13-05-2025
‘Dairying at Dusk' evening walk to be held on award-winning farm
A 'Dairying at Dusk' evening farm walk is due to take place next month on a family dairy farm that won the 2024 Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainability Award.
John, Maria and Brendan Walsh, the family who are leading the way in running a sustainable dairy farm and will host the farm walk on Tuesday, June 10 at 6:30pm.
The walk has been organised by Teagasc, FBD and Dairygold, and all are welcome to attend. 'Dairying at Dusk', will take place at their family farm at Ballylooby, County Tipperary.
This event will be of interest to the general public, non-farming families as well as farming families.
Award-winning farm
The Walsh's win in the competition was based on four key sustainability pillars. The Walsh's are running a highly efficient and profitable dairy operation.
They have adopted smarter ways to grow grass without compromising on grass yield to feed the cows.
Biodiversity is a long-standing priority on the Walsh farm, dating back generations. Hedges are managed to promote growth and diversity, with whitethorns allowed to flourish every 50 metres.
Pictured at the launch of a Teagasc 'Dairying at Dusk' farm walk on the award winning farm of John and Brendan Walsh, Ballylooby, Cahir, Co Tipperary on 10th June are Dr Tom O'Dwyer, Head of Teagasc Signpost Programme, Nora O'Donovan, Teagasc/Dairygold Demonstration Farm Coordinator, hosts Brendan and John Walsh, Maureen O'Meara, FBD and Donal Mullane, Teagasc Tipperary Regional Manager. Photo O'Gorman Photography.
The risk to water quality has been significantly reduced by reducing the surplus nitrogen on the farm with their surplus nitrogen being almost half the national average.
Speaking in advance of the walk, Brendan and John Walsh said; 'We are looking forward to welcoming the general public to their farm and showing what we and other farmers across the country are doing to improve environmental sustainability.'
'Our message to other farmers is: start small, seek good advice, and don't fear failure.'
Dairying at Dusk
Teagasc Signpost programme and chair of the judging panel, Dr Siobhan Kavanagh, highlighted that the Walsh's success story is not just about awards, but about building a resilient and environmentally responsible future for Irish farming.
'John and Brendan are passionate about making a good living from farming but also looking after the environment. Their story shows that you can farm profitable while also looking after nature.'
Hear the inspiring stories of how the Walshs are looking after nature on their farm while continuing to produce high quality food profitably.
There will be fun games and activities for kids – sustainability corner, Agrikids farm safety workshops.
'Dairying at Dusk' promises to be a family-friendly evening in the great outdoors and everyone is welcome to attend to experience the farm system and enjoy the evening out.
