Irish Farmers Research Articles

Financial Determinants of Adoption of Agricultural Technologies in Irish Potato Production in Ol Kalou Sub County, Kenya: Application of Multinomial Logistic Regression

Irish potato is a significant source of food and income for many households worldwide. The demand for the crop has steadily increased around the globe. Kenyan Irish potato farmers have the potential to produce about 30 tonnes per Ha. However, small-scale Irish farmers in the country realize low output ranging from 4-8 tonnes per Ha due to limited uptake of agricultural technologies. This study aimed to analyze the financial factors influencing the uptake of agricultural technologies in Irish potato production in Ol Kalou Sub County. The agricultural technologies under investigation were chemical fertilizer, certified seeds, fungicides, and farm machinery. Production and innovation diffusion theories guided the study. Descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to obtain data from a study population of 21,942 smallholder Irish potato farmers in Ol Kalou Sub County. A multiple-stage sampling technique was employed to give a sample size of 385 respondents small scale Irish potato farmers, where data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression through SPSS version 28 and STATA version 17. The model indicated that off-farm income, access to credit, and production risk had a positive and significant influence on adopting agricultural technologies. Conversely, production cost had a negative and significant influence on the adoption of agricultural technologies, while the availability of subsidies had no significant influence. The Marginal effect analysis showed that the availability of off-farm income increased adoption by 22.00%, the increase in credit increased adoption by 2.00%, the availability of mitigation measures of production risk increased adoption by 19.00%, while the increase in production cost decreased adoption by 7.00%. The study concluded that off-farm income, credit facilities, production risk and cost of production influence the adoption of agricultural technologies. The study recommended that the government should develop policy regulations such as diversification of income, grants that reduce production costs, credit incentives, and crop insurance.

‘Land is a huge integral part of our identity’: Patriarchy and the gender asset gap

AbstractThe aim of this article is to examine female participation in farming and more specifically, the reasons for the low rate of female farm ownership in Ireland where only 13% of Irish farm owners are female. Females are excluded from the occupation of a farmer because land ownership is the key needed in most instances to being a farmer in one's own right. Females are farming, but too often, they are not owners of the farms they work on. We investigate the structural and cultural factors that alleviate or contribute to the inequality in Irish farm ownership. To address the research question, a qualitative study involving 35 semi‐structured interviews was carried out with both women and men in the Irish farming sector. This research recognises the positive role the state can play, as supported by cultural and institutional theory, by making legal and financial policy changes that can help effect change.

Policy and politics: How specialist farming media frame climate action

The agriculture sector in Ireland is a leading contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, and faces challenges in meeting reduction targets. The communication of climate-related information to farmers will be important in encouraging the farming community to adopt more sustainable farming practices. This study examines how a key information source - the specialist farming media in Ireland - frames the issue of climate change. It does so by analysing coverage of the release of the Irish government's 2021 Climate Action Plan, across a six-week period in three publications: the Irish Farmers Journal, the Farming Independent, and Agriland. It investigates media framings, the use of sources, and the influence of a powerful lobbying organisation, the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA). We find that, when it comes to climate action measures targeted at agriculture, the Irish farming media favour policy and political frames, and largely focus on narrow policy impacts, often omitting the context and rationale for policy interventions. Broader issues concerning climate justice and political economy are also neglected. Farming coverage by the country's most popular print title adopted a more combative approach, and deployed a conflict frame with greater frequency than the other publications. Government politicians and farming organisations are the most frequently quoted sources, giving these groups the most opportunity to shape the debate. This study adds to the limited research focused on climate change coverage in specialist farming publications.

“People that are Supporting [the] Whole Sector are on their Knees”; Uncertainty and Socioeconomic Change are Occupational Stressors for Irish Farmers☆

AbstractFarming is a stressful occupation with many farmers facing daily uncertainty and high mental health risks. In addition to unpredictable occupations, rapidly changing European and Irish agricultural policies may put farmers in a liminal state. We aimed to identify sources of occupational stress or well‐being for Irish farmers, particularly regarding change in their lives and communities. We collected data online through semistructured interviews with 17 farmers and 1 interview and 3 focus groups with 11 farming stakeholders. We identified four central narratives (N1‐4) through narrative analysis. In N1, participants described how rapid changes could create stress by exacerbating uncertainty and threatening farmers' financial security. Participants described how these changes to standards for “good farming” (N2) and rural culture (N3) result in lost income, identity, and well‐being. In N4, participants identified ways in which work of farming can be therapeutic. Our findings add to literature on the impacts of uncertainty and liminality on farmers by identifying how deeply changes in agricultural models can impact farmers' identities and well‐being as they grapple with new and old occupational pressures. We suggest that economic policy and agricultural governance prioritize farmers' financial security and mental health through policy change and acknowledge their valuable contributions.

Modelling solar photovoltaic systems on dairy farms for cost savings and GHG emission reduction

Rising on-farm electricity demand, coupled with surges in electricity prices, has increased costs associated with milk production. Additionally, the use of grid electricity with a high carbon footprint depreciates the environmental performance of dairy farming. We assessed the potential of photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on dairy parlours under different policy incentives to reduce electricity costs and the carbon footprint of dairy farms in Ireland. The HOMER Pro software was employed to model electricity consumption, generation and economic performance of four 15-year PV project scenarios for 11 Irish farms. Scenarios considering the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme II (TAMS) and the microgeneration support scheme are assessed. The results show that PV systems are a feasible option to power dairy farms when current energy prices and inflation rates are applied. Small systems eligible for TAMS grants presented an average discounted payback period of 5 years, making them a better option for farmers than larger projects, which had an average payback period of 8.5 years. The deployment of PV systems reduced the GHG intensity of electricity consumed at the farms by up to 29 %.

Unravelling the Effectiveness of Anthelmintic Treatments on Equine Strongyles on Irish Farms.

Over the preceding decades, the widespread dependence on anthelmintic drugs for managing nematodes in grazing equids has given rise to resistance against commonly used anthelmintics in various countries. This study explores the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance across 44 horse farms in Ireland. Anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated through fecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests employing the mini-FLOTAC technique. Resistance to benzimidazoles was identified in 12 out of 14 farms (FECR range: 0.00% to 86.2%). Ivermectin resistance was observed on two farms, one with an FECR of 80.70% and another with an FECR of 96.10% (lower 95% high probability density interval (HPD) <90%, 11.70%). On the remaining six farms, the reduction with ivermectin still exceeded 95%. The reduced efficacy of moxidectin was noted on two farms (FECR = 86.90% and 93.50%) and on a third farm with an FECR of 99.50 and a lower HPD interval < 90% at 24.00%. In summary, these findings emphasize the urgent need for alternative strategies in equine strongyle control that reduce reliance on anthelmintics and prioritize effective management practices on Irish equine farms to hinder the impending development of drug-resistant parasite populations.

Strengthening smallholder farmers resiliency for improved sustainable productivity of Irish Potatoes in Kenya

Potato industry supports millions of people worldwide and plays a significant role in the global food security. It is an important pillar to Kenyas’ economy. Low yields in potato production is a key challenge in Kenya, with an average yield of 9.8 metric tonnes per hactare, far below other major potato world producers, and therefore need to boost sustainable productivity. Low productivity of potatoes as a key component in agricultural food value chain system is a major concern because of its’ impact on food security. The objective of this review was therefore to establish factors contributing to the low yields and mitigation strategies to strenghten farmers’ resiliency against these challenges for enhanced sustainable productivity. Factors established attributed to the low yields include quality seeds inadequacy, climate change adverse effects, poor agronomic practices, pests, diseases and inadequacy in supportive services. Principles guiding resiliency in socio-ecological systems were considered as a guide to a pathway through which irish potato farmers resiliency can be strengthened against these factors. Mitigation measures identified and recommended include enhancing accessibility of quality seed by farmers; promotion of digital agricultural solutions and advisory services; adaptation of climate smart agricultural innovations practices; capacity building of farmers on good agronomic practices; implementation of developed policies to cushion farmers from exploitation; formation and strengthening of farmer groups and associations; development of appropriate infrastructures; supporting of research and extension. Attention is required to these issues by relevant institutions in effort towards strengthening farmers resiliency for continuous food security and improved farmers livelihood.

Development of an animal health testing tool to reduce antimicrobial use on farms: perceptions, implications, and needs of Irish dairy farmers and farm veterinarians

BackgroundThe threat of antimicrobial resistance is triggering the need for behavioural change towards antimicrobial use on Irish farms. Newly introduced veterinary medicine regulations are mandating the restricted and more prudent use of antimicrobials in the animal health sector. The need to reduce antimicrobials has placed a greater emphasis on the importance of animal health testing, however, issues with current testing practices are affecting diagnosis and subsequent drug usage. There is potential for digital technologies to address these issues and reduce antimicrobial use on farms, however, for these tools to be successful, they would need to be developed in collaboration with future end users.ResultsUsing qualitative approaches (focus groups), this study engages with dairy farmers and farm veterinary practitioners to detail current challenges with animal health diagnosis and to explore the initial development of a rapid, on-farm animal health testing tool to address these challenges. Issues with timing and testing, the role of knowledge and experience, and veterinarian availability all affect the ability of farmers and veterinarians to diagnose animal health issues on farm. These issues are having negative implications including the increased and unnecessary use of antimicrobials. An on-farm testing tool would help mitigate these effects by allowing veterinarians to achieve rapid diagnosis, facilitating the timely and targeted treatment of animal illnesses, helping to reduce overall antimicrobial use on farms. However, engagement with end users has highlighted that if a tool like this is not developed correctly, it could have unintended negative consequences such as misdiagnosis, increased antimicrobial use, challenges to farmer-veterinarian relationships, and data misuse. This study outlines initial end user needs and requirements for a testing tool but suggests that in order to successfully design and develop this tool, co-design approaches such as Design Thinking should be applied; to mitigate future negative impacts, and to ensure a testing tool like this is designed specifically to address Irish dairy farmers and farm veterinarians’ values and needs, ensuring responsible and successful uptake and use.ConclusionsDigital tools can be effective in reducing antimicrobial use on farms, however, to be successful, these tools should be designed in a user centred way.

Barriers and facilitators to adopting safe farm-machine related behaviors: A focus group study exploring older farmers’ perspectives

Background: Tractors and quad bikes pose a significant risk of fatal injuries among farmers, particularly affecting older farmers. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to the adoption of machine related safety behaviors among older farmers in Irish farm settings. Method: Four focus groups were conducted via Zoom in February 2021. Nineteen Irish farmers from four farm types participated. The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an inductive, reflexive thematic analysis approach. The themes identified were then mapped to the COM-B (Capability-Opportunity-Motivation) model, providing a systematic theoretical basis for designing a future intervention to reduce machine-related accidents. Results: The analysis identified five inductive themes that encompassed both barriers and facilitators in farm safety practices: (1) Capability to manage competing responsibilities; (2) Characteristics of the farm and its work environment; (3) Availability and affordability of resources; (4) Prevailing sociocultural opportunities; and (5) Perceived likelihood and cost-benefit analysis in safety decision-making. These themes captured the complex interplay of capability, opportunity, and motivation in farmers’ decision-making processes. The study also revealed limitations in existing interventions, such as voluntary guidelines and educational methods, in effectively addressing these barriers. Conclusions: Farmers’ abilities (capability), prevailing sociocultural factors, resource availability (opportunity), and their perceived consequences and benefits (motivation) affect how safely they work with machines. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive, theory-driven approaches that consider the interplay of capability, opportunity, and motivational factors that may support or impede machine safety. Understanding the challenges faced by Irish farmers highlights potential strategies for safety intervention, and these strategies should be co-designed with farmers and attentive to the local context. Practical applications: The study provides a template for understanding farmers’ perspectives using the COM-B model. The findings can inform the development of theoretically informed intervention strategies based on the Behavior Change Wheel framework.

Qualitative Analysis Following the Delivery of a Farmer Lifestyle Program

ABSTRACT Background Irish farmers are adversely affected by noncommunicable diseases. Although there has been an increase in farmer health promotion activities in Ireland, farmers views on lifestyle programs are currently unknown. Objectives To qualitatively analyze the impact of the previously mentioned 6-week physical activity and health education intervention on farmer health and to investigate how best to support this cohort moving forward. Methods A qualitative study was conducted online (two interviews, three focus groups) with fourteen Irish farmers (53.5 ± 6.5 years) who completed the 6-week program in December 2019. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes. Results The main themes that emerged from this study were barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for lifestyle programs aimed to improve farmer health. Additional views on health and lifestyle behaviors were mentioned. Time of year was reported as the main barrier for farmers to engage in lifestyle programs. The key facilitators reported by farmers were the social health benefits obtained from the program and the farmer-specific nature of the program. Farmers suggested that physical activity and health education programs that are farmer-specific, delivered locally and catering for all fitness abilities should be more widely available to them. Although some farmers reported that they maintained the lifestyle behaviors they established during the initial 6-week program, follow-up supports are needed to encourage sustainable behavior change. Conclusions Interventions that are farmer-specific, community-based, and feasible within the context of available resources may be effective in improving farmer health. Working in partnership with organizations that support farmers has the potential to improve farmer health.

Making sense of farmland biodiversity management: an evaluation of a farmland biodiversity management communication strategy with farmers

AbstractBiodiversity is a valuable resource that supports sustainability within agricultural systems, yet in contradiction to this agriculture is recognised as a contributor to biodiversity loss. Agricultural advisory services are institutions that support sustainable agricultural development, employing a variety of approaches including farmer discussion groups in doing so. This study evaluates the impact of a farmland biodiversity management (FBM) communication strategy piloted within Irish farmer discussion groups. A sensemaking lens was applied in this objective to gain an understanding of how this strategy could create an actionable space for FBM promotion amongst farmers. The strategy was piloted with six Irish dairy farmer discussion groups, after which focus groups were conducted with members of these groups. Additionally, baseline and endline surveys were completed by the members to determine their knowledge, attitude and on-farm practices relating to FBM. Analysis of the focus group data identified that the communication strategy supported the affordance of sensemaking with respect to FBM. Analysis of the data from the baseline and endline surveys relating to knowledge, attitudes and practices found that engaging with the communication strategy promoted farmers to improve their attitude in relation to FBM. Results from this study provide important lessons for agricultural advisory services to support farmers in incorporating FBM into the overall management of their farms and, in turn, to promote the improvement of farmland biodiversity and contribute to a sustainable future.

A multi-methods, multi-actor exploration of the benefits and barriers to milk recording on Irish farms using the COM-B model

Milk recording is a critical tool in dairy farming, providing individual cow information. When used effectively, this data contributes to on-farm productivity, herd health management decisions and supports prudent veterinary prescribing of antimicrobials. Although an industry and government priority, uptake has been relatively slow in Ireland. This multi-methods, three-part study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits to farm performance, and factors driving uptake of milk recording on Irish dairy farms. It involved an economic analysis of N=516 farms from 2008–2019, a workshop with N=26 stakeholders and an online survey of N=197 non-milk-recording farmers. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using econometric models and thematic analysis respectively. Results were synthesised using the COM-B model to gain a deeper understanding of what drives the target behaviour. The study revealed that agricultural education, farm location, farm specialisation in dairy and membership of a farmer discussion group were the main factors influencing uptake of milk recording. Milk recording was associated with a €39.04/cow increase in gross margin, a 177.58 litres/cow increase in milk yield and a reduction of 13,450 cells/ml in bulk milk tank somatic cell count readings. Infrastructural constraints, cost, lack of benefits and workload were the most reported perceived barriers to milk recording by farmers. The Behaviour Change Wheel illustrates how to utilise findings and systematically develop future interventions to increase milk recording uptake. This study highlights the importance of a multi-methods approach to agricultural technology adoption and the need for evidence-based methodology when developing behaviour change interventions.

‘You don't want to be seen to be struggling’; identifying sociocultural barriers and facilitators for Irish farmers’ mental health help‐seeking

AbstractFarmers face significant mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. Additionally, rural populations widely endorse stoic values which can be a barrier to farmers’ help‐seeking. In this study, we identified sociocultural barriers and facilitators to Irish farmers’ mental health help‐seeking. We conducted 17 semi‐structured interviews with Irish farmers and three focus groups and one interview with farming stakeholders in Ireland online. Interviews and focus groups followed a conversational, semi‐structured schedule concerning Irish farmers’ help‐seeking beliefs and behaviours, and were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. We identified three central barriers to farmers’ help‐seeking: resilience, pride in being a ‘good farmer’ and help‐seeking stigma. We also identified one central barrier/facilitator: slowly increasing mental health awareness. Across all themes, participants described Irish farmers of all genders, particularly older men, as suffering from a self‐reliant cycle of masculine stoicism. Our findings add to the growing ‘good farmer’ literature by illustrating how farmers’ health practices can be both a source of social capital and a detriment to their own health and help‐seeking.

Protecting Farmland Pollinators: Whole Farm Scorecard - Experiences and Recommendations

Protecting Farmland Pollinators is about identifying small actions that farmers can take that will allow biodiversity to coexist within a productive farming system. Farmers in Ireland recognise the importance of pollinators, but farmland has experienced wide-scale loss of wild pollinators over the last fifty years. By working closely with 40 farmers, management practices that benefit bees and hoverflies on Irish farmland were identified, and a whole farm pollinator scoring system was developed. Using a whole farm pollinator scorecard, farmers receive ‘pollinator points’ each year based on the amount and quality of pollinator friendly habitat maintained and/or created and, each year, farmers receive a results-based payment that relates to the points. Irish farms have great potential to improve both the quantity and quality of biodiversity friendly habitats without negatively impacting on farm productivity. Thirty-one farmers increased their score between year one and year three of the results-based payment and four farms more than tripled their score. The median whole farm pollinator score for the 40 farms increased from 25,696 in year one to 33,572 in year two (31% increase), to, 40,211 pollinator points in year three (56% increase). Each farm type (beef, dairy, mixed and arable) increased their median score over the three years and dairy and arable farms showed the largest increase. This project has helped farmers better understand and engage with nature on their land and has created a measurable system for improving habitats for biodiversity on farms that is accessible to all and has the potential to be rolled out on a wider scale.

Comparative Description and Analysis of Oyster Aquaculture in Selected Atlantic Regions: Production, Market Dynamics, and Consumption Patterns

In the face of an increasing world population and a subsequent need for an increase in sustainable and healthy food production, low trophic species, such as oysters, emerge as a promising alternative. However, regional variations in oyster production techniques, market dynamics, and consumption patterns create challenges for both the global and local industry’s growth. In this study, a descriptive qualitative analysis of oyster markets across seven Atlantic regions was carried out. The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was found to be farmed in most Atlantic regions except the US but is classified as invasive in Sweden and potentially invasive in South Africa. Other farmed and/or harvested species include native species (C. gasar and C. rhizophorae) in Brazil, the American cupped oyster (C. virginica) in the US, and the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) in France, Sweden, and the US. In Irish farms, Pacific oysters are primarily for export to European markets. The marine aquaculture sectors of Sweden, South Africa, and Namibia, as well as Brazil’s farming for C. gasar, were found to be underdeveloped. This study also observed a variation in licensing, property rights, and regulatory frameworks. Financial challenges for small businesses, ecological implications of seed production techniques, biosecurity risks, and public health considerations are emphasized as critical areas for attention. This study offers valuable insights into the selected markets and can serve as a useful resource for policymakers, aquaculture practitioners, and stakeholders in optimizing global shellfish industry strategies.

Sleep issues and burnout in Irish farmers: A cross sectional survey

Farming can be a demanding, solitary, and unpredictable occupation. As a result, farmers may be more susceptible to sleep issues and burnout than workers in other occupations. However, economic and social pressures that may cause burnout and sleep issues in farmers vary greatly between nationalities. There is a lack of research on sleep and burnout in European, and specifically Irish, farmers using reliable psychometric tests. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional prevalence assessment of sleep issues and burnout with a population sample of 351 Irish farmers. Using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the Short Form Health Survey-12 (SFHS), we identified how farmers’ sleep and burnout were correlated with their mental and physical health and identified the role of individual differences such as socioeconomic status, age, and gender. Irish farmers reported frequent burnout (23.6%) and widespread sleep issues (50.1%), with burnt out farmers reporting especially poor sleep. This has serious implications for farmers’ health, as burnt out farmers and farmers with poor sleep both reported worse mental and physical health. We identified age and parenthood as risk factors for burnout but identified no gender differences. While these exploratory findings are constrained by our cross-sectional design, they extend literature on occupational health risks in European agriculture to cover poor sleep and burnout. Irish farmers as a population need health intervention targeting sleep and burnout; especially in older and parent populations.

How common are sleep issues and burnout in Irish farmers?

Abstract Background Farming is often a stressful, isolating and unpredictable career with notable occupational and health hazards. Therefore, farmers may be more vulnerable to experiencing sleep issues and burnout than other workers. However, pressures and stressors may differ between countries. There is little research on sleep issues and burnout in Irish farmers. Methods A cross- sectional survey was distributed to Irish adult farmers (N = 351) both online and in-person at farming events. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Short Form Health Survey-12 examined their sleep and burnout, along with how sleep and burnout were associated with farmers’ mental and physical health and examined individual differences such as income, age, and gender. Prevalence assessments, descriptive analyses and non-parametric tests were used. Results Burnout (23.6%) and sleep issues (50.1%) are widespread in Irish farmers. Burnt-out farmers reported poorer sleep (p&amp;lt;.001, r=.42) and worse mental (p&amp;lt;.001, φ=.31) and physical health (p=.003, φ=.17). Farmers with poor sleep also reported worse mental (p&amp;lt;.001, r= .31) and physical health (p=.003, r=.16). Low-income was a risk-factor for sleep issues such as sleep disturbances (r=-.13, p=.032) and daytime dysfunction (r=-.15, p=.008) while age (p=.036, r=.11) and parenthood (p=.022, φ=.13) were risk-factors for burnout. There were no gender differences apart from females taking longer to fall asleep (p=.022, r=.12). Conclusions The high prevalence of sleep issues and burnout has serious health implications as both burnt-out farmers and farmers with poor sleep reported greater physical and mental health issues. Our cross-sectional analysis identified three at-risk groups that interventions can target to maximise impact: sleep issues are highest in lower-income farmers and burnout is highest in older farmers and farmers with children. Key messages • Sleep issues and burnout endanger the health and safety of farmers, their families and the Irish agricultural industry. • Farmers require urgent intervention targeting sleep issues and burnout.

Mental health knowledge and help-seeking intention in Irish farmers

Abstract Background Despite farmers’ vulnerability to poor mental health and high suicide rates internationally, they are often reluctant to seek help. Available mental health services are ineffective unless farmers reach out and engage with them. Barriers such as stigmatizing beliefs, masculine norms and skepticism towards professional help often prevent help-seeking. The current study examined mental health literacy, help-seeking intention and attitudes towards seeking help in Irish farmers. Methods Irish adult farmers (N = 351) completed a cross-sectional survey online or in-person at farming events. The Multicomponent Mental Health Literacy scale, Mental Help-Seeking Intention Scale and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Short Form were used. Prevalence assessments and descriptive analyses were completed and non-parametric tests were used to examine the differences between age, gender, education, income and health issues. Results Many did not know how to contact a local clinic (53.8%), obtain suicide prevention hotline number (24.2%), where to get services (24.8%) or useful information on mental illness (21.8%). Farmers had low literacy (M = 17.8) and intentions to seek help (M = 13.1), with women displaying higher literacy (p&amp;lt;.001, r=.17) and more positive attitudes towards help-seeking (p=.005, r=.15). Third level education was associated with higher literacy (p=.007, r=-.18) and positive attitudes to help-seeking (p=.024, r= -.12). Past help-seeking was associated with higher literacy (p=.043, r=.11) positive attitudes (p=.022, r=.12) and greater help-seeking intention (p=.028, r=.12). Those with mental health (p=.036, r=-.11) or substance use issues (p=.023, r=-.12) had lower help-seeking intention. Conclusions Farmers had low literacy and perceived significant barriers to help-seeking. Interventions targeting literacy, knowledge of, and access to health services are important, particularly for men and less-educated farmers. Key messages • Low literacy and knowledge of services prevents farmers from seeking help. • Farmers, particularly those who are men or less educated, require urgent intervention targeting literacy.

The opinions of farm animal veterinarians in Ireland on antibiotic use and their role in antimicrobial stewardship

BackgroundAntibiotic use and resistance in animal production are a concern to public health, and there is an urgent need to reduce antibiotic use in farm animals. To prevent blame shifting, professionals from human medicine, animal medicine and environmental backgrounds must collaborate to tackle this issue. Veterinarians are typically responsible for overseeing and prescribing antibiotic use in animals. There are currently no available studies on the opinions of Irish farm animal veterinarians on antibiotic use, reduction opportunities and their relationships with farmers. A digital survey was developed and sent out to Irish farm animal veterinarians. This paper presents the results of a cross-sectional study of Irish farm animal veterinarians’ attitudes towards antimicrobial stewardship, their prescribing behaviours, antibiotic reduction opportunities and their attitudes for the future of antibiotic use. The veterinarian-farmer relationship is examined and potential interventions to reduce antibiotic use on farms are identified.ResultsIn total, 114 complete questionnaires were received, representing approximately 11 per cent of all farm animal veterinarians in Ireland. Respondents were aware of the problem of antibiotic resistance and recognise their role in the fight against it. They realise what actions they must take to reduce antibiotic use and identify barriers that prevent their farmer clients from implementing their advice. Many of them say that they can reduce antibiotic use on farms in the future, but some remain doubtful. There was no statistical difference between veterinarians that had less experience working than those that had more experience in their attitudes towards future reduction in antibiotic use.ConclusionMost of the respondents seek to use antibiotics as judiciously as they can. The majority agree that antibiotic overuse is the main contributor to antibiotic resistance. Possible solutions to reduce antibiotic use include the development of antibiotic treatment guidelines, assigning one unique practice to each farm and compulsory CPD (Continuous Professional Development) courses.

The Greening of the Prairie: Irish Settlement and Farming in the Illinois Corn Belt

The Greening of the Prairie: Irish Settlement and Farming in the Illinois Corn Belt