A series of free online webinars in the run up to the Burren Winterage Weekend
Ahead of the Farming for Nature events at the Burren Winterage Weekend, we are hosting a week of free webinars to whet your appetite. In collaboration with the Nature Friendly Farming Network in Northern Ireland, and supported by the Shared Island Initiative, these webinars will feature a diverse panel of farmers from North and South discussing key issues in agriculture.
Each event has a separate link and you must register for each one individually.
The Winterage Weekend is a wonderful opportunity to join us in person, connect with like-minded farmers, and enjoy a rich cultural programme including a farm walk in the beautiful Burren, panel discussions, a book launch and the Annual Ambassador Awards. More details about the Annual Farming For Nature Gathering here.
MONDAY 20th ‘The Pain and the Gain; Transitioning from High Input to Low Input Farming‘
With arable farmers – Mark Gillanders from Monaghan, David Sandford from Down and Colin Chappell from Lincolnshire in England
Where do you begin when shifting your farm from high-input reliance to lower-input, nature-based practices? This session explores the practical challenges of reducing inputs while putting nature at the centre of your farm system. We’ll look at the motivations and lessons learned from farmers who have made this transition. Key takeaways will highlight how working with nature can cut costs, build resilience, and help you identify practical steps you can take today.
TUESDAY 21st ‘Quality over Quantity – Doing Dairy Differently‘
With dairy farmers Mimi Crawford from Tipperary, Ruth & Scott Walker from Antrim and Rachel Cratchley from Perthshire in Scotland
How can small-scale dairies thrive by focusing on quality, not just quantity?
This session looks at the opportunities and challenges for dairy farmers choosing micro-dairies and nature-friendly practices over large-scale, yield-driven systems. We’ll explore how producing premium, niche products with nature at the core can create value, resilience, and strong connections with customers. Key insights will share what motivates farmers on this path, lessons learned along the way, and practical steps to get started.
WEDNESDAY 22nd Could the Cow Replace the Sheep in the Uplands?
With farmers Joe Condon from Tipperary, Michael Meharg from Antrim and Hilary Kehoe from Gwynedd in Cymru/Wales
This session will look at why upland grazing matters; economically and environmentally and will focus on how cattle in upland systems can be successfully managed. We will invite farmers to share their stories and what lessons they have learned from upland farms north and south. We will delve into everything from breed types to stocking densities and grazing quality, as well as outcomes for nature.
THURSDAY 23rd Going with the Flow: Innovative Solutions for Farm Water Management
With farmers Kim McCall from Kildare, Sam Kenyon from Denbyshire in Cymru/Wales and Professor Jim McAdam from the Water Innovation Network/Queens University, Belfast
What nature-based solutions can enhance water quality and biodiversity on farms? In this session we focus on the practical measures that can have a big impact on the quality of water. We will have examples from livestock and dairy farmers innovating with wetland restoration, buffer zones and swales, demonstrating that there are options that can benefit both nature and farm productivity.
