Wexford dairy farmer awarded prestigious Nuffield Scholarship

A Wexford man has been awarded a prestigious scholarship….

Ballymurn’s David Scallan has been selected as one of five Irish agri leaders to receive a prestigious Nuffield Ireland Scholarship which will commence in 2026. Nuffield Ireland’s mission is to discover, inspire and support people to develop their capacity, character and confidence to promote positive change and world class leadership in agriculture, food and farming. It is part of Nuffield International, a valuable global network which includes Nuffield organisations in 8 countries.

Hailing from Ballymurn, Co. Wexford, David Scallan is a fourth-generation dairy farmer in partnership with his parents and brother. He graduated from Kildalton College in 2012 with a Level 6 in Dairy Herd Management before continuing to complete a Level 7 Professional Diploma in 2014.

Since returning home full-time, David has expanded the herd and transitioned the enterprise fully to dairy production. Actively involved in his community, he is a member of Macra na Feirme, Irish Farmers Association (IFA), and his local GAA club.

2026 Nuffield Ireland scholar David Scallan.
Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke

David’s chosen topic for his Nuffield Scholarship research will be “How do we as an industry get more youth into farming” and he was awarded the Nuffield Ireland FBD Scholarship for 2026.

David was selected alongside John Donlon, veterinary surgeon specialising in cattle health and welfare from Tulla, Co. Clare; Conor Hogan, leader of the People in Dairy Programme from Lorrha, Co. Tipperary; Paula McCooey, a poultry specialist from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan; and Kenny McCauley, founder of McCauley Wood Fuels Ltd. in Mohill, Co. Leitrim.

The 2026 Nuffield Ireland scholars were announced at the 2025 Nuffield Ireland Conference at the Horse & Jockey in Tipperary with, John Donlon , Grainne Dwyer (Chairperson Nuffield Ireland), Paula McCooey, David Scallan, Kenny McCauley and Conor Hogan. Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke

Speaking to Wexford Weekly, Grainne Dwyer, Nuffield Ireland Chair said:

“We are delighted to welcome these five new Scholars to Nuffield Ireland’s community of agricultural leaders. Their timely research topics will help us to identify yet more practical solutions to the many challenges in Irish agriculture.” 

The 2026 Nuffield Scholars will conduct their research over the next two years before returning to present their findings at the 2027 Nuffield Ireland Conference.