Solar pumps can help farms

Solar pumps can help farms

23 April 2025

FARMERS from the Dundrum and Castlewellan areas attended a recent demonstration on the workings of so-called solar pasture pumps that can be used on farms for the benefit of livestock health, farm efficiency and water quality.

Organised by the Rivers Trust, the event was held at Castlewellan Community Hall and Slieve Croob Farm.

Solar pumps can help provide a reliable source of water to livestock while keeping them out of the river, which prevents bank erosion and allows the banks to be planted out, farmers were told.

They were also informed that this helps prevent pollutants from entering the water course, improve the river’s environmental status, and protect livestock from injury.

Local farmers were joined by South Down MLA Andy McMurray who revealed the Rivers Trust’s latest report showed that not a single stretch of river in Northern Ireland is in good overall health.

“No single sector is solely to blame, but, as the turnout at last week’s event shows, farmers are more than willing and keen to innovate in order to help the environment and reap the practical and economic benefits that technologies like these solar pumps can provide,” he said.

“From speaking to the farmers who were in attendance, there is a desire to implement such measures in order that they can do their bit to improve the water environment.”

Mr McMurray said there is also a very practical issue as the solar pump helps move water efficiently and economically around the farm, rather than having to physically transport water cubes or such like. 

“It can also reduce costs as it removes the need for water mains,” he continued.

Mr McMurray said the number of farmers who attended the highlights the interest in such solutions.

He added: “I’m pleased The Rivers Trust is planning to have more events like this in the future in response to this demand and will also be able to advise on potential funding opportunities ”