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Some 4,500 farmers attended the second ever Tullamore Farm open day since the farm opened its gates in 2017 when the project began.
One of the headline figures on the day was the €71,938 loss made by the 200-acre farm in 2018. The figure is reflective of the tough year endured by all suckler and sheep farmers last year. Storm Emma and the drought increased feed and bedding costs to the tune of €30,000.
While the figures were stark, farmers noted the transparency in presenting them. A variety of stands and workshops gave an opportunity to take away all the learnings on the farm from the last two years.
Open gates
And we are off folks #TullamoreFarm has opened its gates ?????? pic.twitter.com/p4kaipbVfT
— Farmers Journal (@farmersjournal) July 24, 2019
Soil fertility
"Stand of the day" went to soil fertility and grassland management. The interactive element of the display meant farmers seen the benefits of undertaking activities like soil testing and grass measuring.
For @farmersjournal tillage editor Andy Doyle the only way to analyse soil is to get down into it. @FJBeef @FJTillage pic.twitter.com/irohG7w7dh
— FJ Sheep (@FJSheep) July 24, 2019
Sheep dipping
There was also a display of sheep dipping on the day. The plunge dippers completely submerged the sheep as farmers watched on with interest.
One of the first mobile sheep dipping lorries in the country. It can dip up to 10 sheep at a time ?? #tullamorefarm @farmersjournal pic.twitter.com/Ufj1ME8mTR
— FJ Sheep (@FJSheep) July 24, 2019
Tractor safety
The importance of farm safety was also stressed. Farmers saw first hand what can happen when a PTO is left unguarded.
Kieran Roche of @fbd_ie giving a farm safety demonstration with a straw person & a PTO shaft?? @farmersjournal #TullamoreFarm pic.twitter.com/vGOrj8rDze
— FJ Machinery (@FJMachinery) July 24, 2019
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