Drystock Grassland Farmer of the Year Farm Walk in Galway

By John Kilboyle, B&T Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Galway/Clare

Last April Galway farmer Billy Gilmore from Cortoon, Tuam was awarded the Drystock Grassland Farmer of the Year at the Grass10 Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year Awards. In recognition of the award, Billy will host a farm walk on Tuesday, 27^th August @ 6.30pm. Billy operates a contract heifer rearing system rearing over 200 heifers a year. The system has changed over the years, from a mixed system; an autumn-calving suckling system, a spring-lambing flock and tillage enterprise.

Billy explained: ‘‘I took over the farm at the age of 15 and shortly after, I remember I cycled to my first farm walk. The discussion back then was around the principle of growing grass in three weeks and grazing it in three days, setting up paddocks and applying lime. Fast forward 50 years and the principles are still the same that drive the success of any farm system.”

Increasing grass growth on the farm has been possible by carrying out regular soil samples, this has helped identify paddocks that are below target Soil pH and that index 1 and 2 for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Over the years, Billy has applied lime to paddocks where needed and slurry to the paddocks with low index 1 and 2 for P or K and compound fertiliser to remaining paddocks. In 2023, following the most recent soil samples, Billy applied 68T of lime and additional K in the form of MOP 50% K was targeted to low K index soils at an application rate of 1 x 50kg bag/acre. Keeping on top of soil fertility on farm has been a key driver of grass growth on farm with 12T DM/Ha grown in 2023 along with it being a key part in the successful establishment and maintenance of white clover in the grass clover swards on the farm.

Billy has always been an advocate for measuring grass and has been involved in local discussion groups and programmes over the years. Grass measuring has allowed Billy to focus on producing quality grass, which both go hand-in-hand on the farm. Silage quality has always been important on the farm. Billy has always been very open to trying new technologies and adopting practices such as reseeding and establishing and managing clover which benefit grassland management and fertiliser use on the farm. His flexible approach is very much needed dealing with grass throughout the seasons - from severe rainfall to drought.

On the evening Billy will give an overview of his farm system and performance. He will discuss his soil fertility journey and lessons he has learned. Teagasc’s Grass10 team will offer advice on the top tips around clover establishment, management and scoring. Grazing infrastructure on the farm will be in the spotlight and how this has played a key role in maximising grass utilisation. Billy will describe how he grew 12t DM/Ha of grass and utilised it and challenges he has faces this year like many farmers across the country. Finally on the day there will be demonstration on the field that Billy reseeded earlier this year on how it was reseeded and managed since. The Grass10 Campaign is supported by; AIB, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Grassland Agro, FBD, Irish Farmers Journal and PastureBase Ireland.

Billy commented: ‘‘I am over 50 years farming and I am still trying to improve grassland management on the farm. I have always had an interest in growing grass and maximising its utilisation. While I introduced paddocks decades ago, I have decreased the size of the paddocks further. While farmers in the west are used to challenging weather conditions, this year has caused huge pressure on farms. I look forward to welcoming farmers on the evening.

The farm walk takes place on Tuesday 27^th @ 6:30pm on the farm of Billy Gilmore, Cortoon, Tuam, Co. Galway. Eircode: H54 AP28.