Tipperary farmers contribute to new book on sustainable farming
The new book has contributions from farmers all over Ireland and includes three Tipperary farmers
Irish farmers, including three from Tipperary, have joined forces for a new book combining scientific research with local knowledge that gives farmers and others practical tips on how to create a more sustainable future, while protecting land and nature.
At a time of great challenge and uncertainty for farm families, The Farming For Nature Handbook is a practical guide to protecting and restoring nature. Published by Dingle Publishing, it will be launched on November 28th, cost €30 and available at www.farmingfornature.ie
With contributions from more than 50 Irish farmers, the book also shares farmers’ experiences of how working with nature can help reduce costs and improve incomes.
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A small sample of the Tipperary farmers’ tips, advice and expertise included in the book include:
“Virtual fencing has shown me the synergy that can exist between technology and farming and has encouraged me to upskill as a result. It has provided opportunities for utilising land on our hill farm that could not be physically fenced. It has allowed our livestock to be foot soldiers for biodiversity. But note - nothing replaces real human observation of on-the-ground husbandry and checking of stock when it comes to livestock, this is even more crucial when using this fencing” - Eileen Condon, beef farmer from Newcastle.
“Too many people view food production and profitability as opposing forces to nature and ecosystem services, however, there are approaches where both can be achieved in harmony, while also reducing financial risk and emotional burden on the farmer.” - Maurice Deasy, arable & livestock farmer from Roscrea.
“As a group of 10 organic milk producers, we were concerned that if our supply became greater than demand our milk would be treated as just another commodity, vulnerable to price fluctuations and possibly with no organic outlet. It was clear to us we had to develop our own company as it was the only way forward. This is how the Little Milk Company was born.” - Pat Mulrooney, dairy farmer from Clonmel.