A nationwide series of national organic farming open days have been taking place this summer. These are run by Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and have been running since June and will continue into September.

All farmers, farm family members and members of the public are invited to see organic farming in practice and to meet and speak with the producers and experts. The next open day will take place this Wednesday 28 August at 2pm on Mark Duffy’s farm in Bellview, Clogher Co Monaghan.

Elaine Leavy from Teagasc described what one can expect from an organic farm walk. “It’s a free event and everyone is welcome. For farmers that are not involved in organic farming, they can see what is involved.”

Farmers currently operating an organic farm are encouraged to come along too as they may get updated on any practices practiced on other farms.

The beef farm walk is centred on four main areas, feeding, nutrition, animal health and welfare and markets. There are opportunities to answer any queries people may have on these practices.

Duffy’s farm is part of the Beef Technology Adoption Programme from the department. The aim of the programme is to improve a number of areas affecting beef farming and its profitability, including financial management, breeding, herd health and producing animals to market requirements.

The programme is run on a discussion group model, where farmers attend a number of meetings and national events with the intention of learning from each other.

You can find more details on the organic farm walks here.