Mayo farmer to share research on grasslands and climate change at conference

ZOE McKay, who farms in north Mayo, will present the findings and recommendations of her two-year Nuffield Ireland Scholarship at the Nuffield Ireland annual conference, 'Farming the Future - People, Purpose, Possibilities', on November 6 at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.

Zoe, originally from Co. Laois, farms in Ballina with her partner Michael. She holds a BAgrSc (2015) and a PhD in Dairy Production (2019) from UCD, where she is Assistant Professor of Grass and Forage Science in the School of Agriculture and Food Science, directs the undergraduate programme in Sustainable Food Systems and leads a grassland research programme at UCD Lyons Farm. She is a founding member and current secretary of Dairy Women Ireland.

Her report, 'Future Grasslands: Building Resilience Through Adaptation to Climate Change', draws on a literature review, engagement with Irish farmers experiencing climate-related challenges, and study visits to eleven countries.

With 92% of Ireland’s agricultural land under grassland, she finds that while Irish research has a strong focus on climate mitigation and sustainability, there is a significant gap in research and advisory support for climate adaptation in grassland systems. Changing rainfall patterns emerged as the primary threat to pasture productivity, grazing days and winter forage security.

The report notes that average annual grass production has already declined from 13.1 tonnes of dry matter per hectare (10-year average) to 12.3 (5-year average).

“Climate change is already being experienced on farms across the country and is a serious threat to the profitability and sustainability of grass-based livestock systems,” the report concludes.

Zoe will reveal her recommendations for building the resilience of Ireland’s grass-based farming systems at the conference.

Nuffield Ireland chair Graínne Dwyer said: “Zoe combines academic expertise with the day-to-day reality of running a farm, and climate change is already affecting grass growth on farms across the country. We look forward to hearing her recommendations.”

FARMING THE FUTURE

The conference will boast a diverse line-up of speakers and panellists, with delegates being given the opportunity to hear panel discussions on ‘Producing More Than Food - Farming, Nature and the Next Generation’, and ‘Beyond the Farm Gate - Understanding Tomorrow’s Consumer’, as well as a keynote on ‘The Farm of 2050: How AI, Robotics and Data Will Reshape Agriculture’.

Confirmed speakers include Dr. Catherine Farrell (Trinity College Dublin), Aisling Meehan (Aisling Meehan Agricultural Solicitor), Claire Brennan (Making Farms Work for Women), David Kerr (dairy farmer and Farming for Nature Ambassador), Paul Kelly, (IBEC’s Food Drink Ireland); Richard Cooper (Our Food Roots), Mandy Hennebry (Tirlán), and Dr Siobhán Jordan (Teagasc). More speakers will be confirmed in advance of the conference.

The four returning 2025 Nuffield Ireland Scholars will present their findings and recommendations in two scholar panels, each followed by an expert response and moderated discussion.

Zoe will present on the second day, with expert response from Dr .Brendan Horan (Irish Farmers’ Journal).

Booking and further information for the conference and banquet are available here.