Kilkenny to Kosovo - A gift of kindness from local farm families

Agriculture based non-governmental organisation (NGO) Bóthar is a charity deeply rooted in Irish identity, Bóthar specialises in providing livestock and training to empower families, enhancing their livelihoods and nutritional standards. 

On October 10th, Bóthar successfully shipped 30 in-calf heifers to Kosovo, to assist families who currently rely on subsistence farming. Partnering with local Kosovo organisation Meshqerra, the programme by Bóthar is dedicated to transforming these farms into sustainable operations that yield economic, health, and nutritional benefits for entire families.

Six of the in-calf heifers in the shipment were donated through the kindness of farm families in Kilkenny. 

Kosovo NGO Meshqerra provide training in animal husbandry and inspect all the farms before the animals are distributed. The families in Kosovo will subsequently receive follow up visits and veterinary support to ensure the ongoing health of the heifer and her calf. Bóthar's programme provides an avenue for young animals to thrive in new environments where they are the most prized animal on farm. 

A crucial aspect of Bóthar’s work is ensuring animal welfare during the full life cycle of the project. The donated heifers have been reared under best practice farming regulations of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) here in Ireland.  In Roscrea the animals are inspected, their passport checks are done prior to approval to export along with inspection of the transportation. Lairage, essentially animal B&B, is of good quality and planned in the journey log. This commitment to animal welfare may increase costs, it is vital for maintaining the comfort and well-being of the animals throughout their journey. 

ABOVE: Kilkenny donors Seamus Coady, Sean Haughney and Dan Brennan

"Treating animals well, ensuring there is good lairage, is not just our responsibility and good ethics; it is best for the animal and best for the recipient farmer to receive a healthy animal. " says Bóthar CEO Ailish O’Reilly. “We will request photographs and updates from the animals over the course of their journey to Kosovo and will share these images on social media as part of our transparency and accountability.”

After a minimum two week quarantine, Kosovo farmers receive a grass reared healthy cow and in Spring, a calf. While live exports are often debated, Bóthar emphasises that responsible practices can lead to positive outcomes. One success of the Bóthar programme is the "Pass-On" gift. Beneficiaries in Kosovo are encouraged to become donors themselves. Each family participating in the programme agrees to pass on the first female offspring of their livestock to another pre-selected family, thereby fostering a cycle of generosity and support within the community.  A gift of kindness form Kilkenny to Kosovo which will have a positive impact for months and years to come.

 Bóthar remains committed to creating lasting impacts through the power of collaboration and family empowerment. All the while maintaining animal welfare as central to all projects. 

If you wish to donate to Bóthar’s Autumn shipment please send Cheques or Postal Orders to Bóthar, Regus Castletroy, Business Reply, Limerick, V94 Y6FD. 

Donations can also be made online at www.Bóthar.ie