Virginia College student crowned winner of Intro to Ag programme
A student from Virginia College in Co. Cavan has been named as the national winner of the Intro to Ag Transition Year programme.
Sean Duffy’s project on vacuum silage making was one of 14 projects presented across six schools at the Intro to Ag Fair at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The judges were impressed by the innovation of Sean's project, the model developed to demonstrate the idea, and the strong delivery of the overall presentation.
The student was presented with a cheque for €1,000, along with a trophy.
Intro to Ag
The Intro to Ag Transition Year programme is designed to encourage students to take agricultural science for Senior Cycle.
The initiative also introduced students them to further education and training (FET) pathways, and career opportunities within the agri sector.
The programme was developed by Agri Aware and Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).
Farmer and entrepreneur Kaleb Cooper was among the special guests at the Intro to Ag Fair.
Kaleb spoke about his journey to date from becoming a farmer and contractor in the Cotswolds, to appearing on the hit Prime Video series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’.
Kaleb was joined by beef and tillage farmer and YouTube sensation Philip Stewart, otherwise known as ‘Farmer Phil’, while Katie Gleeson also known as ‘Katie in the Country’ chaired the panel discussion.
Project
Agri Aware chair Shay Galvin congratulated Sean Duffy on being selected as national winner of the Intro to Ag programme.
"The winning project showed significant thought and effort in addressing an issue that many farmers face.
"It clearly reflected the core aim of the Intro to Ag programme which is to encourage students to explore and develop an interest in agriculture," he said.
LOETB’s FET director Tony Dalton added: "The standard of projects presented on the day was exceptional, with some really innovative ideas in the room".
"What’s particularly encouraging is that a large proportion of participants came from non-farming backgrounds.
"The sector needs this level of innovation and diversity of people.
"The aim is for this programme to serve as a catalyst in increasing interest in agricultural science at senior cycle, and ultimately encourage progression into further and higher-level agricultural education programmes- helping to build a strong and sustainable pipeline of talent in agriculture," he said.
