A Wexford tillage farmer has taken home the top honour at the first-ever Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards, a national initiative designed to celebrate Ireland’s most forward-thinking and eco-conscious farming practices.
At a ceremony held in the Killenard Hotel, Co. Laois, on Wednesday, October 2, Don Somers was announced as the overall winner of the competition, while also securing the award for excellence in “Improving Water Quality.” Somers, who farms 183 hectares in partnership with his uncle Jim, will receive €10,000 for his achievement.
The new awards programme, organised by Teagasc in collaboration with Bord Bia and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), aims to highlight practical, science-led steps that farmers are taking to balance profitability with environmental responsibility.
The initiative recognises farmers who are actively lowering emissions, protecting water sources, enhancing biodiversity, and safeguarding long-term soil health while continuing to deliver high-quality produce.
A farming System Built Around Soil Health
Somers’ success is rooted in his commitment to soil biology and sustainable land management. Since 2018, he has adopted a minimum tillage approach across his cereals operation, a move that protects soil structure and reduces the risk of erosion.
Every two years, soil samples are collected and tested, guiding a carefully targeted fertiliser plan that matches crop nutrient needs with soil conditions.
Instead of relying exclusively on chemical fertilisers, Somers incorporates a mix of organic manures, including poultry litter, farmyard manure, and dairy sludge, into his nutrient programme.
These organic inputs are analysed and applied with precision equipment, ensuring that nutrients are spread evenly and efficiently while boosting soil organic matter and reducing external costs.
Regular monitoring of earthworm populations and soil conditions is also part of his routine. By recycling more than half of his straw and planting cover crops across all land destined for spring cereals, Somers has improved soil fertility and water retention, while also preventing nutrient leaching into nearby rivers.
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Smart Technology Meets Traditional Practices
While Somers relies heavily on tried-and-tested farming methods, he has also embraced technology to refine his system further. Precision tools such as nitrogen sensors and yield maps allow for variable-rate fertiliser application, ensuring that nutrients are applied where they are most needed.
This not only strengthens crop performance but also cuts down on waste and reduces environmental harm.
Over the past few years, Somers has cut his use of chemical nitrogen by around 20%, demonstrating that careful planning and modern tools can make a significant impact. Integrated pest management strategies and the use of riparian buffer zones along the River Slaney further strengthen biodiversity while shielding watercourses from potential contamination.
Leading by Example in Irish Agriculture
Teagasc has described soil health as the cornerstone of sustainable farming, and Somers’ approach offers a clear model of what that looks like in practice. By combining cover crops, straw recycling, precision nutrient application, and biodiversity-friendly strategies, he has shown that yields can be maintained and even improved without compromising environmental standards.
“Don’s work demonstrates that profitable farming and environmental stewardship are not opposing goals but can go hand in hand,” a Teagasc spokesperson said following the awards ceremony.
Recognition for Other Sustainability Champions
While Somers claimed the overall prize, the awards also recognised several other farmers who are leading the way in specific areas of sustainability. Each category winner received €4,000 in prize money.
- Patrick and Margaret Dollard, Co. Kilkenny – Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Tom Tierney, Co. Kildare – Enhancing Biodiversity
- Emer O’Keeffe, Co. Cork – Diversification
- Kay O’Sullivan, Co. Cork – Organic Production
- Conor and Vincent O’Brien, Co. Galway – Improving Soil Health
Setting a New Standard for the Future
The launch of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards reflects a growing recognition of agriculture’s role in tackling climate and environmental challenges.
Farming is often under scrutiny for its contribution to emissions and water quality concerns, but the awards highlight a different side of the story: innovation, adaptation, and leadership within the sector.
Somers’ win not only shines a spotlight on his farm in Wexford but also sends a broader message to the agricultural community. By prioritising soil health, embracing precision tools, and integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations, farmers can strengthen resilience, reduce costs, and protect the environment for future generations.
As the sector continues to adapt to changing environmental and market pressures, the example set by farmers like Don Somers and his peers may become increasingly important.
Their work demonstrates that with the right balance of tradition, innovation, and scientific knowledge, Irish agriculture can lead the way in building a more sustainable future.