Visitors had the opportunity to attend talks, participate in biodiversity walks, sample some cooking demos, and listen to panel discussions. On the biodiversity trail, a designated path took visitors along the main farm roadway and through the paddocks to the see and learn about the cows, calves, flora, fauna and soil, and to find out what the Fitzgerald’s are doing for the environment.
Back to the main yard, and the National Dairy Council’s Majella McCafferty was situated in the milking parlour talking about how the cows graze grass and convert it to milk and how that milk ends up in the shops. At the main stage, renowned Waterford-based chef, Paul Flynn, carried out three cooking demonstrations.
In between the cooking demonstrations, two panel discussions were held. The first was chaired by Agri Aware’s executive director, Marcus O’Halloran. This panel consisted of the Fitzgerald family and Agri Aware chair, Shay Galvin. The Fitzgeralds shared the history of the farm and how it has evolved to the present day. While Shay spoke about the important work Agri Aware does in relation to its school programmes, and the events it runs.
The second panel discussion consisted of event partners, including Bill Callanan from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Mary Harrington of the National Dairy Council; Anne-Marie Butler of Teagasc; Thomas Ryan of Tirlán; Elaine Houlihan of Macra; and Brian Rushe of the Irish Farmers’ Association. Each panellist was asked ‘What does dairy mean to you?’ which resulted in a fascinating discussion.
Machinery enthusiasts that were there on the day, they were treated to some pristine vintage machinery, while some live music brought an end to the day’s events before watching the cows coming in for the evening milking.