Teagasc and Bord Bia are working together to achieve a Carbon Navigator for Irish Farms and Farmers.  The aims of the project is to raise awareness amongst professionals, to put GHG mitigation on farmer’s agenda, to provide a pathway for improved carbon efficency/ profitability and to support the marketing of Irish dairy and beef produce.

Some key facts to note are;

• The EU average GHG emissions from Agriculture is 9%
• Irelands GHG emissions from Agriculture is 33%
• GHG emissions- Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
• Some sources of Greenhouse gases – Enteric fermentation, manure, chemical fertilizer
• The economic situation helped Ireland reach its 2020 goals (of reducing GHG emissions by 20%), however, levels are beginning to rise again!

 

How the Carbon Navigator works

-Farmers need help identifying mitigation options

-The farmer consults with their advisor

-An assessment is carried out

-Compares results to other farmers

-Identifies potential mitigation options

-Targets are set

 

The benefits of the Dairy Carbon Navigator

The Dairy Carbon Navigator focuses on the 5 win-win efficiency measures;

1.Increased EBI (Economic Breeding Index)

2.Longer grazing season

3.Improved nitrogen use efficiency

4.Improved Slurry Management

5.Energy efficiency

 

The benefits of the Beef Carbon Navigator

The Beef Carbon Navigator focuses on the 6 win-win efficiency measures that reduce GHG emissions and increase profit;

1.Longer grazing season

2.Lower age at first calving

3.Increased Calving Rate

4.Improved Growth Rate

5.Improved nitrogen use efficiency

6.Improved slurry management

 

How to use the Carbon Navigator

If you find the Carbon Navigator interesting, or feel it would benefit you to have, this is how you go about getting it.

• Must first receive training from Teagasc (You can contact them through email)
• Once attending the training session, you will be registered
• This is when you will receive a username and password
• Then you can proceed to the website  – https://qas.bordbia.ie

If you have any questions in relation to the Carbon Navigator, I would be more than happy to hear from you!  You can leave a comment on this webpage, or you can email me at betioconnor28@gmail.com.  You can also look up the Teagasc website on Carbon Navigator, where they have some pdf’s which can be accessed by the public.  Here you can find out, in more detail, the benefits of using the Dairy and Beef Carbon Navigator.  You can also contact me if you would like some more details on the benefits.

 

So tomorrow I set off for Oakpark, Co.Carlow for a carbon navigator training day.  So in preparation for this, I have looked up the Teagasc website to find any information I can.  The website Teagasc ConnectEd (http://teagasc.ie/connected) is where I found some help.  Here is some information I found;

Teagasc ConnectEd

Teagasc ConnectEd is a new and exciting initiative which has been designed to provide structured access to Teagasc research, education and knowledge resources by professionals and businesses operating within or supporting the agri-food sector.

Carbon Navigator Training

This training will provide professional users of the Carbon Navigator with instruction on how to produce a report for clients. All advisers completing a Carbon Navigator for their clients are required to attend a training session.

1. Introduction to the Carbon Navigator Mitigation Options in the Carbon Navigator
2. Using the Carbon Navigator Demo
3. Case Studies
4. Questions and answers
5. Getting Set-up

Some links from the Teagasc ConnectEd page

file:///C:/Users/Beti/Documents/1st%20Year%20Masters/Modules/13%20Project/Carbon%20Navigator%20Training/CN-Training-2016.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Beti/Documents/1st%20Year%20Masters/Modules/13%20Project/Carbon%20Navigator%20Training/Instruction-Carbon-Navigator-V2.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Beti/Documents/1st%20Year%20Masters/Modules/13%20Project/Carbon%20Navigator%20Training/Carbon-Navigator-Using-the-System.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Beti/Documents/1st%20Year%20Masters/Modules/13%20Project/Carbon%20Navigator%20Training/Bord-Bia-Dairy-Carbon-Navigator-LR5.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Beti/Documents/1st%20Year%20Masters/Modules/13%20Project/Carbon%20Navigator%20Training/Bord-Bia-Beef-Carbon-Navigator-LR4.pdf

Last week I visited Mountbellew Agricultural College in Co. Galway for the first time.  As my project is based here, it was important to see the farm and meet with the farmers.  I met with the dairy advisor who showed me around the farm.  I was able to see the milking parlour, where the milk is stored.  I was also shown the fertilizer they use on the farm, as well as the windmill they have- although it is not yet up and running.  My first trip out to Mountbellew was necessary, as now that I have a good understanding of the layout of the farm, I can begin to consider the locations in which I will place my CO2 and CH4 sensors.