During 2012 Teagasc provided an advisory service to over 42,600 farmer clients, held over 74,000 farmer consultations, published 334 refereed research publications and 112 technology updates, while 2,566 students commenced education courses and 3,867 participated in adult education courses. These are just some of the organisation’s outputs contained in the Teagasc Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2012 which was published in Dublin, Monday, 21 October.
Speaking at the publication of the Teagasc Annual Report, Chairman, Dr Noel Cawley said: “Agriculture and the food sector continued to be one of the major contributors to the Irish economy and to economic activity in all rural areas. This was still the case in 2012, despite weather related setbacks and fluctuations in prices for farm gate products. The Teagasc National Farm Survey showed that Family Farm Income decreased by 15% in 2012, bringing the average income figure for the farming sector down to €25,483.“
Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle said: “2012 was a busy year for Teagasc and that has continued into the current year. For livestock farmers 2012 proved extremely challenging with poor weather leading to lower levels of fodder stocks for the winter of 2012 and spring of 2013. Teagasc worked hard on the ground as part of an interagency fodder group to assist farmers through this period.”
“The value of the discussion group model for transferring technology was validated in an independent report which showed that dairy farmers who are members of discussion groups achieved higher physical and financial performance in their businesses. The discussion group model has now been extended to beef and sheep farmers with the Beef Technology Adoption Scheme (BTAP) and Sheep Technology Adoption Scheme (STAP) rolled out”
Significant activities for Teagasc during 2012 included:
- Launch of a new Professional Diploma in Farm Management
- Weather Clinics held nationwide
- 41,316 single farm payment applications made for clients
- 6,758 simple fertilizer plans completed for farmers
- 2,659 detailed nutrient management plans done
- Food Technology and Knowledge Transfer Strategy launched
- Two Gateways Events held for Food Companies
- A Beef Carbon Navigator launched by Teagasc and Bord Bia
- Teagasc participation in City of Science 2012
- International Conference on Best Practice in Agricultural Advisory Extension Services
- Beef Manual published
- Book of Technology Updates published
- Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas launched
The implementation of the Teagasc Change Programme 2 is nearing completion. In light of reducing resources, further prioritisation will take place and Teagasc has commenced drafting a Change Programme 3. Total Teagasc income for 2012 amounted to €169.42 million excluding net deferred funding for pensions. That’s down from €173.28 million in 2011.
