Mon, 13 Jun
|Out-farm nr. 40 Ballyhornan Road
Multi-Species Swards: Farm Walk
Growing good yields of forage with no artificial fertiliser might seem to many like a pipe dream, but for Paul & Frank Turley it is now a reality.


Time & Location
13 Jun 2022, 19:00 – 21:00
Out-farm nr. 40 Ballyhornan Road, 40 Ballyhornan Rd, Downpatrick BT30 6RJ, UK
About the event
Multi-Species Swards - Leading by Doing
Farming without fertiliser - Can it be done?
Growing good yields of forage with no artificial fertiliser might seem to many like a pipe dream, but for Paul & Frank Turley it is now a reality. In April 2021 they established over 40 acres of multi-species swards, ranging from a diverse 18 species mix to a simple pure chicory sward, and a number of the more usual 6-species and red clover silage mixes in between. Apart from the pure chicory mix no artificial N fertiliser has been sown since the swards were established in April last year. Their experiences to date will be the focus of an upcoming farm walk on Monday 13th June. There will be two walks with first one starting at 3pm and the second at 7pm. Each walk will last around 2 hours.
While establishment was a challenging process the swards are now performing very well despite not receiving any artificial N fertiliser. Paul & Frank have both emphasised the mindset change that is required to establish and manage multi-species swards. The mutual support and assistance of the “Multi-Species Swards for Beef & Sheep” European Innovation Partnership (EIP) operational group has been invaluable. The group is led by AgriSearch, and involves six beef & sheep farmers from across Northern Ireland. Scientific support is provided by AFBI and Queen’s University.
The members of the EIP group will be contributing to the farm walk. The theme of the farm walk is ‘Learning by Doing’ and it will provide an excellent opportunity for those thinking about establishing multi-species swards on their own farms to gather practical information. The farm walks will take place at an out-farm close to 40 Ballyhornan Road, Downpatrick, BT30 6RH. All are welcome. While it is not essential we would appreciate it if those intending to attend would register in advance to help us plan. This can be done via the AgriSearch website www.agrisearch.org.
Upcoming Events
- Thu, 26 OctLa Mon Hotel26 Oct, 09:30 – 16:00La Mon Hotel, 41 Gransha Rd, Comber, Belfast, Newtownards BT23 5RF, UK26 Oct, 09:30 – 16:00La Mon Hotel, 41 Gransha Rd, Comber, Belfast, Newtownards BT23 5RF, UKSoil health is recognised as underpinning sustainable and resilient farming systems. Over the past number of decades, AFBI’s extensive soil health research has integrated with both agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes to deliver important recommendations.
- Tue, 07 NovFitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel07 Nov, 09:30 – 08 Nov, 07:30Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel, Knockanes, Adare, Co. Limerick, Ireland07 Nov, 09:30 – 08 Nov, 07:30Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel, Knockanes, Adare, Co. Limerick, IrelandNational Organic Training Skillnet are delighted to confirm that BioFarm is back! The event will host the usual high-level mix of Irish and international speakers on the topics of biological, organic, and regenerative farming. Speakers will be announced in the coming months leading up to November.
- Thu, 16 NovWestlodge Hotel16 Nov, 08:30 – 17 Nov, 16:30Westlodge Hotel, Seafield, Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland
- Thu, 16 NovWestlodge Hotel16 Nov, 21:00 – 17 Nov, 17:00Westlodge Hotel, Clashduff, Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland
- Mon, 27 NovBelfast27 Nov, 10:00 – 15:30Belfast, University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
- Tue, 28 NovDunadry Hotel28 Nov, 10:00 – 13:00Dunadry Hotel , 2 Islandreagh Dr, Dunadry, Antrim BT41 2HA, UK