Teagasc conference to tackle farm water quality issues

This November, Teagasc will convene its annual Water Quality Conference, centred on improving farm compliance and reducing nutrient losses to water. The event aims to foster knowledge sharing, address challenges, and promote effective farming practices that safeguard water quality across Ireland.

Held at the Heritage Hotel in Killenard, County Laois, on Tuesday, 24 November, the conference will feature three key sessions. The first will explore compliance with the National Agricultural Inspections Programme (NAIP), including practical advice on farm inspections and infrastructure upgrades to limit nutrient runoff. Contributions will come from Cork County Council, Teagasc, and a dairy farmer from County Limerick sharing his farm improvements.

Further sessions will focus on reducing nitrogen losses through improved nitrogen balances in grass-based systems and the use of cover crops in tillage. Farmers from both sectors will present their implemented measures. The final session will address environmental policy and compliance, discussing the Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive, slurry spreading regulations, and a case study on the Moynalty Catchment of the river Boyne. Noel Meehan, Head of Teagasc’s Water Quality Knowledge Transfer Department, emphasised the importance of collaboration among farmers, advisors, and researchers to enhance water quality, encouraging strong attendance at the event.