It is well documented that agriculture accounts for approximately 33% of Irish greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the majority of remaining emissions contributed by the transport and domestic sectors.

Agriculture has been tasked to achieve a 10% to 15% reduction by 2030. Sheep production systems generally fare pretty well in this regard, but there are still ways in which sheep systems can improve efficiency. These will be discussed at next week’s Teagasc lowland sheep conferences which takes place on Tuesday 28 January in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry, and on Thursday 30 January in the Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny (both events start at 6pm).

The greatest gains in farm profitability will come from increasing pasture production and utilisation

The presentation, which will be delivered by Teagasc’s David Wall, includes a strong focus on nitrogen (N) use efficiency. David says that substantial additional gains in farm profitability can be achieved on most farms through refinement of the grazing system coupled with increasing N use efficiency.

“The greatest gains in farm profitability will come from increasing pasture production and utilisation, followed by conversion to daily weight gain in sheep and lambs.

“This will also help to improve environmental efficiency.

“Lower N fertiliser use and concentrate feed imports, greater exports of agricultural products (livestock and meat) and relatively high stocking rates will drive increased efficiency on sheep farms. A reduction in N fertiliser of 10kg/ha will reduce farm GHG emissions by 1% and improve income by €10/ha.”

David highlights that improvements can be achieved by improving soil fertility through liming low-pH soils and utilising organic manure N sources efficiently.

Central to this is including low-emission slurry spreading application methods and using the optimum N fertiliser type, namely protected urea at the right rate and the right time.

Other measures include improving grazing management and incorporating clover when reseeding poor-performing swards.

In addition to using nutrients more efficiently, David says the big benefit is an increase in overall farm production and the potential for improved profitability.