Dr. Padraig O’Kiely

At the 2011 Irish Grassland Association beef conference and farm walk the Irish Grassland Association Lifetime Merit Award for 2011 was awarded to Dr. Padraig O’Kiely, Teagasc, Grange. The award is presented to individuals, chosen by the council of the Irish Grassland Association, who have contributed significantly to progressive work within grassland technology and grassland farming. Dr. O’Kiely is one of the leading worldwide figures in forage agronomy, conservation and utilisation. He has published almost 600 scientific articles, over 400 articles in technical and popular farming press and has given over 1,000 presentations to farming and industry conferences and events. He has given numerous invited presentations at scientific and technical conferences both in Ireland and abroad. In particular, his research into grass silage production has had a major impact on the productivity and profitability of Irish livestock production systems. Padraig O’Kiely has also had a significant role in the history and development of the Irish Grassland Association having been on the council from 1987 to 1995 and serving as president of the IGA in 1993/94. It was during his presidency that the Irish Grassland Association launched a major review of its structures and activities which has benefited the operation of the association to this day. Dr. O’Kiely’s significant contribution to Irish grassland farming over a period of three decades makes this a most deserved award. This award is a public endorsement on behalf of the IGA and its members, to the great and important contribution made by Padraig O’Kiely to the industry.

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Padraig O’Kiely was presented with the Irish Grassland Association Lifetime Merit Award for 2011 by Dr. Aidan Conway at the recent IGA Beef Farm Walk and Conference held on the Kepak Farm and at the Trim Castle Hotel. Pictured above are Dr. Fearga O’Kiely (wife of Padraig O’Kiely), Dr. Aidan Conway (past-president of the Irish Grassland Association), Dr. Padraig O’Kiely (Teagasc, Grange) and Dr. Padraig French (President of the Irish Grassland Association).