Cheryl Poole, Ph.D., is a dairy farmer based near Gorey in County Wexford, Ireland, where she lives with her husband Alan and their three children. The Poole family farm, spanning 103 acres, has been in the family since the early 1700s, making Cheryl and Alan the thirteenth generation to steward the land. Their enterprise centres on a 72-cow high-EBI dairy herd, with a focus on milk solids, herd health, and environmental sustainability. Cheryl’s scientific background, holding a BSc from NUI Galway and a doctorate in Chemistry, underpins her evidence-based approach to farming. Her doctoral research examined the mechanism of action of an anti-cancer drug, equipping her with skills in critical analysis and problem solving that she now applies to agriculture.
Although farming was not always her expected path, family circumstances brought Cheryl and Alan back to the land, where they resolved to demonstrate that an intensive, conventional dairy farm could achieve sustainability across economic, environmental, and social pillars. This conviction was also shaped by personal experience: their eldest son Jacob, who has a severe disability, finds joy and therapy in the River Bann, which runs through their land. Protecting this waterway became both a personal and professional mission.
The farm structure reflects a balance between productive dairy farming and ecological stewardship. More than 20% of the land is dedicated to biodiversity, including wildlife corridors, orchards, and hedgerows. Careful nutrient management ensures high nitrogen efficiency, while slurry storage and roofing minimise waste and water contamination. Rainwater harvesting is used for tasks such as cleaning the parlour, reducing reliance on mains water. The Pooles also engage in national programmes, such as the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, bat and moth surveys, and regular biodiversity monitoring. Recently, their stretch of the River Bann achieved “Blue Dot” status, recognising it as a high-quality waterbody.
Water-focused innovations form the cornerstone of the Pooles’ sustainability model. These include a rainfall garden, sediment tanks, and a constructed wetland to filter and slow water flow before it enters the river. They have also diverted road drainage away from the river, channelling it through filtration systems on their land. These measures improve water quality, protect aquatic ecosystems, and demonstrate collaboration between farmers, government bodies, and local schools. Their projects not only benefit the farm but also contribute to wider community resilience, with local students using the wetland as a learning site for climate action.
The results of these innovations are far-reaching. Environmentally, nutrient run-off has been reduced, biodiversity has flourished, and the river has been safeguarded. Economically, fertiliser and energy costs have declined, while milk solids and herd performance have been maintained. Socially, Cheryl and Alan’s work fosters community engagement, through school partnerships, public talks, and farm walks. Their farm has attracted national and international recognition, from European Commission officials to researchers from Zambia and Armenia.
Cheryl Poole’s project demonstrates that sustainability in farming can be achieved without sacrificing productivity. By combining her scientific background, personal values, and dedication to her community, she has transformed her family farm into a model of water stewardship and environmental leadership. Her story illustrates how modern innovation, rooted in tradition and care for the land, can secure the future of both farming families and rural communities.
