Cucumber grower is first Young Farmer of Year from Dublin

Shane Halpin and partner established Welgro in 2021

Shane Halpin has been named the 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year, becoming the first winner from Dublin in the competition’s history.

The announcement was made at the FBD Young Farmer of the Year awards banquet on Tuesday evening at the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co Laois. The competition, organised by Macra na Feirme in partnership with FBD and the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), recognises the achievements, innovation and contribution of Ireland’s young farmers.

Shane runs Welgro Produce with business partner Sean, growing seven acres of cucumbers across multiple sites in North County Dublin. Having been involved in farming, particularly horticulture, from a young age, Shane established Welgro in 2021 on a leased three-acre nursery.

The enterprise has expanded each season, with an additional nursery purchased in 2023 more than doubling the growing area. Welgro now employs 10 full-time staff, rising to 35 at peak times with seasonal staff. The business supplies retail, wholesale and food service customers with fresh Irish-grown cucumbers from March to November and won the Teagasc Newbie Award in 2021.

Shane also took home the Other Enterprises Award on the night.

Following a competitive selection process, the finalists faced the judging panel in individual interviews earlier today before the overall winner was announced at this evening’s banquet.

The additional category winners were:

Best Young Entrant: Carina Mc Elchar, Donegal

Skillnet Biodiversity Award: Joanne Cushen, Kilkenny

Land Mobility Award: Liam Barton, Laois

Dairy: Enda Armstrong, Galway

Drystock: Charlie Smyth, Cavan

Career Farm Management: Patrick Breslin, Cavan

Runner Up: Charlie Smyth, Cavan

Chairman of the FBD Trust Michael Berkery expressed his congratulations to all award recipients on the night.

“On behalf of FBD Insurance, I am delighted to congratulate Shane, our Young Farmer of the Year, and six category winners on this significant achievement," he said.

"This competition, now in its 28th year, continues to attract enthusiastic and dedicated young farmers and Macra members from around the country. FBD Insurance is honoured to continue its long-standing partnership with Macra and support the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards, which celebrate and recognise the vital role young farmers play in shaping the future of Irish farming. We hope these awards continue to inspire the next generation to build thriving, sustainable businesses that will strengthen rural Ireland for years to come."

Macra national president, Josephine O’Neill, also congratulated Shane.

"This award is a fitting recognition of the drive, ambition and resilience he has shown in building his farming enterprise," she said. "His passion and commitment reflect the very best of Ireland’s young farmers. Shane has been a longtime Macra member and has made significant contributions to our organisation, particularly our Ag Affairs committee. On behalf of Macra, I wish him every success for the future and look forward to working closely with him during his year as FBD Young Farmer of the Year."

IFA President Francie Gorman praised all participants in this year’s competition.

“We are delighted to partner with Macra and FBD to celebrate the future of the farming sector. The calibre of those who take part each year is very impressive, and it is no different with this group. Their passion and commitment bode very well for the future and prove that the next generation is equipped for the challenges ahead.

"I want to wish everybody involved with the event the very best. Congratulations to the winner, Shane. I have no doubt all the participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The level of innovation and dedication they displayed during the judging process is an indication of how committed they are to their chosen career. Having put themselves forward on this occasion, I would encourage the participants to consider taking up leadership positions outside the farmgate. It provides an opportunity to shape policy at a very important time.”

The FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition highlights the diversity and ambition of the next generation of farmers across Ireland, recognising those who are developing successful and sustainable farm businesses while contributing to their communities and the wider agricultural sector.