IOA Field Talk Programme 2016

IOA are pleased to announce the details for the 2016 Field Talk Programme. This is aimed in particular at members who have recently converted to organic farming so that they can meet other organic farmers and discuss production methods. It is a farmer led programme and a range of farmers will host an event on their farm which consists of a farm walk and open discussion about aspects of organic farming.

It is essential to pre-book your place at the events in order to facilitate everyone, so please call the IOA office on tel 0906 433680 or email john.seery@iofga.org or tricia@iofga.org stating which event you would like to book in for.

Our first event takes place on June 8th on the farm of Gavin Tully at 2pm. Gavin lives near Enniscorthy in Co, Wexford, he converted to organic cereal production last year having spent many years growing conventional tillage crops. More details about the event will be listed closer to the time, below you will find the full list of events for 2016.

June 8th – Gavin Tully – Wexford

Gavin farms near Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. He will be outlining the cereal production on his farm and his fertility management system.

June 22nd – Mary, Gerry and Derek Kelly – Westmeath

Based near Mullingar, the Kelly’s have been farming organically for many years. This Field Talk event will centre on a new departure for the farm which is the widespread use of homeopathy in treating animals who present with problems. Recently they have entered into a farm partnership with their son Derek and the process of that will also be outlined on the day.

July 13th – Patrick Frankel – Cork

Patrick has many enterprises on the farm including vegetable production, forestry, livestock and a new project which is establishing an orchard. Patrick sells his produce directly at the Coal Quay market in Cork but he also supplies a number of restaurants in the wider area.

August 3rd – Garreth Whitmore – Donegal

Garreth has been growing field scale organic vegetables for many years. This Field Talk programme will focus on the mixed enterprises developed on the farm.

September 7th – Brian O’Regan – Cork

Brian has a mixed organic farm, the focus for this event will primarily be cereal production and processing.

October 5th – John McHugh – Laois

John is a new convert to organic dairying and is particularly interested in herbal leys which will be explored in greater detail on the day.