Lifestyle & Sports
01 Feb 22

Teagasc: The Right Course Of Action

Dr Anne-Marie Butler – Head of the Teagasc Education programme – tells us about the wide-ranging courses available across the country.

Combining cutting-edge modern developments with traditional practical skills, Teagasc offers a unique, hands-on learning experience – with an exciting selection of courses available across all aspects of the agriculture, horticulture, forestry and equine sectors.

Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority – is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and education services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities. Across the country, they provide a wide range of education and training options, delivered through agriculture and horticulture colleges, Teagasc education centres, and in collaboration with universities and institutes of technology.

“In the Teagasc courses, it’s 50% classroom and 50% outdoor learning – whether that’s in the field, in the polytunnel, on a horse, or wherever you are,” explains Dr. Anne-Marie Butler, the Head of the Teagasc Education programme. “It’s on-the-ground, hands-on experience.”

Across 2022 and 2023, Teagasc are also set to launch their first ever apprenticeship programmes – including Sportsturf Technician, Horticulturist, Assistant Stud Manager, Farm Technician and Farm Manager – all of which will be validated by QQI.

As Dr. Butler notes, it’s an exciting time to be embarking on a journey in the modern agriculture sector – as it continues to undergo dynamic developments.

“We have tremendous people here in the country who are producing top-dollar food and top-dollar technology,” she says. “So it’s very important that we keep educating our learners to maintain efficiency while safeguarding our environment.”

“We’re very lucky in Teagasc that we have Research, Education and Advisory all under the one umbrella,” she continues. “Whatever the latest research findings are, we bring that into the classroom, in a very practical way. A lot of the great research work that’s going on in greenhouse gases, climate, and grassland technology, is happening within Teagasc – so it’s very easy for us to bring it into the colleges and put it in front of students.”

Climate change remains a key focus for Teagasc, helping farmers to play their part in reducing emissions. The Signpost Series – a Teagasc initiative – was launched as a way of demonstrating best practice in sustainable agriculture, from an environmental, social and financial perspective. Through their seven colleges, Teagasc have been promoting the Signpost practises right across the country – from Ballyhaise in Co. Cavan right down to Clonakilty in Co. Cork.

Dr. Butler has also noticed a significant number of students entering Teagasc courses who are not from a farming background.

“Even this year, the FBD Young Farmer of the Year, Owen Ashton, was not originally from a farm,” she points out. “He just had a strong fondness for agriculture. It’s important to recognise how wide and deep a career in agriculture can be. You’re involved in it all – the growing, the processing, the marketing and the communication.”

“Before I joined Teagasc, I worked in a bank for fourteen years,” she continues. “I was involved in agri-lending. There were a lot of people I worked with that had degrees in agriculture, who did really wide and varied things. It’s a great platform to have.”

Of course, college life is also a crucial aspect of Teagasc – with students forming important connections with their peers and their lecturers.

“We get students who ring back into the colleges, to chat to a lecturer – to run something by them that they’re doing in their new job, or on their farm,” Dr. Butler reflects. “That’s a testament to the strong relationships that are there. ”

“And my door is always open,” she adds. “I love to hear feedback – whether it’s from graduates, students or parents. It’s through that feedback that we can improve, develop and flourish.”

• See teagasc.ie/education/going-to-college/college-open-days for further information.