02 October 2022

Biodiversity on Newford Farm

Newford Farm is working to enhancing the level of biodiversity on the farm. The farm has been selected as a demonstration farm as part of the Teagasc Signpost Programme.

This will see a suite of measures introduced over the lifetime of the programme that will serve to reduce the volume of gaseous emissions the farm produces, protect water quality, enhance biodiversity and ultimately reduce cost and create more profitable and sustainable farming. A number of these initiatives have already commenced.

Newford set aside a small portion of old grazing ground beside the main yard, this ground has not be grazed over the summer months. This protected ground has many wild flowers in it and it has been a major source of food for the bees during the summer.

An undisturbed part of Newford Farm is home to the native Irish honey bee who has set up a hive within an old tree trunk on the farm

A further five acres was reseeded with Abergain and Aberchoice at a rate of 12.5kg grass seed and 1.5kg of the clover variety Buddy per acre.

Newford Farm is focusing on increasing the clover content in all swards. It is hoped this will support current levels of output and animal performance while allowing the volume of chemical fertiliser being used to be reduced.

Newford Replacement heifers enjoy a lush clover-rich paddock