'Dairying at Dusk': An evening walk through an award-winning farm

Event at sustainable farm in Tipperary will take place on June 10 and non-farming families are encouraged to attend

At the launch of the Teagasc 'Dairying at Dusk' farm walk on the award-winning farm of John and Brendan Walsh 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. Picture: O'Gorman Photography

An evening of learning, nature, and fun on the family farm that won the 2024 Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainability Award will take place next month. Visitors will meet John, Maria and Brendan Walsh, the family who are leading the way in running a sustainable dairy farm.

A national farm walk on the farm has been organised by Teagasc, FBD and Dairygold. 'Dairying at Dusk' will take place on Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30pm at their family farm at Ballylooby, Co Tipperary. This event will be of interest to the general public, non-farming families, as well as farming families.

The Walsh’s win in the competition was based on four key sustainability pillars. The Walshs 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 50m.

The risk to water quality has been significantly reduced by lowering 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 our 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.” 

Dr Siobhan Kavanagh, Teagasc Signpost programme and chair of the judging panel, highlighted the Walshs' 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. 

Visitors will hear inspiring stories of how the Walshs are looking after nature on their farm while continuing to produce high-quality food profitably. There will also be fun games and activities for children.