Sustainable Livestock Village draws the crowds at Tullamore Show

THE Sustainable Livestock Village made a successful return to the National Livestock Show in Tullamore yesterday, placing a strong focus on practical climate action, farm profitability, and generation renewal.

The Village was officially launched on Sunday morning by Barry Cowen, Fianna Fáil Member of the European Parliament for Midlands–Northwest, who acknowledged the sector’s collaborative efforts saying,

“Agriculture is at a crossroads facing pivotal challenges, but also immense opportunities. Events like this are vital for bringing together farmers, policymakers and industry to share ideas and solutions. Sustainability must go hand in hand with food security, rural viability, and generational renewal, ensuring that the next wave of farmers has both the tools and the confidence to carry this sector forward.”

Powered by zero-emission green hydrogen in partnership with ESB and Offaly County Council, the Village attracted large crowds throughout the day. Visitors engaged with interactive stands, watched livestock demonstrations, and took part in expert-led sessions focused on practical solutions for sustainable farming.

At FBD Speakers’ Corner, topics including farm succession planning, water quality protection, developing sustainability plans using AGNAV, and enhancing biodiversity through hedgerow and habitat management were discussed.

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The day ended with the Macra Livestock Innovators Session, featuring talks from young voices in Irish farming. Speakers included Seán Kelly (Chair of Macra’s Ag Affairs Committee and 2023 FBD Young Farmer of the Year), Christopher Tuffy (2022 FBD Young Farmer of the Year), David Kelly (Beef & tillage farmer, ICBF research coordinator), and Michael Feely (Kepak Young Sheep Farmer Forum). The session covered important topics for young farmers and what’s needed to make farming an attractive career option.

Seán Kelly summed up the discussion saying, “We need to show young farmers that farming can offer a good work-life balance, modern methods, and practical support. Giving them the right help and advice will help them grow and lead farming in the future.”

Another highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners of the Irish Farmers Journal Sustainable Farming Photography Competition. The overall winner was Brian Joyce from Co. Mayo with his striking image At Home on the Mountain, capturing a Mayo Mountain ewe grazing beneath Croagh Patrick, a powerful reflection of farming in harmony with nature. Other winners included Roisin Smyth, Co. Cavan, for The Golden Girls, depicting blackthorn hedges along a farm lane, Lorraine Hogan, Co. Cork, for Into the Wild, showcasing a biodiversity-rich field alive with pollinators, and Liam Barton, Co. Laois, for Growing a Future from the Ground Up, telling the story of a young farmer building a sustainable heifer-rearing enterprise.

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Throughout the day, participating organisations provided targeted support to farmers. The Department of Agriculture focused on water quality and nitrates, while Teagasc provided guidance on liming, earlier finishing, and low-emission practices. Bord Bia and Teagasc highlighted AgNav, while Bord Bia also outlined progress under the SBLAS scheme and discussed evolving market expectations. ICBF promoted the use of the Commercial Beef Value index and Mart Tracker app. Animal Health Ireland addressed parasite control and animal health planning, while Meat Industry Ireland and Dairy Industry Ireland shared updates on processor-led initiatives and the €60 million Farming for Water programme.