Biodiversity
Farming in Harmony with Nature
At Irish Hereford Prime, biodiversity is a way of life. Our farmers are deeply committed to farming in harmony with nature, creating rich ecosystems that support wildlife, pollinators and healthy soils.
Across the country, members actively plant and maintain hedgerows that serve as vital wildlife corridors. These living boundaries provide essential shelter and food for birds, bees and small mammals. With guidance from experts like Oran Strong, our farmers follow best practices to ensure hedges thrive for years to come.
On-farm biodiversity shines through examples like Conor Breen in Tipperary, who builds natural shelterbelts to protect cattle and wildlife alike.
Joe and Teresa Collins add another dimension with beehives that support local pollinators and bird boxes that encourage native birdlife. Their goal? A balanced, thriving ecosystem, even planning to welcome owls as apex predators.
Traditional practices also play a role. In the Burren, John P. Davoren uses the ancient method of winter grazing (winterage) to clear dominant grasses, allowing rare flora to flourish in spring.
Biodiversity also drives smarter crop choices. Oilseed Rape (OSR), used as a break crop improves soil health and reduces chemical input. Multi-species swards boost drought resilience, soil structure and insect life.
Irish Hereford Prime members understand that healthy farms and thriving wildlife go hand in hand making biodiversity central to everything we do.
