Скачать или смотреть Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards 2025 - James Madigan

James Madigan is a suckler beef farmer from Kilkenny. James was shortlisted as a finalist in this years awards.

This 96-hectare mixed farm comprises 81.74 ha grassland, 4.89 ha tillage, and 9.71 ha forestry. Stocking rate of 2.04 LU/ha. Beef output is 717 kg/ha, supported by a suckler replacement index of €128, a terminal index of €63, and 0.99 calves per cow per year. Bulls and heifers are finished at 16.9 and 20.9 months respectively, reducing emissions, with a carbon footprint of 11.53 kg CO₂eq/kg beef live weight.

Grassland and nutrient management are central. Chemical nitrogen use is 101 kg/ha, down 25% in three years, 68% as protected urea. Slurry is fully applied via Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS), while 22% of the farm is at optimum pH, P, and K. Clover and red clover silage improve protein self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported feeds.

Environmental measures are extensive, with 27.7% of the farm dedicated to space for nature. Under ACRES, 18 ha are managed for biodiversity, 380 m of new hedging and 240 m riparian buffers installed, waterways fenced, and hedgerows cut on a three-year cycle. Solar water pumps and additional tree planting enhance sustainability.

Future plans focus on improving soil fertility, expanding clover, enhancing herd genetics, and integrating tillage and forestry for long-term productivity, habitat creation, and resilience.

The Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards aims to promote environmentally sustainable farming. The awards highlight the progress farmers are making to lighten the load of farming on the environment, while continuing to produce high quality, nutritious food, in a profitable manner #TeagascFBDSustainability25