Services that work for farmers urged to network more and talk to each other

Farm families that are well linked into networks of knowledge and information are much better able to deal with challenges and opportunities, said UCD lecturer Dr Monica Gorman at a recent event organised by the Agricultural Science Association (ASA), which highlighted benefits of better information sharing and networking among agri-professionals, and explored models for better knowledge exchange.

Dr Gorman added, “The agri-professionals who provide knowledge and information to farmers need to be well linked and talking to each other so that they keep their eye on the big picture and collaborate for the greater good of Irish agriculture.”

Finola McCoy of Animal Health Ireland said, “As part of the management of their business, farmers currently engage with many varied service providers, such as vets, nutritionists, Teagasc advisors, bank managers, farm organisations, farm consultants, sales representatives etc.