Fiona McGovern

Growing up on a mixed drystock farm in, I have always had a huge interest in Agriculture. I graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science (B. Agr. Sc.) from University College Dublin in 2012, and was awarded a Scholarship to complete my PhD which I completed in 2015. My thesis focused on ewe nutrition throughout late pregnancy and the subsequent impact on both ewe and progeny performance in the post-partum period.

Upon completion of my PhD I began working as a post-doctoral researcher with Teagasc, based in Mellows Campus, Athenry. The primary focus of my Post-Doctoral research work with Teagasc is on sheep genetic evaluations and the across country comparison of Irish versus New Zealand sheep genetics (more commonly known as the INZAC flock). The overall objective of the project is to compare Irish versus New Zealand genetically elite animals and to validate the Irish €uro-star genetic index for sheep, generated via Sheep Ireland. The importance of grassland management and the impact of genetic merit on grass utilisation and animal performance are major focus areas within the INZAC study. My work with Teagasc, in conjunction to actively running a sheep and beef farm in Co.Mayo, continually highlights the importance of grass towards achieving a profitable and sustainable farming enterprise.