Looking at environmental sustainability on Tullamore Farm, things are in pretty good shape but, like all farms, improvements can be made.

On the grazing infrastructure, watercourses are fenced at the required distance of 1.5m and water troughs are more than 20m away from watercourses.

Grassland management is given great attention.

These swards have many benefits such as reduced nitrogen rates, improved drought tolerance and increased diversity

Clover content is good and provides an opportunity to reduce nitrogen rate, something which we are now required to do to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets by 2030.

Multi-species swards are an area to consider, especially where grassland management is a priority, as it is in Tullamore. These swards have many benefits such as reduced nitrogen rates, improved drought tolerance and increased diversity which can help to improve animal health and improve habitat quality.

However, at present, grass swards on the farm are still relatively new and if clover can be maintained, soil indices improved and nitrogen rates reduced savings in fertiliser should be made, so more thought is needed before making any dramatic move.

Irish feed

Maize and soya are two common ingredients used in animal feed on the farm. In order to reduce carbon footprint, a locally sourced ration will be considered for the season ahead.

This will decrease carbon footprint, although if it were to be examined in a Bord Bia sustainability audit it would not alter the carbon footprint as Irish ingredients are treated the same as imported ingredients. Moving to Irish grain will also support the Irish tillage industry.

Pollinator patch

A pollinator patch has been planted on the farm. A mixture of grasses and wildflowers were planted last week and this area will be left alone to attract pollinators and other wildlife.

Aside from this, roadway verges will not be mowed or sprayed so that dandelions, daisies, grasses and other pollinator-friendly plants can flower.

Hedgerows

The farm is in derogation so hedges will go into a three-year rotation. This means that one-third of hedgerows will be cut each year to ensure there are always flowers and food available for wildlife.

This can be done by cutting only one side in one year and the top in another or by trimming the whole hedge one year in three, but ensuring that only one-third of all hedges are trimmed at any one time.