Cork students farm biodiversity project shortlisted in schools challenge

FOUR Fermoy students who researched and presented a project about the benefits of farm biodiversity, along with raising five Angus calves, were among the successful teams in the Certified Irish Angus Schools competition final.

St Colman’s College students Cathal McAuliffe, Darragh Morrison, Kian O’Donoghue, and Diarmuid O’Donovan investigated the benefits of farm biodiversity, and the four pupils were in the right place — North Cork’s agricultural heartland — to find some innovative farmers who are integrating regenerative practices into their operations.

Knowledge

Armed with the knowledge they learned from the farmers they spoke with, they decided to implement these practices on their host farm.

This included fencing off waterways and dedicating space for eco-systems to thrive.

Another important aspect of the project was connecting with the local community, in order to raise awareness and understanding of what they had learned.

The four pupils also organised a school visit with a prize bullock and a charity barbecue which raised €1,700.

Now in its 10th year, the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition — in association with ABP Food Group and Kepak — aims to promote the Certified Irish Angus brand while communicating the care and attention required to produce quality beef for consumers.

The project is aimed at supporting the students who are studying agricultural science at Leaving Certificate level, and challenges students to rear five Irish Angus Cross calves for 18 months until their slaughter.

Farming industry experts are judging this year’s 43 shortlisted projects and will select five finalists from their biggest pool of shortlisted projects ever.

The five schools that best demonstrate an understanding of the project, along with innovative ideas, will be announced in September, and will receive their calves at the National Ploughing Championships in September 2024.