Northern Ireland farmers recognised at annual Pilgrim’s Europe Awards
Pilgrim’s Europe’s farming partners from across Northern Ireland have been applauded for their outstanding commitment and dedication at the company’s 2026 Farmer Awards, held at the 157th Balmoral Show.
The awards, which took place in the President’s Suite at the Balmoral Show, recognised those who achieved top performing results. Categories included Best Higher Welfare Farm Award, Top Performer Parent Stock Rear Award and Most Improved Performance with 11 farmers recognised for excellence at the annual celebration.
Showcasing strong performance across the region, farming partners from Tyrone, Down, Armagh and Derry-Londonderry were applauded for their commitment and dedication to providing high quality produce including Alan Palmer and Ian Clyde from Co Tyrone who were honoured in the Top Performer Free Range Outdoor and Top Performer Grandparent Rear categories respectively.
The full list of award winners included:
Top Performer Grandparent Rear Award - Ian Clyde
Top Performer Grandparent Lay Award - Ruairi McMenamin
Top Performer Parent Stock Rear Award - Jason Browne
Top Performer Parent Stock Lay Award - Ivan Scott
Most Improved Performance - Breeder Award - Niall Scullion
Best Standard Plus Farm Award - Graham McIlroy
Most Improved Performance - Broiler Award - Jason Wilkinson
Best Higher Welfare Farm Award - Karl Rainey
Top Performer Speciality Rear Award - Kingsley Jordan
Top Performer Free Range Outdoor Award - Alan Palmer
Top Performer Organic Outdoor Award - Tommy Singleton
Congratulating the winners, Fábio Brancher, Operations Director Agriculture at Pilgrim's Europe said: "Pilgrim’s Europe’s network of farming partners continues to deliver impressive performance across the business, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to high standards, innovation and most importantly, care for their birds.
Every individual recognised through these awards has made a lasting impression on the company through their hard work and dedication to the success of the business.
Huge congratulations to all our farming partners on their individual achievements, these awards truly are a testament to the vital role they play in helping drive the business forward and each award is thoroughly deserved.”
Through continued investment and commitment to sustainable farming and strong partnerships, Pilgrim’s Europe plays a vital role in strengthening the local farming supply chain and wider industry across Northern Ireland.