Session 3:Groups as spaces and places

for farmer innovation

MAgrSc Innovation SupportProgramme 2016-2018

Develop a decision support system tointegrate lowland and upland management

on High Nature Value farms in the Burren

Student: Hayden Lalor

Supervisors: Dr Helen Sheridan, UCD

Catherine Keena, Teagasc

Office location: Ennis, Co. Clare

KT Conference 29th September 2017

Study Objectives

1. To identify current management systems andassociated challenges faced by farmers participatingin the Burren Farming for Conservation Programme

2. To identify appropriate KT methods to encouragebest practice uptake by farmers.

3. To develop a decision support system specificallytailored towards Burren farmers which will assist inthe integration of lowland and upland management.

KT Conference 29th September 2017

• Structured interview (n=22)o Greater understanding of Burren farming

systemso Identify current KT needs

• Focus Group

o Discuss main findings from interviews andidentify how KT can be more influential in theintegration of lowland and upland management

Study Methodology

KT Conference 29th September 2017

Study Findings

KT Conference 29th September 2017

6

Study Findings

7

Study Findings

• Interviews confirmed that from a management perspective,upland and lowland area are regarded as different farmingentities.

• Management of each area is influenced by different groups.

• In terms of KT, a specifically focused decision support systemthat combines both upland and lowland farm management isrequired for Burren farmers.

• Justifies the establishment of a discussion group tasked withproviding information on key management topics for theregion such as – optimal calving times, optimal times to openuplands/lowlands, grassland management, stock type etc.

KT Conference 29th September 2017

So what does this mean?

Session 3:Groups as spaces and places

for farmer innovation