The final SOILCRATES farm walk took place at Crawford’s Farm in Co. Tipperary. The event opened with an overview of the SOILCRATES project from the TUS lead, who explained how the Living Labs connect researchers and farmers.
The TUS research team together with SOILCRATES Ireland partner, Cloughjordan Community Farm, then ran practical soil demonstrations, showing participants various on-farm soil assessment methods.
Host farmer Mimi Crawford led a tour of the farm, outlining the management practices, including a composting system that improves soil health, though she noted it doesn’t yet meet all the farm’s needs. A highlight of the visit was the use of mobile “chicken tractors,” which are moved daily to let broiler chickens fertilise and lightly disturb the soil as they graze. A similar approach is used with pigs along the farm’s hedgerows, incorporating their natural behaviour into land management.
Crawford’s Farm also produces milk, cream and butter, sold through the local milk market. Mimi spoke about her commitment to working with natural processes to maintain healthy pastures and build a resilient farming system.
The walk generated engaging discussions, which gave participants opportunity to exchange ideas on natural approaches to soil health and sustainable agriculture.
