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Storm Powell profiles the shortlisted candidates in the Dairy, Tillage, Beef and Sheep categories for the Zurich Farm Insurance/ Farming Independent Farmer of the Year Awards 2018
A fourth generation farmer, Edward initially started farming in 1984 and, by 1995, was milking 35 cows. But, somewhat disillusioned with farming, he then focused his interest on off-farm activities and his herd numbers were slow to increase to 140 cows by 2014. However, since the abolition of milk quotas, he is now focusing full-time on his dairy enterprise and has increased numbers significantly to 270 cows.
Edward lives on the farm with his wife Sarah and family. His eldest son Josh (24) who is currently on a graduate programme with Irish Country Meats (ICM) nominated him.
Edward uses a simple grass based system and has one fulltime employee. Calving takes place in spring and most calves are contract reared. Cows are breed to AI bulls. Improvements to support his recent Harlinstown Farm has been Michael’s home all his life. Today, he farms in partnership with his younger brother James. Originally a beef and sheep farm, Michael and James converted to dairying in 2010 and commenced a comprehensive building programme including a 40-unit herringbone parlour, cubicles, slurry store and silage pit. The farm has also been reseeded and four kilometres of roadways have been introduced.
The dairy herd peaks at 510 cows, mainly cross breeds, and is culled to 430 at the moment. All calves and heifers are contract reared and contractors do all machinery work except feeding.
As both Michael and James are single, personal costs are low and this allows reinvestment each year. The key focus Patrick Brennan milks 204 cows near Ballingarry, Roscrea. He farms 200ac at home and the remainder is divided into four lots several miles from home. Patrick has a spring calving herd. Calves are kept till 1 years and then sold on for fattening. All grass is measured, and cows with calves are out on grass by day in early February.
Following a stint in nearby Gurteen Agricultural College in 1978, Patrick commenced with 23 cows in 1981. He maintains links with Gurteen by taking students on placement each year. The Farm Relief Services (FRS) uses Patrick’s farm for practical elements of their Training to Milk courses. Patrick, who previously won a Bord Bia award for Sustainable Dairying, is also a director of Arrabawn Co-Op.
Patrick lives on the farm with his wife Helen. Their youngest child Padraig is studying a Dairy Business degree course in UCD and plans to come home to farm.