rathdowney, Laois; Henry Gardiner, Ballisodare, Sligo and James Meenaghan, Ballina, Mayo, faced a panel of judges who tested their knowledge of the subject.

Brian has won a Rising Platemeter, mapping of his farm (up to 120 acres in size) and a half days consultation on grass measuring/ budgeting from a Grasstec Consultant, courtesy of Grasstec.

Speaking at the final, Macra na Feirme National President, Alan Jagoe, who was last year’s winner, said, “The partnership with KW Forage Systems has allowed for the delivery of a very practical competition for young farmers. It assists them in making important winter feeding decisions based on the requirements of their livestock systems and the quality of their grass silage. The competition also provides valuable information on how to improve silage making while rewarding farmers who make the best quality grass silage”.

Jim Buckley, Managing Director of KW Forage Systems said “Macra na Feirme and KW Forage Systems run the ‘Measuring Grass for Profit’ competition as a yardstick to assess the ability of the young farmer to measure the value of their most important asset, grass. This combined with making silage out of grass will give a good indication on his understanding of new farming systems. The prize of a Rising Platemeter kindly donated by Grasstec is an excellent innovative tool to help the farmer in growing top quality grass”.