A nationwide series of national organic farming open days is taking place this summer, with experts in a number of farming disciplines offering their expertise.

Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and organic organisations have invited all farmers, farm family members and members of the public to see organic farming in practice and to meet and speak with the sector’s producers and experts.

Speaking to AgriLand today Elaine Leavy, organic advisor who works with Teagasc, explained: “The walks started at the end of June and finish in the end of September. The organic sector is small there are only about 300 registered producers and farmers. The aim is to show farmers what exactly organic farming is about. Also it’s for existing organic producers and to help them see what others are doing. Thirdly it’s for the general public to see what’s involved.

“Attendance has been very good. It varies from enterprise to enterprise, but at least 50 would be at a farm walk and we’ve seen up to 150 on some walks.”

Leavy said there’s no need to book and that most of the walks start at 2 in the afternoon and all are welcome: “There’s no cover charge whatsoever. These walks are to highlight, promote, develop and educate.”

Tomorrow will see the Better Farm Programme Walk in Sheplands Farm, Sherlockstown, Sallins, Kildare. Topics covered will include farm plan and implementing change; grassland management, drainage and soil fertility; managing early turnout on a heavy farm; breeding performance from a spring calving herd; managing heifers for two year old calving; animal health protocols; financial progress made on the farm. And there will also be a wide range of stock will be on display.

Further information on all of Teagasc’s Organic Farm Walks, including directions to all farms, is available here.

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