John Horgan has been appointed as the new Teagasc Manager for the advisory regions of counties Kerry and Limerick.
Horgan is currently working as a Business and Technology Drystock Advisor in the Cork east advisory region.
Having graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin, he joined Teagasc’s predecessor ACOT in 1986 from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Initially he was based in Ballybofey in Co. Donegal as a Drystock Advisor, but has since worked for Teagasc in numerous advisory roles, providing a service to drystock, dairy and tillage farmers, based in Co. Cork.
John Horgan has been appointed as the new Teagasc Manager for the Kerry/Limerick advisory region
Prior to studying in UCD, he studied for a Certificate in Agriculture at Pallaskenry Agricultural College in Co. Limerick.
The new Teagasc Manager has an interest in developing rural areas and he was Chairman of the south east Cork Area Development Company from 2011 to 2015.
He is also a member of the Agricultural Science Association and a member of the Irish Agricultural Advisors and Training Society.
Horgan believes that the team of advisers in the region are effectively supporting farmers across all sectors.
The team of advisors in the region are using discussion groups very effectively to support farmers and improve the technical performance across the enterprises through best practice.
“The joint dairy programmes with the Kerry Group and Dairygold co-op are important to help farmers meet the challenges in dairy farming,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Teagasc Advisory Service, Dermot McCarthy, believes Horgan will fulfil his role
“John knows and understands the critical issues facing farmers in all enterprises, and the educational requirements of the next generation of young farmers entering the industry.”
McCarthy also paid tribute to John Donworth, who retired as Manager in the region.
“Thousands of farmers have benefited from his advice and wise counsel during his long career in Teagasc as an advisor, specialist and manager, and from his written contributions to national media,” he said.