The farm: “We keep a small herd of Angus suckler cows along with our flock of Suffolk cross sheep on 200ac. Meath’s second-highest point, Slieve Breagh, is located on our farm, offering spectacular views stretching from Tyrone to the Sugar Loaf Mountain in Wicklow.”
Family: “I was the eldest child to Patrick and Shena and have continued the farming tradition, with no plans for retiring. My wife Mary and three adult children, Geraldine, Paddy and Tommy all help out on the farm. This year, I turned 70 years old and celebrated at home with my family.”
Sucklers: “Previously, we had a continental herd interchanging between Simmental and Charolais bulls. We have moved towards Angus for faster finishing rates and to avail of premium prices.”
Sheep: “Fortunately, lamb prices are doing well at the moment. Our Suffolk cross ewes are bred with Vendéen rams. The breeds have served us well in both our early and mid-season lambing blocks. In recent years, we have reduced our flock size and allocated land for forestry.”
Forestry: “In 2001, we began planting, with suitable grants available at the time. We have a mixture of hardwood and softwood forests. Our second spruce thinning was in 2019 and produced a great crop. As a result of COVID-19, timber values have decreased with a reduced demand for pallets.”
This week: “We are busy flushing the ewes for the upcoming breeding season and thinning out the oak in the forest.”
Archaeology: “On the farm is one of Ireland’s most ancient Neolithic village sites dating back to 3000 BC. The hill is known as Slieve Breagh and consists of 32 visible Stone Age forts. Investigations have shown that there are many links between Slieve Breagh, the Hill of Tara and Newgrange.”
Social: “It’s important we all do our best to look after each other during this crisis, so we can get back out supporting our local GAA club Syddan and the county team once again.”
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My Farming Week: Patrick and Peggy Melican, Lissycasey, Co Clare
My Farming Week: Leonard Blanchfield, Ballyogan, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny
My Farming Week: Joe Garry, Clonreddan, Cooraclare, Co Clare
The farm: “We keep a small herd of Angus suckler cows along with our flock of Suffolk cross sheep on 200ac. Meath’s second-highest point, Slieve Breagh, is located on our farm, offering spectacular views stretching from Tyrone to the Sugar Loaf Mountain in Wicklow.”
Family: “I was the eldest child to Patrick and Shena and have continued the farming tradition, with no plans for retiring. My wife Mary and three adult children, Geraldine, Paddy and Tommy all help out on the farm. This year, I turned 70 years old and celebrated at home with my family.”
Sucklers: “Previously, we had a continental herd interchanging between Simmental and Charolais bulls. We have moved towards Angus for faster finishing rates and to avail of premium prices.”
Sheep: “Fortunately, lamb prices are doing well at the moment. Our Suffolk cross ewes are bred with Vendéen rams. The breeds have served us well in both our early and mid-season lambing blocks. In recent years, we have reduced our flock size and allocated land for forestry.”
Forestry: “In 2001, we began planting, with suitable grants available at the time. We have a mixture of hardwood and softwood forests. Our second spruce thinning was in 2019 and produced a great crop. As a result of COVID-19, timber values have decreased with a reduced demand for pallets.”
This week: “We are busy flushing the ewes for the upcoming breeding season and thinning out the oak in the forest.”
Archaeology: “On the farm is one of Ireland’s most ancient Neolithic village sites dating back to 3000 BC. The hill is known as Slieve Breagh and consists of 32 visible Stone Age forts. Investigations have shown that there are many links between Slieve Breagh, the Hill of Tara and Newgrange.”
Social: “It’s important we all do our best to look after each other during this crisis, so we can get back out supporting our local GAA club Syddan and the county team once again.”
Read more
My Farming Week: Patrick and Peggy Melican, Lissycasey, Co Clare
My Farming Week: Leonard Blanchfield, Ballyogan, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny
My Farming Week: Joe Garry, Clonreddan, Cooraclare, Co Clare
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