‘Farming for the Future' event to take place in Laois
A 'Farming for the Future' open farm walk, hosted by Tirlán, will be held in Laois on June 23.
The farm walk will take place on Seamus Brennan's farm at Attanagh, Co Laois, from 11 am until lunchtime, with Tirlán encouraging farm families from across its catchment to attend.
Tirlán's sustainability programme teams will be in attendance for panel discussions and presentations by experts from Teagasc, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture, Tillage Industry Ireland, Dairy Industry Ireland, and Meat Industry Ireland. Farming organisations are invited and encouraged to contribute to the practical, information-focused event.
Presentations and a panel discussion will cover key areas such as farm economic performance and sustainability, protecting water quality with smart nutrient management, and how to avail of the Farming for Water EIP grant funding.
Attendees will also hear how they can boost performance through milk solids. The whole sector approach to enhancing water quality also includes demonstrations throughout the event on fertiliser spreader calibration and managing catch crops.
Tirlán chairperson John Murphy said: 'With a decision on Ireland's Nitrates Derogation now less than six months away, we're hosting this practical, information-focused event close to Ballyragget on the Laois/Kilkenny border to assist our farm families in continuing their work to enhance the environment on their farms.
"This whole-of-sector approach is paramount and we want every farmer who attends to take home nuggets that they can implement on their own farm to protect water and help strengthen our case as we bid to retain the Nitrates Derogation.'
Host farmer Seamus Brennan said: 'Even the smallest actions on-farm can have a very positive impact on the environment. I've made changes on my farm that have benefited both the environment and the economic sustainability of my family farm. I'm delighted to host the event and would like to encourage farmers to come along.'
A similar flagship event in June of last year attracted large numbers and resonated with suppliers, speakers, and partner organisations involved in Tirlán's ongoing 'Farming for Water: River Slaney Project', which has now been extended across the co-operative's entire catchment.
Mr Brennan's farm is located at Attanagh, near Ballyragget, close to the Kilkenny/Laois border, Eircode R32 NX26.
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