Farmers and growers sometimes complain that there is not enough detailed specialist advice available to them in Ireland. While popping off to a conference in Birmingham might not have been on your mind this January, you could do far worse these cold days than attend the Organic Research Centre's 3 day event, which starts next Wednesday 18th.(PIC: Winter organic beehives....)
It literally is one of the most comprehensive and thought provoking events of the year for the professional organic farmer and grower.
Every major category of organic operator will be catered for, serious and relevant topics discussed in detail, while there will be ample time for networking, big picture debate and policy issues. The balance between researchers, farmers and policy makers is also noteworthy.
Starting Wednesday, the horticulture discussion featuring our own Jason Horner of Leen Organics, deals with untapped horticultural markets or as the subtitle suggests - what do you sell apart from the veg? Flowers, eggs, Christmas trees and willow producers will present.
The panel discussion on grass seed and variety issues will examine the balance between rules and availability. Are organic producers making the best use of available forage varieties, or is the issue the fact that they are hampered in accessing the most appropriate varieties because of organic regulation constraints to use 65% organic seed? All perspectives presented.
A similarly balanced debate should ensure in the discussion on the feed rules changes: the feed rules are getting tighter for organic farmers all the time, as availability of certified organic feed increases. However cost and other issues are involved.
Various categories of waste and their use in farming should be a fascinating discussion, because of the range of perspectives: biosolid, food waste in green waste compost and also separated human urine.
The fringe meetings feature some interesting topics too: accessing land for young producers (with Reclaim the Fields); participatory research and development work; homeopathy at wellie level.
There are sessions on supply chain sustainability, the rapid move towards community vegetable production, innovation in sustainable dairying, sheep health (with a particular focus on scab), as well as that always good value for money debate on corporate vs real organics.
Thursday sees managing nitrogen fertility for organic cereals and what looks like a fascinating discussion on functional biodiversity to start the morning off. The latter will deal with how biodiversity on horticultural holdings can practically be used in the control of pests and diseases, soil fertility management and general system robustness. (Little did I know that there was an Earthworm Society of Britain!)
The level of detail is such that there is also a session on diary cow health with an emphasis on feet. Benchmarking carbon emissions from extensive livestock systems, and a communications session on ads, apps and raps as the (possible) way forward also feature Thursday morning.
Tillage farmers are catered for with the session on research results from projects that are evaluating non-inversion tillage in field-scale crop production , which will also have input from farmers engaged in these projects.
The Making Money from Milk session features unusual producers and useful information: David Finlay of Rainton Farm's ‘Cream o’Galloway' ice cream business and visitor centre is described as Lean farming, and certainly involves unconventional practices for profit. Information to highlight your herd’s strengths and weaknesses will also be presented, as will another producer perspective.
Beef and sheep farmers will certainly be interested in the session on the cost price squeeze, as it will feature presentations on opportunities for reducing costs, as well as on price trends and the role of producer marketing groups.
The best use of legumes in various systems is the last presentation of the day before the closing plenary. This will focus on current work with legume mixtures, while also exploring applications beyond fertility building and ground cover. These could include greater use of home-grown legumes in monogastric diets and even as part of a ration for fish.
That big picture plenary on global agro-ecology should lead to a rousing send off Thursday afternoon.
For more, contact Sean McGloin on 086 1728442 or the IOTA direct on 0044 154 752 8546
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