Not following you here. How do you propose reducing grazing impact? Deer fencing on its own is prohibitavely expensive, often ineffective and results in displacement.

Pleasant but evasive.

Not being a climate change denier seems to qualify as showing leadership these days.

I think so and even in areas where cover crops are needed wild bird cover could be used to help counter the loss of winter stuble. The experts on both sides need to put their heads together.

Lots of thought provoking contributions, this one from the @bfcdublin.bsky.social especially. How do we address the consequences of the 'Cheap Food Model' during a 'Cost of Living Crisis' - rebuilding community wealth with co-ops as the vehicle.

A more holistic approach in the next Nitrates Action Programme might include options like.
1️⃣ Retain winter stubbles in low risk areas
2️⃣ Target cover crops for high-risk areas
3️⃣ Use wild bird seed mixes to counter loss of stubble food source
4️⃣ Create vegetated buffer zones

We need to deliver for both but DAFM didnt give the ecological impacts any consideration. Winter stubbles provide food resources during the colder months when other seed sources are scarce. 30 red- or amber-listed bird species in Ireland use winter stubbles.