January 20 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
In the heart of County Wexford, not far from the town of Gorey, Alan and Cheryl Poole are redefining what it means to be an Irish dairy farmer. Along with their three children, they run a conventional but nature-conscious dairy system, milking 72 cows across 103 acres. While their system is intensive and high-performing, over 20% of their farm is dedicated to nature and biodiversity. “We can do intensive and give space for nature,” says Alan, whose background in ecology has deeply influenced how the family approaches farming. Their herd, made up of high-EBI cows, delivers high milk solids and maintains a low somatic cell count—ensuring both productivity and animal health. But the Pooles are clear: their focus isn’t only on production. It’s about farming with a conscience.
The Q&A is supported by the NPWS and DAFM.
