New Manager appointed in Teagasc Roscommon/Longford advisory region

Gabriel Trayers has been appointed as Teagasc Regional Advisory Manager in Roscommon and Longford region. The appointment was approved at the Teagasc Authority meeting last week. Gabriel Trayers will lead the Teagasc team delivering advisory services to farmers and educational courses in the regional offices in the two counties.

From a farming background in East Galway, Gabriel graduated from University College Dublin with a Degree in Agricultural Science. He went on to complete the Teagasc level 9 Leadership Development Programme run in conjunction with IMI Sandyford.

He is currently working as a specialist advisor on the Teagasc Future Beef programme, an industry funded national beef demonstration programme. He works closely with 11 farmers in that programme, demonstrating how on-farm efficiencies can be made that will increase profitability and reduce Greenhouse gas emissions. The learnings from this programme are communicated through a broad spectrum of channels to farmers across the country.

Previously Gabriel worked as a drystock advisor in Galway / Clare region based in Tuam, leading the development of the cattle and sheep programme in the area and facilitating a number of beef and grass discussion groups. He also encouraged cattle farmers in the area to contract rear heifers for other farmers.

Gabriel has almost 30 years’ experience working for Teagasc. In his early career, Gabriel worked as an advisor for Teagasc in Connemara, assisting farmers with their scheme applications. He also worked as a REPS planner for Teagasc in Monaghan.

Head of the Teagasc Advisory service Thomas Curran congratulated Gabriel Trayers on his appointment, saying; “Gabriel has a great track record working for Teagasc and will lead the delivery of both a strong technical and scheme support service in Roscommon and Longford, helping to secure farm incomes into the future.”

Speaking following his appointment Gabriel Trayers said: “I want to help the farmers in Roscommon and Longford run sustainable businesses, producing quality food in an economic and environmentally friendly way. I am really looking forward to taking on this management role in Teagasc, and working with all the staff in the region.”

Gabriel takes over the management position in the Roscommon/Longford advisory region from Tom Kellegher, who has taken over the as Manager of the Westmeath/Offaly/Cavan/Monaghan region for Teagasc. This follows the retirement of Con Feighery.

Head of the Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Directorate, Dr Stan Lalor paid tribute to the contribution made by Con Feighery during his long career in the Teagasc advisory service.