The most profitably-run farms are the most sustainable: economically, environmentally and socially. They tend to have lower agricultural greenhouse gas emissions per litre of milk or kg of beef produced.
The most profitably-run farms are the most sustainable: economically, environmentally and socially.
They tend to have lower agricultural greenhouse gas emissions per litre of milk or kg of beef produced.
The most profitable dairy farms produce more milk for every kg of excess nitrogen applied.
These are the conclusions of a Teagasc analysis of data from its National Farm Survey. Teagasc says that to feed a growing human population, agricultural production must be both intensive and sustainable.
Economic viability is essential to ensure that farm systems can sustain themselves, and that farming families are adequately compensated for their labour and capital.
Agriculture is an important component of the Irish economy.
Teagasc measured viability by looking at productivity of labour and land, farm profitability, viability for investment and how much output is derived from the market versus direct payment.
Dairying and tillage were the sectors with the highest percentage of farms economically viable.
Environmental
The main measures were emissions per unit of output and nitrogen use.
Average emissions per farm were 456t for dairy, 147t for cattle, 140t for sheep and 135t for tillage.
On dairy, cattle and sheep farms, high economic performance was associated with more efficiency on emissions.
The study also measured sustainability in relation to social factors and uptake of new technology and management practices.
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