Stay informed about Nuffield Ireland activities, scholar achievements, and agricultural insights
The application process for the 2027 Nuffield Ireland Scholarships is now open. We encourage all eligible primary producers to apply before the August deadline.
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John Murphy (2024 Scholar) has published his comprehensive report on sustainable dairy farming practices observed during his travels to New Zealand and the Netherlands.
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We are delighted to announce our six new Nuffield Scholars for 2026. These exceptional individuals will embark on their scholarship journey, researching topics vital to Irish agriculture.
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Image: 2023 Nuffield Scholars; Liagh Whelehan, Thomas Murray, Margaret Edgill, Bryan Daniels, Gillian Willis and David Fennelly at Nuffield Conference 2024 Shaping the Future of Irish Agriculture Supported by our Premium Investor FBD Trust Friday 14th November 2024 Mount…
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Nuffield Ireland had a strong presence at this year's National Ploughing Championships, with scholars and alumni meeting prospective applicants.
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Our 2025 scholars have completed the Global Focus Programme, visiting agricultural operations across three continents and building invaluable international connections.
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Former scholar Sarah O'Connor discusses how her Nuffield experience transformed her approach to beef production and led to award-winning innovations.
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Nuffield Ireland delegates return from a week of insight, inspiration and connection at the Contemporary Scholars Conference last March in Auckland. Back on home ground, it’s a good time to reflect on an outstanding week last March at the 2025 Nuffield International…
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Image: 2025 Nuffield Ireland Scholars, Marina Conway, Seamus McMenamin, Zoe McKay and Majella McCafferty with Joe Leonard, Chair of Nuffield Ireland (Centre) Nuffield Ireland announces 2025 scholars Nuffield Ireland has announced the details of four individuals selected as…
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2022 Nuffield Ireland Scholars, Pat Collins, Lance Woods, Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Aoife Feeney and David Dolan Finding Common Ground Supported by our Premium Investor FBD Trust The event was opened by Minister of…
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Image: Nuffield Ireland 2024 Scholars travel for GFP 2024 Nuffield Ireland 2024 Scholars are travelling the world on the Global Focus Programme Our 2024 Scholars have been travelling on their five-week Global Focus Programme (GFP), in groups of up to 13 international…
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Image: Brian McCarthy with Rasmus Thuesen of FarmDroid and Pat Kenny of IAM. I am the Managing Director of Cork Rooftop Farm and Central Floral Supplies. Cork Rooftop Farm is an urban farm split across three sites. We grow and direct sell our own fresh produce as well as…
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Image: Our international GFP travellers on 2002 Nuffield Ireland Scholar John Fagan’s farm in Westmeath in early April – undeterred by the (very) wet conditions. Ireland hosts Nuffield International Scholars for Glocal Focus Programmes Ireland is hosting two week-long visits…
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Image: A group of Nuffield Scholars visit SENAR during CSC 2024 in Brazil Nuffield Ireland Scholars travel to Brazil for CSC 2024 The 2024 Nuffield International Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) – the annual event which sees all new Scholars from all Nuffield countries…
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Image: Jim McCarthy, 1996 Nuffield Ireland Scholar, at the 2022 Nuffield Ireland annual conference. Jim McCarthy, together with the late Padraig Walshe, became one of the first two Nuffield Ireland Scholars in 1996. Here, Jim gives us an update on his international farm…
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Nuffield Ireland Conference 2022 Image: Nuffield Conference 2022, panel discussion chaired by Geoff Dooley (2003 Scholar) with Helen Sheridan, Thomas Duffy, Gillian O’Sullivan and Ciaran Duggan. Scholars focus on sustainable farming projects, while panel challenges…
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Ciara O’Halloran is a 2019 Nuffield Ireland Scholar, who at the time of her Scholarship was working for her family’s oyster production and food tourism business Flaggy Shore Oysters in Clare. After selling the business, she is travelling around Canada, and is reminded of just…
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Image: Our Summer 2023 Nuffield Ireland travellers at the beginning of their GFP in Singapore: David Fennelly (2023), Pat Collins (2022), Tommy Murray, Bryan Daniels (both 2023) and Lance Woods (2022). The five then split up to travel to destinations on five continents. Summer…
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Tommy Heffernan is a vet and animal health specialist. He is originally from Co Kerry but now based in Wicklow. After qualifying in 2002 from UCD, he located to Wicklow where he worked for 15 years in a large mixed veterinary practice. Tommy is a 2018 Nuffield Scholar. The only…
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Nuffield Ireland Scholars travel to the Contemporary Scholars’ Conference (CSC), this year held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from 10th to 18th March 2023. Nuffield Canada hosted this year’s CSC in Richmond, a suburb of beautiful Vancouver, in British Columbia. Set in…
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Image: The Nuffield Ireland crew at the Triennial in Christchurch’s Cardboard Cathedral. L to r: Liagh Whelehan, David Dolan, Gillian Willis, Mairead Leonard, Catherine Lascurettes, Aoife Feeney, Joe Leonard. Nuffield Triennial in New Zealand Nuffield Ireland Chairperson Joe…
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Image: a small section of the audience at the Agribusiness Summit. Rural Leaders works with stakeholders and industry networks as well as programmes’ alumni to ensure New Zealand remains a global leader in the food and fibre sector. They run the Nuffield New Zealand, Kellogg…
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Andrew Gow looks back on his Nuffield topic, to research how co-operatives can work and grow Andrew Gow is a 2012 Nuffield Scholar, from near Glenstal Abbey, Co. Limerick in the heart of Munster Rugby, operates a low cost grass based seasonal dairy farm. Andrew examined the…
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Study topics to include grassland management on dairy farms; farm diversification; change management and Irish potato and vegetable growing Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Ireland has announced the details of six individuals who will complete Nuffield scholarships in 2023.…
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Tadhg Healy is disappointed that the very real potential for anaerobic digestion on farms and in rural Ireland to generate renewable natural gas has been ignored by Ireland’s policy makers. Tadhg Healy, a 2008 Scholar, researched the potential for anaerobic digestion on farms…
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Karina Pierce 2019 Nuffield Scholar. Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke Karina Pierce has no doubt that rigorous research will continue to play a central part in driving innovation, competitiveness and the necessary transition towards more sustainable farming practices. Karina Pierce…
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Grainne looks back on her Nuffield topic which focused on women in agriculture. Have we made real progress on gender diversity in the sector? Grainne Dwyer is the first female Irish Nuffield Scholar and was awarded her Scholarship in 1999. Nuffield Ireland had only been formed…
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Three GFP Nuffield Scholar groups meet in Singapore, June 2022 Alex Eivers travels to Singapore, Netherlands, Canada and the USA for Nuffield GFP, June 2022 Alex Eivers is a 2021 Nuffield Scholar from Meath whose research topic is about the efficiency of egg production and…
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A dairy farm in New Zealand, where social licence for farming became an issue long before Ireland. Lorcan Allen reflects on his Nuffield study topic which focused on societal expectations from farming, and how farmers can secure a social licence to farm. Lorcan Allen is a 2017…
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Dung beetles doing their thing. Bruce Thompson’s topic caught media and public imaginations because it focused on dung beetles, but the real message was just how useful they can be as part of an anthelmintic use reduction plan. Bruce Thompson is a proud dairy farmer from…
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Mary Delaney on NZ 2014 Nuffield Scholar Paul Olsen’s farm. Mary Delaney’s report on the sustainability challenges facing dairy farming was ahead of its time and came as most in the sector were focused on expansion and improved economic efficiencies. Mary Delaney is Head of…
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A fitness class for farmers in Canada in which Alison (pictured fifth from right) participated. Alison Holmes rightly reminded us of the importance of personal resilience in farming, and that an unhealthy farmer is an unsustainable farmer. Alison Holmes farms a mixed farming…
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Food, Climate and Health – and Food Security – on the Agenda of Nuffield CSC 2022 1 2 3 4 This year’s Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC), the first in-person Nuffield event in two years, hosted by Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust saw all 2021 and 2022…
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Nuffield Scholars on the road again! 1 2 For what will be their first in person travel in two years, the 2021 and 2022 Irish Nuffield Scholars will be attending the 2022 Nuffield International Contemporary Scholars’ Conference (CSC) from 7th to 15th March in Norwich, UK. A…
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Nuffield Ireland has announced the appointment of Catherine Lascurettes as the new Executive for the organisation. Catherine takes over from John Tyrrell who held the position for the past nine years. Catherine is a Nuffield Scholar , former Dairy Executive of the Irish Farmers…
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Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Ireland has announced the details of five new Irish scholars who will undertake Nuffield Scholarships in the coming years. Four of the scholars, David Dolan, Aoife Feeney, Lance Woods and Pat Collins, will commence their scholarship in 2022…
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Nuffield Ireland Conference 2021: Future trends in agri-food policy – how does the sector need to respond? Friday 12th November 2021. Castleknock Hotel, Dublin 15. _______________________________________________ Conference Programme Date: Friday 12th November, 2021 Time:…
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Nuffield Scholars attended a virtual Global Focus Programme (GFP) hosted by Nuffield Ireland. Irish Scholars showcased ‘Mediating the Future; transforming food systems’ 14th – 18th June 2021. The Irish GFP focused on the key pillars of Irish agri-food and climate strategies:…
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Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Ireland has selected 5 scholars for the 2021 Nuffield Scholarships The new scholars for 2021 are: Brendan Crosse, Cashel, Co Tipperary. In 2016, Brendan and his brother, Michael, got into farming by establishing a sheep dairy farm. Their…
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“Lunch and learn” with Nuffield Ireland event supported by MSD Animal Health and AIB Starting on Monday 23rd November, Nuffield Ireland will host a week-long virtual ‘lunch and learn’ series, hosted by the returning 2019 Nuffield Scholars. The lunchtime series will be free…
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The Nuffield Ireland Conference took place in the Castleknock Hotel on Friday November 15th 2019. Five returning scholars presented their topics • Colm O’Leary – Farmer led animal welfare – an opportunity for the livestock industry • Joe Lyng – Value in the market for…
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2019 Nuffield Ireland conference to address agricultures role in growing a healthy and sustainable society Nuffield Scholar, Karen Brosnan was announced as the new Chair of Nuffield Ireland at its AGM last night. Originally from a dairy farm in North Kerry, Karen is a…
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My initial interest in this topic arose from my daily work in Glanbia and being from a dairy background. As the Irish dairy farming community continues to expand a concern would be that, once processed, our nutritious filled milk would ultimately end up as a commodity being…
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For the last 20 years I have grown and studied a wide range of food crops – many of them still little known in Ireland and even Europe. The Irish climate is ideal for crop production and yet only a small percentage of organic fruit and vegetables are produced in Ireland. This…
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My Nuffield topic examines how by moving the dairy cow to the centre of the industry creates a sustainable path forward for the cow, the farmer and the industry. I set out to examine the signals for success in dairy farming, examining the influence on stockmanship (people) on…
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Colm’s report explores international research in animal welfare and the case for improving welfare standards on farms. In the years preceding this report, animal welfare has been discussed more and more in the media, largely driven by a growth in advertising and media campaigns…
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Karol has spent the last 2 years travelling to the Netherlands, Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, Israel, the UK, Belgium, USA, Canada, Kenya, Italy and Australia investigating how agriculture is being presented to primary school children. During his travels he saw a wide…
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Every year Nuffield Ireland scholars travel with a group of their peers on a defined study tour. This element of the scholarship is called the Global Focus Program (GFP) and it aims to do just that – provide a global perspective to the scholars in advance of them commencing…
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Nuffield Ireland 2019 GFP networking event – Taking on the Challenge Date: 2 nd July 2019, Horse and Jockey Hotel, Co. Tipperary The China Global Focus Programme (GFP) Nuffield Scholar group will visit Ireland for six days at the beginning of July. The 10 scholars on the China…
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The 2018 Nuffield Ireland conference, sponsored by MSD Animal Health, took place on Friday 16th November 2018 in the Castleknock Hotel, Dublin. The keynote address was delivered by former CEO and Chairman of the Kerry Group, Denis Brosnan who shared his insights on leadership…
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Castleknock Hotel and Country Club, Dublin Friday November 16 th 2018 Conference Main Sponsor – MSD Animal Health Conference Programme • 09.15 Registration and Tea/Coffee • 10.00 Welcome Address – Geoff Dooley, Chairperson Nuffield Ireland • 10.25 Presentations of scholar…
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Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Ireland has selected 6 new scholars for the 2019 Nuffield Scholarships. The objective of the Irish Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust is to identify future leaders of Irish Agriculture and facilitate their ambition to bring about meaningful…
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News stories which deliberately mislead in their content or context are often widely shared on social media. The food system is not immune from this and can be the subject of negative, unfounded or inaccurate stories and opinions which reach a wide audience. The Irish food and…
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The Nuffield Conference 2017 will be held on Friday 6th October 2017 in the Castleknock Hotel, Dublin 15. This will feature the reports of the six Nuffield Scholars of 2016, and one 2015 Scholar. It will also include a presentation on the 2017 Global Focus Programmes by the…
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Presentation of Brian Rushe’s report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference, 14th October 2016. Topic: ‘Speaking Up For Agriculture – Protecting Farming’s Social Licence’. https://nuffield.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Rushe.jpg 562 1000 Catherine…
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Presentation of Joe Burke’s report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference, 14th October 2016. Topic: ‘Efficient, Sustainable Beef Production using Dairy-Bred Animals’. https://nuffield.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Burke.jpg 562 1000 Catherine…
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Presentation of Maire McCarthy’s report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin, 14th October 2016. Topic: ‘Women in Agriculture’. https://nuffield.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Maire-McCarthy.jpg 562 1000 Catherine…
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Presentation of Kevin Moran’s report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin 14th October 2016. Topic: ‘Access to Finance for Young and Expanding Farmers’. https://nuffield.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Moran.jpg 562 1000 Catherine…
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Presentation of Aidan Gleeson’s report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin, 14th October 2016. Topic: ‘The Beef Farmer, Processor Relationship; What Needs to Change?’ https://nuffield.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Aidan-Gleeson.jpg 562 1000 Catherine…
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Presentation of John Buckley’s Report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin, October 14th 2016. Topic: ‘People Skills: The Biggest Challenge Facing Irish Agriculture’. https://nuffield.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Buckley-Thumbnail.jpg 562 1000 Catherine…
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A number of the Scholar Reports for the 2015 Nuffield Ireland Scholars have been published, and are now available online. All of the scholars made a presentation of their report, and their findings and recommendations at the Nuffield Ireland Conference on 14th October…
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Nuffield Ireland has selected 6 scholars for the 2017 scholarships. The new scholars were introduced at the recent Nuffield Conference in Castleknock on Friday 14th October. The new scholars are Lorcan Allen, Owen Brodie, Bryan Hynes, Niall O’Regan, Ed Payne and Eamon…
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Applications for the 2017 Nuffield Ireland Scholarships closed on 31st July. We had a strong response, with many applications. We will evaluate the applications over the next few weeks. We hope to complete the selection process for the new scholars by about Mid-September, and…
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Five of the 2016 Irish Nuffield Scholars began their Global Focus Programme at the beginning of June. They are participating in 3 different GFP itineraries. John Joyce, Peter Farrell, Ailbhe Gerrard, Roberta McDonald and Ray Hunt began their GFP when the 3 groups began with a…
Read MoreThe Keynote Presentation by David and Caroline Keeling at the Nuffield Conference (October 16th 2015) is available for viewing on Video. The Theme of the presentation was “Leadership – A Personal Journey”. The Question and Answer session following the Keynote address is…
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Presentation of Joe Leonard’s Report to the Nuffield Ireland in Dublin, 16th October 2015. Topic; “Stress Management in Farming in…
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Presentation of Sean Coughlan’s Report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin, 16th October 2015. Topic; “A Transfer to Dairy Farming – the Knowledge and Capital…
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Presentation of Finola McCoy’s Report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin, 16th October 2015. Topic; “Building Strong Professional Networks – ( Ni neart go cur le cheile – There is no strength without…
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Presentation of Sean O’Brien’s Report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin, 16th October 2015. Topic; “Educating Members of Dairy Co-operatives Pre-Board…
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Presentation of Tommy Moyle’s Report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin, 16th October 2015. Topic; ” Suckler Cows and the Art of…
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Presentation of Mary Delaney’s Report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin, 16th October 2015. Topic; “Sustainability – The Climate Change Challenge for Irish…
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Nuffield Scholars meet Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, 27th Janauary 2016 Two days of briefings were arranged for the 2016 Scholars in Dublin on 26th and 27th January 2016. The purpose of the briefings was to to begin the process of introducing the scholars to a range…
Read MoreNuffield Farming Scholarships Trust Ireland has selected 6 new scholars for the 2016 Nuffield Scholarships. The new scholars for 2016 are Tom Dinneen, Ballynoe, Mallow, Co Cork. Tom is a dairy farmer, with a farmhouse cheese business. Peter Farrell, Kilmessan, Co Meath. Peter…
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This week, we welcome the Global Focus Group to Ireland. Five of the GFP group arrived on Wednesday 8th July. They are Andrew Clarke (Aus), Tom Eastlake (Aus), Satwant Singh (NZ), Jock Graham (Aus) and Aidan Gleeson (Ireland). Three of the group, Richard Appleton (Aus), Stacey…
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One of the 5 Global Focus Programme’s will visit Ireland for 6 days from Wed 8th July to Tues 14th July 2015. This group of scholars began their 6 weeks global journey on 1st June in Australia, where they had 3 days of briefings and high level meetings in Canberra. They then…
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Presentation of Seamus O’Mahony’s report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin 31st October 2014. Topic: “Do Smaller Multi-purpose Farmer Owned Co-ops in Ireland Have a…
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Presentation of his report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin, 31st October 2014. Topic: “Thinking Different – Encouraging the Transfer of Knowledge in the Poultry…
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Presentation of Mark Rochford’s scholarship report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin 31st October 2014. Topic: “Developing People on Irish Dairy…
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Presentation of Eddie Kehoe’s scholarship report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference Oct 2014. Topic: “Maximise Utilisation of Grazed Grass in Beef Production to meet Market demands of the…
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Presentation of Sean O’Donnell’s scholarship report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin on 31st October 2014. Topic: “Farm Fragmentation in Irish Dairying – Overcoming and Adapting to…
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Presentation of Karen Brosnan’s scholarship report to the Nuffield Ireland Conference in Dublin 31st October 2014. Topic: “Leadership Development Pathways for Irish…
Read MoreReport by Seamus O’Mahony Do smaller Multi-purpose Farmer Owned Co-ops in Ireland have a future Sponsored by: Golden Jubliee Trust Ltd. View Profile View Video…
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Click on image or link to download the newsletter: Nuffield Ireland Newsletter May…
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Click on image or link to download the newsletter: Nuffield Ireland Newsletter Feb…
Read MoreReport by Alo Mohan Thinking Different – Encouraging the Transfer of Knowledge in the Poultry Sector Sponsored by: FBD Trust View Profile View Video…
Read MoreReport by Sean O’Donnell Farm Fragmentation in Irish Dairying – Overcoming and Adapting to it Sponsored by: Aurivo Co-op View Profile View Video…
Read MoreReport by Eddie Kehoe Maximise Utilisation of Grazed Grass in Beef Production to meet Market Demands of the Future Sponsored by: Meat Industry Ireland View Profile View Video…
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Click on the image or link to download the newsletter: Nuffield Ireland Newsletter Nov…
Read MoreReport by Mark Rochford Developing people on Irish Dairy farms Sponsored by: Peter Daly Trust, LIC, and Dairymaster View Profile View Video…
Read MoreReport by Karen Brosnan Leadership Development Pathways for Irish Agriculture Sponsored by: Farmers Journal and IFA View Profile View Video…
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2015 Nuffield Ireland Scholars Left to Right; Maire McCarthy, Aidan Gleeson, John Buckley, Kevin Moran, Brian Rushe, Joe Burke and Maeve…
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Click on Image or link to Download Newsletter: Nuffield Ireland Newsletter Aug 2014 https://nuffield.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Nuffield-Ireland-Newsletter-Aug-2014_Page_01.jpg 1000 707 nufadmin https://nuffield.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Nuffield-Logo.png nufadmin…
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Video sponsored by: https://nuffield.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Introducing-the-2014-Nuffield-Scholars.jpg 427 702 nufadmin https://nuffield.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Nuffield-Logo.png nufadmin 2013-11-08 18:48:16 2015-07-03 08:28:36 Introducing the Nuffield Ireland…
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2013 Nuffield Scholars Click on the scholar’s name to watch their presentation at the 2014 Nuffield Conference. • Alo Mohan • Seamus O’Mahony • Mark Rochford • Karen Brosnan • Eddie Kehoe • Sean…
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