Dr. Siobhán Kavanagh

Signpost Programme Communications & Engagement Specialist, Teagasc

Dr Siobhán Kavanagh is Communications and Engagement Specialist with the Signpost Programme since July 2021.

The Signpost Programme is a farm sustainability programme, led by Teagasc and supported by over 60 stakeholder organisation in the Agricultural sector. The programme is designed to support and enable farmers to improve farm sustainability – economic, social and environmental. Siobhán is responsible for communications from the programme to stakeholders, Signpost demonstration farmers and all farmers.

Previously, Siobhán was Regional Advisory Manager in Wexford Wicklow Carlow and Waterford Kilkenny. For 14 years Siobhán was National Ruminant Nutritionist. Siobhán holds and Masters and PhD in Pig Nutrition, having graduated from UCD in 1994.

Leading the way in emissions reduction technology adoption on Signpost cattle farms

Summary

The Signpost cattle farmers have adopted many of the climate mitigation technologies recommended by Teagasc, but there still exists scope to further reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions on these farms.
Signpost cattle farmers have a lower carbon footprint per kg live weight produced than reported for the average Irish cattle farmer, showing what is possible for all farmers.
The Signpost Programme has identified 12 steps to reducing gaseous emissions on cattle farms. These steps include actions to reduce reliance on chemical nitrogen fertiliser use, switching to protected urea, reducing age-at-slaughter and improving animal breeding performance.
It is advised that all cattle farmers check their position regarding each of the recommended actions. A worksheet is available to help identify possible actions to reduce on-farm GHG emissions.

Download the full paper: Leading the way in emissions reduction technology adoption on Signpost cattle farms

Download the presentation: Siobhan Kavanagh – Drivers of greenhouse gas emissions on cattle demonstration farms – Presentation