Bord Bia Farm Sustainability Survey
The survey should take between 20 – 30 mins to complete and will help reduce the time it takes to complete your upcoming
audit.
Please complete in advance of your audit by using this form or online at farm.bordbia.ie.
Please provide full and accurate information for the last calendar year (e.g. answers should be based on your enterprise in 2016
for surveys completed in 2017). Answers will not influence the outcome of your audit, but you must complete the survey to be
considered for certification.
Each question relates to a specific section of the Sustainable Beef, Lamb or Dairy Assurance Schemes and references are given
throughout the survey for your information.
Background
Confidentiality
The Farm Sustainability Survey was introduced by Bord Bia
in 2011 to gather information in relation to the
sustainability performance of members. This information
can be used in conjunction with the Bord Bia/Teagasc
Carbon Navigator to set targets to increased efficiencies on
your farm. The survey also allows a carbon footprint to be
generated for each participating farm.
All answers will be kept strictly confidential by Bord Bia and
will only be used for the purposes of calculating the carbon
footprint for your farm and providing feedback on your
farms sustainability performance.
If you have any queries about this Survey, please contact a
member of the Bord Bia Helpdesk team on 023 8863355.
How to complete the survey
This survey should be completed in advance of your audit.
The auditor will use this form to formally record the
information afterwards, off farm, reducing your audit time.
Alternatively, you can complete this survey online
(farm.bordbia.ie) using your Herd Number and PIN, recently
communicated to you via letter.
1.
Base all your answers on the last calendar year.
2.
Complete all sections prior to audit.
3.
For existing members, some sections may be pre-filled
based on information provided at the last audit. If
correct then no action is required. If information is no
longer accurate, then please use a blue pen and correct
where necessary.
Part 1 - Housing and Turnout (3.1.b.i, 3.13.a & S7)
1.
Please complete the table below for the relevant cattle categories
Average Turnout
(Date)
Average Housing
(Date)
Total Days at Grass
(Days - if known)
Manure
(% that is slurry)
Suckler Cows
Weanlings/Yearlings/Stores
Finishing cattle
Dairy Cows
2.
Additional housing during grazing season
3.
Number
of Days
Suckler Cows
Housing of finishing cattle during
grazing season
Additional Housing Period
Number of Days`
(Select One, if applicable)
Spring
Summer
(If Applicable)
Autumn
Weanlings/Yearlings/Stores
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Finishing cattle
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Dairy Cows
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Steers
Heifers
Bulls
IMPORTANT NOTE - All Information is strictly confidential and required for the last calendar year unless stated otherwise
Approx. information from last survey is highlighted in grey text or with a . Please correct where necessary using a blue pen
Page 1 of 8
Part 2 - Manure Management (3.1.b.iv, 3.13.a, 3.13.c & S7)
Manure Handling (Beef & Dairy)
4.
Slurry Handling System?
5.
Mark all boxes that apply
FYM Handling System?
Mark one box only
Splash plate
Splash plate + Agitated
Side / End spreader
Direct injection
Direct injection + Agitated
Trailing shoe
Trailing shoe + Agitated
Umbilical
Umbilical + Agitated
6.
Not Applicable
Manure exported from Beef and Dairy enterprise?
Enter % of manure exported (if any)
7.
Side / End Spreader
Type of manure imported to Beef and Dairy enterprise?
Mark all boxes that apply
None
Pig
Bovine
Poultry
Manure Spreading (Beef & Dairy)
8.
Please complete the table below using one row for each spread date
Approx. Date of Spreading
Slurry Tank / Lagoon
Dungstead
Imported Slurry Spread
(Date)
(% Total Spread)
(% emptied)
(Tonnes)
Area Spread
Hectares
Acres
1
2
3
4
5
Part 3 - Feeding (3.1.b.iii & 3.7.d)
9.
Indoor Feeding (When Housed in Winter) Please complete the table below using one row for each of the relevant cattle categories
Compound Rations
Mark one for each animal category
Suckler Cows
Yes
Yes, with Soya
No ration
Weanlings/Yearlings/Stores
Yes
Yes, with Soya
No ration
Finishing cattle
Yes
Yes, with Soya
No ration
Dairy Cows
Yes
Yes, with Soya
No ration
Sheep
Yes
Yes, with Soya
No ration
Straights
Rate Fed
Rate Fed
(kgs/animal/day)
(kgs/animal/day)
ByProducts
Whole
Crop
Mark if
fed
Mark if
fed
10. Outdoor Feeding (Additional to Grazing) Please complete the table below using one row for each of the relevant cattle categories
Compound Rations
Mark one for each animal category
Suckler Cows
Yes
Yes, with Soya
No ration
Weanlings/Yearlings/Stores
Yes
Yes, with Soya
No ration
Finishing cattle
Yes
Yes, with Soya
No ration
Dairy Cows
Yes
Yes, with Soya
No ration
Sheep
Yes
Yes, with Soya
No ration
Straights
Rate Fed
Rate Fed
(kgs/animal/day)
(kgs/animal/day)
ByProducts
Whole
Crop
Mark if
fed
Mark if
fed
IMPORTANT NOTE - All Information is strictly confidential and required for the last calendar year unless stated otherwise
Approx. information from last survey is highlighted in grey text or with a . Please correct where necessary using a blue pen
Page 2 of 8
Calf Rearing
12. Please complete the table below for type of milk fed to
calves (if applicable)
11. Calves reared using milk / milk replacer?
Number of own calves
reared using milk/milk replacer?
Number of bought in calves
reared using milk/milk replacer?
Quantity Fed
(litres/calf/day)
Duration Fed
(weeks)
Whole Milk (fed to calves)
Replacer (fed to calves)
Part 4 - Silage (Beef & Dairy) (3.1.b.ii, 3.5.a & 3.5.b)
13. Please complete the table below for each cut of silage
Type
st
Bale
Pit
nd
Bale
Pit
rd
Bale
Pit
1 Cut
2 Cut
3 Cut
14. Clean Up Cutting
Area
Approx.
Harvest Date
DMD %
Hectares
Enter number
(If Known)
Acres
Total Bales
Part 5 - Sheep Data (3.1.b.ii, 3.5.a, 3.5.b, 3.8.k & S2)
Sheep Animal Data
15. Breeds of
Ewes
Sheep Animal Data
16. Breeds of
Rams
17. Age when lambs sold to meat plant?
Enter average age in Months
Belclare
18. Weight when lambs sold to meat plant?
Charollais
Enter typical carcase weight
Cheviot
Enter typical carcase weight
in kgs
Galway Sheep
Mule Sheep
Sheep Feeding
Scottish
Blackface
19. Predominant sheep feeding regime?
Mark one box only
Suffolk
Grass only
Texel
Grass & winter forages / roots
Vendeen
Grass, winter forages & supplementary concentrates / roots
Other
Indoor finishing with forages / concentrates
Part 6: Water Use
20. Source(s) of water used on the
farm?
Mark all boxes that apply (3.5.n)
Mains water
Well water
Gravity supply
21. Exclusion of animals from
watercourses?
Mark one box only (3.6.b & 3.6.c)
Full exclusion
22. Measures to minimise water use?
Mark all boxes that apply (S9)
Rainwater collection
24. If rainwater in use for yard
washing, then what proportion
does this provide?
Mark one box only (S9 & S11)
Water recovery
None
Water meter used
Some
None
All
Not Applicable
23. If water meter is in use, then what
is the volume used for entire
enterprise?
25. Leak Detection Measures?
Enter Value (S9 & S11)
Mark all boxes that apply (S10)
Controlled exclusion
Litres / Year
No provision
m / Year
3
Monthly survey
Annual survey
Monitor water pressure
IMPORTANT NOTE - All Information is strictly confidential and required for the last calendar year unless stated otherwise
Approx. information from last survey is highlighted in grey text or with a . Please correct where necessary using a blue pen
Page 3 of 8
Part 7 - Fertiliser (Beef & Dairy) (3.1.b.iv, S5 & S7)
26. Please complete the table below for fertiliser usage on your farm using one section per fertiliser and starting with the largest quantity
fertiliser first.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If your fertiliser is not on the list, then please select the most appropriate one (i.e. the one closest on N content).
Type of Fertiliser Used
Approx. Spread Date
Quantity used
Select one for each section below
Select One
Tonnes
27.5 - 0 - 0 (C.A.N)
46 – 0 - 0 (Urea)
Feb/Mar
Apr/May
Pasture Sward
Cut Sward
Jun/Jul
Aug/Sep
27 - 2.5 - 5
18 – 6 - 12
Oct/Nov
Dec/Jan
24-2.5-10
10 – 10 - 20
Spring
Summer
24 – 2.2 – 4.5
0 – 7 - 30
Autumn
Winter
Ground Limestone
Granulated Lime
All Year
27.5 - 0 - 0 (C.A.N)
46 – 0 - 0 (Urea)
Feb/Mar
Apr/May
Pasture Sward
Cut Sward
Jun/Jul
Aug/Sep
27 - 2.5 - 5
18 – 6 - 12
Oct/Nov
Dec/Jan
24-2.5-10
10 – 10 - 20
Spring
Summer
24 – 2.2 – 4.5
0 – 7 - 30
Autumn
Winter
Ground Limestone
Granulated Lime
All Year
27.5 - 0 - 0 (C.A.N)
46 – 0 - 0 (Urea)
Feb/Mar
Apr/May
Pasture Sward
Cut Sward
Jun/Jul
Aug/Sep
27 - 2.5 - 5
18 – 6 - 12
Oct/Nov
Dec/Jan
24-2.5-10
10 – 10 - 20
Spring
Summer
24 – 2.2 – 4.5
0 – 7 - 30
Autumn
Winter
Ground Limestone
Granulated Lime
All Year
27.5 - 0 - 0 (C.A.N)
46 – 0 - 0 (Urea)
Feb/Mar
Apr/May
Pasture Sward
Cut Sward
Jun/Jul
Aug/Sep
27 - 2.5 - 5
18 – 6 - 12
Oct/Nov
Dec/Jan
24-2.5-10
10 – 10 - 20
Spring
Summer
24 – 2.2 – 4.5
0 – 7 - 30
Autumn
Winter
Ground Limestone
Granulated Lime
All Year
27.5 - 0 - 0 (C.A.N)
46 – 0 - 0 (Urea)
Feb/Mar
Apr/May
Pasture Sward
Cut Sward
Jun/Jul
Aug/Sep
27 - 2.5 - 5
18 – 6 - 12
Oct/Nov
Dec/Jan
24-2.5-10
10 – 10 - 20
Spring
Summer
24 – 2.2 – 4.5
0 – 7 - 30
Autumn
Winter
Ground Limestone
Granulated Lime
All Year
Area Fertilised
HAs
ACs
Fertiliser 1
Fertiliser 2
Fertiliser 3
Fertiliser 4
Fertiliser 5
Please add explanatory notes here if required
IMPORTANT NOTE - All Information is strictly confidential and required for the last calendar year unless stated otherwise
Approx. information from last survey is highlighted in grey text or with a . Please correct where necessary using a blue pen
Page 4 of 8
Part 8: Soil and Fertilisation
27. Soil Erosion Management
(Livestock)?
30. Portion of the farm that has had
soil testing in the last 5 years?
Mark all boxes that apply (3.6.c & 3.6.d)
Mark one box only (S2 & S5)
33. Fertiliser Application Training?
Mark all boxes that apply (S1, 3.2.a,
3.13.b, S5)
Roadways
Approximately 25%
Green Cert
Suitably positioned water troughs
Approximately 50%
5 years + experience
Suitably positioned feeding areas
Approximately 75%
Other equivalent training
Fencing
Approximately 100%
Uses qualified contractors
No soil erosion issues from livestock
No Testing
No application required
No erosion protection measures from
livestock
28. Is Clover incorporated into
grassland swards? (S3)
31. Grass growth measurement
method?
Mark all boxes that apply (S4)
Visual assessment
Yes
Grass plate meter
No
Other measurement method
29. Soil Erosion Management
(Machinery)?
Mark all boxes that apply (3.6.c)
Avoiding travelling in wet
conditions
Low pressure tyres
Minimising passes on the field
No soil erosion issues from
machinery
No erosion protection measures
from machinery
No experience / training
No measurement
32. Awareness of Nitrates Directive
Requirements?
Mark all boxes that apply (S7)
Aware of limits around quantity of
livestock manure applied to land
Aware of periods when land
spreading is prohibited
Aware of livestock manure retention
requirements
None of the above
Part 9: Pesticides and Herbicides
34. Pesticide / Herbicide Application
Training? (S1, 3.15.e & 3.2.a)
Mark all boxes that apply
Registered P.U./DAFM approved
course
35. What measures are taken to
ensure that no drift occurs while
spraying? (3.15.b-e & 3.2.a)
37. How do you apply Plant Protection
Products used on crops grown for
animal feeding (including grass)?
Mark all boxes that apply
Mark all boxes that apply (3.15.g)
Spot Treatment
Tractor mounted sprayer
Other equivalent training
Deflectors
Weed wiper
Please State
Drift reduction nozzles
Knapsack sprayer
Spraying in low wind conditions
Contractor
Use of weed wiper/rush licking
Other application method
Uses qualified contractors
No Plant Protection Products
used
No experience / training
36. Has your sprayer been tested by a
DAFM approved inspector? (3.2.a
& 3.15.f)
Yes
Please State
No Plant Protection Products
used
No
Not Applicable
IMPORTANT NOTE - All Information is strictly confidential and required for the last calendar year unless stated otherwise
Approx. information from last survey is highlighted in grey text or with a . Please correct where necessary using a blue pen
Page 5 of 8
Part 10: Biodiversity
38. Tree Planting (Since last audit) (S8)
43. Participation in Biodiversity Systems / Schemes
Mark all boxes that apply (S8)
Enter Number of trees
AEOS / GLAS
39. Forest (Area) (S8)
Hectares
Acres
Natura
Enter forest area &
specify HAs or Acres
Organic farming scheme
Forest Environmental Protection Scheme
40. Hedgerow Change (metres) (S8)
Added
Removed
Sustainable Forest Management System
Enter metres of
hedgerow change since
last audit
41. Land in Special Area of Conservation (If Applicable) (S8)
Hectares
Acres
Enter SAC area & specify
HAs or Acres
Other Environmental Protection Scheme
None
44. How familiar are you with different range of plant types on
farm?
Poor
Fair
42. Area of Wildlife Habitat on farm (If Applicable) (S8)
(e.g. native woodlands, bogs and species rich grassland,
designated protected areas)
Hectares
Acres
Mark one box only (S6)
Good
45. How familiar are you with different bird types on the farm?
Enter area wildlife habitat
area & specify HAs or Acres
Poor
Fair
Mark one box only (S6)
Good
Part 11: Economic Sustainability
46. Ongoing training / development
received?
Mark all boxes that apply (S1)
Teagasc meetings
Teagasc open days
Farm organisation meetings
Mart demonstrations
DAFM training courses
Irish Farmers Journal online QA
course
Other
48. Access to qualified advisors?
Mark all boxes that apply (S1 & S2)
Farm Advisor / Planner
Co-Op advisors
Co-Op/Merchant/Branch manager
50. Measures in place for reduction,
reuse/recycling of Materials?
Mark all boxes that apply (S11)
Reduction measures through
bulk fertiliser / feed storage
Accountants
Plastics controlled pending
recycling
Financial advisors
No measures in place
Vet
Teagasc
Technical sales advisor
Other
47. Farm Development tools used?
Mark all boxes that apply (S1 & S2)
Profit Monitor
Discussion Groups
Farm Business Plan
Succession Planning
Knowledge Transfer Group
Not Applicable
49. Computers used for recording of?
Mark all boxes that apply (S1)
Animal registration
Animal movements
Significant animal health events
Remedies purchased
Remedy usage
Not Applicable
IMPORTANT NOTE - All Information is strictly confidential and required for the last calendar year unless stated otherwise
Approx. information from last survey is highlighted in grey text or with a . Please correct where necessary using a blue pen
Page 6 of 8
Part 12: Social Sustainability
51. Approach to addressing dangers
associated with slurry gases
released during agitation?
53. Worker wellbeing and
development measures
implemented?
Mark all boxes that apply (S13)
Mark all boxes that apply (S14)
Automated system avoids slurry
gasses
55. Contribution of farm to local
community?
Mark all boxes that apply (S15)
No employees on farm
Farmer implements excellent
agitation and ventilation system
Manual agitation with good
ventilation
Basic agitation / ventilation
capability but farmer aware
Uses local service providers
Basic training courses
Purchase inputs from local
suppliers
Up skilling opportunities
Support local community events
Health and safety training
Other
Other
Not interested
Not implemented
Risk Assessment
54. Does Employee Welfare Policy
include the following?
Not Applicable
Mark all boxes that apply (S14)
52. What ownership structure best
describes the farm?
Mark one box only (S15)
Family farm (including family
partnerships)
No employees on farm
Working hours & wages
Policy on prevention of
discrimination in the workplace
Education / research institute
Statutory annual leave
requirements
Large company (director(s) /
owner(s) not involved in running
the farm)
Employees on farm with no
employee welfare policy
Other
Part 13: Energy
56. Is electricity usage for the beef and lamb enterprise
monitored? (S12)
58. Presence of energy efficiency initiatives?
Mark all boxes that apply (S12)
Yes
Low energy lighting
No
Night rate electricity
Not Applicable
Solar energy collection
57. Is fuel usage (diesel and petrol) recorded? (S12)
Other renewable sources
Yes
Will consider options
No
Not Interested
Not Applicable
Declaration
Please check that:
Internal Reference
1. You have completed all the questions using a blue pen
2. You have based all your answers on the last calendar year, (i.e. if you are completing this survey in 2017 than answers
should be based on your enterprise for 2016.)
3. You have ticked all the applicable boxes for any multiple-choice question
On the day of the audit you will be asked to sign a declaration stating that this survey is correct and complete.
Thank you for taking part. All answers will be kept strictly confidential by Bord Bia and will only be used for the purposes of
calculating the carbon footprint for your farm and providing feedback on your farms sustainability performance.
If you have any further queries, please contact a member of the Bord Bia Helpdesk team on 023 8863355.
IMPORTANT NOTE - All Information is strictly confidential and required for the last calendar year unless stated otherwise
Approx. information from last survey is highlighted in grey text or with a . Please correct where necessary using a blue pen
Page 7 of 8
Part 14: Supplementary – Dairy Questions (Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme members Only)
59. Whole milk exported (other uses)?
Enter number
Total
Litres/year
60. Main Focus of dairy breeding
strategy?
Mark one box only
Increase milk solids
Introduce new breeds
63. Heat recovery in Place?
66. Presence of plate cooler?
Mark one box only
Mark one box only
In Place
In Place
Has been considered and not
appropriate
Has been considered and not
appropriate
Will be considered soon
Will be considered soon
Not interested
Not interested
Cross breeding
64. Calibration and servicing frequency
of bulk tank?
67. Average milk temperature after
plate cooler? (degrees C)
Other
Mark one box only
Enter Value
Annual
61. Energy source used for water
heating?
Bi Annual
Mark all boxes that apply
More than every 2 years
Electricity
Oil
65. Use of efficient water heating
systems?
Gas
Mark one box only
Solar
Heat recovery
Other
62. Variable Speed Drive (VSD) vacuum
pump?
Degrees
Celsius
In Place
Has been considered and not
appropriate
Will be considered soon
Not interested
Mark one box only
In Place
Has been considered and not
appropriate
Will be considered soon
Not interested
IMPORTANT NOTE - All Information is strictly confidential and required for the last calendar year unless stated otherwise
Approx. information from last survey is highlighted in grey text or with a . Please correct where necessary using a blue pen
Page 8 of 8