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

Litter_poster6
Record entries for anti-litter poster competition in Galway
bridgetown farm 1
'We've already missed a generation & if we miss another I don't know how food will be produced'
ballycar railway line train 28-04-20 2
Frustration building as Govt failed to put full steam behind rail works in Ballycar & Crusheen
Photograph by Eamon Ward
Lissycasey GAA grounds to be named in honour of late PJ Kelly

Advertisement

Latest News
louth v clare 15-06-25 peter keane 3
Keane undecided on whether he has 'appetite' to continue as Clare football manager
house key property
Clare's median property prices increase by €20k over 12 months
Litter_poster6
Record entries for anti-litter poster competition in Galway
teresa roseingrave 1
Clare LGFA in disarray as board meeting ends abruptly
clare v kilkenny 06-07-24 brian lohan 2
'We've had fantastic days under his leadership' - Lohan given additional three year term as Clare boss
Premium
clare v kilkenny 06-07-24 brian lohan 2
'We've had fantastic days under his leadership' - Lohan given additional three year term as Clare boss
bridgetown farm 1
'We've already missed a generation & if we miss another I don't know how food will be produced'
REPRO-FREE-Wolfe-Tones-na-Sionna-chairman-Mike-Riordan-with-players-Aaron-Cunningham-and-Aron-Shanagher-club-secretary-Amanda-Hogan-and-H-e1498060076514
Six volume book of evidence served on Limerick man for €1m burglary spree case
hen harrier 1
Hen harrier helps to ground plans for three turbine windfarm in West Clare
project west forestry 1
Over 1,100 acres of forestry in Clare & Galway on the market for more than €5m

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.

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.

Advertisement