I farm: “300 acres of tillage, 108 dairy cows and 50 suckler cows with my family.”

Dairy: “I can see the prices dropping even further next year. Many farmers will be facing financial difficulties now as a result and will be forced to exit. My advice would be to manage what you have instead of going too large.’’

Figures: “Our most recent butterfat was 4.39% and protein was 3.57%. We forward sold some of our milk to Glanbia at a base price of 32.6c/l. This price can rise as well as fall in line with the cost of inputs, and whether they are high or low.”

Beef: “The sucklers are Limousin, Charolais and Angus cows. We work a calf-to-beef system, predominantly finishing at 20-month-old bull beef.”

Crops: “The tillage is mainly malting barley and wheat, peas, beans, fodder beet and maize.”

Barley prices: “Prices are very poor for such a premium product. You need to be getting at least €220/t to be viable.”

Family: “I live at home with my parents, Tom and Nora, and my brother Thomas.”

Ploughing: “I’m representing Laois in the farmerette category at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. I have to change the wheels on the tractor and I started practising last week. I’m participated in two matches in Offaly at the weekend to get in some practice.”

Farmerette: “I’m new to the scene, so there’s a bit of pressure – I don’t want to make a show of myself. The other girls and guys have much more experience; they have been helpful, giving me advice and telling me where I could do better.”

This week: “The harvest is coming to a close. We’re also weaning the stronger suckler calves off the cows, so it’s early mornings and late nights this week.”

Quotable quote: “This is my first All-Ireland. I’m excited and nervous about competing, especially on home soil. I want to do my county proud.”