Purpose
The Demonstration Farm was established to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of beef production through advanced breeding and innovative farming practices. Its mission is to explore what is possible when science and farming come together creating a model that supports the future of sustainable beef production.
Action
Over the past decade, the farm has developed into a leading research hub, testing practical solutions and sharing insights with industry partners and farmers. Spanning 280 acres in Co. Carlow, we rear hundreds of calves each year and manage store lambs alongside multiple commercial breeds. It is also the only commercial farm in Ireland operating three Greenfeed methane measuring units, and the first beef farm globally to use the GasaBate slurry inoculant, enabling highly accurate emissions measurement.
Impact
The Demonstration Farm’s research findings have already contributed to improvements in breeding efficiency, grassland performance, soil function and animal welfare. The farm’s emissions are now 32% lower than the national average as verified by Bord Bia, showing the potential of science driven farming to reduce environmental impact. With over 5,500 cattle, 85,000 live weight records, hundreds of bulls tested and more than 664,000 calves born, the farm is shaping national progress in sustainable beef production.