Delivering sustainability is the theme of the Teagasc Moorepark 2021 open day, taking place next month.
The state agency will repeat the event over three days to ensure compliance with government Covid-19 guidelines.
Moorepark 2021
The event, which FBD Insurance is the overall sponsor of, with additional support from Ornua and AIB, will take place on:
- Tuesday, September 14th;
- Wednesday, September 15th;
- Thursday, September 16th.
Topics include:
- Strategies to increase farm efficiency and profitability;
- Grassland management and nutrient use efficiency;
- The Signpost Programme;
- DairyBeef 500 Campaign;
- Dairy cow breeding;
- Developing a great farm workplace.
Speaking at the launch of the open day, Professor Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc, said:
“The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill was recently passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas.”
“This will require Ireland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.”
He outlined that the DAFM’s Food Vision 2030 strategy highlighted related challenges concerning biodiversity, water quality and ammonia emissions.
“Dairy farmers are aware of the need to address these issues. I have no doubt that the energy that was devoted to growing production in recent years can be harnessed to improve sustainability in the same impressive manner.”
“These Teagasc dairy open days will provide guidance to farm families to address these challenges.”
Virtual event
Each day at 7pm, there will be a Moorepark’21 virtual event, which Teagasc will broadcast live from the open day venue.
The virtual events will include an:
- Industry forum on challenges and opportunities facing the Irish dairy industry;
- An awards ceremony celebrating the 2021 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards;
- Key technical messages from the open day.
Hosts from radio/television will facilitate these panel discussions with contributors from the agri-food sector.
Registration
Attendees will visit the Teagasc Moorepark site while complying with government Covid-19 guidelines on one of the three days.
Attendees must register online and attend at a predetermined time.
Numbers attending will be in line with government guidelines at the time.
Teagasc said Moorepark ‘21 will be an informative event for those “with an interest in the Irish dairy industry”.
Full compliance with government Covid-19 guidelines will be required, such as hand sanitising and respiratory hygiene, physical distancing, use of face-covering and arriving at your preassigned time. Also, admission and parking are free, but you must book.
Registration will open by September 6th at www.teagasc.ie/moorepark21 .
