Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
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