Dairygold and Teagasc hosted a ‘Farming for Water’ open day on the farm of John, William, and Catherine Fouhy in Kildorrery, Co. Cork, yesterday (Thursday, September 12).
This was the third event hosted by Dairygold on suppliers’ farms in recent months where it showcased the ongoing efforts by Dairygold milk suppliers to improve water quality on farms, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the dairy industry.
The open day provided the Fouhy family with the opportunity to highlight the practices they have implemented to protect the quality of their surrounding water courses and to optimise farm efficiency.
Farming for Water
The Fouhy family shared the practical measures that they have implemented on their farm.
These include diverting clean yard and roadway run-off water into grass verges using water bars to prevent contamination of nearby rivers and incorporating a multispecies sward (MSS) in a free-draining plot adjacent to the river.
John Fouhy emphasised the importance of soil testing, fertiliser planning and use of milk recording data, to maximise efficiency on the farm.
The event also featured a series of presentation boards, including one hosted by Dr. William Burchill from University College Cork (UCC) and Eddie Burgess from Teagasc, which focused on nitrogen (N) surplus and how the loss of nitrates to watercourses impacts on water quality.
Another presentation board, led by Dairygold’s Ciara Donovan and Hannah Dinan, addressed nutrient pollution and its effects on rivers, emphasising how increased pollution causes excessive vegetation growth.
Speaking at the event, Dairygold chairperson, Seán O’Brien said: “Information events, like today’s third water quality farm open day, showcase how farmers can implement solutions to protect water quality, which will be crucial to maintaining Ireland’s nitrates derogation.
“60% of the 2,500 family farms supplying milk to Dairygold operate in accordance with the EU nitrates derogation, so educating our members on these effective solutions is vital for the future of dairy farming in the Munster region.”