George Taylor farms 50ha of land in south Leitrim just outside the small village of Newtowngore, Co Leitrim. Sucklers and sheep form the main enterprises on the farm, but a recent addition in 2018 has been contract rearing.

A four-week-old Firoda Jason bull calf out of a Simmental cow.

Having spoken to his Teagasc advisor Tom Coll about ways to improve the income earning potential of his farm, contract rearing came up as an option.

"I find it great. I have a regular income and they are very easy stock to manage.

George prefers Simmentel-cross cows as they calve easily and have loads of milk.

There are benefits for both parties and I think you will see more of it in the future."

Local mart

George is very involved with his local mart in Carrigallen, Co Leitrim, and is currently serving a second four-year term as chair. The mart has a big anniversary coming up next week, celebrating 50 years in operation, having held its first sales in 1970.

Land type is a mix of dry and heavy clay. Turnout generally doesn't occur until April every year.

"It's a very important part of the community up here and for many farmers, it's the only social outing they get in the week."

The mart has a special event scheduled for next Thursday on the day of the heifer show and sale where a number of local and national speakers will attend.

Read more about George Taylor's story in this week's Irish Farmers Journal.