Waters of LIFE are inviting local landowners to a farming workshop on nutrient efficiency in Stuake, Co. Cork on Thursday March 26^th 2026.

The event is open to all farmers in the Awbeg (Kilbrin) and Shournagh sub-catchments. Farmers in the Waters of LIFE Agri-Environmental Programme Pilot receive a payment for their active participation in the workshop.

Waters of LIFE Workshop: Farming Nutrient Efficiency in Farming.

Registration Link: https://buytickets.at/watersoflife/2111544

26^th March 2026, 11am to 2pm

Tea, Coffee and Sandwiches Served

Location: Donoughmore Community Centre, Stuake, Co. Cork P32 FP49

Sub-Catchments: Awbeg (Kilbrin) & Shournagh

The event will open with an overview of the current relationship between nutrients and water quality in local sub-catchments.

That’s followed by an interactive session with Teagasc’s Grass10 Manager John Maher on making the most of your nutrient management plan. Grass10 is a Teagasc programme promoting sustainable grassland excellence.

Waters of LIFE programme participants in Cork sub-catchments were all offered free slurry analysis in advance of the workshop. The aim is to support applying the right qualities of slurry in the right places on the farm to maximise nitrogen response while minimising losses.

After a session on local slurry analysis, the group will hear from local farmers in conversation with John Maher and Waters of LIFE catchment scientists. The discussion will centre on fertiliser and slurry application and preparation for first cut silage.

Participants will also learn more about funded general actions under the Waters of LIFE Agri-Environmental programme, including precision nutrient management.

“Nitrogen and phosphorous are essential but there’s a tipping point where nutrient application becomes nutrient pollution,” says Waters of LIFE catchment scientist Diarmuid McSweeney. “Understanding that balance is a massive factor in protecting water quality, but it also puts money back in the farmer’s pocket. As one farmer said to me recently, nobody wants to see it flowing down the river.”

Waters of LIFE catchment scientist Fergal Scully said:

“This type of workshop is a great way to bring farmers together and have real discussions about sustainable practices and doing your bit for water quality. We’re delighted to have John Maher from Grass10 on board as well. It will be an interesting day.”

Registration Link: https://buytickets.at/watersoflife/2111544

Current participants of the Waters of LIFE Agri-Environmental Programme Pilot are eligible for payment for their active participation in this workshop. The event is also open to the public, but places are limited.