The March snow storms tested management, highlighted that staff were not prepared for the severity of the storm, had an inadequate farm safety statement and need to improve facilities if a similar snow event were to happen again on Greenfield Farm.

These were just some of the key findings from the external review group set up following the snow storms in March 2018 on the Greenfield Farm in Kilkenny.

The report also acknowledges the dedication and commitment of staff during the storm.

The review was set up to focus on the effect of the severe weather event on the Greenfield Farm and how it was dealt with. The external review group was chaired by former Department of Agriculture secretary Tom Moran and included experts such as Dr Jim Reynolds from University of California who had significant experience of managing stock during extreme snow events in Texas and Canada.

Speaking to the Oireachtas agriculture committee after the snow storm, Teagasc director Gerry Boyle promised the review when questioned by TDs following reaction to reports.

The comprehensive 27-page report details the background, operational management, farm facilities and an account of what happened on the farm during storm Emma.

Details of animal records from the Department of Agriculture, knackery records and farm management data for the last six years are all detailed in the report.

Difficult time

In its conclusion, the review group states that it was a particularly difficult time for the farming community as it was one of the busiest times of the year, particularly for those with spring-calving herds.

However, the weather event provided a number of learnings for stakeholders and farm staff including that the farm incorporates feed reserves to allow for severe weather events.

In response, a statement released on behalf of the Greenfield Farm said all parties had examined the report and the recommendations have been fully accepted by all parties.

It also stated that a number of actions have been taken since March to improve the farm’s ability to handle a similar event in the future.

Referring to the animal deaths, the statement says: “Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the staff and stakeholders involved the storm resulted in the deaths of two cows and six calves over a three-day period.’’

The report states that the level of cow mortality is well below the national average, despite the loss of two cows during the storm.