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Moran’s Agricultural Experience For Students

Summary

Coorevin Farm is a beef and sheep farm which uses best agricultural practices to maximise production, efficiency and profitability. It has diversified into farm tours and learning experiences for students and other interested individuals/groups.

Background

Coorevin Farm is an intensive livestock farm which spans over 50 ha of land. They run 40 suckler cows (Limousin, Simmental and Charlaois) and 130 ewes (Belclare crosses). They are participants in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS 4). The family farm owners wanted to enhance their income and quality of life by diversifying into non-agricultural activities. They were confident they had the skills and enthusiasm to make this a success.

Objective

The aim was to ensure the fixed assets of the farm are utilised for additional non-agricultural activities by members of the farm household to improve the farming income.

Main activities

Unlike traditional ‘open farms’ the ‘agricultural experience’ at Coorevin Farm is about hands on learning and mainly targets second level students and adults. The idea was developed when Padraig Moran provided guidance to his two sons who were studying agricultural science and also helped other students. Moran’s Agricultural Experience for Students was developed with the support of the North Tipperary LEADER Partnership.

Results & Benefits

Tours are tailored to the specific needs of each group. A classroom/workshop is available for note taking, question and answers sessions and clarifying information. The classroom facility ensures that groups can be hosted all year round and evening/night-time meetings are possible. There are also kitchen facilities available that facilitate snacks/lunch for students on-site. The income earned from the tours and other activities are an important contribution to the family farm income.

Lessons learnt

Opportunities to enhance the income can arise from current careers, life and family experiences. The nature of the learning required for agricultural science and the fact the syllabus had not been updated for decades provided room for this opportunity. Not all school learning has to be in the traditional classroom setting. Flexibility is important as demonstrated by the Moran’s who customise the farm tours to the needs of each group.

Project location and other information

County Tipperary.

Region

South-East (IRL)

RDP Territory

Ireland

Total project cost (€)

33 000

EAFRD contribution (€)

6 600

National contribution (€)

2 200

Private contribution (€)

24 200

Project website

Contact name

Padraig and Nuala Moran

Telephone

+35 3862357577

Languages for contact

English

At a glance

Country

Ireland

Final beneficiary type

Individual farmers

Budget range

€20 000 - €99 999

Start date:

02/02/2009

End Date:

30/10/2009

Theme / Measure:

• Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
• Rural economic diversification
• 311. Diversification into non-agricultural activities

Keywords:

Leader, Livestock, Diversity, Education, Young people

Last update

31/10/2013