Default post

Clare’s Joe Melody has been named as the 2020 National Rural Network Biodiversity Farmer of the Year at this year’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards.

From Bunratty, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Joe was selected in a category which places emphasis on farming sustainably by encouraging biodiversity and protecting the environment. Last month, he began writing a weekly farming column with The Clare Echo.

Alongside his father JJ, they farm 360 acres in partnership. Around 260 acres of the farm is used for the purebred suckler cows, their calves, and rearing the dairy replacement heifers. The remaining 100 acres are used for the dairy enterprise. A grassland management plan ensures the cows spend the maximum amount of days at grass throughout the grazing season. A targeted nutrient management plan is in place, and measuring and recording grass growths are actions central to ensuring the milking platform is farmed efficiently and in a sustainable manner.

Joe is an active participant in the Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS), where habitats such as Low Input Permanent Pasture (LIPP) and Traditional Hay Meadows (THM) are preserved. Adjudicators noted his passion for biodiversity and the importance of maintaining these habitats for birds and wildlife.

Former Macra and IFA President, Joe Healy chaired the adjudication panel which also included John Donoghue, IFAC; John McCullen, FBD; Catriona Morrissey, The Irish Farmers Journal; and Anne-Marie Butler, President of the ASA.

The farm borders the Shannon estuary with over 3km of riverbank. The riverbank is immersed in reed bed that intersperses with salt marsh, all of which need to be grazed and managed to allow the habitat and its ecosystem to thrive.

After receiving the award, Joe stated that he wished to become an ambassador for the varying enterprises appearing “on every high road and by road in the country”. He outlined, “I wanted to showcase what we have done on the farm in the last couple of years and be able to be a spokesperson for what we have done and a spokesperson for agriculture”.

“I am delighted to receive this award and to be recognised for supporting biodiversity and nature on my farm. I try to farm in conjunction with nature to protect the habitats on my farm. I want to leave this land in the best condition I can so future generations can enjoy the nature and biodiversity it supports. While farming the land, I take pride in embracing my role as a custodian of the land and protecting the environment,” Joe stated.

He added, “I believe my winning of this award will serve to show what is possible within the farm gate, the only area where we really have much control over our business’s outcome. This win is evidence that if you care for the environment, that environment will care for you and lead to a successful farm. Success in this area is not about adopting new fads; it’s about building on the knowledge of generations of great farmers. I couldn’t be where I am today without the support of my parents who have always encouraged me”.

Philip Farrelly of the National Rural Network highlighted that the passion, commitment and enthusiasm Joe had for sustainable farming was key to him receiving the award. “He is farming in a manner which respects nature, ensuring the land is properly cared for and that the habitats within it are protected and maintained”.

Chairperson of Clare Macra na Feirme, Cillian Griffey paid tribute to Melody on the accolade. “It is heartening to see consistent success in this competition by Clare Macra members for two years in a row and it shows how progressive Clare farmers are. Biodiversity is at the heart of farming now and will be into the future. Farmer’s actions play a key role in maintaining and managing existing natural habitats while also being involved in creating new habitats on farms.”

Related News

bunratty sheaf 2
Sheaf throwing competition part of the Traditional Harvest Day offering in Bunratty
clarinbridge tidy towns 1
Clarinbridge & Marconi Men's Shed in Clifden represent Galway in Pride of Place awards
john quinlivan thady's hill 1-2
Shannon Airport Group's Thady's Hill project shortlisted for environmental award
inagh green village 1
Inagh in the running to be named Ireland's greenest village
Latest News
shannon gaels v coolmeen 16-08-25 aidan corry 2
Coolmeen claim last Clare IFC quarter-final spot with dramatic finish
bunratty sheaf 2
Sheaf throwing competition part of the Traditional Harvest Day offering in Bunratty
clarinbridge tidy towns 1
Clarinbridge & Marconi Men's Shed in Clifden represent Galway in Pride of Place awards
cratloe v st josephs doora barefield 16-08-25 diarmuid ryan eoghan thynne tom mcdonald 1
'Hard-fought wins' for Cratloe has paved way to quarter-finals
tulla v killanena 31-08-25 fionn ryan mark flaherty ryan hayes 1
Clare PIHC: Tulla draw knocks out Killanena, Tubber thump Parteen/Meelick & Magpies fall to another shock defeat
Premium
tulla v killanena 31-08-25 fionn ryan mark flaherty ryan hayes 1
Clare PIHC: Tulla draw knocks out Killanena, Tubber thump Parteen/Meelick & Magpies fall to another shock defeat
st breckans 1
St Breckans put emphasis on earning four-week break to get structure right for knockout football
clonlara v crusheen 23-08-25 oisin o'brien breffni horner 1
'We left it behind us against The Bridge' - Crusheen reflect on latest championship crusade
naomh eoin v liscannor 03-08-25 darren nagle 1
Liscannor extend life in intermediate ranks & send Ennistymon into relegation decider
gerardine joe quinlivan 1
Springfield residents can sleep soundly as flooding nightmare ends

Advertisement

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.