John Keane from Errill will present the findings of his Nuffield Ireland Scholarship research at the annual Nuffield Ireland Conference.
This takes place in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles, on Friday, November 14.
A dairy and beef farmer, John’s research explored “the complex challenge of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) eradication in Ireland”.
John graduated from University College Dublin with a BSc in Dairy Business in 2014.
He then travelled to New Zealand to work in agriculture and broaden his experiences.
Since returning home to full-time farming in 2016, John has been an active member of discussion groups, Macra na Feirme, and his local GAA club.
The findings of John’s Nuffield study call for a renewed national commitment to eliminate bTB and highlight the need for reform in wildlife control, investment in agricultural technologies, and adoption of international best practices in biosecurity and cattle
movement.
The Nuffield Ireland conference will feature a fireside chat with Laura Burke, Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and will hear presentations from five returning Nuffield Ireland Scholars, including John Keane.
Speaking about this year’s conference, Joe Leonard, Chair of Nuffield Ireland, said: “This year’s conference theme, ‘Cultivating Opportunities from Obstacles’, reflects the resilience, innovation, and leadership that define the Nuffield Scholar community.
“It also speaks directly to the heart of what Nuffield is about – turning challenges into leadership opportunities.
“Our scholars have travelled the world to bring back insights that will help shape the future of Irish agriculture.
“Our annual conference is open to all who have an interest in the future of agriculture and food, not just Nuffield alumni and stakeholders.
“We’re proud to host this event and invite everyone with a stake in farming, food, and rural development to join the conversation.”
One of the presenting scholars will also be selected by attendees at the conference to receive the Padraig Walshe award, named in honour of the late agri-leader and Nuffield Scholar, Padraig Walshe from Durrow.
In addition to hearing the research findings from returning Nuffield 2024 scholars, attendees will have the opportunity to be introduced to the successful candidates for 2026.
