Teagasc appoint new Sheep Enterprise Leader
Dr Philip Creighton has been appointed as the new Enterprise Leader for sheep based at the Teagasc campus in Athenry. The Enterprise Leader role is to lead the management of the facilities and resources at the Teagasc sheep research centre in Athenry as part of the Teagasc Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation programme and to implement the sheep research programme.
He replaces the previous Sheep Enterprise leader Professor Michael Diskin who has retired from Teagasc.
Dr Creighton graduated from UCD with a degree in Agriculture Science and went on to complete a PhD with Teagasc Moorepark and UCD investigating the impact of varying levels of perennial ryegrass content on sward production potential. Additionally, he also investigated methods of reseeding grassland pastures. He is currently a Research Officer in Teagasc Athenry leading the Sheep Grassland Systems research programme. He established the Sheep Research Demonstration unit at Athenry which is one of the flagship research projects being carried out in Athenry.
Professor Pat Dillon, Director of Research in Teagasc said: “As Sheep Enterprise Leader in Teagasc, Philip will be working closely with Michael Gottstein, Head of the Teagasc Sheep Knowledge Transfer Department. This will ensure that the Irish sheep industry will be provided with the best technical advice and the latest research from Teagasc to help them farm successfully and sustainably into the future. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the huge contribution that Michael Diskin made as Enterprise Leader over the many years.”
Speaking after his appointment Philip Creighton said: “I am looking forward to continuing our work with the excellent team on the sheep research programme here at Athenry, as we explore the opportunities to improve the grassland management, genetics, animal health, profitability and environmental sustainability of the Irish sheep industry. Along with the Teagasc KT Sheep Department, we will continue to work with and for Irish sheep farmers, while building an excellent working relationship with our wider industry stakeholders.”