Five counties celebrate winners in Teagasc’s Generational Renewal colouring competition
Teagasc has announced the winners of its primary school colouring competition at this week’s National Ploughing Championships. More than 1,500 primary school children entered the Teagasc competition as part of a nationwide initiative to introduce young people to farming food production and careers in agriculture.
Hugh McEneaney and James McDonnell, Financial Management Specialists with some entrants of the colouring competition at this week’s National Ploughing Championships
The competition was launched during Generational Renewal Week, which saw more than 50 Teagasc advisors visiting almost 150 primary schools nationwide.
During the interactive school visits, advisors spoke to children about farming and food production, highlighted the positive contribution agriculture makes to rural communities and the wider economy, and introduced them to the wide range of career opportunities available across the agricultural and food sectors.
Ruth Fennell, Collaborative Farming Specialist with Teagasc, said “The response to the competition has been fantastic. The creativity and enthusiasm in the children’s entries really stood out. It was a great way to get young people thinking about farming, food and the many opportunities agriculture can offer. We congratulate our six winners and look forward to welcoming them and their families to the Teagasc stand at the National Ploughing Championships.”
The winners in the two competition categories are:
Over 8 Category
Young artists from Wexford, West Cork and Waterford claimed the three winning places in the Over 8 category.
First place was awarded to Viktoriia from Ballaghkeene National School, Co. Wexford, with Aoife from Clondrohid National School, West Cork, taking second place. Kenzie from Our Lady of Mercy National School in Stradbally, Co. Waterford, completed the winning line up in third place.
Under 8 Category
The Under 8 category saw young artists from Tipperary, Cavan and Waterford recognised for their winning entries.
Millie from Killurney National School, Co. Tipperary, took first place, followed by Lea from St. Brigid’s National School, Co. Cavan, in second place while Amelia from Ballycurrane National School, Co. Waterford, was awarded third place.
The winning entries, along with a selection of artwork submitted by children around the country, are on display at the Teagasc stand at the National Ploughing Championships this week.
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Klara McGriskin, Financial Management Specialist with Teagasc pictured with an entrant of the colouring competition at this week’s National Ploughing Championships
The school’s initiative was one element of Teagasc’s wider Generational Renewal Week 2026, which focused on encouraging conversations about the future of farming and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Throughout the week, Teagasc hosted farm walks, webinars, and discussion group events addressing key issues including farm succession, registered farm partnerships, collaborative farming arrangements, taxation and reliefs, the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal), education, pension planning, business planning and access to finance.
Farm families also shared their own succession experiences, demonstrating how different arrangements can be used to introduce the next generation into farm businesses while providing flexibility for existing farmers and landowners.
The strong response to the school visits and colouring competition was a particular highlight of the week, helping Teagasc bring the conversation about the future of Irish agriculture to a younger audience and encourage children to learn more about where their food comes from and the opportunities available within the sector.