Biodiversity continues to be encouraged on Newford Farm

Newford Farm is working to enhance the level of biodiversity on the farm. The farm has been selected as a demonstration farm as part of the Teagasc Signpost Programme.

This will see a suite of measures introduced over the lifetime of the programme that will serve to reduce the volume of gaseous emissions the farm produces, protect water quality, enhance biodiversity and ultimately reduce cost and create more profitable and sustainable farming. A number of these initiatives have already commenced.

• Most of the paddocks have been closed off to make preparation for the growing season and early turnout of stock in 2023.
• Paddocks which were over sown with clover in 2022 are well established now and clover will continue to thicken up in paddocks to increase the sward content. This will contribute to improved animal performance on the farm and more importantly allow the farm to reduce the level of chemical fertiliser applied in 2023

• The above picture was taken shortly after a paddock was closed (early November). It shows good clover establishment.
• As part of the Newford Signpost Programme (Future beef), a small white thorn hedge was planted in early April 2022. Newford farm will be planting more hedgerow throughout the farm in the coming weeks

• 7 months later

• These hedgerows when fully grown will be an extra source of shelter for the Newford animals and for wildlife. They will also provide an additional food source for the small insects and bumblebees during the summer months

Rainfall summary 

Visting Group

Gurteen Agrictural College  Level 6 advance drystock students and lectures visiting Newford farm with Stephen Frend ( Newford farm manager )  and Donal Fahy Teagasc / Newford updating the students with all the key performance and actitives  on the farm.

Newford Farm welcomes all discussion groups and colleges on to the farm - please contact Donall Fahy on 087 338 9634