In the first in our series of study guide videos, the author of our sustainability guides (weeks three to five) discusses the content and key learning outcomes for students and teachers with Irish Farmers Journal deputy editor Jack Kennedy.

This 25-minute video takes students and teachers beyond the content of the weekly study guides, adding context and practical examples to enhance their understanding on the topic of sustainability.

Ag Science 20202021 Study Guides 1 Sustainability v1.

Key areas covered

  • The implications of sustainable development for crop production.
  • How would you maintain a good healthy soil and be intensive at the same time?
  • The attributes of Irish food based on grass-fed animals.
  • Jack and Michael discuss John McNamara’s farm (week four) and what sustainable measures he is taking for best farming practices.
  • The importance and future of eco schemes such as REPS and GLAS.
  • The difference between intensive farming in Ireland compared with the rest of the world.
  • The future and potential for artisan foods in Irish agriculture.
  • What sets Ireland apart from other parts of the world?
  • What the future holds for Irish agriculture and how it can become more sustainable.
  • Fun facts

  • The yellow and creamy texture of Irish butter (for example Kerrygold) is different to other parts of the world due to the diet of the cows and the presence of beta carotene.
  • There’s an estimated 700,000km of hedgerows in Ireland.
  • If you have any question related to this video or any of the topics covered in the weekly study guides, feel free to email us at studyguidevideos@farmersjournal.ie.

    Next week, we’ll be releasing our first case study video from our dairy farmer Alan Jagoe. In his video, Alan goes through:

  • How he is preparing his farm for the upcoming winter.
  • How his herd will be getting some vaccinations.
  • Spreading slurry on paddocks that he is closing up.
  • The herd's grazing schedule.
  • Current herd milk output.
  • Preparations to move the cows into the sheds.
  • Some future tests the cows will be receiving.
  • Improvements being made on the farm.
  • If you’ve missed any of our other videos, you can watch them HERE.