Analysis: An agri-climate calendar with easy-to-follow advice and tips can give farmers clear and practical climate steps to take throughout the year
Over the last decade, climate change is a phrase that has taken up residence in our vocabulary. The effects are real and something we need to act on swiftly. Weather patterns are more unpredictable and farmers are feeling the brunt of them.
In Ireland, extreme weather events are more common than ever before. In January, Storm Éowyn caused major disruptions with some households in the west of the country left without power or water for weeks. April saw the highest temperature ever recorded in that month, breaking a record set in 1984. Such extreme weather patterns are no longer one-off events and are happening more often - and are having a big effect on farming in Ireland.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland in Sep 2024, calls for Government to support measures to cut agriculture emissions
Irish farmers are facing serious challenges due to climate change's wetter and warmer conditions. On one hand, warmer weather could mean longer growing seasons, but this doesn’t come without problems. For example, more rain means flooding, which can damage soil and wash away important nutrients. Warmer temperatures also encourage the spread of diseases, which can hinder both crop and livestock production.
But while climate change is a challenge for farmers, farming also contributes to climate change. In fact, Irish agriculture accounts for more than a third of the country's greenhouse gas emissions each year. This puts pressure on farmers to find ways to reduce their environmental impact, but many of them feel frustrated with policies that do not always consider the realities of farming life.
So, what can farmers do to help tackle climate change on their farms? One simple tool might be an agri-climate calendar to provide easy-to-follow climate advice and tips, specifically designed for dairy farmers. A one-pager that gives farmers clear and practical steps to take throughout the year, it’s tailored to the needs of individual farms, helping farmers make small changes that can reduce emissions without hampering productivity.
The beauty of this calendar is that it was designed by dairy farmers for dairy farmers. It’s not overwhelming and gives farmers simple, practical actions they can take without adding work to already busy schedules. Instead of bombarding farmers with complicated information, the calendar focuses on small adjustments they can make. For example, it suggests changes to fertiliser spreading practices, better nutrient management or improving soil structures. The advice is flexible, so farmers can apply it based on their own farming situation.
What makes the calendar so effective is that it integrates climate action into farmers' existing routines. Instead of trying to force drastic changes all at once, the calendar helps farmers make small, gradual improvements. Over time, these small changes add up, leading to significant reductions in emissions.
Beyond reducing emissions, the calendar also seeks to spark conversations about climate change. By providing farmers with easy-to-understand information, it encourages them to talk more openly about the issue and take action. This shift in mindset is important because farmers are often the ones most affected by climate change, and they have valuable knowledge about what works and what does not.
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The success of the calendar has shown that farmers are willing to embrace climate action, as long as the solutions are practical and fit with their daily lives. When farmers feel supported and given the right tools, they can play a key role in reducing emissions and protecting the environment. This calendar helps farmers feel more confident about making changes on their farms.
The Agri-Climate Calendar is also a step towards Ireland meeting its climate goals. Ireland has committed to reducing carbon emissions, and the farming sector has a big role to play in that. By adopting practices like those suggested in the calendar, Irish farmers can reduce their environmental impact while still running productive farms.
By offering clear, practical advice, the calendar allows farmers to take action without disrupting their regular activities
The Agri-Climate Calendar is a simple but powerful tool to help farmers reduce their carbon footprint. By offering clear, practical advice, it allows farmers to take action without disrupting their regular activities. The calendar encourages gradual change, making it easier for farmers to play their part in climate action over time.
With the right tools and support, farmers can play a leading role in reducing emissions while maintaining sustainable and productive farms. Moving forward, balancing food production with environmental care will be key for Ireland’s farming sector. This approach is one that could play a crucial role as Ireland works towards reaching its climate goals.
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Niamh Dunphy is a PhD student on the Agricultural Innovation Support Research Project with UCD and Teagasc funded by the Walsh Scholars Programme.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
