Farm Walk and Talk @ Ballyhaise Agricultural College

On Wednesday, 11th March 2026, our 5th and 6th-year Agricultural Science students traveled to Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Cavan for the annual Agri Aware Farm Walk & Talk.

This event is a vital part of the Ag Science curriculum, allowing students to step out of the classroom and see the theories they study in action on a working, research-led farm.

What the Students Learned

The day was organized into interactive stations where students engaged with industry experts:

• Dairy & Beef Management: Students visited the milking parlour to discuss modern dairy procedures and hygiene. In the beef units, they explored livestock grading and the biological factors affecting growth rates.

• The Lambing Shed: A highlight of the day was the visit to the lambing sheds. Students witnessed the intensity of the spring season firsthand, learning about neonatal care and the management of ewes during this critical period.

• Sustainable Technology: Students saw demonstrations of Low-Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) machinery. They learned how this technology reduces environmental impact and ammonia emissions—a key topic for their upcoming exams.

• Soil & Grassland Science: Experts taught the students how to perform grass measuring using plate meters to manage grazing. They also received a detailed briefing on the different types of fertilisers (such as 18-6-12) and how nutrient management plans are developed.

Why This Matters for the Leaving Cert

This trip serves two primary purposes for agricultural science students academic progress:

1. Individual Integrated Survey (IIS) Project: For the 5th-year students, this visit provides the "raw data" and real-world observations needed to begin their mandatory research projects. The focus on sustainability and technology at Ballyhaise is a perfect fit for the current project brief.

2. Exam Preparation: Many of the questions in the Leaving Cert paper are based on practical farm scenarios. Seeing the machinery and livestock in person helps students visualize their answers, particularly regarding farm safety, environmental sustainability, and animal physiology.