A young Galway farmer has joined the group of 13 National Dairy Council Farmer Ambassadors who act as advocates and spokespeople for Ireland’s family-farm-based, grass-fed dairy production system.
They are champions for the many initiatives being employed to make Irish dairy more sustainable and environmentally-friendly – and they are all keen to speak about what they are doing and what needs to be done.
Young dairy farmer Enda Walsh represents Galwa. He went to UCD at 17 and studied Dairy Business. As part of the course, he spent six months in New Zealand in 2012 and a following six months in Moorepark - Animal & Grassland Research centre. He graduated in 2014 and returned home to the farm, which is on the outskirts of Oranmore, and farms alongside his father Henry and mother Patricia.
Enda said he is really delighted to be a new NDC Ambassador.
“A lot of emphasis has been placed on sustainability in recent years with the introduction of clover in the grass sward, low emission slurry spreading, planting of hedges and energy efficiencies.
“It’s so important to balance the debate and show how farmers are making positive strides to meet the challenges in lowering emissions.
“What we need is a clear voice, championing our industry with positive stories about the reality of life on the farm, the effective measures being undertaken to address the environmental challenges, the people that make dairy happen, and the future that we as farmers to have,” he said.
