Celebrating International Women’s Day – Meet Rebecca Tierney
Today, Wednesday, March 8th, celebrates International Women’s Day – a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
To celebrate the day, Teagasc Daily spoke to a number of staff throughout the organisation to find out more about their roles and their career to date.
Rebecca Tierney is the poultry advisor for Teagasc, based in Ballyhaise College but covering the country. Rebecca studied Animal Science in UCD, graduating in 2017. She then undertook a poultry Masters through the University of Glasgow, completing this in 2021. Rebecca worked in a feed mill in the midlands before beginning her career in Teagasc in September 2019.
In Teagasc, Rebecca works in the Cavan, Monaghan, Westmeath, Offaly advisory region; however she deals with poultry queries from everyone in the organisation and public queries from all of Ireland. Rebecca says she has a varied role, between advisory and education, and a small element of research.
“Within advisory, I complete cash flows for the free range layer sector, have a Signpost Programme poultry farm, discuss the potential for new producers surrounding planning options, to mention a few. In terms of education, I deliver the Level 5 Poultry Production Course Component Award to new entrants to the sector. I am also involved in delivering a module in Dundalk I.T., this is the Pig & Poultry Production Systems module. This is an important inclusion for this course, to ensure students get a full representation of the Irish agriculture sector.”
Rebecca organised the first Knowledge Transfer event in October 2022, in both Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan and Moorepark, Co. Cork. This event was aimed at the broiler industry, with an excellent turnout in both locations.
“My day to day job is different each and every day. I regularly get calls from people interested in entering the sector, whether that be as a producer or to work in the industry. Within this, I would look at their location, proximity to Natura 2000, and which sector would suit that person best.
“Another area, which has developed in the cash flows for egg producers. The sector has faced a difficult time in terms of rising feed, energy and pullet costs. These cash flows examines the input costs, fixed costs and income to establish the income/loss making of these farms. We have also seen an uptake on the National Farm Survey for these farms, which is important for future supports.
“I am currently in the process of planning the next KT event for poultry, this will focus on the layer industry and is titled ‘The Layer Industry: The Next Decade’. The event is in collaboration with St. David’s Poultry Team and the IFA. It will take place on April 25th in the Hotel Kilmore, Co. Cavan. The chosen topics are all of a technical nature to assist producers with health and welfare, but also look at biosecurity on farm. As mentioned, energy costs have increased substantially, we will have a discussion on the options for TAMS funding for the installation of solar panels on farm.”