“If we all do one small thing to improve water quality….”

“If we all do one small thing to improve water quality, it will be work very well done and support retaining the Nitrates Derogation,” Tirlán supplier, Martin Davin

Tirlán supplier Martin Davin, a   fourth generation family farmer  near Rathdowney in Laois  is  doing everything possible to improve on-farm economic and environmental performance.

He’s already invested in a locally manufactured yard brush under the Farming for Water EIP. Addressing neighbouring farmers at a Farming for the Future – Open Farm Walk & Talk on his farm, Martin encouraged any supplier who has not yet engaged with the Farming for Water or the ASSAP teams to do so and begin the free and confidential on-farm investment and grant application process.

 “I’d encourage every single farmer to engage with the team at Tirlán. If we can all do one small thing to improve water quality, it will be work very well done and support retaining the Nitrates Derogation All of the small little things matter – keeping out the slurry, fencing off watercourses, investing in machinery like I did.

“I’m farming under the requirements of  the nitrates derogation. If we lose it, I’ll have to review my farm and this will impact my costs. We’ve done lots of bits here over the years but the EIP has been an important  nudge to invest in a yard brush. And it was great to be able to buy it from a local manufacturer, Michael Houlihan in Rathdowney.

“I’ve always wanted to farm and took over from my father, Tim. My partner, Lena Sheahan, is a vet and while I’m working most of the time on my own, we’ve a good work/life balance and we have a nice lifestyle. We’re hopeful we will be in a position to retain the Derogation. Farming is in my blood and I believe we have to continue to fight our corner. There’s a big disconnect out there and lots of people making noise don’t know all the good things that go on in the farming world.”

As part of the campaign to address water quality and support the retention of the nitrates derogation, farmers on the walk were given an insight into Martin’s overall farm performance and the sustainability actions he has taken. Aidan O’Donovan of the Tirlán ASSAP team provided an overview of Martin’s farm, including milk solids, EBI, feed strategy, stocking rate, derogation status, and ASSAP measures planned for implementation. Key insights from AgNav figures, the co-op performance report, and total grass growth for the year were presented.

Roisin McManus from ASSAP outlined the supports Martin will receive under the Farming for Water EIP. These include €2,000 towards a farmyard bucket and brush; €250 for a Rainwater Management Plan; €250 per annum for four years for N Balance; €70 per sample for four slurry sample analysis  and €156 for a farming training course delivered on-farm.

Brian Casey from LawPro said the soil type in the Erkina catchment poses challenges, even on farms with no watercourse nearby. He urged all gathered to mitigate against any threats to water quality by addressing any threats at source – only to spread slurry when all the conditions are right, to use catch crops, to adhere to buffer zones and plant trees and hedgerows.

Tirlán’s Sean Martin and Bryan Harte addressed Nitrogen Management and Milk Solids Tracking on the Davin farm, describing it as very efficient in both areas.

Closing the event, Tirlán’s Thomas Ryan said he was taken with the momentum at all levels behind the drive to address water quality challenges and retain the Nitrates Derogation beyond December 31, 2025. “Ireland will formally apply to the European Commission for retention of the nitrates derogation in December this year and the sector wide campaign is focused on putting in place the necessary actions to address water quality challenges.  .

“Amid all the negotiations and meetings currently taking place there will be four formal engagements between Ireland and the European Commission next year to decide on the retention of the derogation – in March, June, September and December.

“Our chairperson, John Murphy, and CEO, Seán Molloy are leading a whole of Co-op campaign to support our farm family suppliers address water quality challenges and retain the Nitrates Derogation. This work complements the whole of sector campaign and activity currently underway.,” he said.