The Farming for Nature (FFN) project is delighted to welcome Laois farmer, David to their growing Ambassador network.
I am honoured to be a Farming For Nature Ambassador and part of the Network. My late father George had a huge interest in nature and the environment as well as being a good farmer. I am striving to continue his legacy. Can you farm relatively intensively and in harmony with nature? I believe you can. David Kerr on being awarded the role of an Ambassador.
David Kerr is a commercial dairy farmer from Ballyfin Co Laois. He milks 150 cross-bred cows, “following the old farming mantra of one cow to the acre”. He also keeps a small flock of Dorset Horn sheep on the farm. 20% of the land has been reseeded with multispecies swards and clover and this has helped reduce the amount of artificial nitrogen spread on the land. There is 3 acres of woodland on the farm, mainly oak, which was planted by Davids late father George. To honour the passing of George in 2021, David devoted an area of land to a 1.5 acre wildlife pond on the farm. David has left approximately 12% of his farm as non-commercially productive land and he values this land for its biodiversity and wildlife value.
If you want to hear more from Daivd join us at his live Ask the Farmer Q&A Tuesday 12th March evening on Zoom. Just register through our website below. Register here
Farming For Nature was set up with an aim to source, share and celebrate the stories of farmers across Ireland who manage their land in a way that sustains nature, while providing a livelihood for their family. David is part of 2023’s ten ambassadors that come from across Ireland and include beef, sheep, goats, horses, dairy, horticulture and tillage farmers who manage a wide range of very valuable habitats including species-rich grasslands and heaths, wetlands, woodlands and hedgerows. The Farming For Nature ambassador network is now 91 people strong and made up of family farms, couples, and both male and female farmers.
FFN is featuring their newly awarded Ambassadors on a monthly basis until next Autumn. Keep an eye on FFN’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter platforms to learn more about these wonderful farmers and the valuable work they are doing for nature on their land. FFN will work with these inspiring ambassadors to produce farm videos, podcasts, ‘Ask the Farmer’ sessions, farm walks and more. Go to www.farmingfornature.ie to learn about this incredible network of Ambassador farmers and to access further information, resources and tips.
The Farming for Nature Awards 2023 were sponsored by Bord Bia and supported by a wide range of farming and conservation interests including the Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Rural Network.
For more information contact [email protected]
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David Kerr’s profile page is here.
