Low-Intensity Cattle Rearing on the Aran Islands
Low-intensity cattle rearing is a traditional farming practice on the Aran Islands, emphasizing small herd sizes and extensive grazing that align with the natural environment. This method supports sustainable agriculture by maintaining soil quality, reducing overgrazing, and preserving local biodiversity, which includes numerous plant and animal species that are rare or unique to the region.
Farm Size and Structure
The average farm size on the Aran Islands ranges from 6 hectares on Inis Oírr to 20 hectares on Inis Mór, compared to a national average of 32 hectares. Farms are composed of many small, scattered fields, each enclosed by iconic stone walls. These walls not only contribute to the picturesque landscape but also help to contain livestock and protect various plant species and microhabitats within each field.
Cattle Management
Typically, herds are small, generally having less than ten cattle, which translates to about 0.4 Livestock Units per hectare. This low density is key to preventing overgrazing and allowing for the natural regeneration of grasslands. Cattle graze on a rotational basis, which helps maintain the health of the grasses and ensures that different species can thrive, supporting a diverse ecosystem.
Economic Aspects
Economic sustainability on the Aran Islands is a significant challenge due to the small scale of agricultural production. The average Single Farm Payment per hectare in 2014 was only €108, considerably less than the national average of approximately €270. This financial disparity underscores the reliance of island farmers on European Union subsidies to maintain their livelihoods.
The Winterage
This is a farming system unique to the islands. Cattle graze a part of the farm during the growing season; the remaining area is left for grass to grow, which is grazed as a standing crop in the winter. From the time of calving in March or April until late autumn or early winter, cattle usually graze on the richer, deeper soils close to the dwelling buildings during the summer. A significant reserve of grass accumulates during this period since the areas set aside for winter grazing are not grazed. The next year, from November through March or April, this reserve is used for grazing. The Winterage system is a productive farming method that fully utilises compensatory growth and doesn’t require slurry or cattle shedding.
Through sustainable practices such as low-intensity cattle rearing, the Aran Islands not only maintain their cultural heritage but also contribute significantly to conservation efforts, preserving a way of life that has coexisted with the natural environment for generations. This approach offers a model of how agriculture can work hand in hand with nature conservation, ensuring the survival of many species while still providing for the local community