Teagasc Moorepark Dairy day focuses on Environmental Sustainability
The first day of the Teagasc Moorepark Open Day took place today, Tuesday, 14 September. The Open Day will be repeated tomorrow and Thursday, so farmers can visit on any of the three days of the event.
The theme of Open Day is ‘Delivering Sustainability’, with an increased focus on how farmers can meet the environmental challenges. Attendees heard how they can play a role in reducing Greenhouse Gas and ammonia emissions, and improve water quality and biodiversity on their farms.
The overall sponsor of the Moorepark’21 event is FBD Insurance, with additional support from Ornua and Allied Irish Bank.
Among the topics being discussed at Moorepark’21 is greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from dairy production. Farmers heard how updates to the models and emissions factors have resulted in the GHG intensity of Irish milk being reduced by over 10%. Technologies available for take up at farm level can reduce GHG intensity by a further 26%.
Teagasc researcher Laurence Shalloo pointed out that a new national average GHG intensity of 0.99 kg CO2-eq per kg fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) has been calculated by a recently updated Teagasc Life Cycle assessment model.
Teagasc researcher, Jonathan Herron said; “Improving the efficiency of current dairy systems and the adoption of low emissions technologies can reduce GHG intensity to 0.73 kg CO2-eq per kg fat and protein corrected milk. Further development and implementation of low emissions technologies is necessary to reduce the GHG intensity and total GHG emission of dairy systems”.
A comprehensive booklet outlining the knowledge transferred during the event is also available at www.teagasc.ie/moorepark21 .
To see presentations from the open day visit https://www.youtube.com/user/TeagascMedia
To register to attend the open day on Wednesday and Thursday visit www.teagasc.ie/moorepark21
Two virtual events take place tomorrow Wednesday. At 7pm on Wednesday there will be a Moorepark’21 industry forum on challenges and opportunities facing the Irish dairy industry.
At 9am on Wednesday morning, an awards ceremony celebrating the 2021 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will take place. To register visit www.teagasc.ie/moorepark21