Farmers, advisers and agri-industry stakeholders gathered at David Redhouse's Newgrange Farm in Co. Meath today (Tuesday, September 22) for an event focused on water quality.

The event - hosted by Kepak and Teagasc - focused on practical on-farm actions that support healthy waterways, productive farming and sustainable land management across the Boyne catchment.

Hosted on the beef and tillage farm located near the Newgrange monument site in Co. Meath, the Better Farming for Water event brought together experts and farmers to demonstrate practical measures being implemented to improve water quality while maintaining profitable farming systems.

Attendees heard about key focus areas relating to water quality such as soil health, nutrient management, and best practice along watercourses.

The core focus was on examining where nutrient loss can occur from farms to watercourses and identifying solutions to avoid the risk of nutrient loss.

The cost of of losing nutrients was also highlighted to farmers, especially in the current climate with high fertiliser costs.

Teagasc's Peter Doolan gave an interesting presentation on best practice when planting hedgerows looking at varieties of hedge species and how to ensure a thick, stockproof barrier is established from planting.

Farmer action on water quality

The event also marked the launch of a new five-part video series developed by Teagasc that highlights the positive actions being taken by farmers throughout the catchment to protect and enhance water quality.

The series is titled: 'From the Fields to the Boyne' and looks at farmer experiences of the measures being adopted.

It also showcases the pride farmers have in their local environment and the legacy they hope to leave for future generations.

The series features farmers from across the region who have implemented practical measures on their farms and explores the relationship between farming, nature, and the River Boyne through a distinctive storytelling approach.

Commenting on the initiative, Boyne catchment coordinator with Teagasc, Fiona Doolan said: "There is excellent work happening on farms right across the Boyne catchment and we wanted to create a platform that would showcase those positive stories.

"Farmers are central to improving water quality outcomes and this series gives them an opportunity to share their experiences in their own words."

Chair of the Boyne Water Quality Catchment Group, John Horgan welcomed the strong turnout and engagement from farmers at the event.

He said: "The enthusiasm and participation shown by farmers on the day demonstrates the commitment that exists across the catchment to improving water quality."

The Better Farming for Water event was delivered through collaboration between Teagasc and Kepak, supported by Tirlán and Lakeland Dairies who are supporting water quality improvement initiatives throughout the Boyne catchment.