Farming for Water Pilot Project Kicks Off

Opportunity: Protecting Water Resources for Future Generations

Mike and Bernie O’Sullivan, dairy farmers in Castleisland, Co. Kerry, have long been committed to ensuring their farm operates sustainably. With water pollution and nutrient runoff increasingly threatening local watercourses, the O’Sullivans recognized the need to take proactive steps to safeguard their land for future generations. This challenge became an opportunity when they joined the Farming for Water EIP pilot project, an initiative involving 50 local farmers, aimed at improving water management through sustainable farming practices. As Mike noted, “I see this as a huge opportunity to put our property in order for our children coming along after us.”

Involvement in the government’s measures to improve water quality funded through Farming for Water EIP provided the O’Sullivans with the necessary resources and expertise to address water quality issues on their farm. Additionally, the support provided by Kerry Agribusiness was critical to initiating this project, as Mike explained, “Protecting water is very important, this is a great project and the key to it is that the funding is right.”

Approach: Implementing Sustainable Water Management Strategies

The project started with the development of a Rainwater Management Plan tailored to the specific needs of the O’Sullivan farm. Kerry Agribusiness sustainability advisors worked closely with the family to introduce several measures designed to manage runoff and prevent nutrient leaching into nearby water sources. The centrepiece of this plan was the installation of a willow bed, a natural filtration system that helps to slow down water runoff, allowing sediment to settle and nutrients to be absorbed by the willow plants.

The construction of the willow bed took just two days and involved planting 1,050 willow stems over a 100 x 4-metre area. This simple yet effective system prevents pollutants from entering local watercourses. As Terry O’Mahony, one of the project’s sustainability advisors, noted, “We now have this example of a willow bed to showcase, and we have the expertise locally to demonstrate how the work should be done.”

These fast-growing plants, harvested every two years, provide an efficient and cost-effective solution to water management. The willow bed is fenced off from livestock to protect the plants, although they pose no harm to the animals.

Additionally, the O’Sullivans introduced other sustainable practices, such as postponing slurry and chemical spreading, installing solar pumps, and planting multi-species grass. These combined measures contribute to overall environmental sustainability, reducing the farm’s carbon footprint while enhancing water quality. The willow bed serves as a natural filtration system, helping to “polish” grey water runoff from farm roadways and clean concrete areas before it enters the local water system.

Throughout the process, the advisors worked closely with the O’Sullivans to ensure all initiatives were properly implemented. “I have learned a lot from it,” said Mike, emphasising the hands-on support that Kerry Agribusiness provided throughout the project.

Impact: Transforming Agricultural Practices for Long-Term Sustainability

The Farming for Water EIP pilot project has generated significant positive outcomes for both the environment and local agricultural communities. The willow bed and associated measures on the O’Sullivan farm have effectively reduced nutrient runoff, improved water quality, and promoted more sustainable farming practices. By adopting these innovative solutions, the O’Sullivans have positioned their farm as a model of environmental responsibility in the dairy industry.

Moreover, the willow bed project supports broader initiatives by Kerry Agribusiness to lead sustainable agricultural innovation across Ireland. The lessons learned from the O’Sullivan farm can be shared with other farmers, enabling the wider farming community to implement similar measures.

The Farming for Water EIP project, funded in part by national agricultural programs and supported by guidelines from the Department of Agriculture, showcases how modern farming practices can adapt to meet environmental challenges. By addressing water quality issues at the farm level, these initiatives contribute to broader goals of sustainability and environmental protection, ensuring that Irish farms remain viable and environmentally responsible for future generations.

As Mike O’Sullivan noted, “It will be a real feature on our farm and will be great to see it growing and having an impact on the landscape as well as on the land itself. I can see nothing but benefit from having introduced this measure. Nobody made me do it – it was a voluntary action but the fact that it is funded makes it very attractive.”

By working closely with local farmers to implement practical, sustainable solutions, Kerry Agribusiness is fostering a ripple effect of environmental stewardship across the region. Farmers interested in improving water quality can take advantage of a free Protecting our Waters visit to identify actionable steps. Kerry Agribusiness also offers a wide range of services to enhance animal health, welfare, and nutrition through its Boom Feeds brand, providing expert solutions tailored to the needs of dairy farmers. For more information, contact Caoilfhionn Dodd (0874346979) or Terry O’Mahony (0879662093).