Lakeland Dairies and Teagasc to co-host local Signpost event

A farm event that is part of the Teagasc Signpost Programme takes place on a top-quality Lakeland Dairies farm in Westmeath next week.

The Signpost Programme, in association with the Lakeland Dairies/ Teagasc Joint Programme, will host the event on the farm of Michael Clarke on Tuesday, April 29, at 11.30am.

The event, entitled ‘Building Sustainable Practices’, will cover nutrient management and clover performance, manage mid-season grass to maximise milk production, effective farmyard planning to protect water quality, and information on the €60m Farming for Water EIP initiative.

Michael is a top-class farmer who adopts modern technologies and practices to drive efficiencies and profitability. He milks 250 cows along with his wife, Lynn, and their son Liam.

The Teagasc Signpost programme is an initiative to lead climate action by farmers, and achieve early progress in reducing gaseous emissions while improving water quality, increasing biodiversity, reducing costs and creating more profitable and sustainable farming enterprises.

Speaking ahead of the event, Eamon Duignan, member relations manager with Lakeland Dairies, said: "We are delighted to support Teagasc on delivering this important Signpost Programme event. The Signpost Programme has proven itself to be an incredible resource in supporting our water quality and climate ambitions.

"The Lakeland Dairies/ Teagasc Joint Programme has been working hand-in-hand with our suppliers to help the delivery and adoption of all the latest cutting-edge advice and technology at farm level. These are helping every day to improve water quality, boost biodiversity and increase profitability at farm level.

"I thank Michael, Lynn and Liam for opening their gates for this event, where the hugely popular €60m Farming for Water EIP will also be discussed. The EIP is proving to be a major weapon in our campaign to improve water quality. I encourage all farmers to attend on the day."