LATEST ARTICLES
Farm Programmes
A journey into ‘silvoarable’ farming in Co Carlow
Brendan Dunford
Jack Browne’s vision for his farm, and his courage and conviction in realising it, offers a terrific learning experience for a future where innovation, diversification and adaptation will be crucial.
10 April 2024 Footprint Farmers
Beyond N, P and K: balancing the living army in our soils
Balancing soil chemistry is vital for optimising the use of inputs, but there’s also a growing awareness of the importance of nurturing the living component of our soils, writes Emma Hart.
3 April 2024 Footprint Farmers
Social sustainability in south Galway
'When you add it all up, this family farm enterprise offers way more of a "social dividend" than we usually give such enterprises credit for,' writes Brendan Dunford.
Navigating soil test results on Footprint Farms
Good nutrient management is about measuring what you can (soil, slurry and crops) and adjusting year on year to improve efficiency and minimise environmental impact across the entire system.
27 March 2024 Footprint Farmers
Joined-up thinking on a fragmented holding in Co Antrim
David McBride blurs the false line between farmer and ‘environmentalist’, his love of farming and focus on profit resting easily with a lifelong interest in ornithology, writes Brendan Dunford.
20 March 2024 Footprint Farmers
Soil test results: 34% of samples at optimum P, K and pH on Footprint Farms
Using soil test results to target fertiliser applications can boost soil fertility, reduce costs and minimise environmental damage, writes Emma Hart.
13 March 2024 Footprint Farmers
Shorthorn cows and short supply chains in Co Antrim
It’s tempting to be sentimental – or dismissive - about such a small traditional system but, make no mistake, this herd pays its way, writes Brendan Dunford.
6 March 2024 Footprint Farmers
Testing slurry and silage for targeted efficiency
Slurry is both a valuable asset and a potential pollutant. Understanding the composition and quality of your slurry is key to maximising its value while minimising environmental impact.
28 February 2024 Footprint Farmers
Restoring bogs – and hope – in Co Tipperary
This ‘day on the bog’ is about restoration - not only of this special place, but of hope in the future stewardship of the wider Irish landscape and the vital role that farmers can play.
21 February 2024 Footprint Farmers
Planting trees to capture ammonia on Limerick dairy farm
Planting a tree belt can be an effective way to reduce ammonia emissions from farm buildings, while simultaneously providing a lively habitat for biodiversity, writes Emma Hart.
14 February 2024 Footprint Farmers
Reflections on a career as a farming consultant in Co Clare
After almost three decades as a farm adviser, Patsy Carrucan was happy to retire from the growing workload, ‘trickier’ applications and ever-shrinking timeframes involved, writes Brendan Dunford.
7 February 2024 Footprint Farmers
A record-breaking 2023: our warmer world means weirder weather
Ultimately, lived experience of changing weather patterns could change farming practices far faster than any scheme, payment or regulation.
31 January 2024 Footprint Farmers