Getting more from grass, while keeping a lid on costs, will be a familiar priority for many livestock farmers heading into winter.

Those questions will be among the topics discussed at BioFarm 2026, taking place at Mount Wolseley Hotel, Tullow, Co Carlow, on 10 and 11 November.

Organised by National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS), the two-day conference is in its ninth year. It brings together farmers, advisers and researchers interested in organic, biological and regenerative approaches through talks and practical sessions running across two rooms.

Farmers do not need to be farming organically to benefit, with many of the ideas relevant to conventional grassland enterprises.

Expert advice

Two well-known grazing specialists are among the main speakers. Dr Allen Williams – a sixth-generation farmer, livestock scientist and co-founder of Understanding Ag – works with farmers on adaptive grazing systems aimed at improving soil and livestock health.

He will be joined by Missouri farmer Greg Judy, author of No Risk Ranching and Comeback Farms. Judy has built his reputation on high-density grazing and bringing tired pasture back into production.

Both will offer plenty for Irish farmers to consider when it comes to grass utilisation, grazing decisions and the cost of producing beef or lamb.

Practicality

There is a strong practical element to the rest of the programme, too. Dr Lindsay Whistance, senior livestock researcher at the Organic Research Centre, will discuss animal behaviour and welfare, including the use of trees and tree fodder.

Beef farmer and ecologist Rob Havard will draw on his experience running a fully grass-fed Aberdeen Angus herd.

Irish farmer Padraic Dunleavy will speak about using adaptive mob grazing and multispecies swards on his organic cattle farm, while Co Clare market gardener Jim Cronin returns with insights from organic horticulture. Cronin has spoken at every BioFarm conference to date.

The agenda is not confined to what happens in the field. Agricultural solicitor, tax consultant and farmer Aisling Meehan will cover the topics of succession, land transfer and farm structures. Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride, a medical doctor and organic farmer, will examine links between soil health, nutrition and wellbeing.

BioFarm’s 'Confession Box' sessions give farmers the chance to meet speakers in a small-room setting for one-to-one and small-group advice. Attendees can bring their own farm questions and challenges and talk through them directly with the experts.

As well as the presentations, there will be opportunities to talk to other farmers, meet exhibitors and compare experiences. The Tuesday evening dinner is another chance to continue conversations away from the conference rooms.

Early bird two-day tickets cost €140, including lunch and refreshments on both days. A €200 package includes the Tuesday dinner, while €300 covers the conference, dinner and one night’s bed and breakfast in a single room. Hotel packages must be booked through NOTS and rooms are limited.

For bookings and further details, visit www.nots.ie, email info@nots.ie or call 071 9640688.