Nitrates DivisionReported to Noeleen McDonald, Agricultural Inspector and Ted Massey, Senior Inspector• Gained an excellent knowledge of the Nitrates derogation legislation and how it is implemented. Also ACRES• Developed my communication skills by working with Agricultural Inspectors of all grades, Farmers, Agricultural Advisors and Co- Operatives.• Developed my letter writing and presentation skills• Main Areas of Responsibility includeo Completed a full audit of SSO database. Followed up and closed out any documentation non-conformances directly with farmers.o Oversaw Dairy banding manual returns which was introduced under legislation in 2023.o Involved in selecting derogation inspections and also shadowed a derogation inspection with an Assistant Agricultural Inspector.o Shadowed an inspector in the Feedstuffs, Fertiliser, Grain, and Poultry Division onto with a focus on Dioxons and HACCP.o Attended and acted as secetary in several Agricultural Water Quality Working Group meetings which included representatives of the farm organisations, the agri-food industry, Teagasc, private agricultural consultants, Local Authorities, An Fóram Uisce and officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as well as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.o Attended several training days for ACRES. Met with a delegation from Wales DEFRA to compare their scheme to ACRES.

Worked on two of six leased milking platforms.Insight into high production, low cost, leased dairy farming.Farming a high EBI herd achieving excellent KPIs such as 90% six-week calving interval and high grass utilisation.Milking a herd of Jersey cross-bred herd delivering high milk solids.Main areas of responsibility were• Milking duties• Grassland management – With the aid of PastureBase• Calf rearing• Responsibility to manage farm on my own for a week during the Spring aiming to maximise grass intake during difficult weather conditions.• Also focuses on utilising ICBF, Teagasc Profit monitor and labour efficiency in agriculture.

• Husbandry of 130 cows and offspring• Main Areas of Responsibility include• Day to day tasks of a dairy farm- Feeding, cleaning, grassland management and relief milking• Calf rearing- feeding, cleaning, vaccinations & welfare.