As the country reels from the impact of Covid-19 coronavirus, Pearse Kelly, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc joins Catherine Egan to discuss the impact to Teagasc Advisory Services.

All Teagasc Basic Payment appointments will now be processed over the phone rather than an office consultation. Teagasc staff will contact farmer clients in the coming weeks. BPS application for clients, in so far as possible, will be done over the phone.  

Pearse highlights that the transfer of information and knowledge to farmers and students will be through regular digital communication methods. While on farm Teagasc farmer discussion group meetings are being replaced with one hour phone meetings between farmers and their advisor. 

All Teagasc events have been postponed until further notice. This includes farm walks, conferences, and seminars. Pearse advises that every farmer should have  a plan in case that they become ill, as to who will fill their boots. As children are off from school at the moment Pearse highlights some simple suggestions that could help farmers in relation to health and safety on the farm

For the latest Covid-19 information go to HSE.ie

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