Sheep 2015 has been organised with a focus on delivering technical information in a practical manner. The format organised to achieve this is a number of villages, each with their own specialist topic. Villages will be set up so that producers can talk to specialists, while many villages will have visual displays and workshops. A summary of each village’s programme is detailed on the following three pages.
Flock health and spending thereon is the second largest variable cost on Irish sheep farms. In the flock health village, visitors will be able to view a range of stands and practical workshops aimed at dealing comprehensively with some of the main causes of mortality. Topics covered and workshops run throughout the day include:
Ovine abortion display: This stand will deal with all types of ovine abortion including identification, causes and the management of the ewe flock to avoid/reduce the risk of contracting these abortion-causing diseases.Internal parasite display/drench test workshop: This workshop demonstrates how farmers can measure the effectiveness of their dosing programmes raising questions on dosing strategies and anthelmintic resistance. It will also cover advice on liver fluke and rumen fluke, two major causes of economic loss at farm level.Lameness workshop: Lameness is one of the most common illnesses on sheep farms. The target to keep the level of lameness below 5% has been difficult to achieve on many sheep farms. This workshop concentrates on firstly diagnosing the cause of lameness in sheep and then how best to treat the condition.Regional veterinary laboratory display: Veterinarians at the Department of Agriculture Regional Veterinary Laboratory display will discuss the main causes of sheep deaths that are presented to them annually. They will also discuss how effective vaccination and flock health programmes can reduce sheep mortality at farm level.Quarantine procedures workshop: Purchased sheep represent the biggest threat to the health status of your flock. At this workshop, advisers and veterinarians will discuss practical steps that can be taken on every farm to reduce the risk of introducing new diseases to your flock.Ireland’s strength in sheep production lies in its ability to produce meat from an almost entirely grass-based diet. With grass making up 90% to 95% of the annual energy requirements of sheep, any improvement in its production and utilisation greatly increase profitability. When talking about grassland systems of sheep production, it must be kept in mind that grass is a crop like any other. Grazing management, soil fertility and sward composition are all critical factors which must be considered.
The grassland village at Sheep 2015 will cover a range of topics, including grazing management, soil fertility, weed control, reseeding, choosing grass varieties and the role of clover in swards. This is the opportunity to talk one-to-one with relevant researchers and specialists in these areas and have your questions answered.
Workshops
There will also be a number of workshops, which will go into the more detailed and practical aspects of grazing management for sheep. These will include pre- and post-grazing sward height/mass targets and their importance to maximise grass growth and utilisation, as well as optimising animal performance. Other workshops will deal with grass measuring and budgeting techniques and how to use the information gathered. There will also be a number of sheep-fencing options for creating permanent and temporary grazing paddocks/divisions.
The Irish hill sheep sector plays an important role in rural economies and the maintenance of the natural landscape. Notwithstanding the physical and land quality issues, it is clear from the results emerging from the Teagasc BETTER farm hill sheep programme that significant improvements in productivity and profitability are possible from relatively small changes in the main drivers of productivity. The hill sheep village is organised with a focus on:
The different hill breeds.Increasing flock productivity.Finishing store hill lambs.Genetic improvement of hill sheep. Increasing flock productivity
The number of lambs weaned per ewe joined is highly variable (0.7 to 1.15). Teagasc studies have clearly identified that ewe body weight at mating time is the main factor determining ewe barrenness and the number of lambs weaned nine months later. There is also scope in some hill flocks for a limited amount of crossbreeding to increase the value of male and female progeny.
Finishing store lambs workshop
In recent years, prices for hill lambs and, particularly light hill lambs, have been variable and often below expectations. However, there is potential to profitably finish these lambs using a combination of grazed grass and concentrates. All aspects of finishing hill lambs will be discussed at this workshop with a focus both for farmers retaining their lambs or purchasing lambs.
Genetic improvement of hill sheep
Sheep Ireland is actively progressing breeding programmes that improve productivity, reduce costs to the sector and have a clear focus on the requirements of the marketplace. For hill sheep breeds to capitalise, there is now an urgent need for hill sheep breeders to start a system of flock recording. Teagasc, in conjunction with Sheep Ireland, is now promoting this initiative and details of the scheme will be discussed.
The Sheep 2015 breeding village will play host to exciting projects and practical workshops demonstrating the latest new technologies in sheep breeding that producers cannot afford to miss.
Ram NCT: Learn what physical traits to look for in every breeding ramRam €uroStar evaluations: See how best to apply this valuable information.Ewe body condition scoring (BCS) and NCT: A key management tool for all farmers. Come and see how it’s done.Sheep genomic research
A new research project called OVIGEN involving Teagasc, UCD, Sheep Ireland and Irish ram breeders will assess the possibility of identifying desirable genes in our sheep.
It is possible to breed for less susceptible animals to lameness, worms, etc. Sheep Ireland will soon include a health index in their genetic evaluations.
Teagasc lamb production model
A bio-economic model has been developed for the Irish sheep industry to help identify the inputs and outputs that have the biggest effect on farm profitability.
International genetic evaluations
The INZAC flock is a new research flock based in Athenry, which will assess the potential to use New Zealand genetics in Ireland. Examples of these sheep will be on show in the breeding village.
Fertility
Ronan Gallagher from ProStar Genetics will discuss and demonstrate ram fertility. ProStar Genetics is the only company based in the Republic of Ireland that provides AI and embryo transfer services to the sheep sector. Ram fertility testing will be discussed and displayed.
Sheep Ireland
Through the €uroStar Indices, Sheep Ireland is showing that five-star animals are outperforming one-star animals for the key traits which lead to farm profitability.
Lessons from Better farm
Learn lessons from the Teagasc BETTER farm sheep programme and how the latest technology and advice is being adopted at farm level to improve farm efficiency and productivity.
The education village will showcase the options available to a larger audience interested in a career in agriculture/agricultural science with all of the main providers located on site.
Teagasc courses
In 2014, record numbers of over 4,500 students (typically 3,500) enrolled on Teagasc education programmes and linked higher education programmes on an annual basis. Courses are now more specialised and enterprise-focused and the numbers completing part-time and distance-learning modules has also increased to 1,500. Attendees can find out more about courses such as:
The advanced drystock management programme.The recognised training for future drystock farmers.The new training programme for dairy farm managers in 2013.The advanced certificate in drystock management. There will also be information on courses run in conjunction and individually by agricultural colleges, many of whom will also be in attendance.
University College Dublin
University College Dublin (UCD) will have a significant presence at the event. UCD is the only university in Ireland with a dedicated School of Agriculture and Food Science. The school is the primary choice for students in Ireland seeking a degree in the agri-food sector. It also offers a broad spectrum of integrated teaching and research within a single institution.
The School of Agriculture and Food Science offers level eight honours degree programmes across the entire food chain.
Sheep farmer competition
The young sheep farmer competition will also be held in the education village, as detailed on page 9.
What happens beyond the farm gate is of critical importance to producers. Sheepmeat markets have changed significantly in the last decade with Bord Bia reporting three-quarters of Irish sheepmeat output now destined for export markets.
The export market is transforming, with the Irish sheep industry diversifying more into value-added sales. With a greater emphasis on exporting boneless product, getting the ideal carcase specification is of the utmost importance.
A series of demonstrations and workshops will offer guidance to sheep farmers on selecting lambs for slaughter. The workshop on drafting lambs will include lambs of varying liveweight and finish. Farmers will be able to see firsthand the importance of drafting correctly with a display of ideal, under-finished and over-weight carcases. Representatives from Dawn Meats, Irish Country Meats, Kepak Group and Kildare Chilling will also be on hand to give an update of where they see markets.
Promotional campaign
Bord Bia will have an information stand setting out its promotional programme, which includes the €7.7m EU generic lamb promotion campaign launched earlier this month. Staff will be available to answer questions relating to market outlook, consumer trends and quality assurance.
Butchery and cooking demos
Throughout the day, Bord Bia will co-ordinate a series of butchery and cooking demonstrations with Pat Conway, a qualified butcher and chef from Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). Pat will share practical insights on various cuts that are derived from the ideal, over-weight and under-finished carcases and will discuss their suitability for the local butcher, retail and foodservice sectors.
There is something for all in the meat industry village, with a cookery demonstrations giving tips on how best to cook different cuts.
Policy and tagging
In addition, farmers will be advised through a sheep policy workshop on the importance of completing their flock register, dispatch documents and their obligations for the tagging of sheep.
Health and safety are the two most important considerations on a farm. Yet on many farms across Ireland, both safety and health have been jeopardised.
The health and safety exhibit at Sheep 2015 will give practical guidance on managing health and safety on sheep farms.
Up to the end of May this year, six people lost their lives due to farm accidents. This follows on from 2014 when 30 people died in farm accidents.
Farm deaths made up 55% of all workplace deaths in 2014, while just 6% of the workforce is employed in farming.
These sad facts must motivate us all to cut the level of tragedy and the pain and suffering associated with farming.
Teagasc health and safety specialist John McNamara has put together an extensive offering for the village including:
The consequences of getting caught in a PTO.Learning from a farmer who suffered a serious farm accident.Find out why getting crushed can kill and cause the victim to turn ‘‘blue’’.Get the facts about slurry gas poisoning.Have your blood pressure checked for free by a nurse.Obtain a risk assessment document, a legal requirement highlighting where attention is needed and talk to a HSA Inspector.Meet a physiotherapist and find out how to prevent back and muscular injuries.Find out more about new trailer towing requirements from the RSA.Meet the IFA farm family committee members who are promoting skin cancer protection at the event.Find out how to prevent electric shock from ESB Networks personnel. In the science of farming village, visitors will see a cross-sectoral sample of the range of Teagasc research activities, with a particular emphasis on drystock and sheep farming. Displays will include interactive exhibits on animal health, fertility and nutrition, as well as on grass breeding and grassland management, forestry and farm financial planning.
Information on new Teagasc-led innovations will be provided as well as up-to-date results of a number of large Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, funded on-farm research studies. The work displayed as part of this exhibition is designed to underpin and further develop many of the practical demonstrations and innovations presented in other technical villages and outdoor stands at the event.
Teagasc researchers and postgraduate students will be on hand to discuss their work and many stands will be of particular interest to students studying agricultural science and associated science subjects at secondary and university level.
The wool village will show the important role wool played on Irish farms and its pivotal role in the Irish textile industry. Observe the age-old methods of processing wool demonstrated by talented crafts people weaving, spinning and knitting. Learn how many handcrafted woollen products still command a premium price.
See Orla O’Toole from The Sheep and Wool Centre, Leenane, Co Galway, spinning wool on one of the few remaining ‘‘great wheels’’, a demonstration she also delivered to Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in NUIG. Eddie Doherty from Ardara, Co Donegal, will give an excellent demonstration on wool-weaving using a loom. Alison Gogan from Boyne Valley Wools will demonstrate wool processing with foot-powered spinning machines and her range of woollen products, some from the farm’s Jacob sheep.
Suzanna Crampton, from Zwartbles Ireland, will show what’s involved in the processing of black Zwartble wool, spinning some raw fleece. She will explain the process from raw wool to yarn to the finished product, a woven blanket.
Wool merchants and members from the Irish Wool Federation, including Alan Browne, Connacht Wool Tuam Ltd, will be on hand to explain markets for Irish wool, importance of correct handling and storage and a wool demonstration.
Well-known shearer and shearing instructor George Graham returns to Sheep 2015 and will be on hand to deliver his top tips for shearing, along with providing ample opportunities for members of the audience to engage and even try their hand at shearing a few sheep. There will also be a demonstration on hand-shearing.
Farmers and the industry will contribute to the meeting of the sustainability targets in FH2020, climate change and sustainability and the 2025 agri-food strategy. Irish farming is challenged to become more sustainable profitably delivering more food of excellent quality with limited resources while protecting our water, climate and wildlife. Teagasc is helping farmers to meet these challenges by promoting sustainable farming practices and demonstrating them at its Kildalton farm. The village will highlight:
GLAS: The Green Low Carbon Scheme Rural Development Plan 2014 – 2020 Cross compliance (including provisions for the water framework and nitrates directives and a range of other objectives).Quality assurance and sustainability schemes operated by Bord Bia.Low emission slurry spreading.Ag catchments and what farmers can do for point source and diffuse pollution.Sustainable farming for the future and the Kildalton open source sustainable demonstration farmGreenhouse gases and mitigation measures.The importance of soil structure and drainage principles and costs.Farm hazardous waste collections days for farmers in 2015.Maximising nitrogen use efficiency.Forestry and the afforestation grant and premium scheme.Sustainable Use Directive and how this will affect grassland farmers.
Sheep 2015 has been organised with a focus on delivering technical information in a practical manner. The format organised to achieve this is a number of villages, each with their own specialist topic. Villages will be set up so that producers can talk to specialists, while many villages will have visual displays and workshops. A summary of each village’s programme is detailed on the following three pages.
Flock health and spending thereon is the second largest variable cost on Irish sheep farms. In the flock health village, visitors will be able to view a range of stands and practical workshops aimed at dealing comprehensively with some of the main causes of mortality. Topics covered and workshops run throughout the day include:
Ovine abortion display: This stand will deal with all types of ovine abortion including identification, causes and the management of the ewe flock to avoid/reduce the risk of contracting these abortion-causing diseases.Internal parasite display/drench test workshop: This workshop demonstrates how farmers can measure the effectiveness of their dosing programmes raising questions on dosing strategies and anthelmintic resistance. It will also cover advice on liver fluke and rumen fluke, two major causes of economic loss at farm level.Lameness workshop: Lameness is one of the most common illnesses on sheep farms. The target to keep the level of lameness below 5% has been difficult to achieve on many sheep farms. This workshop concentrates on firstly diagnosing the cause of lameness in sheep and then how best to treat the condition.Regional veterinary laboratory display: Veterinarians at the Department of Agriculture Regional Veterinary Laboratory display will discuss the main causes of sheep deaths that are presented to them annually. They will also discuss how effective vaccination and flock health programmes can reduce sheep mortality at farm level.Quarantine procedures workshop: Purchased sheep represent the biggest threat to the health status of your flock. At this workshop, advisers and veterinarians will discuss practical steps that can be taken on every farm to reduce the risk of introducing new diseases to your flock.Ireland’s strength in sheep production lies in its ability to produce meat from an almost entirely grass-based diet. With grass making up 90% to 95% of the annual energy requirements of sheep, any improvement in its production and utilisation greatly increase profitability. When talking about grassland systems of sheep production, it must be kept in mind that grass is a crop like any other. Grazing management, soil fertility and sward composition are all critical factors which must be considered.
The grassland village at Sheep 2015 will cover a range of topics, including grazing management, soil fertility, weed control, reseeding, choosing grass varieties and the role of clover in swards. This is the opportunity to talk one-to-one with relevant researchers and specialists in these areas and have your questions answered.
Workshops
There will also be a number of workshops, which will go into the more detailed and practical aspects of grazing management for sheep. These will include pre- and post-grazing sward height/mass targets and their importance to maximise grass growth and utilisation, as well as optimising animal performance. Other workshops will deal with grass measuring and budgeting techniques and how to use the information gathered. There will also be a number of sheep-fencing options for creating permanent and temporary grazing paddocks/divisions.
The Irish hill sheep sector plays an important role in rural economies and the maintenance of the natural landscape. Notwithstanding the physical and land quality issues, it is clear from the results emerging from the Teagasc BETTER farm hill sheep programme that significant improvements in productivity and profitability are possible from relatively small changes in the main drivers of productivity. The hill sheep village is organised with a focus on:
The different hill breeds.Increasing flock productivity.Finishing store hill lambs.Genetic improvement of hill sheep. Increasing flock productivity
The number of lambs weaned per ewe joined is highly variable (0.7 to 1.15). Teagasc studies have clearly identified that ewe body weight at mating time is the main factor determining ewe barrenness and the number of lambs weaned nine months later. There is also scope in some hill flocks for a limited amount of crossbreeding to increase the value of male and female progeny.
Finishing store lambs workshop
In recent years, prices for hill lambs and, particularly light hill lambs, have been variable and often below expectations. However, there is potential to profitably finish these lambs using a combination of grazed grass and concentrates. All aspects of finishing hill lambs will be discussed at this workshop with a focus both for farmers retaining their lambs or purchasing lambs.
Genetic improvement of hill sheep
Sheep Ireland is actively progressing breeding programmes that improve productivity, reduce costs to the sector and have a clear focus on the requirements of the marketplace. For hill sheep breeds to capitalise, there is now an urgent need for hill sheep breeders to start a system of flock recording. Teagasc, in conjunction with Sheep Ireland, is now promoting this initiative and details of the scheme will be discussed.
The Sheep 2015 breeding village will play host to exciting projects and practical workshops demonstrating the latest new technologies in sheep breeding that producers cannot afford to miss.
Ram NCT: Learn what physical traits to look for in every breeding ramRam €uroStar evaluations: See how best to apply this valuable information.Ewe body condition scoring (BCS) and NCT: A key management tool for all farmers. Come and see how it’s done.Sheep genomic research
A new research project called OVIGEN involving Teagasc, UCD, Sheep Ireland and Irish ram breeders will assess the possibility of identifying desirable genes in our sheep.
It is possible to breed for less susceptible animals to lameness, worms, etc. Sheep Ireland will soon include a health index in their genetic evaluations.
Teagasc lamb production model
A bio-economic model has been developed for the Irish sheep industry to help identify the inputs and outputs that have the biggest effect on farm profitability.
International genetic evaluations
The INZAC flock is a new research flock based in Athenry, which will assess the potential to use New Zealand genetics in Ireland. Examples of these sheep will be on show in the breeding village.
Fertility
Ronan Gallagher from ProStar Genetics will discuss and demonstrate ram fertility. ProStar Genetics is the only company based in the Republic of Ireland that provides AI and embryo transfer services to the sheep sector. Ram fertility testing will be discussed and displayed.
Sheep Ireland
Through the €uroStar Indices, Sheep Ireland is showing that five-star animals are outperforming one-star animals for the key traits which lead to farm profitability.
Lessons from Better farm
Learn lessons from the Teagasc BETTER farm sheep programme and how the latest technology and advice is being adopted at farm level to improve farm efficiency and productivity.
The education village will showcase the options available to a larger audience interested in a career in agriculture/agricultural science with all of the main providers located on site.
Teagasc courses
In 2014, record numbers of over 4,500 students (typically 3,500) enrolled on Teagasc education programmes and linked higher education programmes on an annual basis. Courses are now more specialised and enterprise-focused and the numbers completing part-time and distance-learning modules has also increased to 1,500. Attendees can find out more about courses such as:
The advanced drystock management programme.The recognised training for future drystock farmers.The new training programme for dairy farm managers in 2013.The advanced certificate in drystock management. There will also be information on courses run in conjunction and individually by agricultural colleges, many of whom will also be in attendance.
University College Dublin
University College Dublin (UCD) will have a significant presence at the event. UCD is the only university in Ireland with a dedicated School of Agriculture and Food Science. The school is the primary choice for students in Ireland seeking a degree in the agri-food sector. It also offers a broad spectrum of integrated teaching and research within a single institution.
The School of Agriculture and Food Science offers level eight honours degree programmes across the entire food chain.
Sheep farmer competition
The young sheep farmer competition will also be held in the education village, as detailed on page 9.
What happens beyond the farm gate is of critical importance to producers. Sheepmeat markets have changed significantly in the last decade with Bord Bia reporting three-quarters of Irish sheepmeat output now destined for export markets.
The export market is transforming, with the Irish sheep industry diversifying more into value-added sales. With a greater emphasis on exporting boneless product, getting the ideal carcase specification is of the utmost importance.
A series of demonstrations and workshops will offer guidance to sheep farmers on selecting lambs for slaughter. The workshop on drafting lambs will include lambs of varying liveweight and finish. Farmers will be able to see firsthand the importance of drafting correctly with a display of ideal, under-finished and over-weight carcases. Representatives from Dawn Meats, Irish Country Meats, Kepak Group and Kildare Chilling will also be on hand to give an update of where they see markets.
Promotional campaign
Bord Bia will have an information stand setting out its promotional programme, which includes the €7.7m EU generic lamb promotion campaign launched earlier this month. Staff will be available to answer questions relating to market outlook, consumer trends and quality assurance.
Butchery and cooking demos
Throughout the day, Bord Bia will co-ordinate a series of butchery and cooking demonstrations with Pat Conway, a qualified butcher and chef from Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). Pat will share practical insights on various cuts that are derived from the ideal, over-weight and under-finished carcases and will discuss their suitability for the local butcher, retail and foodservice sectors.
There is something for all in the meat industry village, with a cookery demonstrations giving tips on how best to cook different cuts.
Policy and tagging
In addition, farmers will be advised through a sheep policy workshop on the importance of completing their flock register, dispatch documents and their obligations for the tagging of sheep.
Health and safety are the two most important considerations on a farm. Yet on many farms across Ireland, both safety and health have been jeopardised.
The health and safety exhibit at Sheep 2015 will give practical guidance on managing health and safety on sheep farms.
Up to the end of May this year, six people lost their lives due to farm accidents. This follows on from 2014 when 30 people died in farm accidents.
Farm deaths made up 55% of all workplace deaths in 2014, while just 6% of the workforce is employed in farming.
These sad facts must motivate us all to cut the level of tragedy and the pain and suffering associated with farming.
Teagasc health and safety specialist John McNamara has put together an extensive offering for the village including:
The consequences of getting caught in a PTO.Learning from a farmer who suffered a serious farm accident.Find out why getting crushed can kill and cause the victim to turn ‘‘blue’’.Get the facts about slurry gas poisoning.Have your blood pressure checked for free by a nurse.Obtain a risk assessment document, a legal requirement highlighting where attention is needed and talk to a HSA Inspector.Meet a physiotherapist and find out how to prevent back and muscular injuries.Find out more about new trailer towing requirements from the RSA.Meet the IFA farm family committee members who are promoting skin cancer protection at the event.Find out how to prevent electric shock from ESB Networks personnel. In the science of farming village, visitors will see a cross-sectoral sample of the range of Teagasc research activities, with a particular emphasis on drystock and sheep farming. Displays will include interactive exhibits on animal health, fertility and nutrition, as well as on grass breeding and grassland management, forestry and farm financial planning.
Information on new Teagasc-led innovations will be provided as well as up-to-date results of a number of large Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, funded on-farm research studies. The work displayed as part of this exhibition is designed to underpin and further develop many of the practical demonstrations and innovations presented in other technical villages and outdoor stands at the event.
Teagasc researchers and postgraduate students will be on hand to discuss their work and many stands will be of particular interest to students studying agricultural science and associated science subjects at secondary and university level.
The wool village will show the important role wool played on Irish farms and its pivotal role in the Irish textile industry. Observe the age-old methods of processing wool demonstrated by talented crafts people weaving, spinning and knitting. Learn how many handcrafted woollen products still command a premium price.
See Orla O’Toole from The Sheep and Wool Centre, Leenane, Co Galway, spinning wool on one of the few remaining ‘‘great wheels’’, a demonstration she also delivered to Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in NUIG. Eddie Doherty from Ardara, Co Donegal, will give an excellent demonstration on wool-weaving using a loom. Alison Gogan from Boyne Valley Wools will demonstrate wool processing with foot-powered spinning machines and her range of woollen products, some from the farm’s Jacob sheep.
Suzanna Crampton, from Zwartbles Ireland, will show what’s involved in the processing of black Zwartble wool, spinning some raw fleece. She will explain the process from raw wool to yarn to the finished product, a woven blanket.
Wool merchants and members from the Irish Wool Federation, including Alan Browne, Connacht Wool Tuam Ltd, will be on hand to explain markets for Irish wool, importance of correct handling and storage and a wool demonstration.
Well-known shearer and shearing instructor George Graham returns to Sheep 2015 and will be on hand to deliver his top tips for shearing, along with providing ample opportunities for members of the audience to engage and even try their hand at shearing a few sheep. There will also be a demonstration on hand-shearing.
Farmers and the industry will contribute to the meeting of the sustainability targets in FH2020, climate change and sustainability and the 2025 agri-food strategy. Irish farming is challenged to become more sustainable profitably delivering more food of excellent quality with limited resources while protecting our water, climate and wildlife. Teagasc is helping farmers to meet these challenges by promoting sustainable farming practices and demonstrating them at its Kildalton farm. The village will highlight:
GLAS: The Green Low Carbon Scheme Rural Development Plan 2014 – 2020 Cross compliance (including provisions for the water framework and nitrates directives and a range of other objectives).Quality assurance and sustainability schemes operated by Bord Bia.Low emission slurry spreading.Ag catchments and what farmers can do for point source and diffuse pollution.Sustainable farming for the future and the Kildalton open source sustainable demonstration farmGreenhouse gases and mitigation measures.The importance of soil structure and drainage principles and costs.Farm hazardous waste collections days for farmers in 2015.Maximising nitrogen use efficiency.Forestry and the afforestation grant and premium scheme.Sustainable Use Directive and how this will affect grassland farmers. 
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