Spring 2013

1. Spring 2013

3. Farmyard Layout for last year’s students • Previously students were awarded 5 marks for: • Home/Farmyard layout: the candidate will present a sketch plan indicating the principal buildings and layout of a farm, including aspect, roadways, fencing, shelter, grazing method(strip/paddock, etc.)

4. Farmyard Layout

5. In 2014 ....... • Students will be awarded 10 marks for: • a sketch plan indicating • the farmhouse and buildings • the farm • and to demonstrate their ability to discuss the farm buildings and how they provide the environmentalconditions required on the farm and to demonstrate the physical/ aesthetic layout of the house in relation to the farm, farmyard and general surroundings. Suitable information/ discussion points might includee.g. planning for economy of labour,aspect, roadways, fencing, shelter, grazing methods, crops grown.

6. Sketch Maps • For the practical students must include Farm Layout (e.g.aerialphoto, map and their own drawing) and Buildings. • Machinery – not required but a useful way off getting students familiar with the different types of farm machinery • The main thing is to include as many relevant photos as possible to provide points information/disscussion

7. Farm Sketch Maps • Things that student might consider in putting together their farm sketch map : • Fencing • Water supply • Topography • Hedgerows • Roads, • Gates • Power Source

8. Farmyard Sketch Map - Points to Note

9. Physical Layout of the Farmhouse Proximity to yard -Near the yard or a distance away. Consider easy access and safety aspects with small children. Smells?, Noise level? 2. Access – only from the farmyard or seperate access from public road. Services– Access to septic tank, electricity etc. Orientation – maximise surface area exposed to sun • Possible points of discussion/information might include

10. Aesthetic Impact of the farmhouse • POSSIBLE POINTS OF INFO/DISCUSSION • View • Positive or Negative Impact on Landscape • Preservation of geographical/historical features • Natural Shelterbelts/Planting

11. Ventilation/Drafts Storage of bedding/feed Old or New? Handling Facilities Farm Buildings Things to consider? General or Purpose Built Hygeine/Disease- Slurry/Manure Handling Permanent? Space/Animal Feeding Facilites

12. The Airfield Trust in Dundrum, Co.Dublin is in the process of finishing its brand new purpose built farmyard. We will have a look at some of the environmental and practical conditions that the architects and builders considered in their planning and construction.

13. The Storage Shed Contains Hay and Straw Storage Machinery Storage Workshop

14. Sliding doors allow for easy access for loading and unloading of hay and straw All electrical fuseboards contained in machinery shed Covered electrics and fire extinguishers due to increased fire risk in hay shed

15. Livestock Sheds

16. Hit and Miss cladding increases ventilation and reduces drafts Sliding system to allow greater ventilation on warm days

17. All floors are pitched to allow run off into drainge channels and collection tanks Increased lighting for checking animals Gate will allow easy access to feed corridors. Narrow spacing at bottom ensures sheep can be housed also

18. Isolation Unit for sick animals: • Close proximity to handling facilities to aid medicine administration and vet visits • Contains its own drainage system and tank so contaminated faeces can be stored and disposed off without increasing spread of infection

19. Individual Animal Houses Half door and hit and miss cladding to aid ventilation Rear door to allow easy acces to sick livestock or animals giving birth Electrics above ‘animal height’ Pitched floor to allow runoff to storage facilities

20. FENCED PATH AT REAR OF LIVESTOCK HOUSING TO ALLOW EASY MOVEMENT OF ANIMALS

21. Additional Features PLANTING OF TREES TO CREATE SHELTERBELT AND IMPROVE AESTHETICS FARM OFFICE MAINTENANCE OF NATIVE HEDGEROWS AROUND FARMYARD WASH HAND BASINS TO IMPROVE HYGEINE AND DECREASE CONTAMINATION RISK

22. Water Charges!!!!! • A RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM HAS BEEN INCORPORATED IN ALL FARM BUILDINGS. • WITH WATER RATES DUE TO BE IMPLEMENTED THIS COULD BECOME OF INCREASING IMPORTANCE TO IRISH FARMERS

23. Handling Facilities • Facilities are necessary for dosing,vaccination, condition scoring, herd testing, etc. • The handling unit was designed with the following in mind: • Reduce labour requirements • Improve working conditions • Reduce the risk of injury to both stock and the farmer

24. Handling Facilities PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS The handling unit is sited in a convenient location in relation to farmbuildings, roads and fields. Effluent or slurry from the handling unit is collected, stored and properly disposed of.

25. ‘Economy of Labour’ on the farm Things to consider • Farm Roads make herding and movement easier • Good handling facilities • Milking Palour Set Up to ease labour • Livestock sheds set up to allow for easy feeding, bedding and cleaning • Correct machinery/equipment

26. REMEMBER...... • PLENTY OF GOOD PHOTOS WILL PROVIDE AMPLE POINTS FOR DISCUSSION AND ALLOW THE PUPILS THE CHANC E TO DISPLAY THEIR PRACTICL KNOWLEDGE.

27. Additional Information/Resources • The Teagasc Website contains lots of helpful articles of farm buildings and management • http://www.teagasc.ie/advisory/farm_management/buildings/index.asp • Paul Moroney writes on Farm buildings • every week in The Farmers Journal