Signpost Events 2021
Signpost General Assembly - December 15, 2021
This virtual event will provided insight into the roadmap for Irish Agriculture to achieve the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021. There was a session on planning your fertiliser and slurry use strategy for 2022. A European perspective on carbon farming was provided, as well as insights into some of the research ongoing in areas including carbon sequestration, soil health, additives, multi species swards and age at slaughter.
Session 1: The Signpost Interview
The publication of the Climate Action Plan 2021 switched the focus to the roadmap to deliver on agriculture’s GHG reduction target. Ear to the Ground’s Helen Carroll interviewed Teagasc Director, Frank O’Mara and Head of the Signpost Programme, Tom O’Dwyer, to learn more about the way forward for Irish farmers and the role that the Signpost Programme can play in supporting farmers in climate action.
Session 2: Planning Your Fertiliser and Slurry Use Strategy for 2022
The current high fertiliser prices, as well as the requirement to reduce emissions, improve water quality and enhance biodiversity have brought the use of nutrients – both chemical and organic – into sharp focus heading into 2022. Teagasc researchers, David Wall and Patrick Forrestal and Teagasc Adviser, William Burchill, highlight the Teagasc recommended strategies to improve nutrient use efficiency, get better value from organic manures, and incorporate protected urea into 2022 fertiliser programmes.
- Managing soil fertility in 2022 (PDF) - David Wall
- Protected Urea Update (PDF) - Patrick Forrestal
- Managing slurry in 2022 (PDF) - William Burchill
Session 3: Let’s Talk About Carbon Storage and Methane
The third session of the 2021 Signpost General Assembly featured a number of Teagasc researchers and specialists, as well as a speaker from IDELE, France.
Access the presentations (all PDFs) by clicking on the links below:
- Carbon Sequestration in our hedgerows - Lillian O’Sullivan
- Carbon Farming - the French Experience - Jean-Baptiste Dolle
- Practical steps to improve soil health - Mark Plunkett
- The role of feed additives in reducing methane emissions - Sinead Waters
- Multispecies swards at Teagasc Curtins Farm - Brendan Horan
- Age at Slaughter of Beef Cattle - Paul Crosson
General Events
- Do you know the carbon footprint of your farm? - October 20
- Signpost Village Moorepark 21 - September 14, 15 & 16
- Programme Launch - May 18
Beef
Teagasc Greenacres Programme
JP Hammersley, Lattin, Co. Tipperary, September 29
Irvine Allen, Mountemple, Co. Westmeath, October 5
Dairy
Teagasc/Glanbia Ireland Future Farm Programme, Teagasc/Kerry Agribusiness Joint Programme, Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Programme & Teagasc/Lakeland Dairies Joint Programme
Cathal Moran, Skeoughvosteen, Co. Kilkenny, October 1
Niall & Gerry Moloney, Badgefort, Co. Limerick, October 4
John Ryan, Gortnahoe, Co. Tipperary October 8
Tim Leader, Rathcoole, Co. Cork, October 11
Andrew & Ber Killeen, Kilkee, Co. Clare, October 11
Sean Barry, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, October 12
Pa & Paula O’Hanlon, Meelcon, Co. Kerry, October 12
Joe Morrissey, Midleton, Co. Cork, October 14
Jack & Larry Kearney, Rathcormack, Co. Cork, October 15
Mark Lonergan, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, October 19
Tom O’Connell, Inniscarra, Co. Cork, October 27
Alan Clarke, Beagh, Killinkere, Co. Cavan, October 29
Sean Moher, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, November 2