Cheryl Poole: a farmer with a science‑driven vision
Cheryl Poole, a Wexford dairy farmer nominated by ICOS, has reached the final of the 8th EU Innovation Award for Women Farmers. She and her husband, Alan, raise their three children on a 103‑acre farm near Gorey that has been in the family since the early 1700s, making Cheryl and Alan the 13th generation to steward the land.
A farm rooted in science and stewardship
With a BSc from NUI Galway and a doctorate in chemistry, Cheryl brings an evidence‑based approach to farming. Her doctoral research on the mechanism of action of an anti‑cancer drug informs her methods for nutrient management, water stewardship, and environmental protection—demonstrating that high productivity can coexist with responsible ecology.
Protecting the River Bann: a personal and professional mission
The River Bann runs through the Poole land, and protecting this waterway became a guiding objective. The family’s decision to focus on water stewardship is deeply personal: their eldest son, Jacob, who has a severe disability, finds joy and therapy along the river. Recently, their stretch of the Bann achieved Blue Dot status, recognising it as a high‑quality waterbody. Innovations on the farm include a rainfall garden, sediment tanks, and a constructed wetland to filter and slow water before it enters the river.
Road drainage has been diverted away from the river and routed through filtration systems, reducing nutrient runoff and safeguarding biodiversity while maintaining strong milk solids and herd performance.
Biodiversity at the heart of production
More than 20% of the farm is dedicated to biodiversity, featuring wildlife corridors, orchards, and hedgerows. The Poole family participates in the All‑Ireland Pollinator Plan and conducts regular bat and moth surveys alongside ongoing biodiversity monitoring. This commitment not only protects wildlife but also enhances farm resilience and long‑term productivity.
Economic and social impact
Economically, the farm has seen lower fertiliser and energy costs through smarter nutrient use and water management. The 72‑cow high‑EBI herd continues to perform well, illustrating that sustainability does not have to come at the expense of profitability. Socially, Cheryl and Alan engage with the wider community through school partnerships, public talks, and farm walks, sharing practices and sparking interest in sustainable agriculture.
National and international recognition
The Poole farm’s work has drawn attention from national and international audiences, including European Commission officials and researchers from Zambia and Armenia. The 8th Innovation Award for Women Farmers is supported by COPA‑COGECA and Corteva Agriscience, celebrating women who drive sustainability, resilience, and innovation in European farming. Other finalists include a tech‑driven mixed farm in Italy, a closed‑loop irrigation system in Belgium, a goat milk soap producer in Hungary, and an organic beekeeping operation in Poland. The winner will be announced in Brussels later this year.
