The search is on for the 23rd FBD Young Farmer of the Year with applications and nominations now open for the 2021 awards.

The competition features category awards for dairy, drystock (beef and sheep), other enterprises (including horticulture, pigs, poultry, tillage, equine), land mobility and farm management.

Young farmers in these sectors are invited to enter and the winner of each sector will compete to be crowned the 2021 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.

This year features awards for the Best Emerging Young Farmer and the National Rural Network Biodiversity Young Farmer of the Year Award.

Tomas O'Midheach, CEO of FBD Insurance said that these awards "celebrate the achievements of young farmers and their contribution to farming".

"I would encourage all eligible young farmers to enter this competition and to help learn, share ideas and to showcase the next generation of farming talent in Ireland," he added.

This year, the overall prize fund is increasing with an increased overall pot of cash prizes and the addition of insurance and hotel vouchers for category winners.

The overall winner of the 2021 Young Farmer of the Year will receive €5,000, with each category winner and the Emerging Young Farmer taking home €1,000.

“At a time of significant change in farming, it’s important to recognise innovation, talent and resilience," president of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) Tim Cullinan said.

Macra na Feirme national president John Keane added that young farmers "are crucial in delivering on challenges and opportunities that face the sector over the years ahead".

The closing date for nominations is Monday, November 22 and closing date for applications is Friday, November 26.

The awards, in association with Macra na Feirme, are sponsored annually by FBD and run by Macra na Feirme with partnerships with the IFA and the National Rural Network.

The competition was launched in 1999 and has raised the "profile of young farmers within their community by recognising their achievements and contribution to farming".