The British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston joined the IFA President Tim Cullinan for a visit to the Teagasc Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation centre, Grange, County Meath yesterday, Tuesday, 10 August.
The purpose of the visit was to see the latest Teagasc research into sustainable pasture-based beef production systems and to explore the possibility of developing UK/Ireland collaboration in this area, Teagasc said in a statement.
'Environmental Measures Discussed'
The Agriculture and Food Development Authority noted that environmental measures being assessed as part of the beef production research programme in Grange were showcased and discussed.
Speaking of the visit, Dr Paul Crosson, Teagasc Beef Enterprise leader, said, “Of particular interest to the delegation was our new research programme into multi-species pastures. These pastures have a mix of ryegrass, clover and herb species in them."
"The aim is to reduce nitrogen use, because the clover is fixing atmospheric nitrogen and making it available in the soil for plant growth," he said.
"The mixed species swards could also potentially increase drought tolerance, increase palatability and quality of the sward, and improve the health of cattle. Our trials are looking for evidence to support these potential benefits,” Crosson added.
The methane mitigation research programme at Teagasc Grange was also discussed during the visit, Teagasc said.
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