Protecting Kinnegad’s waterways for future farmers
Kevin Dardis and his family are committed to safeguarding their Kinnegad farm and the adjoining river through sustainable farming practices. Their efforts ensure the preservation of vital water quality for both agriculture and the local community in Westmeath.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
Nestled between Westmeath and Meath, the Kinnegad River is more than a boundary; it represents a shared heritage and connection for the communities on its banks. Kevin Dardis, alongside his father Patrick, mother Margaret, and brother Colm, operates a beef farming enterprise here, embracing a deep-seated respect for the land and its legacy.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Kevin emphasises the profound bond that comes with growing up on a farm. "You develop a love for working the land," he says, recognising it as an essential resource that sustains their livelihoods and future generations alike. This connection fuels their commitment to environmental stewardship.
To protect the river’s water quality, the Dardis family has introduced several initiatives, including establishing riparian zones with tree planting along the riverbanks. They also employ a trailing shoe for slurry spreading, plan to install 1,000 metres of fencing, and add solar-powered water pumps to prevent livestock from entering the watercourse. Kevin summarises their ethos: "As farmers, we are custodians of the land for our time, aiming to leave it better than we found it. Our hope is for the Kinnegad River and the Boyne to remain vital resources and enjoyed by all who live nearby. We all share responsibility to preserve it for the next generation."
For further insights, the full 'From the Fields to the Boyne' video series, filmed and edited by Matthew Walker, is available to watch. More information about the Teagasc Better Farming for Water Campaign can also be found on their official website.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Kevin emphasises the profound bond that comes with growing up on a farm. "You develop a love for working the land," he says, recognising it as an essential resource that sustains their livelihoods and future generations alike. This connection fuels their commitment to environmental stewardship.
To protect the river’s water quality, the Dardis family has introduced several initiatives, including establishing riparian zones with tree planting along the riverbanks. They also employ a trailing shoe for slurry spreading, plan to install 1,000 metres of fencing, and add solar-powered water pumps to prevent livestock from entering the watercourse. Kevin summarises their ethos: "As farmers, we are custodians of the land for our time, aiming to leave it better than we found it. Our hope is for the Kinnegad River and the Boyne to remain vital resources and enjoyed by all who live nearby. We all share responsibility to preserve it for the next generation."
For further insights, the full 'From the Fields to the Boyne' video series, filmed and edited by Matthew Walker, is available to watch. More information about the Teagasc Better Farming for Water Campaign can also be found on their official website.
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