Happy New Year from Agri Aware! We’re starting 2025 off with a bang, shaking off the January blues with exciting updates on our programmes, events, and much more. Read on to discover how we’ve hit the ground running this month!

Agri Aware’s Farm Walk & Talk Returns in 2025 with Additional Dates

Agri Aware’s popular Farm Walk and Talk series is back for 2025, offering second-level students studying Agricultural Science the chance to step onto farms and agricultural colleges across the country in the coming weeks.

This year, the series has expanded with the inclusion of farm safety talks, complementing expert-led discussions on a wide range of agricultural topics. Students will have the unique opportunity to take their classroom learnings to the farmyard and witness real-world applications of the latest agricultural techniques and practices.

Demand among secondary schools for the event has exceeded capacity once again, and as a result, extra dates and capacities at some of the locations have been added to cater to this demand.

This year’s series will start off in Gurteen Agricultural College in Co. Tipperary on Wednesday, February 26th, and conclude on Thursday, March 20th in Donegal.

This year’s launch took place at Teagasc Grange in Co. Meath, which is one of the venues once again for this year’s series. On the day, Agri Aware Vice-Chairman Jim Mulhall was joined by partners of the series, which include Teagasc, the Irish Farmers Journal, Teagasc, and University College Dublin School of Agriculture and Food Science, as well as students from Scoil Mhuire Trim.

Teachers, don’t wait! Our Farm Walk & Talk events are filling up fast, with limited availability. Visit our website to find an event near you. At just €10 per student, this is the perfect opportunity for your Ag Science students to gain hands-on learning outside the classroom.

Book Your Tickets Here.

Primary Schools

Last Chance to sign up for Incredible Edibles 2025

Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles is back with an exciting new format for 2025!

With fewer tasks and a simplified project submission, it’s never been easier to teach students about how our fruits and vegetables are grown and their role in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

This year, active participants will receive even more tools to kickstart their growing journey. Register now and complete the introductory quiz to receive your very own Grow Pack!

Register Here.

New Episode of Come Farm With Me

Ready to join another farmer on their farm from the classroom? Agri Aware Chairman and Tillage Farmer Shay Galvin will join us on Tuesday February 25th at 11am for the fourth episode of the Come Farm With Me Series. If you missed any of the last three webinars, don’t worry! All videos are available for playback on our YouTube channel.

Catch Up Here.

Secondary Schools

Agri Aware at the TY Show

In January, Agri Aware attended the National Transition Year (TY) Show at Thomond Park. The event highlighted a wide range of opportunities available to TY students, from fitness classes to learning new languages.

At the Agri Aware stand, students had the chance to explore various career paths within agriculture, including hands-on activities like soil testing. Our team was on hand to discuss the different TY programmes and help students discover which one would best suit their interests.

Farm Safety First – Winners Announced

This month, Agri Aware announced the winners of the Farm Safety First programme supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which saw an impressive range of creative entries from students across the country. From catchy poems and songs to innovative solutions for safer farming, the programme has been a great success.

The individual winner was Nicolas Pulidi from Kilrush Community School, Co. Clare. Nicolas created a video highlighting ways to avoid and prevent risks on farms, emphasising the importance of knowing one’s surroundings to better manage farm hazards. “I think videos are the best way to spread information because they’re easy to share and more impactful,” said Nicolas. His video effectively demonstrated how quickly accidents can happen on farms. As the individual winner, Nicolas has earned a €200 cash prize and family tickets to an Agricultural Show.

The group winners were St. Michael’s College in Co. Kerry. Students Eoin Quilter, Gavin Joy, and Eoghan O’Regan worked together to design a motorized, magnetic slurry cover. The group believes younger farmers are more likely to embrace innovative ideas and technology to make farms safer. Each member of the group has won €200, along with a class trip to an Open Farm Event.

The Farm Safety First programme, which saw over 6,000 students register, had a successful pilot year. It brought workshops, videos, and educational resources to TY students across the country, raising awareness about farm safety and the importance of staying safe on the farm.

Educational Updates

Day at the Races

Did you know that when you register for our TY programme, From Foal to Race, you get the exciting opportunity to attend race days across the country for free? Students will be able to see firsthand how a racehorse performs on race day, building on what they’ve learned through the programme.

If you’re interested in bringing your TY class to your local racecourse, simply fill out the form here. This is a fantastic chance for students registered to the to visit a racecourse during a live racing event and experience the connections between theory and practice in the From Foal to Race programme brought to you by Agri Aware and equuip.

Environmental Innovators: Do You Have an Idea Worth Sharing?

As part of the Environmental Innovators programme, we’re inviting submissions for innovative solutions to pressing food system challenges. Whether it’s tackling packaging waste, addressing food insecurity, or exploring entirely new areas, we want to hear your ideas!

To help refine your submission, we encourage you to consider a few key questions:

1. What food system challenge excites you the most?
   Think about the issues you’re passionate about – from food waste to sustainable agriculture practices, your project could focus on any aspect of the food system.
2.  Who are your stakeholders?
   Identify the people or communities who will be affected by your innovation. This could include consumers, farmers, manufacturers, or policy makers.
3. Do you know someone with expertise in your chosen area?
   Finding a mentor or expert in the field can help refine your idea and provide valuable insights.

This is your chance to present a creative, impactful solution to a real-world issue. We look forward to seeing your ideas and innovations take shape!

Register Here.

Book a tour of Lidl Farm this Spring

Looking to give your primary school students a fun and educational experience this term? Agri Aware offers a unique opportunity to learn all about farming in Ireland, from fresh produce to livestock and beyond!

Students will explore our polytunnels, where fresh fruit and vegetables are grown, and visit fields of potatoes. They’ll also get the chance to watch calves and sheep and discover how these animals contribute to the agri-food sector.

In addition, students will enjoy a tour of the Lidl Distribution Centre, where they’ll learn about the journey food takes before it reaches Lidl stores across the country.

Spring bookings are now open! Book your tour today and give your students a hands-on learning experience they won’t forget.

Book Here.

Appointment of Ag Science Coordinator

Agri Aware is thrilled to announce the appointment of Róisín Byrne as our new Agricultural Science Coordinator!

A graduate of the UCC School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Róisín has extensive experience in the agricultural science sector. She joined the Agri Aware team in November 2022, bringing a strong background in science research and communication, with several publications in peer-reviewed journals.

In her new role, Róisín will focus on effectively transferring knowledge across all age groups, with a particular passion for engaging young people in agricultural science and food production.We wish Róisín the best of luck in her new role.