Teagasc has appointed Francis Quigley as a farm machinery and milking machine specialist, and Tom Fallon as a farm buildings and infrastructures specialist.

The appointments reflect the changing demands arising from the development of Irish farming, Teagasc said.

Francis Quigley previously worked as a machinery technician based in Kildalton Agricultural College. There, he delivered training to a wide range of students on the safe operation and maintenance of farm machinery and the design and fabrication of farm equipment since 2013.

From a dairy farming background in Co Waterford, he previously worked as a farm machinery specialist for the Irish Farmers Journal, and performed technical sales roles for a number of farm machinery companies.

He has over 15 years’ experience working with farmers on the design and construction of milking parlours and other farm buildings. Quigley is qualified in agricultural engineering from Tralee IT and completed a masters in construction project management in WIT.

Farm buildings and infrastructure

Teagasc’s new farm buildings and infrastructure specialist Tom Fallon has a master’s degree from UCD and has graduate diplomas in rural environment management and farm financial management.

He is certified as a "cow signals" trainer. From a farming background in Co Meath, he has been a dairy adviser in east Waterford for almost 28 years. During this time, he has gained extensive experience in building design and farm layout. He enjoys engaging with the complexity of farmyard development.

In the context of Ireland's dairy industry expansion, Tom is very conscious of the challenge to provide adequate storage facilities for slurry, labour efficient milking facilities and farmyards, meeting the highest animal welfare standards, while providing a pleasant and safe environment for farm workers.

Commenting on Quigley’s appointment, Teagasc curriculum development and standards manager Frank Murphy said: “Farmers have invested in additional stock and facilities to achieve additional output. Investment in farm buildings and milking facilities is a long-term investment and needs careful planning.”

Meanwhile, Fintan Phelan, head of farm management and rural development knowledge transfer department in Teagasc, welcomed Fallon to his new role and highlighted its importance, saying: “National Farm Survey for 2017 showed gross new investment on Irish farms in the year to be €835m, much of which is in farm buildings and infrastructure.

“It is imperative that advisers receive the best training and support possible to assist farmers in making these important investment decisions. Key areas are farm safety and labour efficiency, while always keeping an eye on potential future development on the farm. It is equally important that the financial commitment is sustainable for the farm enterprise.”

Retirement

Teagasc has also announced that Tom Ryan has retired after a long career in Teagasc, giving many years of dedicated service to the position.

Based in Kildalton, Ryan provided information to farmers and colleagues in both advisory and education services in Teagasc.

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