UCD Student is awarded the 2025 Communications and Agri-Innovation Award sponsored by the Guild of Agricultural Journalists.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science student, Catherine Grier has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Communications and Agri-Innovation Award sponsored by the Guild of Agricultural Journalists for her project entitled 'Calcicare - precision calcium monitoring for healthier herds and higher yields'.

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science student has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Communications and Agri-Innovation Award sponsored by the Guild of Agricultural Journalists.
Donegal student, Catherine Grier was selected by the judging panel as the best in class for her project entitled 'Calcicare - precision calcium monitoring for healthier herds and higher yields'.

Studying for a Masters in Animal Science UCD, Grier won the award as part of her course module in communications and Agri-innovation and completed a project addressing the problem of subclinical hypocalcaemia in dairy cows.

A significant issue for Irish farms, catching the disease early is critical and Grier developed a business plan to provide enhanced early diagnosis for more effective treatments.
A key part of her proposal was the actual road-testing of her proposal with farmers. The prize fund of €250 was presented to Grier this week.

Chair of the Agri Guild Stella Meehan said the award nurtures the talent in the next generation of farmers, entrepreneurs and communicators.

"While there were so many excellent presentations of a high calibre, Catherine's thorough researching of her idea, including market research among a cohort of farmers, really impressed the judging panel.

"She communicated her idea in a clear, concise and interesting way, not only appealing to the potential customer but also the potential investors. We wish her well with the rest of her studies and future career."

Professor Kieran Meade, director of the Masters in Animal Science at UCD congratulated Grier and thanked the Agri Guild for its support of the programme.
"Enhancing communication and innovation is a key learning outcome for our students and not only an essential skill for career success but for solving these industry relevant issues," he said.