Learning from colleagues
The idea of introducing clover onto the farm came from
peer-to-peer discussion groups and collaboration with
Teagasc, an Irish research centre. In these forums, Brendan
can evaluate the pros and cons of new technologies and
f ind innovative solutions that will work in the f ield.
Brendan Walsh
Young dairy farmer Cahir,
Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Stitching clover to reduce nitrogen use
Brendan combines traditional farming methods with
On his farm, Brendan plants clover in new f ields, closely
monitors grass growth, and tracks which parts of the farm
clover responds best to.
Reintroducing clover has been a major factor in reducing
the farm’s nitrogen fertilizer use, cutting back from about
200 kilograms per hectare to 115 kg/ha. As Brendan says,
“clover is not a new technology, but a reinvented one”.
Clover is a type of legume that
naturally f ixes nitrogen in the soil,
reducing the need for chemical
fertilizers (source). This lowers
greenhouse gas emissions and
helps improve water quality
(source).
Brendan’s farm
Brendan Walsh is a seventh-generation farmer on his family’s 107-hectare farm in
County Tipperary. He and his family manage 170 dairy cows, plus replacements
and 40 beef animals. The farm operates a grass-based system where cows
spend 280–290 days a year grazing outdoors thanks to the temperate climate.
Their focus is on producing high-quality milk, improving their milk solids, while
reducing environmental impact and keeping the farm sustainable for future
generations. Brendan studied Dairy Business at University College Dublin
(UCD) and was the overall winner of the 2024 Teagasc/FBD Environmental
Sustainability Awards. As a Farmer Ambassador for the National Dairy Council
in Ireland, Brendan is passionate about sharing his experience as a dairy farmer
with the wider public.
“Start small, do it well,
be prepared to fail.„
#Ambition
#Adaptability
#Openness to
change
Watch Brendan’s interview
INNOVATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Sommaire Introduction 10 farmers case studies Expert’s interviews FAQ Conclusion