The Humble Donkey: How This Ancient Work Animal Could Play a Role in Modern Sustainability

Introduction

In the quiet hills of rural Ireland, the gentle bray of a donkey drifts through the morning mist. It’s not the rumble of a tractor you’d expect, but the familiar sound of an old farm companion making a quiet comeback. Yes, the humble donkey, long associated with days gone by, is returning to the fields—not just for nostalgia, but for a real purpose. These gentle animals are stepping back into the spotlight, offering a sustainable, low-impact solution for small farms. But how, you might ask, can this loyal creature, once at the heart of farming, become a champion of sustainability in today’s world?

Donkeys: The Original Eco-Farmers

Long before we relied on tractors or mechanical equipment, donkeys were the backbone of agriculture. These sturdy, small workhorses have toiled alongside humans for centuries, helping with everything from pulling ploughs to transporting goods. Although they were replaced by machines during the industrial boom, it seems their time to shine has come again.

According to Teagasc, Ireland has around 5,000 donkeys today, and while that might sound modest, interest in using them is on the rise, particularly on small-scale farms. With roughly 137,500 small-to-medium-sized farms across Ireland—many under 20 hectares—donkeys are proving to be a low-cost, low-maintenance solution. They don’t need fuel, spare parts, or even much in the way of pampering; just a simple diet of grass and hay, some fresh water, and the occasional treat will keep them content. For smaller scale farmers looking to cut down on their carbon footprint and expenses, donkeys are a sustainable choice.

Gentle Giants of the Green Movement

In a world where carbon footprints are constantly under scrutiny, donkeys present an obvious eco-friendly option. These animals produce zero emissions, offering a clear alternative to the diesel-powered tractors and machinery used on many farms. Consider this: a standard tractor can emit 2.5 kg of CO2 per litre of diesel burned. By swapping a machine for a donkey for lighter tasks, farmers can reduce their carbon emissions by several tonnes annually, depending on their usage.

But there’s more to it than just emissions. Donkeys are kind to the land beneath their hooves. Heavy machinery compacts the soil, which can lead to reduced crop yields—by up to 20% in some cases. Donkeys, however, tread lightly, preserving the natural structure of the soil. This is particularly important in Ireland, where 62% of agricultural land is grassland and rough grazing. Healthier soil equals more productive farms, which in turn makes for a more sustainable agricultural system.

The Slow Farming Movement

The use of donkeys is closely tied to the "slow farming" movement, which encourages a return to traditional, low-intensity farming practices. Slow farming is all about working with nature, rather than against it, and taking a more thoughtful approach to land management. Donkeys, with their calm and steady pace, are the perfect fit for this kind of mindful farming.

Many farmers who use donkeys report that their presence fosters a deeper connection to the land. The slower pace allows them to notice changes in the landscape, understand their crops better, and make more informed decisions about how to manage their resources. It’s a far cry from the frenetic rush of industrial farming, and it’s a mindset that aligns with long-term ecological balance rather than short-term yield maximisation.

Biodiversity Boosters

Another surprising perk of working with donkeys is their ability to support biodiversity. Unlike heavier livestock, their grazing is less destructive, helping to maintain balance in the grasslands. On farms that practice rotational grazing, donkeys play a pivotal role, moving from pasture to pasture without overwhelming the ecosystem. By using donkeys instead of machinery, farmers can reduce their reliance on monoculture systems that require high levels of chemical input. A more diverse mix of crops and a healthier ecosystem is often the result. In a country like Ireland, where only 11% of the land is forested (compared to 31% in the EU), finding ways to integrate donkeys into more diverse farming practices, such as agroforestry, can help boost biodiversity across the board. Donkeys, natural foragers, are ideal companions for this kind of farming. They can help carry tools, materials, and saplings across a landscape, all while being kind to the land.

Agroforestry not only enhances biodiversity but also helps sequester carbon, making it an important tool in fighting climate change. In Ireland, the government has ambitious targets for planting 8,000 hectares of new forest per year under its national climate action plan. Donkeys, with their low impact and versatility, can be a natural part of this effort.

The Role of Donkeys in Regenerative Agriculture

Donkeys also fit perfectly into regenerative agriculture—a growing movement focused on rebuilding soil health, boosting biodiversity, and improving water cycles. With their gentle, low-impact work, donkeys can reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which often harm the land in the long run. Their manure is a natural fertiliser, helping to enrich the soil without depleting it.

In some cases, donkeys are even used for light ploughing or weed control. This low-tech approach works in harmony with the regenerative philosophy, ensuring that the land improves with time, rather than being exploited. This movement is gaining traction in Ireland, with a 15% year-on-year increase in participation in regenerative agriculture courses, according to the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS).

Conslusion: A Quirky Symbol of Sustainability

As more farmers look for ways to embrace eco-friendly, traditional methods, the humble donkey has found itself in an unexpected role: an ancient workhorse for a new green revolution. With their low-energy output, gentle touch on the land, and contribution to a slower, more intentional pace of farming, donkeys are proving to be a quirky yet effective symbol of sustainability.

The next time you see a donkey quietly grazing in a field, don’t just think of them as part of Ireland’s pastoral past. Instead, recognise them as a key player in a sustainable future. They may not be the fastest, flashiest, or most glamorous of farm animals, but in a world that increasingly values sustainability over speed, this ancient companion is showing that slow and steady might just win the race after all.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.