Guild of Agricultural Journalists announces winner of Communications and Agri-Innovation Award

A student from the MSc in Animal Science at University College Dublin (UCD) has scooped the ‘Communications and Agri-Innovation Award’, sponsored by the Guild of Agricultural Journalists.

Niamh Grimes Dooley completed the module in Communications and Agri-Innovation as part of her level 9 MSc in Animal Science at UCD.

Niamh’s business plan entitled ‘Sustainabull’ was chosen as best in class by entrepreneurs from the student cohort who all pitched a potential solution to an existing issue in animal science.

“As someone deeply passionate about sustainable agriculture, winning this award is an incredible milestone in my journey,” Niamh said.

“I didn’t come from an agricultural background, but my passion for the field grew during my studies in Animal and Crop Production at University College Dublin, where I graduated in 2023.

Niamh Grimes Dooley

“I have recently completed my master’s in Animal Science and am currently working as a research assistant at Lyons Farm, focusing on the Systems Herd,” she said.

Niamh’s research was centered around developing a profitable, high-output, grass-based spring milk production system.

“I also have a strong interest in sustainability across the agricultural sector, which inspired my business plan for Sustainabull. This is an educational and certification programme designed to help dairy and beef farmers adopt sustainable and ethical practices, particularly by turning the surplus of Jersey bull calves into a profitable revenue stream. The programme offers a blend of online courses, hands-on workshops, and tailored consultancy, supported by key partnerships with universities, animal welfare organisations, and industry stakeholders.”

Sustainabull’s aim is to empower farmers to improve profitability, enhance animal welfare, and meet growing consumer demand for sustainably produced food.

“I’m excited to continue exploring ways to drive positive change in agriculture,” Niamh added.

Chair of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists, Stella Meehan said: “Niamh’s presentation and project demonstrated her initiative and passion for the sector.

“We were impressed with such a proactive and plausible project to address one of the most topical issues for farmers at the moment. “We were delighted to be able to offer this opportunity for ag students and look forward to Niamh progressing her idea further and communicating a strong message about steps being taken within the sector to improve sustainability.”

The Guild of Agricultural Journalists will hold its biennial Agri Guild Awards, kindly sponsored by FBD, at the Castleknock Hotel in Dublin on Thursday, November 28th.

The black-tie ceremony will recognise journalists for their outstanding work in national and regional media, as well as consultants in the communications sector, across nine different categories: Best News Story; Best Feature; Best Visual Report; Best Use of Audio; Best Technical Report; Best Targeted Campaign; Best Environmental Reporting; Best Photograph and The Rising Star Award.

In addition to cash prizes for each category winner, ‘The Bull’, the prized bronze trophy, will be presented to the category winner whose exceptional merit will be recognised by the adjudicating panel.

‘The Bull’, the special trophy which will be presented to the category winner deemed to be of exceptional merit by the adjudicating panel. 

This panel will be chaired by former RTE editor Tom McGuire, who is joined by Maeve Dineen (communications consultant and former journalist), Joe Healy (former IFA President and Chair of the Agri-Food Regulator), Michele Filippi (PR consultant) and Anne Marie Butler (Head of Education, Teagasc).

Michael Berkery, chairman, FBD Trust said:

FBD is proud to continue our long-standing support for the Guild of Agricultural Journalists. Journalists have an important function of exploring and communicating today’s issues with integrity. We are proud to partner with the Guild to sponsor awards that recognise and celebrate professionalism and exemplary standards in agri-journalism.

Chair of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists in the Republic of Ireland, Stella Meehan said:

We are energised and enthusiastic to see what entries will be submitted to the various categories in the Agri Guild Awards this year.

Year on year, journalists and communicators working in the agricultural media sector demonstrate the high-quality journalism, expertise and communication they achieve within their field and consistently educate and inform audiences not just in Ireland but across the world.

We are grateful to partner with FBD again this year, which has been a consistent supporter of the Guild and its work and look forward to welcoming the industry to the awards ceremony in November.

Award entrants must be members of the AgriGuild while non-members are required to join the Guild prior to submitting entries by paying a fee of €90 which will provide full membership of the Guild, including all its benefits for a period of one year.

Applicants for this year’s awards may only submit one entry per category. However, this does not preclude multiple entries in each category from different staff members working for the same agri-media organisation. Each entry must have been published between September 1st, 2022 and August 31st, 2024.

The deadline for receipt of entries is 5:00p.m on Friday, September 27, 2024.

The launch of the awards coincides with the development of a brand new AgriGuild website, sponsored by Agriland Media Group.

For further details, or to submit an entry, please visit agriguild.ie

Entry to the awards for 2024 can be completed via the agriguild.ie website; members will be able to login in to the awards entry portal and non-members will also be provided with access once membership subscription has been paid.

For non-members who sign up and pay for membership, please ensure you complete the application form for membership and email it to the AgriGuild secretary.

All current members have been issued with a login and password for security purposes, therefore before beginning to submit entries to the awards, please click on the ‘forgot password’ button on the website when the login page appears, and follow the instructions to generate your own new password. The email address required of you is the email address the Guild currently has on file for each member.

There was great attendance by AgriGuild members at the All-Ireland AGM which was hosted at the Lakeland Dairies Killeshandra facility in Co. Cavan. The cross-border milk processor provided attendees with an in depth look at operations at the plant.

Chief executive of Lakeland Dairies, Colin Kelly told members of the guild that the farmer-owned co-op is going through a “transformation phase” with more of a focus on value rather than volume.

He explained that the co-op’s aim is to continue to process two billion litres of milk per year, but to do so “more efficiently”.

Lakeland also plans to “buy in” value with a focus on internationalisation. Like many other co-ops, Kelly said there will be a need for an increase in finance for sustainability measures.

Killeshandra is Lakeland Dairies’ main food service facility and the second largest operating facility owned by the co-op after Bailieboro, which produces milk powder.

Among the products produced in Killeshandra are milk, UHT, butter, cream, ice-cream, and casein. Airlines and hospitality are large clients for Lakeland’s food service products such as its milk ‘sticks’.

The co-op is investing €17 million euro to bring liquid milk to the Killeshandra facility.

The Guild of Agricultural Journalists – southern section held its annual general meeting (AGM) at The Heritage Killenard, Co. Laois on May 20, 2023 which included a lively debate between some European elections candidates.

Agriguild president Matt O’Keeffe moderated the panel discussion which included former general secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), Eddie Punch who was running on behalf of Independent Ireland; Green Party senator Pauline O’Reilly; and Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher.

Barry Cowen, Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly was invited to attend, however unfortunately he cancelled on the day.

The three candidates all gave their views on generational renewal and the impact of climate change, and outlined their priorities should they be elected to the European Parliament.

MEP Billy Kelleher said he wanted to ensure live exports from Ireland continue and that Ireland maintains access to the single market. He suggested that there should be more financing options for medium-sized and small enterprises and the agricultural sector.

Kelleher said:

I don’t believe Irish banks are lending in the way that they should be to the agricultural sector in general.

Kelleher said he would also like to work on the Industrial Emissions Directive and other legislation that is “putting environmental obligations” on farmers.

Senator Pauline O’Reilly said she feels that Green Party members should be attending any event organised across the country where rural life or agriculture are being discussed. She said:

It’s dishonest to point the finger at people who care about the environment, because my experience coming from a farming background is that farmers care every bit as much about nature as everybody else. And I also think that Greens and environmentalists care every bit as much about rural Ireland as everybody else.

Eddie Punch contributed to the discussion by stating that Irish farmers and rural communities are “tired” of being dictated to by policy. He said:

People on the ground are tired of being told what to think, what to eat, where to go and what to drive.

Punch said that people across the country are “tired” of having carbon tax imposed on diesel cars when they have no alternative.

Punch also explained that farmers are finding it hard to plan or invest financially with some uncertainty over Ireland’s nitrates derogation, which is making farm profitability and sustainability very challenging.

The successful event concluded with lunch for members and guests at the Heritage Hotel.

The 155th Balmoral Show took place in spring sunshine from Wednesday 15th to Saturday 18th May 2024 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn. On the Thursday evening, RUAS President, and Guild member, John Henning welcomed members of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists Ireland to a special reception.

Northern members were joined by some southern members who had travelled north to enjoy the largest agricultural event in Northern Ireland. The two course evening meal afforded a welcome rest from a busy week photographing, reporting, filming and recording the livestock class results as well as industry launches and product updates.

Chairperson of the northern section of the Guild, Rebecca McConnell thanked the RUAS for their kind hospitality and wished John every success in his term as President.

RUAS President John Henning greets GAJ Ireland (Northern Section) Chair Rebecca McConnell, ahead of the reception in the President’s Lounge at the 2024 Balmoral Show.
esident John Henning chats to Bree and Darryl Rutledge at the reception in the President’s Lounge at Balmoral Show.
RUAS Communications Manager Gemma Dickey, Stacey Patterson, Patterson PR, Rachel White, Alltech Ireland Marketing manager, Aislínn Campbell, Alltech Ireland, GAJ Ireland (Northern Section) Chair Rebecca McConnell, and Sara McCracken, RSPB pictured at the RUAS reception during Balmoral Show.
Richard Halloran, Tomás Cooney, Agriland’s Commercial Manager, Sara McCracken, RSPB and Agriland’s Managing Director Cormac Farrelly enjoy a catch up at the reception for GAJ at Balmoral Show.
Communications Manager Gemma Dickey with Irish Farmers’ Journal reporter Tom Morrow.
Bree Rutledge and Darryl Rutledge chatting with Rachel Martin, IFAJ Delegate.
RUAS President John Henning chats with News Letter editor, Ben Lowry.
Basil Bayne, Liam De Paor, Brian Donaldson, Impartial Reporter and Kevin McAuley, McAuley Multimedia.
RUAS President John Henning makes a speech to the GAJ members gathered on Thursday evening of the 155th Balmoral Show.

The Guild of Agricultural Journalists hosted the biennial Michael Dillon Memorial Lecture in the grand setting of The K Club, Co. Kildare on November 24,2023.

The special guest speaker to deliver the lecture was former chair of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists, European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness.

The event, which was supported by Kerry Group, was well attended by AgriGuild members who had the opportunity to hear the commissioner recall her memories of Michael Dillon, the importance of agriculture now more than ever, and how she felt confident that Ireland would retain its nitrates derogation status.

McGuinness also referenced how important exports are for Ireland as an economic nation and the significance of ensuring it is on a sustainable basis both financially and environmentally.

She mentioned European soils and their degraded state during her lecture and outlined to those in attendance the enhanced gravitas agriculture now holds in the European Commission compared to times past.

Chair of the southern Guild of Agricultural Journalists, Stella Meehan welcomed guests to prestigious event and referenced the theme of ‘The Business of Agriculture’ during her address.

She explained that the ‘business of agriculture’ has never been as important as we strive to ensure food security across the world but also continue to support our rural areas and livelihoods.

Former IFAJ delegate Damien O’Reilly also addressed the gathering and participated in a questions and answers session with the commissioner. President of the All-Ireland Guild of Agricultural Journalists, Matt O’Keeffe and chair of Kerry Group, Tom Moran also addressed the event.

Pat Murphy, Kerry Group; Commissioner Mairead McGuinness; Stella Meehan, AgriGuild Chair; Tom Moran, Kerry Group.

2 December 2022: The Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland today announced the shortlist for the 2022 Guild Awards, sponsored by FBD.

This year’s awards will take place on Friday, 9 December, at the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare, from 6.30pm.

Colm O’Regan will MC the awards ceremony.

Over 200 entries were received for this year’s awards and were reviewed by an independent judging panel. Congratulations to all of those shortlisted.

To RSVP, please email Elaine Keaveny, the southern secretary – southernsecretary@agriguild.ie

Best news article

From grain farm to server farm: Amazon buys €20m Dublin site for data centre – Thomas Hubert, The Currency

Glanbia’s founding co-op wants to do it all over again – Thomas Hubert, The Currency

Farming in wartime Ukraine – Barry Murphy, Irish Farmers Journal

Best feature article

Carving out a niche at Blackcastle Farm– Amii McKeever, Irish Farmers Journal

Beef Tribunal: special report – Ciaran Moran, Farming Independent

Farmed out – Ciaran Moran & Margaret Donnelly, Farming Independent

Best visual report

Milking 285 cows through a 50-bail rotary parlour – Michael Geary, Agriland

Viastar loads bulls for export overseas – Breifne O’Brien, Agriland

10 things to know about seaweed – New Decade TV Ltd

Best audio report

The scourge of TB – Elaine Mitchell, BBC Radio Ulster

Countrywide: soil – Damien O’Reilly

The Young Stock Podcast – Irish Farmers Journal team

Best technical article

Hit the button! – Ciaran Moran, Farming Independent

Investigating soil carbon levels on 900ha of land – Siobhán Walsh, Irish Farmers Journal

Cutting through the bull – Amii McKeever, Irish Farmers Journal

Best targeted campaign

The Footprint Farmers programme – Irish Farmers Journal team

Fit to Farm: special report – Farming Independent team

Incredible Edibles – Agri Aware

Best climate change reporting

Are we scaling back at a time when millions could go hungry? Rachel Martin, Farming Examiner

Lowering slaughter age – Adam Woods, Irish Farmers Journal

What’s the potential of geothermal energy for Irish agriculture? Kathleen O’Sullivan, Farming Examiner

Best photo

Up in smoke – Chris McCullough, Scottish Farmer

The mart – Philip Doyle, Irish Farmers Journal

Bringing the girls home – Andy Gibson, Irish Farmers Journal

Rising Star award

William Kellet, Agriland

Rachel Martin, Farming Examiner

Siobhán Walsh, Irish Farmers Journal

The Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland has announced the details of the 2022 Agri Guild Awards, sponsored by FBD Insurance, which will take place at the Killashee Hotel in Kildare on Friday 9 December. 

The awards, which are held every two years, aim to encourage excellence in the reporting of farming, food and rural life on the island of Ireland. 

This year’s awards feature nine categories. The ‘Rising ‘Star’ award returns to recognise an outstanding individual under the age of 35, and we have a new category in the form of best climate change reporting. 

The Guild of Agricultural Journalism Awards are open to journalists in national and local media and also to consultants in the communications sector. Each entry will be assessed and scored by an independent judging panel* from across the industry. The judging panel will be chaired by Tom McGuire, former head of RTÉ Radio One. 

Speaking about this year’s awards, Amy Forde, Chair of the southern section of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists said:

We are delighted to be able to return to an in-person awards this year, with the support of FBD Insurance. For the first time, we will have a Climate Change Reporting Award which is aimed at reflecting informative stories relating to the climate change challenge.

Award Categories
The nine categories for the 2022 Agri Guild awards are:   

1. Best News Article 

Entries can include written news articles published in print or online.

2. Best Feature Article 

Entries can include written feature articles published in print or online.

3. Best Visual Report 

Entries can include visual reports created for TV or online broadcast.

4. Best Audio Report 

Entries can include audio reports created for radio, podcast or online broadcast.

5. Best Technical Article 

Entries can include technical articles written for print or online.

6. Best Targeted Campaign 

Entries can include targeted PR and marketing campaigns.

7. Best Climate Change Reporting 

Entries to include written, audio or visual media reports capturing accessible and informative content relating to the climate change challenge. Maximum of two entries per journalist. 

8. Best Photograph

Entries can include photographs captured to illustrate a story in print or online.

9. Rising Star Award 

Entries to nominate an individual under the age of 35 who should be considered a rising star within the industry. Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party. 

Prizes and Entry Details 

There are attractive cash prizes for the winners in all categories and the overall award, “The Bull” Bronze Trophy, plus cash prize, is presented to the category winner deemed to be of exceptional merit by the adjudicating panel. 

Each entry must have been published between 1 September 2020 – 31 August 2022 and there is a limit of two entries, per person, per category. 

For more details, or to submit an entry, please visit www.agriguild.ie/awards.

The closing date for entries is Friday, 11th November 2022. 

Notes to Editor 

*Judging Panel 

Tom McGuire, former head of RTÉ Radio One (Chair) 

Richard Wright, former Agricultural Correspondent, BBC Northern Ireland 

Margaret Berry,  head of sustainability, Kepak Group

Anne-Marie Butler, head of education at Teagasc 

Tommy Boland, Professor at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science 

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