Local Councillor represents Offaly at FarmerTime Field Day

Organic beef and sheep farmer and local Green party Cllr from Geashill, Mark Hackett, represented Offaly at the FarmerTime Field day, which took place at Airfield Estate in Dublin this week.

The event, also attended by Ministers Charlie McConalogue and Pippa Hackett from the Department of Agriculture, was a celebration of the FarmerTime scheme which connects school children and farmers. Through virtual visits to the classroom throughout the school year, farmers introduce students to their farm and all the activities that go on.

Cllr Mark Hackett said “I signed up as a FarmerTime farmer during lockdown and I can fully recommend participation for many reasons, including mental health benefits. The scheme connects farmers with schools, through video call, so that students can better understand where food comes from and the important role farmers play. It is also great fun for both farmer and students.”

Farmer Time was started in the United Kingdom by Farmer Tom Martin who was in Airfield today to say thank you to farmers contributing to Farming Time’s success in Ireland.

Mark, the only Offaly based FarmerTime farmer at the event, said “Every couple of weeks I make some short videos of work on the farm and then I share them with the class. I talk about what is happening and I answer questions. I am partnered with a group of Transition Year students in a school in Kilrush and we have some great conversations. The latest session was on lambing.”

“Well done to all at Airfield for bringing FarmerTime to Ireland. To other farmers I would say - look into it – the time commitment isn’t much and the rewards are great.”