9 hours ago
Farm walk set to explore the future of the industry
A not-for-profit organisation that focuses on spreading information on regenerating ecosystems will host a walk exploring the future of farming in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone next week.
The farm walk will take place on the land of Bronagh O'Kane in Cookstown on Saturday, June 14, and focus on how her efforts to improve the soils have helped develop her cattle and sheep farm.
Síolta Chroí – 'Seeds of the Heart' – is a social enterprise based in Carrickmacross, Monaghan, that was set up in September 2020.
The event on O'Kane's land is the third farm walk in a series of six hosted by the organisation, with John Duffy in Co. Donegal being first and Mark Gilanders' organic tillage farm in Co. Monaghan second. There will be others in counties Derry, Cavan, and Armagh over the next few months.
The walks offer the chance to discover how local farms are leading the way in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, according to Gareth Conlon of Síolta Chroí.
Future of farming
Conlan said: 'Farmers who want to play their part in tackling some of the biggest challenges we face but who are not sure where to start will benefit from the walks.'
Síolta Chroí has collaborated with two dynamic, farmer-led networks — GrowIN in Northern Ireland and Talamh Beo in the Republic — in hosting the series of walks.
The events are supported by Cavan and Monaghan Education Training Board (ETB) and Donegal ETB and funded under the Shared Island Fund.
'The walks offers a chance to get out onto the land, connect with working farmers, farmer-to-farmer, and explore real-life examples of regenerative agriculture in action,' said Conlon.
Participants will see how farmers are improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and integrating animals as active contributors to the health of their systems, all while maintaining productive, profitable farms, he said.
'The focus goes beyond just farming. These walks are about carbon sequestration, cleaner water, trees and agroforestry, and ensuring sustainable farm livelihoods for future generations.
'This is agriculture that works with nature — not against it,' Conlon added.
People participating on a previous farm walk on Bronagh O'Kane in Co. Tyrone. Source: Síolta Chroí
Farming 38ac, Bronagh O'Kane is a trailblazer in practical, low-cost regenerative practices. Her innovative approach includes using her animals — and even her worms — to improve soil fertility, reduce input costs, and increase productivity naturally.
She took over the farm from her father during Covid-19, and runs a cattle and sheep enterprise. She uses worms as a main source of fertiliser.
According to Síolta Chroí's Gareth Conlon, a visit to O'Kane's farm will be an eye-opener for farmers at all stages in their career.
'Whether you're an experienced farmer or just starting out, this walk is a chance to learn, connect, and leave with new ideas that can help you and your land thrive into the future,' he said.
