Agribusiness and Cultural Exchange: A 3-Day Journey Through Ireland

In October 2024, a group of prominent Polish dairy farmers embarked on a three-day agribusiness tour of Ireland, organised by Creva InternationalAgri-Plastics Poland, and Biomix Poland. The visit aimed to foster collaboration and share expertise in sustainable dairy farming, livestock management, and agricultural technology.


Day 1: Cork

The tour began with a visit to two key agribusiness operations in Cork, showcasing Ireland’s innovations in livestock equipment and dairy genetics.

Stop 1: O'Donovan Engineering Ltd, Coachford, Co. Cork

O'Donovan Engineering, established in 1978, is a leader in designing and manufacturing bespoke livestock handling equipment. The company’s products, which include cattle crushes, gates, and handling systems, are created with a focus on enhancing farm efficiency and ensuring livestock safety. O'Donovan Engineering has built a strong reputation within Ireland and internationally for offering custom solutions that help farmers manage their livestock with greater ease and reduced stress on the animals. During the visit, the Polish delegation was given an in-depth look at the company's manufacturing process and its commitment to improving farming operations through innovation.

Stop 2: Lisduff Holsteins, Farranastig, Co. Cork

The second stop was Lisduff Holsteins, a dairy farm specialising in breeding Holstein-Friesian cattle. The farm is renowned for its focus on high-quality genetic breeding programs aimed at improving milk production and enhancing the overall health and longevity of its herd. Lisduff Holsteins has earned a strong reputation in the Irish dairy sector for its advanced genetic selection methods, which are designed to produce cows that are healthier, more productive, and better suited to modern dairy farming challenges. The Polish farmers, many of whom are leaders in dairy production themselves, were keen to learn about the farm's breeding strategies and herd management techniques.

Day 2: Galway

Day two took the delegation to Galway, where the focus shifted to agribusiness partnerships and sustainable farming practices.

Stop 1: Creva International, Athenry, Co. Galway

Creva International, based in Athenry, is a company that specialises in connecting agribusinesses through innovative B2B partnerships. The company is committed to fostering collaboration between farmers and businesses to drive excellence in agricultural production and sustainability. Creva International also manages Castle Creva Farm, where advanced farming techniques are put into practice. During the visit, the Polish farmers were introduced to Creva’s approach to enhancing productivity through partnerships that combine technology, innovation, and sustainable farming methods. The group discussed how such partnerships could benefit their own operations back in Poland, particularly in areas like herd management and sustainability.

Stop 2: Ahascragh Distillery, Ahascragh, Co. Galway

In the afternoon, the group visited Ahascragh Distillery, a family-owned, eco-conscious distillery known for combining traditional whiskey-making methods with modern sustainability practices. The distillery is housed in a restored 19th-century mill, reflecting its commitment to preserving heritage while embracing innovation. Ahascragh Distillery has made sustainability a core part of its production process, with efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and utilise renewable energy sources. The group toured the facility, learning about the craft of whiskey-making and the distillery’s focus on environmentally friendly practices. Although the visit was a departure from dairy farming, it highlighted the importance of sustainability, a key issue for both industries.

The day concluded with a dinner at The Old Barrack's in Athenry. The Polish delegation engaged in discussions about the day’s visits, sharing insights into how they might implement similar sustainability and efficiency practices on their own farms.

The trip also included visits to a number of farms as well as a tour of Athenry Castle,  a historical site that provided the group with a deeper cultural understanding of the region. The castle tour offered a glimpse into Ireland's rich agricultural history.



A Fruitful Exchange of Agricultural Expertise

The agribusiness tour proved to be a successful exchange of ideas and practices between Irish and Polish farmers. Through visits to O'Donovan Engineering, Lisduff Holsteins, Creva International, and local farms, the Polish delegation gained valuable insights into Irish innovations in livestock handling, dairy genetics, and sustainable farming.

The Polish farmers, who manage some of the largest and most advanced dairy farms in Poland, left with new ideas to implement in their operations. The focus on sustainability, efficiency, and herd health seen throughout the tour aligned closely with their goals of increasing productivity while maintaining high standards of animal welfare. This 3-day event laid a strong foundation for future collaboration between Irish and Polish agribusinesses, paving the way for continued growth and innovation in the dairy sector.

Introducing the 7 Stages of Cow