Two Cavan men among finalists for FBD Young Farmer of the Year title

Virginia
farming

Published: Tue 8 Sep 2026, 5:11 PM

Two Cavan farmers are among the finalists for the 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.

The finalists were announced earlier today (Tuesday) at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard, and locals Charlie Smyth and Patrick Breslin are among the final six.

Charlie is a seventh-generation farmer running a 60-hectare dairy calf-to-beef demonstration farm outside Virginia.

Meanwhile, Patrick (24) from Cavan manages 500 crossbred spring-calving cows on a fully leased 100-hectare block outside Slane, Co. Meath, established as a greenfield dairy unit in 2022.

Both will face individual interviews with the judging panel before the winners are revealed at this evening’s awards banquet.

The competition, recognises the achievements, innovation and commitment of young farmers across a range of farming enterprises.