5 days ago
Championing environmental sustainability: Meet the Walsh family
John and Brendan Walsh from Ballylooby, Co. Tipperary, were the overall winners of the 2024 Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards.
The awards recognise farmers who are operating sustainable, profitable farming systems while incorporating the latest scientific developments and technologies on their farms.
On Tuesday, June 10, the Walshs will host an evening farm walk of learning, nature, and fun on the farm for all the family.
The event, which is titled 'Dairying at Dusk', will kick off at 6.30pm and takes place at their farm in Ballylooby, Co. Tipperary, (Eircode E21 T938).
What to expect?
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet John and Brendan Walsh – the father-son duo who are leading the way in running a truly sustainable dairy farm.
Hear inspiring talks from the Walshs on how they are making a living and looking after nature on their farm while continuing to produce high quality food profitably.
There will be fun, games, and activities for kids with a sustainability corner and a farm safety workshop with Agrikids. Attendees will be provided with complimentary refreshments, courtesy of Dairygold.
This is a 'not-to-be-missed' event for all the family to enjoy in the great outdoors on a summers evening.
Three key sustainability pillars
The Walsh Family won the 2024 Teagasc/FBD Environment Sustainability Awards based on three key sustainability pillars, which were:
1. Efficiency and profitability
Sustainability relies on balancing economic, environmental, and social factors.
The Walshs have achieved this balance by running a highly efficient and profitable dairy operation. They milk 165 cows on a 63ha platform, with a total grassland area of 107ha.
Their strong breeding policy, emphasising the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) and sexed semen, supports herd productivity and sustainability. Once replacement heifers are secured, they use high Dairy Beef Index sires to boost animal value.
In 2024, the Walshs produced 524kg of milk solids per cow with 978kgs of concentrate per cow, achieving a gross margin of 60.2c/L and a carbon footprint of 0.83kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 eq)/kg fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) – well below average. Total emissions on the farm stood at 1,039t CO 2 eq.
2. Reduced chemical nitrogen usage
The Walshs have reduced chemical nitrogen (N) usage by 40% since 2020, without compromising grass production.
In 2024, they used 130kg N/ha (down from 220kg in 2020) while producing 13.7t of grass dry matter (DM)/ha. Nitrogen use efficiency on the farm was 29%.
Their success stems from optimised soil fertility (64% of soils are at optimal levels for pH, phosphorus, and potassium); widespread clover incorporation (52% of the grazing platform has a high or medium clover content); targeted slurry use based on testing; and extensive use of protected urea (100% in 2024).
With 15% surplus slurry storage and precise application methods, the Walshs reduce the risk of nitrogen runoff and protect water quality through extensive buffer zones and GPS-guided spreading.
3. Commitment to biodiversity
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 50m.
Groves of trees, including a 3ha forest transitioning from spruce to native species, are scattered across the farm. The Walshs plant trees annually, and the presence of barn owls, herons, and even a curlew reflects the thriving biodiversity on their farm.
Key takeaways
The Walsh family exemplifies a well-planned, balanced approach to sustainable dairy farming.
Their message to other farmers is: start small, seek good advice, and do not fear failure.
Their success story is not just about awards but about building a resilient and environmentally responsible future for Irish farming.
