One Galway farmer has been honoured by Teagasc for his commitment to sustainability and soil health in agriculture.
Farming 125 hectares at Kilmurry, Tynagh, Loughrea, Conor O’Brien milks a herd of 144 high EBI Holstein cows and carries a dairy-beef enterprise in partnership with his father, Vincent, and mother, Mary.
Recently recognised as the ‘Improving Soil Health Category Winner’ of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards, Conor’s journey into farming was greatly aided by the trust bestowed in him by his parents.
Elaborating on this, Conor explained, “My father gave me the opportunity at a youngish enough age to make my own decisions. He transferred one of the out blocks to me for my suckler enterprise, that was more a part-time hobby at the time.”
“It would have been easier for him to keep it himself, but he took the chance on me. If he and my mother didn’t give me the chance to learn and develop together with them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
From this beginning, Conor has seen the family’s farm grow, all the while focused on being technically efficient, profitable and environmentally sustainable.
Supplying Arrabawn Tipperary Co-op and guided by Signpost Programme Advisor Liam Quinn and local Teagasc advisor, Tom Murphy, cows on the farm are on track to produce 470kg of milk solids each year, carried at a stocking rate of 2.4LU/ha.
Grass utilisation reached 8.7 tonnes DM/ha in 2024, while herd genetics continue to improve, with an EBI of €251 and Dairy Beef Index (DBI) of €74, supporting profitability and a carbon footprint of 0.9 kg CO₂eq per kg FPCM.
Nutrient management is central. In 2024, 132 kg N/ha was applied, 66% as protected urea. All slurry is spread with low-emission slurry spreading (LESS), and nutrient management planning informs applications.
Soil fertility has improved as a result, 34% of soils are now optimum, up from 26%, while AgNav records a nitrogen surplus of 125kg N/ha.
Conor engages actively in sustainability programmes. As a Waters EIP participant, he has installed fencing, solar pumps, rainwater management and planted 135 metres of hedgerow.
As a Signpost Demonstration Farmer, he increased protected urea use to 66%, boosted clover to 37% of the milking platform, and grows 14 acres of red clover silage.
Future plans include a new slatted shed, solar panels, and continued genetic progress, highlighted by three bulls sold to AI stations with EBIs of €343 to €358.
