Apply for an Innovation Visit on improved nutrient utilisation on dairy farms

Date published: 25 August 2026

The visit will take place in the Wexford region in the Republic of Ireland across three days from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 October 2026.

This study tour is part of the Innovation Visits Scheme which is being delivered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). The study tour will give farmers an opportunity to see a variety of innovative technologies for improving nutrient utilsation on their farms. Core technologies will include nutrient management mitigation measures such as nutrient management planning, soil testing, and practical chemical and organic manure application techniques in terms of timing, application rate, and location. 

The incorporation of legume and diverse species into grassland to reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers, whilst improving soil structure and sward resilience through stress periods and improved land management, in terms of utilising farm run off maps, correct location and justification of mitigation measures such as riparian buffer strips, and other measures to intercept nutrient run-off.

Participants will have the opportunity to access the Teagasc managed Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) which is a research and advisory initiative monitoring water quality and farming practices across six river catchments over a 20-year period. This ACP data is invaluable in the context of meeting sustainable food production challenges, not only in terms of water quality but also the impact of farming practice.

Visits will include the Dunleer Catchment Dublin, which is based on poorly drained soils and managed under predominantly grassland farming. Johnstown Castle, a Teagasc environmental research farm which is also the base of ACP. A progressive and productive dairy farm which has successfully reduced high early season nitrogen use, reducing losses and increasing the growth response per KgN applied, and a dairy farm operating within the Ballycanew Catchment, again on a poorly drained soil type. 

Applications are invited from one member or employee of a dairy farm business that has more than 100 Livestock Units (LU), are over 18 years old on the application closing date and not in full-time education. Up to twenty places are available on this visit, these will be allocated with preference given to those who meet the criteria. To increase the benefits arising from the study tour, all applicants will to be asked to identify the innovations that they will be able to implement on their own farm on their return.  

The Innovation Scheme will cover the costs associated with setting up the visit, accommodation, travel and meals. Participants will be expected to meet any additional costs, including farm relief and travel insurance.

Farmers interested in participating can find out more details and complete an application form from the CAFRE website.

Applications close at 4.00 pm on Friday 11 September 2026.