Grassroots Magazine Harvest 2013

FARM Forestry

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Reseeding

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Farming Down Under

Claas 100

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Edward Hayden

Harvest 2013

A l s o i n s i d e – T h e G r e a t Ta s t e A w a r d s , F a r m S a f e t y a n d C o m p e t i t i o n s

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FARM Forestry

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FARM Forestry

FARM News

Ploughing Championship

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Irish Grain 08

ICSA and Live Love

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Higher Costs 11 Tillage

One foot in the furrow

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Victorious Ploughmen 14 Teagasc & Goldcrop Join Forces

in Grass and Clover Breeding 16

Reseeding Q & A 18 Soil Structure 21 Dairy

Dairy Farming Today

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Growth Opportunity 24

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By-Gone Days

Dr. Dan Ryan 25 Livestock

No Fodder Crisis

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Beef and Sheep 28 Livestock Handling

O’Donovan

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Osmonds 31 Pedigree

IHFA open day

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Through the lens 34 Farm Safety Report 36 Road Safety 38 Machinery

HOBBIES

MF 5600 Series

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Vintage

A Claas Day

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Model Farm

Model Farm Competition

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Grow Your Own

Gardeners year

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Gardening

Controlling Moss

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Artisan Producers

Great Taste Award

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Home Cooking

Edward Hayden

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Cookery Book Competition

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Food Festival

Macroom Festival

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Whats On

FOOD

RURAL INTEREST Festivals Whats on 54 Humour Laughing Stock 56 Business Dawn Fresh 57

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Travel

Last Summer Days

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Emigration

Farming Down Under

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Macra/Youth

Miss Macra and Stockjudging

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By-Gone Days

Hillie Recalls

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MF 5600 Series

Loughbeg

FARM Forestry zine. of Grassroots Maga rvest 2013 edition and es in ch ma of Welcome to the Ha ing with the sound mm hu is e sid try .

The coun den conclusion ays speed to a sud the summer holid ing the whether it is reseed u busy this month, ve you ha we , en rd We plan to keep yo ga ling moss in the rol nt co or res stu weary pa covered. his dechen with some of s us busy in the kit of his py co a us en Edward Hayden ha TV chef also has giv the d an s ipe rec lightful ky reader. e away to one luc newest book to giv iod of the st dangerous per we are at the mo on-farm ny ma too At Harvest time, en tly there have be cen Re r. da to think len rs ca de farming k all our rea farm safety and as deaths. We look at safety first. tory. Every towna trip deep into his for us s ke ta but not tt rre Hillie Ba n blades of grass s more history tha it. l tel to e lli land in Ireland ha Hi n like ve a happy historia all townlands ha g rting us and makin vertisers for suppo ad hthe ug nk Plo tha the to I want ue leads into ssible. The next iss tise at this publication po e in early to adver u’r yo e sur ke ma so hip ns pio am ing ch event of the year. the biggest rural be part of ip. We want you to growing readersh because es ag im d Thank you to our an s all feedback, storie me lco nity to we rtu We po m. the tea me take this op ur magazine. Let . ers tis after all, this is yo r adver ders to support ou encourage all rea e in assroots Magazin to sit back with Gr e tim ke ta e as Now ple hand and enjoy. til the Ploughing, Thank you and un Jason.

Editorial: Editor: Jason Webb Email: editorgrassroots@gmail.com Tweets: twitter.com/Ed_GrassRoots Friend: facebook.com/ed.grassroots

To: editorgrassroots@gmail.com Also Facebook or Twitter

Next Issue: Ploughing National Ploughing Championship Special

Competitions

Issue 4/ 2013

Please send us any stories, news items, images or anything else that you might consider of interest to us.

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Distribution and Publisher: Grassroots Media Ltd Next Issue distribution – 15,000 www.grassrootsmag.ie

Image Credits: D.H Wright, Corkmachine Videos, Flickr (creative commons), Victoria Deane

Contributors: Carly Dolan, Dr. Dan Ryan, Edward Hayden, Jackie W.B., Kate O’Donoghue, Sam Deane, Victoria Deane, William Morris

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any shape or form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocoping or otherwise without written permission of the publishers, Grassroots Media Ltd. Whilst every care is taken of submitted MSS, photographs, drawings and content, no responsibility can be accepted for their loss or damage.

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FARM News

Ploughing The sun was shining down on the crossroads of Ireland in the townsland of Rathensika, Stradbally, Co Laois in early August as the NPA travelled to the site of this year’s National Ploughing Championship.

In the final site visit before building works commence, the NPA met with the landowner, engineers and site stewards to walk the green fields that will soon host two hundred acres of ploughing competitions and eighty acres of a grassland trade arena.

Taking place from 24 to 26 September the National Ploughing Championships, long regarded as Ireland’s largest outdoor event, is making a long overdue return visit to the area for the first time in seventy years.

The Championships last took place in Lamberton, Ratheniska in 1943. th

th

This year will see an array of new and exciting exhibitor’s as well as hundreds of veteran companies showcasing their products and services.

In the machinery section for the first time we have Lucas G SAS, travelling from France to showcase their feeders, straw bedders and diet feeders. All of the Agri. Sectors will be well represented and a number of product launches are at the planning stage.

The National Ploughing Association is working in conjunction with Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to be part of the Gathering Ireland Initiative for 2013. We will be introducing a traditional Irish Céilí to the 2013 event as part of the Gathering Ireland, showcasing traditional Irish culture to our overseas visitors.

Leader Village will again be present-

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ing entrepreneurs, businesses and a variety of groups supported by Leader, exhibiting a fantastic diversity of products and services all under one roof. Laois County Council will be showcasing the best of the economic, social and cultural services that Laois has to offer.

In the ploughing stakes a particularly strong programme has attracted entries from all around the country and Northern Ireland bringing the number preparing to plough in Laois to 330 over the 3 days.

Trade stands for this year’s event are

FARM News

Championship

Sod turned on 82nd Ploughing Championship Site

David Carter, Landowner, Anna May McHugh, Managing Director, NPA, James Sutton, Chairman NPA and Sean Farrell, Head of Agriculture, Bank of Ireland Business Banking

in very high demand with exhibitors choosing to press rewind on the recession. The number of remaining indoor spaces is extremely limited. The NPA Site Team started to mark out the Trade Arena from today which is expected to exceed the size of the 2012 Championships.

The NPA Food & Beverages Hall will showcase Ireland’s finest producers of Agri-food in addition to artisan producers, Bord Bia and National Dairy Council. A host of celebrity chefs including Nevin Maguire and Phelim Byrne will be giving cooking demonstrations. Some of the larger super-

markets chains that will be showcasing/promoting Irish sourced produce include: Tesco, Lidl and Aldi.

Accommodation across the area is filling fast and those planning to stay in the region are recommended to contact Laois Tourism in Portlaoise on 057 8621178 or Jessica Dowling on 087 3304539 for unregistered accommodation.

A number of new and exciting initiatives in the Agricultural Machinery Sector are at the planning stage and 2013 will see the welcome return to our Innovations Arena also. The Forestry Village will feature the Husqvarna Pole Climbing, Advisory Authorities and many of the services associated with this sector.Â

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FARM News

Irish Grain Production Viability for wheat will see many growers struggle to break even this year even on their own land. Marginal returns coupled with weather related production risks and increasingly complex compliance rules arising out of CAP reform will force many growers to reconsider their enterprise choice.”

IFA National Grain Committee Chairman, Noel Delany said that the viability of Irish grain production is in question as a result of the relentless increase in costs over the last few years and reduced grain prices for the 2013 harvest.

Mr Delany said, “Over the last 10 years there has been a substantial increase in input costs particularly for fuel and fertiliser. Fertiliser prices alone have increased by a massive 260% while fuel prices have gone up by over 200%.

Variable production costs (including machinery hire) for spring barley have gone from €640/ha (excluding vat) in 2003 to approximately €1,000/ha today while grain prices are falling.

Production costs for other arable crops have followed a similar pattern. This relentless cost price squeeze coupled with the impending reduction in growers’ Single Farm Payment, additional compliance costs due to CAP reform proposals and extreme price volatility threatens the future viability of Irish grain production.

Changing weather patterns have also increased the challenge to growers as evidenced in 2009 and again last year. ” Noel Delany said, “The trade must realise the seriousness of the situation and put pressure on suppliers to increase input rebates which can be passed back to growers, reduce grain drying and storage charg-

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es and up the price paid for green grain this harvest. Current price offers of €140/t to €150/t for spring barley and €10/t over

“Speculative investment in grains and oilseeds by the financial community must be curtailed as it has accentuated the price volatility in recent years creating serious financial difficulties for arable and livestock producers alike. The resulting peaks and troughs in prices are creating boom / bust cycles. While the introduction of forward selling has helped to smooth prices it is not without financial risk, as was the experience of a significant number of growers last harvest. The EU along with other developed economies must move to limit speculative investment in agricultural commodities.”

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FARM News

ICSA: ten metre waterway buffer zones could cost €3.5 billion

Live Life Love Farming

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association has strongly criticised the suggestion that a ten metre buffer zone should be created around every river, stream and lake in Ireland, saying it could cost in the region of €3.5 billion to implement.

A career in agriculture is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers. The days are long and lonely, the work is mentally and physically draining and the rain does a lot more than ruin your hair and your picnic plans. ‘Live Life Love Farming’ is a new campaign that launched at Tullamore Show this year on the 11th August

by O’ Donovan Enineering. The aim of the campaign is to celebrate all the positives of the farming lifestyle that are often forgotten about.

ICSA rural development chairman, John Barron, says the call by Friends of the Irish Environment would effectively decommission thousands of hectares of productive Irish farmland, bringing with it an enormous cost.

Farmers face challenges every single day but they plough on through the tough times and get up every day to do it all over again; this is what makes farmers one of the most inspiring and resilient groups in our society. Aside from their uncanny ability to predict the weather, there is a lot that the country can learn from the farmers of Ireland. O’ Donovan Engineering will be engaging with the farming community through their ‘Live Life Love Farming’ campaign to find out what motivates the members of this hard working profession.

O’ Donovan Engineering was founded in 1978 by Damien and Marion O’ Donovan and is located in Coachford Co. Cork. The Agricultural sector is the lifeblood of the Irish community and O’ Donovan Engineering, which is celebrating 35 years in business in 2013, is taking the opportunity to celebrate the farming community of Ireland with its ‘Live Life Love Farming’ campaign. Speaking about the campaign, company founder Damien O’ Donovan said “We founded the company during a recession in the late 70’s and 80’s and we have been in the throes of another one since 2008. Working closely with the farming community, we feel the tough times when farmers do and so we have great respect for those in the farming profession who show great resilience and manage to come through the tough times with a smile on their face”.

Check out https://www.facebook.com/ odonovaneng for more details.

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“A conservative estimate would suggest that there are over 70,000 kilometres of waterway in Ireland, and that figure excludes the many

thousands of hectares of lakes. To create 10 metre buffer zones on each side of each river and stream would imply the de-commissioning of over 14 thousand hectares of mostly productive land. ICSA estimates that the loss of this ground would represent a loss of up to €3.5 billion worth of agricultural land and there would be an additional cost associated with fencing it off.”

“The question is how can this be realistically funded? It is plain to see that this is a completely unrealistic and unworkable proposal.

There would be a far better return from upgrading sewage treatment infrastructure,” Mr Barron concluded.

FARM News

Higher costs for farmers

but favourable dairy and beef markets offer relief The relatively favourable market conditions to date this year for dairy products and beef is offering some welcome relief from the cost of the fodder crisis, according to teagasc economists in their annual midyear review of agricultural markets and farm incomes.

The fodder crisis will result in substantial increases in costs in 2013 after an already very high cost year in 2012. Following an almost 25 percent increase in feed expenditure on livestock farms last year, 2013 is likely to see further increases. Overall farm expenditure on animal feeds, including the fodder imported to the country earlier this year, is likely to be up about 17 percent in 2013 on the very high 2012 level.

Calf prices in 2013 are down by over 30 percent year on year and weanling prices down by 20 percent for the year to date.

“On suckler farms lower calf and weanling prices and higher expenditure on feed as a result both of the fodder crisis and higher feed prices are fore-

Cereal yields are expected to be particularly good this year, especially in comparison to the depressed yields of last year.

While it is still too early to make an accurate assessment, the outlook is for a good harvest globally and as such cereal prices are expected to fall by up to 30 percent. Overall, profit margins for winter wheat and spring barley production are likely to be lower than in 2012, as cereal price reductions outweigh yield improvements on most farms.

International dairy product prices increased throughout the second half of 2012 and have remained buoyant into the first half of this year. Although product prices are now beginning to fall, peak season milk production has benefitted from the higher price.

Overall it is expected that the annual average milk price this year will be approximately 10 percent ahead of last year’s price.

“Increased input expenditure is likely to be offset by the higher milk price and dairy farmers are likely to see an increase in profit margins of about 1 cent per litre this year, or almost 13 percent”, said teagasc economist trevor donnellan.

Finished cattle prices increased through the first half of 2013, with r3 steer prices 6 percent higher than in the same period in 2012. The buoyancy of finished cattle prices in 2013 has not been matched by developments in the prices of calves and weanlings.

Lamb prices have increased through the first half of 2013 compared to the end of 2012. But on average lamb prices still remain approximately 4 percent lower than prices during the first half of 2012. With increased feed expenditure as a result of the fodder crisis and higher feed prices, the increase in lamb output volume per hectare expected in 2013 will partially offset the negative impact of the cost price squeeze on margins earned from mid-season lowland lamb.

cast to lead to a decrease in margins earned. On cattle finishers the higher output prices received in 2013 are forecast to offset the negative impact of higher feed expenditure on margins earned in 2013 when compared with 2012” said teagasc economist kevin hanrahan.

Pig feed prices have increased at a faster rate than pigmeat prices over the last 12 months and this means than 2013 has become another difficult year for pig producers.

While some relief is in store in the second half of the year, with an expected fall in feed prices, pig producers will need pig prices to remain firm in order to claw back accumulated losses.

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FARM Tillage

by Sam Deane

One Foot In

“As I write, raining is coming down, but thankfully it held off long enough to get the Winter Barley finished off, most off which seems to be stuck around my neck.”

Winter Barley in general has performed well this year and yields are coming in anywhere between 3.5 tonnes/ acre and 4.5 tonnes/acre, with some very reasonable Kph weights being reported also. The quality of Winter Barley was doubtlessly helped by the dry period at flowering, followed by a cooler and showery weather during early grain fill. The appearance of this crop during the growing season and now yields has encouraged many farmers to increase their acreage of winter Barley for next year.

The renewed interest in Winter Barley has come about due to careful selection and breeding by seed house to increase yield and improve other agronomic traits such as disease resistance and standing power. Some of the leading varieties for next season include KWS Cassia (two row), Leibniz (six row) and Volume. Volume is the product of vast investment by Syngenta into Hybrid Barley. This is a six row variety created by crossing two genetically unique breeds, thus creating ‘hybrid vigour’. To all intensive purposes this is the same as crossing a Poodle with a Labrador to create a mongrel which is healthier and stronger than both its parent breeds. While Volume

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seed is expensive, it can be drilled at half the sowing rate of ‘conventional’ varieties and still out-perform in yield at the harvest.

OSR The recent dry and warm weather along with the early harvest period of winter barley make sowing Winter Oil Seed rape a possibility this year. Most grain and seed merchants expect rape acreage to be back up this year after the collapse of 2012

(never again). It is vital to get OSR into the ground early, before growth slows for the winter.

This will let the crop compete with weeds and also help it compensate against slugs (which haven’t gone away) and pigeons.

A major benefit of having rape in a farm’s rotation this year is it will help keep the cracks which have developed recently in soil to stay open, thus helping soil drain-

age and aeration. This is nature’s subsoiler!! Not a litre of diesel burnt and a great job done!! Some of these are going up to a metre to a metre and half into the ground.

The largest I have seen was easily capable of swallowing a mobile phone...but I didn’t let go!

Maize and Beet Maize and beet crops have thrived this summer, a thankful restbite from the hammering these crops have taken in the last few years. The idea has even passed through my mind that maize could be harvested by combine in Ireland this year, or maybe I’ve got too much sun!

If beet is to be lifted late in the year or early next year a fungicide should be considered.

Not only will this fight disease but will also have a benefit in retaining leaves late into the season and making harvesting by belt type machines possible.

Products useful for this purpose include Punch C/ Lyric/ Sanction 25 at 0.625L/Ha, Score or Farmco Tilt at 0.3-0.5L/Ha.

Spring Barley However the extreme dry has pinched Spring Barley, especially on lighter ground and where rock is near the surface. This can be seen where the crop has become

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FARM Forestry

The Furrow bleached but the heads are up right unlike crops growing on deeper soils. While nothing can be done at this point, these fields should be targeted with organic matter ( dung, chicken litter, mushroom compost) in the future to prevent this happening. The introduction of organic matter to soil will also benefit earthworms and other micro organisms in the soil thus improving the fertility and drainage also. However most crops are looking fine, with 30 and 32 grains on many heads, all which are full.

Harvest I would like to take this moment to remind all farmers to stay vigilant and safe during this harvest season. Accidents are too common on farms these days. Keep an eye out for those around you and also for any unguarded machinery parts which could present a hazard. From all the team at Farmco I hope you have a fine harvesting season, we are due it, to say the least.

Go all night if the moisture is right!

Ivan Draper and David Roche Harvesting Leibniz Winter Barley near Killavullan Co. Cork

Cracking in soil due to the fine weather, the challenge is now to keep such cracks open.

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FARM Tillage

Victorious Ploughmen Arrive Home With Medal Haul Celebration’s begun on the arrival home of Ireland’s new World Champion ploughmen. The final results for the World Championship were announced in the early hours of Sunday morning, 21st of July. John Whelan, Wexford and Eamonn Tracey, Carlow won Gold and Bronze in their competitive classes at the World Ploughing Contest in Alberta, Olds, Canada.

Wexford man John Whelan took the ultimate honours in the Reversible class. His winning performance saw him score 402.0 points overall. John is four times senior reversible national champion, has won the European reversible title twice and this was his 5th world

contest appearance. Austria took Silver and Northern Ireland the Bronze.

Seasoned ploughman Eamonn represented Ireland in the World Ploughing Contest in the conventional class for the 8th time this year and ploughing in plot two he scored 351.0 points to take the bronze medal prize at world level. Austrian woman Barbara Klaus took the gold medal and Fabien Landre of France the Silver.

Eamonn has an admirable record at world level being the 2012 World runner-up, winning individual competition gold in Lea in 1999 and an overall bronze medal in Tullow, Co Carlow in 2006. He is also seven

times national conventional champion.

Secretary of the World Ploughing Organisation, our own Anna Marie McHugh spoke of her delight at the results “Both John and Eamonn have done themselves, their families and Irish ploughing proud. The competition at world level is intense; to come out on top twice by winning gold and bronze is beyond our expectations. We look forward to the welcome back home in Carlow later today. I am immensely pleased to have had the opportunity to be present in Canada among the other Irish supporters and the world ploughing organisation for such a wonderful occasion” The team was coached by Kilkenny man Brian Ireland, a fantastic result for his first time out as Irish manager. Joe Slattery who hails from Tipperary travelled with the team as a Judge. Kverneland were proud sponsors of the Irish delegation.

All information on the event can be found at www.worldploughing.org and Twitter on @worldplow2013 @npaie.

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FARM Reseeding

Teagasc and Goldcrop Join Forces in Grass and Clover Breeding Teagasc and Goldcrop announced the signing of a long term agreement which will see Goldcrop market and propagate all forage material coming from the Teagasc Grass and Clover breeding programme for the next 10 years.

The agreement was signed at the Teagasc National Dairy Open Day at Moorepark at the start of July. The agreement was welcomed by Tom Hayes TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who was present at the signing. The Minister said: “that this new agreement will ensure that the very successful grass and clover breeding programme, for which Teagasc is rightly recognised, will ensure the continued availability of native bred forage varieties to the Irish livestock sector into the future. This will contribute significantly to the competitive position of the sector in the years to come”.

Teagasc has a very successful forage breeding programme at their Crops Research Centre in Oak Park, Co Carlow.

There are currently many Teagasc bred cultivars on the Irish and UK recommended lists including market leading perennial ryegrasses (Glenveagh, Majestic, Kintyre, Glencar, Solomon and Carraig) and white clovers (Chieftain, Avoca, Aran and the new arrival Iona). There are also a number of cultivars on recommended lists in other countries. This agreement gives Goldcrop the worldwide propagation and marketing rights for all new grass and clover cultivars that are developed over the next 10 years.

The Teagasc forage breeding programme was initiated in the early 1960’s at Oak Park, Co. Carlow, however in the mid-1980 the emphasis of the breeding programme is changed to focus solely on the breeding and marketing of commercial cultivars.

About 75% of the breeding resources at Oak Park are devoted to perennial ryegrass

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ment is hugely significant for Teagasc, and Irish grassland farmers. Goldcrop are a top class Irish based and owned company and we look forward to seeing Teagasc bred grasses and clovers being well marketed across the world’.

breeding, 20% to white clover breeding and < 5% to red clover breeding. The target market is Ireland and the UK but cultivars selected primarily in Ireland for these markets may also be high performing on mainland Europe. Cultivar evaluations across Europe aim to identify elite performing cultivars in Germany, Denmark, Holland and France.

Teagasc clovers have proven to be exceptional performers abroad with Aran white clover, still a leading clover in the southern hemisphere.

The main emphasis of the Teagasc breeding programme, which is led by Pat Conaghan, is placed on improving cultivar performance under grazing, for dry matter production, quality and persistency.

Consideration is also given to silage dry matter yield and quality given that grass silage is the most important winter feed in Ireland.

Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle stated, ‘Grass is the cornerstone of Irish dairy, beef and sheep production systems and gives Ireland its competitive advantage. Teagasc has over 50 years experience in breeding grass and clover varieties that are ideally suitable for Irish conditions. The signing of this agree-

Also speaking at the signing of the contract John Murphy, CEO of Goldcrop expressed his delight with the new agreement ‘This development represents a unique opportunity to work with Teagasc to commercialise Irish bred forage cultivars to their best potential both at home and abroad. It will ensure the continuing supply of top quality varieties while also giving Goldcrop the opportunity to promote Irish grassland technology in the major grass seed consuming countries in the world.’

Goldcrop secured this contract amid competition from a number of key International grass seed companies in what will be seen as a strategic move in the seed trade for the family owned, Cork based company. The company will be responsible for seed propagation, marketing and wholesale distribution of Teagasc bred cultivars in Ireland and Internationally with the main target markets abroad being UK, Germany, Denmark, Holland and New Zealand.

Goldcrop are one of the leading importers and distributors of forage seeds in the Irish market. Goldcrop has progressively developed its Agribusiness activities in recent years including the acquisition of Power Seeds in 2007. This new agreement will offer them an international focus, especially given that Teagasc forage material has a very good international reputation.

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Reseeding The question of reseeding Reseeding has now well and truly been proven as a well worthwhile investment on all farms. Many management factors affect the success of newly sown swards. We look for the answers to the questions of reseeding.

Do you need to reseed?

Many farms in Ireland have swards that can not grow enough grass during the year especially in spring and autumn. This is mainly due to the absence of a sufficient quantity of perennial ryegrass in pastures.

What are the beneficial reasons for reseeding perennial ryegrass pastures?

1. It will provide more grass in the shoulder periods (early spring and late autumn).

2. They are 25% more responsive to nitrogen compared to old permanent pasture.

3. They will have higher feeding quality 4. There will be faster re-growth.

5. It will support higher stocking rates.

Is planning important?

A major issue on farms is the lack of reseeding planning, farmers should

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FARM Reseeding

Irish Farms beneficial reasons

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many farms in Ireland have swards that can not grow enough grass during the year. Reseeding has now well and truly been proven as a well worthwhile investment on all farmsâ&#x20AC;? be able to pin point the paddocks that are not performing and target those for reseeding. At the start of each year a proportion of the lower producing paddocks should be planned to be reseeded in that year. Grass measuring has proven useful on many well managed grazing units as a means of identifying fields which would benefit from reseeding.

in many areas this is not possible because the ground is too stony, soil too shallow and topography too steep or there is no tradition of ploughing. Recent technological advances, such as minimal cultivation techniques enable reseeding to be carried out without ploughing.

What is the expected turnaround time?

Ploughing is the most expensive method but it is probably the most reliable. The advantages of ploughing are that pests, thrash and native competitors are buried. Ploughing can also help the drainage of the soil profile. In addition, it provides the basis for a sound seedbed and more level surface. Care must be taken however not to plough too deeply as this can bury the top layer of most fertile soil.

After ploughing the objective is to develop a fine, firm and level seedbed.

If the tilt is too fine, grass seed (especially clover seed) will be lost too deep into the soil and will not be able to germinate.

The target turnaround time in which to get a reseed back into production should be 60 days. Generally farmers are slow to reseed pastures because they think that paddocks are out of production for too long. The time that the sward is out of production can be minimised by cultivating 7-10 days after spraying the old grass off â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a major failing at farm level is to wait too long after spray off. Obviously prevailing weather conditions dictate this, but the objective must be to minimise the non-productive period. Weather conditions in spring are generally more stable and predictable than in autumn.

What are the reseeding methods?

How paddocks are prepared for reseeding comes down to soil type, amount of underlying stone and machinery/contractor availability. There are essentially two methods of preparing the seedbed. The most common method is ploughing, however

Conventional Reseeding

use by the young seedlings as well as better support for both machinery and animals at the early stages of pasture establishment. This is a fast and simplistic method of reseeding.

It is important that the sward is grazed tightly if minimum cultivation techniques are to be used as surface trash will not be buried. Some surface trash will remain and as this thrash (dead organic matter) decays it releases organic acids which may inhibit seed germination. Applying about 2 ton of lime/acre before cultivation will help neutralise this effect. With minimum cultivation more weeds may appear making the use of a post emergence spray even more critical.

What about after reseeding?

The timing of weed control is crucial and has a major effect on weed contributions to the established sward, weed control needs to place at the two leaf stage- with a firm focus on controlling seedling docks.

Minimum Cultivation

Why is it important to do it right?

Minimal cultivation techniques allow perennial ryegrass to be introduced into swards without ploughing. Most techniques involve spraying the existing vegetation which allows for the seedbed to then be prepared using shallow cultivation equipment. Soil disturbance is minimised so the more fertile soil remains at ground level for

When putting in a new sward, it will probably last 10 -12 years, which could represent 20% of a career as a grassland farmer, reseeding is an important job that needs to be done correctly.

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FARM Reseeding

Improvement of Soil Structure and establishment of new re-seeds Over the past number of years all types of grassland have suffered considerable damage. Grasslands have been subjected to increased rainfalls resulting in an increase in soil compaction and exposure to poaching which has been severe in a lot of situations. Damaged soils generally leave a resulting lower percentage of perennial ryegrass present in the sward therefore a reduction in overall DM production.

Results from Teagasc Moorepark have reported that poaching damage reduces herbage production by 20 to 40 per cent.

Improve profitability With poaching damage in mind, paddocks should be reseeded when perennial ryegrass levels fall below 65%, as low levels of PRG will result in a fall of productivity on

Dr. P.J Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Grassland Agro

farm. Swards with a 100% PRG level have the ability to grow twice as much grass as a paddock with 40% PRG inclusion. High sward production means that farmers in Ireland can sustain a higher stocking rate throughout the year with a restricted land base and improve profitability by â&#x201A;Ź300/ha.

Research by Teagasc has shown that new reseeded swards can produce 3 ton DM/ ha more than a permanent sward, while achieving 25% more nitrogen efficiency.

a good root establishment. Soil improvement must also be planned where poor soil structure and compaction are present.

Soil compaction results in poor drainage and aeration in the soil and these problems grows if no remedial action is taken.

Grassland Agro offer a solution for farmers to providing an increase in soil structure and increasing establishment of reseeded pastures with the help of a soil conditioner named Physiolith.

The benefits of reseeding pastures are impressive by increasing yields and reducing N inputs. When planning a reseed strategy, nutrient management and variety choice are naturally a major focus. However we sometimes forget that to have a successful establishment we must have good soil structure and aeration to allow

What is Physiolith and how can does it work? Physiolith is granular product based on marine calcium which provides high quality soil nutrition by supplying readily available Calcium to both the plant and soil. The product is unique in that is has a patented technology (No. 9700122) called Physio + included. The patented technology can help in re-seeds by improving seed germination and increasing tillering of the crop by promoting nutrient absorption in the plant which is necessary for cell wall construction, and thus plant growth.

Increase in overall grass production The benefits of increased cell wall construction are an increase in the strength of the root and the plant itself, resulting in an improvement in the grasses ability to absorb nutrients from the soil and increase production. Physiolith also provides a quick and sustainable supply of readily available Calcium that improves soil structure. The result of improved soil structure is improvement in soil drainage and allows air circulation providing a favourable environment for establishment and emergence. The activation of the plant roots of the emerging grass allows for an optimal absorption of applied nutrients. So for improved efficiencies in your pastures; Physiolith is a useful product in a re-seed strategy for successful establishment and improvement in soil structure.

Grassland Agro also supplies a range of N,P,K enhanced fertiliser that can aid in maximising grassland re-seeds.

Contact your local merchant: Co-op or Grassland Agro rep phone (01) 4264508

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FARM Dairy

by William Morris

Dairy

William Morris was runner-up in the young farmer of the year competition 2012. This month he talks about the farm drainage, reseeding and daily management He is farming 86 spring milking cows and 15 maiden heifer on an adjusted grazing platform of 89 ha. He is supplying Drinagh co-op. Here he talks about the farm drainage system and the daily management of his Ballydehob farm. It was ten years ago this month when we first took over the running of this farm. I was on my farm work experience in New Zealand at the time so missed all the initial “fun” of the relocation.

The farm is unrecognisable now from that day and a lot of that is down to the annual visit of a tracked machine.

Since taking over the drainage plan was simply to try and minimize the number of open drains on the farm by piping as many as possible. The farm was littered with exposed rock and this provided a cheap source of back fill for drain.

Over the last couple of year this farm like many others took a hammering from the weather and as a result a lot of new wet spots popping up, and as a result the original drainage plan

22

had to be reviewed. The main problems that started arising were springs appearing where rocks were broken away, old stone drains and drains from before we got here silting up, and low lying area of land holding water throughout the year.

When I’d walk the farm during torrential periods of rain, it was often common to see streams of water flowing down fields. The net effect of burying all the drains was that rain water had no physical barriers anymore and it could flow from the highest points of the farm and pool in hollow points.

During the recent dry spell the excavator made a visit to the farm, with the objective of putting open drain to separate paddocks.

Luckily enough most of these new drains now split slopes so collect surface water before it has time to collect in large volumes and damage the paddocks. While being located to collect surface, these drains are also being made deep enough (7 foot in places) to pick up underground water and thus lower the water table down slope of these new drains.

They do seem to be doing their job as during the recent downpours there was no sign of surface streams or pooling in paddocks, while even during the dry spell they were also picking up underground water. As a result of the extra drainage work, I decided to skip reseeding for this year and see if certain fields dry out, no point in reseeding them to only find new problems cropping up as a direct result of digging these drains.

The herd were glad to see the back of July as every week they spent some time in the crush. At the start of the month the herd were scanned to see just how breeding was progressing, 75 of the 100 were scanned in calf for the first 3 week of breeding but I’ve seen at least two of these repeating again.

The bulls were pulled after 9 weeks breeding and their final scan will happen in mid to late August. After that they were given their second IBR vaccination and given a pour-on for worms. And just this week they got vaccinated for salmonella.

FARM Forestry

FARM Forestry

Farming Today Something new I’m trying this year is weighing the herd; the results were a bit surprising as the average weight was only 466kgs. The logic behind the herd weighing is that in conjunction with milk recording data I can measure individual cow’s efficiencies.

So say if two cows were giving the same milk solids I can compare their weights to see which one is lighter and thus producing more milk from less inputs required.

Speaking of which, all first cut has now been made so its as good as any time to access where the farm is with regards winter feed. 455 bales were made, roughly 25/ha. This should last 75 days for the 90 cows being carried over the winter. With 3ha of arable silage due this week weather permitting and another 11ha of second cut saved, the hope is that another 200 bales will be made which should last up to 110 days.

Factor bought in straw and cheaper ration than last winter and I’m confident enough for the winter. Unlike last year I can be more prepared for this winter.

Factor in a good milk price and lowering meal costs and it’ll pay to feed higher levels of ration to stretch the lactation and in turn reduce winter feed consumption.

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23

FARM Dairy

Hayes Outlines Growth Opportunity for Dairy Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes TD, addressed a major conference on the expansion of the dairy sector in Mitchelstown Co. Cork.

Organised by Dairy Ireland, which represents dairy farmer discussion groups, the conference attracted leading Irish and international figures from the dairy and financial sectors and was attended by a large number of progressive dairy farmers preparing to develop and expand their enterprises after quota abolition.

Opening the conference, the Minister outlined the tremendous opportunity for expansion and development of the Irish dairy sector after the abolition of quotas, but cautioned that there was no room for complacency: “ In order to reach its undoubted potential, the Irish dairy sector will need to sharpen its focus on improving competitiveness at home, on growing market share in existing markets in the UK, Europe and the US and accelerating growth in new exciting new markets in Russia, the Middle East, Africa and China, and on continuing to focus on delivering a high quality product, supported by the highest standards of food safety and environmental sustainability.”

Referring to Ireland’s natural advantages in terms of its brand image, the Minister said that it was critically important that operators in the sector continued to work hard to ensure that the quality and safety of its market offering continued to live up to this brand image. In this regard he said that the work underway to develop a dairy quality and sustainability programme for the sector was of critical importance, and could bring a real added value and a unique selling point for Irish dairy products in the international market place.

Minister Hayes also referred to the political agreement reached on a reformed Common Agricultural Policy under the Irish Presidency in on 26th June. Commenting on the outcome, he said that the agreement provides critical certainty and stability for farmers across Europe over the next seven years, and for Irish farmers, a budget of almost €11 billion in EU

24

funds for direct payments and rural development schemes.

mentum in the dairy sector at present: “The expansion train has left the station.

In this regard he said that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will shortly be launching a public consultation which will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy in Ireland over the next seven years.

Provided the industry keeps its eye on the tracks, avoids complacency, and continues to do what is necessary to improve efficiency and quality, I believe we will be looking at a transformed, more sustainable industry into the future, one that can make an even more significant contribution to Ireland’s economic growth, to employment, and to the livelihoods of people in rural Ireland”.

Concluding, Minister Hayes acknowledged the tremendous positivity and mo-

Dairymaster Open Day Dairymaster will host a dairy open day on the farm of John Macnamara, Gormanstown, Hospital, Co. Limerick. The event takes place on Thursday 22nd August between 11.30am and 4.30pm.

The timetable of presentations for the event includes• History of the farm by John Macnamara (Farm Owner) • Methods of reseeding grassland by Jim Barry (Teagasc) • Intramammarys for the Dry Cow; An integral part of Clinical and Subclinical mastitis control to help you improve your margin by Paudie Hyland (Boviseal) • Designing housing and handling facilities for maximum safety and efficiency by Dermot Donovan (O’Donovan Engineering) • The role of Super Cow Teatfoam in maintaining low cell count and excellent teat condition by Eddie O’Callaghan (Milk Quality Solutions) • Advice on the supply and installation of cattle underpasses by Philip Norden (Croom Concrete) • Dairymaster will talk about the high tech Swiftflo Swing parlour designed for e ciency, comfort and throughput by Dr Edmond Harty (Dairymaster) • Demonstration of vibrating mole plough for laying water pipes on farm by Michael White (Michael White Pump & Dairy Services Ltd.) • A selection of machinery will be on show ranging from diet feeder, bale shear, slurry agitator, hedge cutter and many more from Seamus Buckley (Breen’s Farm Machinery )

FARM Dairy

Preparing now for spring calving 2014 Breeding programmes should now be complete for spring calving 2014. Cows bred from mid august will calve late may onwards. There is very little sale for these cows as late calvers. You will not get an accurate picture of your projected calving pattern for 2014 until you complete a usart (ultrasonographic assessment of the reproductive tract).

Usart is a unique technology developed by cowsdna which enables the reproductive status of the cow to be recorded as we scan the cows and heifers in your herd. This enables an automated report of due dry off and calving dates, list of empty cows, list of potential culls and indepth reporting of herd health status. This is essential in assisting your plan for future management of your dairy herd.

Remember that the accuracy of ageing pregnancies with a usart scan decrease as cows are bred beyond 110 days (3½ months). The growth rate of calves in the womb varies enormously to the naked eye beyond 70 days of pregnancy. Therefore, when ageing pregnancies from routine scanning at 120 days of pregnancy, one can easily have a 21 day mis-diagnosis in true age. This can have adverse effects on the required dry cow period with a knock on effect on reproductive performance in the next lactation. Secondly, there can be adverse effects on antibiotic residues in milk where farmers use 45 day dry cow periods with dry cow antibiotic treatment. The message should clearly be to have usart scanning completed by 110 days of pregnancy, even if this means a second usart scan 30 days after the bull has been removed from the herd for cows not confirmed pregnant at least 35 days on the first usart scan.

By Dr Dan Ryan

The incidence of multiple births increases with parity of the cow but more significantly as the genetic potential for milk production increases above 35l/day. The incidence of twin births can be as high as 12% on some farms. They create many herd health problems with an increased calving interval and culling rates. A usart scan will accurately identify twins prior to 50 days of pregnancy. It becomes more difficult to identify twins between 50 and 110 days of pregnancy and with very little success thereafter, close to 50% of cows carrying twins will lose one or both pregnancies when identified by usart scan prior to 50 days of pregnancy. We always recommend a second usart scan prior to 110 days of pregnancy to confirm reproductive status.

Having identified cows carrying twins, it is essential to manage these cows in terms of body condition score (bcs). Focus on a bcs of 3.5 When these cows are dried off. We generally recommend that these cows are dried off when 200 days pregnant. Avoid all forms of stress as the risk of abortion is greater. Cows carrying twins may calve naturally up to two weeks earlier than normal.

The bcs of cows should be assessed now – ideally a bcs of 2.8 Now with 3.0 At

drying off in november/december. Farm visits over the past month have revealed excellent bxcs on 80% of herds visited. Problems have arisen where supplementation was not introduced during the drought on dry soil types, excessive stocking and where health problems associated with either liver or stomach fluke were not addressed. Young stock and replacement heifers need close monitoring now to ensure that they are achieving target weights. Routine monitoring using feces samples for stomach worms and fluke essential. It will pay to give weaker stock the “orchard garden” treatment until the end of the grazing season.

In conclusion, a usart scan is essential to plan the nutritional management, dry off and calving dates with a focus on bcs. Identify cows carrying twins with a focus on supplementary feeding now to achieve a bcs between 3 and 3.5. Dairy herd health including young stock needs a primary focus on stomach worms, liver and stomach fluke.

Dr. Dan Ryan is a bovine reproductive physiologist and can be contacted at www.Cowsdna.Com

Multiple births are recorded with an incidence of 3% in the irish national dairy herd. In reality, the incidence is higher as farmers do not want department of agriculture inspectors visiting their farm during the busy spring calving season to inspect cows that have had multiple births. This dates back to a bygone era when calves were imported from the north of ireland at a relative bargain price.

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FARM Livestock

No Fodder Livestock farmers facing grass and forage shortages could, in many parts of Ireland , still sow hybrid brassicas in August to provide valuable late-autumn grazing and take the pressure off conserved feed stocks which are in short supply on most farms.

This is the advice from Dermot Campion, of Germinal Seeds who are based at Horse & Jockey in Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Dermot says a crop of hybrid brassica established before the end of August could provide good crops for stripgrazing in 10-12 weeks.

Modern New Zealand-bred rape/kale varieties such as Redstart can be sown from late April through to August. Hybrid brassicas such as Redstart combine the rapid growth characteristics of forage rape with the winter hardiness and yield potential of kale.

Tipperary Coop Milk Supplier on Redstart

gallons and they keep all the heifers as replacements or for sale later as weanlings.

One livestock producer who has been taking this advice on board from Germinal Seeds for a number of years now is John and Marita Loughman, Tipperary Coop suppliers who farms at Shandangan, Donohill, Co. Tipperary.

He uses an Angus bull (for easy calving and calving on time) on cows which are not being bred for replacements. Herd fertility is excellent and “this year 71 out of 77 cows and heifers were ready for AI service within one month of the breeding season” says John. It is all to do with good nutrition according to John.

John and Marita have six children Aisling, Niamh, Gearóid, Eoghan, Ciarán & Ide Mae. The children are aged from seven to 19 years of age and they all help out on the family dairy farm which has a spring calving herd of Holstein Friesians.

They can be grown as catch crops after cereals and achieve yields of around 6 tonnes of Dry Matter (DM)/ha from a single grazing, or sown earlier in the season to achieve yields of 10 tonnes DM/ ha. They can also produce regrowths for a second or even a third grazing, provided they are well managed.

According to Dermot “they can provide a ready and cost effective supply of high energy grazing for cattle and sheep and could be particularly valuable this season as farmers find that slow grass growth during the dry summer adds to the forage shortage.”

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All grassland including leased land has been reseeded over the last 10 years except for one paddock which was unsuitable. “There is no comparison between permanent pasture and land that has been reseeded” according to John. He has recently begun using Hybrid grass varieties on silage ground.

According to John “the reason for growing Redstart is that grass supply is usually declining in Sept. However cows will still milk well if their nutrition is adequate which is where the Redstart comes into its own.”

Calving begins on Jan 10 and usually finished by April 10. John is heavily stocked with around 60 milking cows on owned and leased land. Average yield is 1300

He has tried fodder beet and triticale but finds Redstart by far the best alternative forage in his farming situation.

John says that “It really stretches the silage and minimises the need to purchase

FARM Forestry

FARM Forestry

Crisis for Tipperary Farm expensive dairy nuts and protein feeds.

My weanlings did very well on Redstart”.

They first used Redstart five years ago after a crop of triticale. John put in eight acres in late July and “it turned out to be a right good and even crop” he says. It carried over 30 in calf heifers and dry cows for around 10 weeks so we were delighted with the crop yield and feeding value.” The following year John put this field back into grass.

Last year John ploughed nine acres and planted Redstart at the end of July. This crop carried 30 +weanlings over the winter. They also received baled silage and some minerals but no meals were fed.

By out wintering the weanlings John saved on slurry storage and spreading costs.

According to John “we were also tight on housing so this was another advantage of out wintering. Feeding the Redstart was a simple job –we just moved the electric fence every day says John. The weanlings are light so there is no damage to the ground.”

He was pleased how well the weanlings did so this year he planted the same nine acres in late March. However this time around it was barley undersown with Redstart and this “fine looking crop” was harvested last week and baled when the barley was at the “cheesy stage”.

John intends to feed this wholecrop and Redstart mixture to his milking cows.

The crop will be cut at about 4” high, and

27

after fertilisation they will have another crop of Redstart growing in the field which will feed the weanlings over the winter.

That is what is so good about Restart says John.

Using hybrid brassica in reseeding programmes and management tips Incorporating a hybrid brassica break crop into a reseeding programme results in additional forage dry matter production during the process, which is not possible when going straight back into grass.

Old pastures destined for re-seeding or fields, which have been badly poached last year or during the spring, could be ideal sites for growing a catch crop of hybrid brassicas. Check this out with your Teagasc or farm adviser.

There is still time to spray off an old sward and establish a crop of hybrid brassica capable of producing five to seven tonnes of dry matter per hectare before the end of the autumn. Similar results can be achieved by direct drilling hybrid brassicas into cereal stubbles.

The best method of establishment is to drill into a fine, firm and residual-free seedbed achieved through conventional cultivations .Using seed that is dressed with an effective all-in-one seed treatment will minimise the risks of pest, disease and even bird damage through to seedling stage.

Soils should be tested in advance so nutrient levels. Additional nitrogen may be appropriate at different stages to ensure maximum returns.

It is important that stock strip-grazed on brassicas should have access to baled silage, hay or straw which offers a good source of roughage. Access to water is also essential, as is adequate provision of minerals.

If out wintering stock it is important to select a site that offer the stock some shelter, ideally with a run-back area. Bales should be should be placed in the crop during the crop establishment phase when ground conditions are suitable.

Picture 1: Pictured checking a crop of spring barley undersown with Redstart, are Dermot Camp ion, Germinal Seeds, host farmer John Loughman, Donohill, Co Tipperary & Diarmuid Murphy, Germinal Seeds. The crop was planted in late March was harvested recently as whole crop, baled and will be fed to milking cows.

Picture 2: Dermot Campion & Diarm uid Murphy, Germinal Seeds are pictured with John Lough man & his children Gearoid, Eoghan, Niamh & Aislin g in a crop of spring barley undersown with Redstart, a New Zealand bred forage brassica hybrid

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FARM Livestock

Beef and Sheep Agri Benchmark Beef and Sheep network has unique data for global comparisons which may help in reducing differences of production costs between countries.

Can global beef and sheep production keep pace with increasing demand and reflect growing concerns about natural resource use? This was one of the central questions addressed in the agri benchmark Beef and Sheep Conference 2013 which took place in York England from 13-19 June and was hosted by the English Beef and Lamb Executive EBLEX. Twenty nine countries participate in the global network, including Ireland, Namibia and Uruguay as new members. The weeklong event consisted of an internal workshop and a public Global Forum on the last day, at which Anne Kinsella of Teagasc National Farm Survey was also a participant.

Beef production Global beef production continues to face major changes. Growing demand drives beef prices up but feed and land prices keep pace and payments linked (coupled) to production have disappeared in almost all countries.

As a result, margins of typical farms analysed by agri benchmark have remained unchanged or decreased.

“Over the last ten years, we have seen the levels of prices and costs between countries narrowing continuously”, said Claus Deblitz, co-ordinator of the agri benchmark Beef Network, “A number of countries in Asia, Middle East, North Africa as well as Russia have joined the group of high cost and high price countries with implications for competitiveness and global trade flows.” In this context, Uruguay provides yet another example of dramat-

28

ic land use changes and land values seven times as high as 10 years ago.

Similar to Argentina, the drivers were the expansion of soybean, corn and wheat production which led to a dislocation of beef and sheep production to more marginal areas.

Growth issues in sheep production In his overview on global trends in sheep production, Peter Weeks, representing Meat and Livestock Australia pointed out that “sheep prices continue to rise as supply struggles to meet demand”. There are various limitations to the production of sheep meat: competition for land, degradation of grasslands, rising feed costs, labour shortage and poor prices for the by-product wool. However, global sheep meat consumption is rising, and demand is expected to further grow in the future. China’s share in global sheep production is 26 % and China has dominated sheep production growth of the last 10 years with sheep farming being profitable due to the high sheep meat prices. In arid areas such as Inner Mongolia but also in Northern African countries, sheep production often comes with overgrazing, degradation of grasslands and subsequent low productivity levels.

The need to be more productive …

With competition from crop farming and other livestock industries, beef and sheep production must become more productive if the present produc-

tion levels shall be maintained or even increased. The two main pathways are a) the increase of productivity in pasture systems (both cow-calf and finishing) and b) the shift of finishing cattle from pasture to grain finishing in feedlots for the last few months of the finishing period. Decreasing stocking rates in vulnerable areas can provide an opportunity to increase both individual animal performance as well as land productivity. Recent production increases have in fact been mainly driven by productivity increases, often accompanied by decreasing cattle and sheep inventories. Sheep production in New Zealand provides an example where weight sold per ewe increased by almost 80 percent in the last 20 years, driven by higher lambing percentages and higher slaughter lamb weights. Carol Davis, senior analyst with EBLEX, concluded that “The reduction of the difference between the top and bottom 30 percent performers constitutes a huge potential, even for so-called ‘developed’ countries.”

To address and analyse the issues surrounding productivity growth in a systematic way, agri benchmark has been elected to chair the focus area group ‘Closing the efficiency group’ within the FAO-led multi-stakeholder initiative Global Agenda of Action. … and the need to measure Assessing the status quo situation, possible improvements of production and its economic implications in a comparable way is key to the process of informing decision makers in agri-

FARM Forestry

FARM Forestry

Production the challenge

culture, agribusiness and policy. agri benchmark is a global, non-profit network of agricultural economists, advisors, producers and specialists in key sectors of agricultural and horticultural value chains. We analyse production systems, their economics, drivers and perspectives on a permanent basis, generating annual updates of data and results and providing a unique data set of typical agricultural farms and production systems. The data can be used for farm comparisons, policy and farm strategy analysis.

Claus Deblitz, co-ordinator of the agri benchmark Network, while on recent work trip to Ireland, visited the Teagasc Mellows campus in Athenry.

He was given an overview of some of the current research projects being undertaken in the Teagasc Rural Economy Development Programme.

Philip Creighton, researcher on the Teagasc Sheep Demonstration farm in Athenry showcased to Dr. Deblitz the latest research being undertaken on the Mellows farm while taking a tour of the farm.

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FARM Livestock Handling

Livestock Handling

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donovan Engineering Ltd was founded in 1978 by Damien Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donovan and his wife Marion. The company initially filled a need for a local engineering service. Dermot Donovan joined the company in 1983.

The company began servicing the agricultural sector and over the years has built up an excellent reputation for high quality manufactured product in the livestock handling and feeding sector. The past 15 years have seen an expansion again, this time into the manufacturing and construction industries. We continue to build our technology and customer base to new levels, offering a diversity of goods, components and service to all leading industries in agriculture, construction and manufacturing.

In the animal handling sector, ODEL crushes offer customers a simple adaptable crush system. With options of hinged or fixed panels and a range of accessories, they can design your crush to suit your specific needs. Their experienced technical team is available to answer any queries you may have, or to give you practical advice in designing your ideal crush.

The company has a dynamic innovative management team, fully trained staff, including in-house design and R&D. They have an approved ISO Quality System in place in a modern well equipped factory.

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FARM Livestock Handling

Osmonds Animal Handling Equipment Stressed at the thought of dosing or having to treat lame animals…Osmonds have the answer. With their Anti-backing Bar and Cattle Immobilizer dosing, vaccination or boli administration is now a quick, stress free and one-man job.

make it a must on any livestock farm.

Osmonds Anti-backing Bar is custom made to fit any left or right sided crush.

Galvanised, with a quick attach it can be used on a number of crushes giving you total control over your cattle.

sity on dairy and beef farms to prevent unnecessary performance and reproduction losses caused by lameness.

With an automatic locking system animals are prevented from pushing backwards and it can uniquely push up behind them to keep them tight in the crush.

Osmonds Cattle Immobilizer uniquely scoops the animals’ head into a safe and easy position enabling you to “dose the animal before they even know it”. Custom made to fit all crushes, with quick attach capabilities it

Osmonds Hoof Raiser allows safe and careful examination of lame animals. Hoof care becomes a safe and hassle free task. A mobile unit that fits all crush types, this item is a neces-

All the Osmonds animal handling equipment take both the farmers and animals needs into account. The aim is to reduce stress for both, by reducing the physicality involved with routine animal handling. Both the farmers and animals’ safety are foremost in Osmonds minds and with nationwide delivery you can ensure your work environment is a safer place.

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FARM Pedigree

Record The IHFA National Open Day 2013 in association with the “Kilgarriffe” Pedigree registered Holstein Friesian herd of Richard & Marion Helen and family at Clonakilty, Co. Cork took place in glorious sunshine in July.

There was a record attendance estimated at over 3,500 of commercial dairy farmers and pedigree breeders from across the country including Northern Ireland and Britain.

The events on the day were a major showcase for the Holstein Friesian breed.

Charles Gallagher Chief Executive, Mervyn Helen host farmer and John O Flynn, President of IHFA and a local West Cork breeder welcomed the large crowd.

The official opening was performed

by Eamonn O’Cuiv TD, Fianna Fail spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and Community affairs. There were over 70 Trade stands on the day who reported very good business.

The IHFA Open Day consisted of Interclub stock judging and presentation of the National Herds Competition results. Other presentations included the Gold and Diamond Awards for individual cow performance.

YMA (young members association) held their stock judging on the day.

They introduced a special class for less than 12 years of age which was a novel event with a large number of participants.

IHFA also facilitated Macra Na Feirme with their stock judging on the day

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(see report elsewhere in magazine).

Interclub Stock Judging The Interclub Stock Judging featured three classes of in milk animals, Heifers, Junior and Senior cows.

The Master Judges were Tom Kelly, “Monamore” Herd, Co. Louth, John O Sullivan” Lisduff” herd Co. Cork and Ken Proctor, Airfield herd, Norfolk, England. The key sponsors were Greenvale Animal Feeds who sponsored the National Herds Competition, Lisavaird and other West Coop members Carbery and Clona Dairies who sponsored the Interclub Stock judging and FBD Insurance who sponsored the Gold and Diamond Awards.

There was a complete programme of events featuring Milk Quality, forage budgeting (Teagasc), Grass seed establishment, nutritional advice and an open forum addressing opportunities post quotas and the genetic diversity of the Holstein Friesian breed to suit different dairy farming systems. The forum was chaired by Dr. Doreen Corridan.

The Kilgarriffe prefix was established in 1965 by Richard’s parents. There are three generations of the family currently on this outstanding dairy farm. The farm has grown in size since the early 50’s milking 20 cows with the current milking herd standing

at 200. The total area farm extends to 200 hectares, including a 60 hectare milking platform. Liquid milk is supplied to Clona Dairies and to Lisavaird Co-Op for cheese manufacture.

The breeding philosophy at Kilgarriffe is trouble free cows developed through strong cow families. Average yield last year was 9,132 kgs at 4.06 % Butterfat and 3.35 % Protein. There are 36 EX, 102 VG and 60 GP classified cows in the herd. All replacements are reared on the farm with 40 bulls from the top cow families retained each year to sell as stock bulls.

Kilgarriffe Celebration sale The young stock sale represented the pick of the pens at Kilgarriffe. This was a great opportunity to buy into some of the deep pedigreed cow families in the herd.

The sale averaged over €2,000 with the top price of €4,100 going to Kilgarriffe Sharon 1 ET. This was a very stylish calf by Man-O-Man from the Sharon family, her dam a third calf VG 87 cow by Goldwyn. Her second dam is a full sister to the renowned sire Picton Shottle.

Purchasers were from across the country with 2 lots going to Northern Ireland. The sale was a great barometer of the positivity amongst dairy farmers at present.

FARM Pedigree

Crowds at IHFA Open Day

National Herds Competition 2013 Results: Sponsored by Greenvale Animal Feeds Over 70 section 1st Brochan Cocoman, Kilwarden Herd, Kill, Co. Kildare.

2nd Paul Hannan, Lisnalty Herd, Crecora, Limerick.

3rd Tom Kelly, Monamore Herd, Philipstown Farm, Ballymakenny, Drogheda.

Under 70 section: 1st Noel Hennessy 2nd Richard Whelan, Towlaght, Clonard, Co. Meath.

3rd Denis Donoghue, Highest EBI:Colm McGirr, Ringowney Herd, Edgeworthstown.

Spring Calving section: 1st Thomas Byrne, Lask Herd, Clonamona, Cranford, Gorey.

2nd: Eamon McLoughney, Ballythomas Herd, Ardcroney, Nenagh.

3rd: Pat Shanahan, Ballycannon Herd, Croagh, Rathkeale.

Highest EBI: John Kealy, Randallstown Herd, Navan.

Judges Choice: Cocoman,

Kill,

Clonamona,

3rd The Hurley Family, Clonpaddin Herd, Ballymoyle, Arklow.

NATIONAL STOCKJUDGING (IHFA Clubs) OPEN DAY 2013, sponsored by Lisavaird Co-Op

Highest EBI: Derek Ryan, Bowerswood Herd, Kyledoher, Mullinahone.

1st Brochan Kildare.

2nd Thomas Byrne, Craanford, Gorey.

Co.

OVER 26 Section 1ST LIMERICK / CLARE (John Moroney / Aidan Frawley / Mike Danaher) 2nd CORK (Sean McSweeney / Seamus Crowely / Gerard Lehane) 3rd TIPPERARY / WATERFORD (Noel Hennessy / Eamonn McLoughney / Tom Julian) Highest Individual: Jack McCullough Trophy – John Moroney (Limerick / Clare) 18–26 Section 1ST CORK (Diarmuid Murphy / David Beechinor / Leslie Draper) 2nd LIMERICK / CLARE (Ann Neville / Thomas Neville / Mark Lynch) 3rd CARLOW / KiLKENNY (Padraig Murphy / William Phelan / Louise Murphy) Highest Individual Winner: Milk Board Perpetual Trophy – Donal Coppinger (Galway) & Katie Kennelly (Kerry)

UNDER 18 Section 1ST LIMERICK / Clare (Jane Hannon / Christine Lynch / Conor Lynch) 2nd CARLOW / KILKENNY (Doireann Mulhall / Simon Lanigan / George Murphy) 3rd KERRY (Jack Walsh / TJ Maunsell / Lauren Fitzmaurice) Highest Individual Winner: Fr. Collins Trophy – Jack Walsh (Kerry)

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FARM Forestry

Through the Lens @

IHFA Open Day

Photos of the 1st place prize winners in all 3 sections of the IHFA National Herds Competition

Brochan Co Competition coman, Kill, Co. Kildare National IHF Over 70 cows section receiving his award for A Open Da from Gordo achieving firs y which too n k place on Richardson of Greenv t place in the IHFA Na the farm tional ale Ani Clonakilty, Co of Richard, Marion mal Feeds (sponsor) Herds & Mervyn He at . Cork. len, Kilgarri the ffe,

31st National Dairy Show Thomas Byrne, Clonmona, Craanford, Gorey, Co. Wexford receiving his award for achieving first place in the IHFA National Herds Competition Over 70 cows section from Gordon Richardson of Greenvale Animal Feeds (sponsor) at the National IHFA Open Day which took place on the farm of Richard, Marion & Mervyn Helen, Kilgarriffe, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

19th October 2013 Millstreet, Co. Cork

Incorporating The Irish Dairy Gathering Seminars, Trade Stands, Dairy Innovation Award, Top Show Cows, Farm Models and entertainment for all the family.

All Indoors, Free Car Parking.

Noel Hennessy Bishopstown, Lismore, Co. Waterford, receiving his award Herds Competition Under 70 cows for achieving first place in the IHFA section from Gordon Richardson National tional IHFA Open Day which took place of Greenva on the farm of Richard, Marion & Mervyn le Animal Feeds (sponsor) at the NaHelen, Kilgarriffe, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

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FARM Forestry

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FARM Forestry

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FARM Farm Safety

Teagasc Farm August ranks as a high risk month for accidents, with about 9% of farm deaths occurring during this month. In August, farm work is marked by considerable tractor and vehicle use associated with grass and crop harvesting.

Children are off school and may have access to the farmyard. As the month goes on light levels decline, adding to the hazards.

These all add to the challenge of managing safety on farms in August. Teagasc health and safety officer John McNamara is urging all farmers to be vigilant about farm safety this month.

Tractors and Vehicles Being struck or crushed by a tractor accounts for 30% of farm deaths in August. Such accidents occur principally in, or around the farmyard. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a matter of being vigilant at all times particularly where there are blind spots, or where a person can get crushed. This is the major cause of deaths on Irish farms.

Vehicles should also be secured when stationary by lowering equipment and applying brakes/ handbrakes and applying additional controls if necessary.

Vehicles can roll on even the slightest slopes.

Make sure that a tractor or vehicle is adequately secured when a wheel has to be removed. Hydraulic jacks on their own are no sufficient to provide support and supplementary support such as use of axle stands is required.

Regrettably, collapsing vehicles, or

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machines are often a cause of farm deaths in August.

When accessing public roads make sure that the vehicle and licensing of the driver complies with the requirements of the Road Traffic Acts. In particular ensure that there is adequate visibility at farm and field entrances to view on-coming traffic.

Farm Machinery One of the most gruesome accidents that can occur on a farm is to get entangled in a power shaft, or other machinery parts as it accounts for about 13% of farm deaths during the month of August.

Make sure that all power shafts and revolving machine parts are completely covered. This applies in particular to machinery such as vacuum tankers, agitators, or grain roller augers which

are used when the machine is stationary. The operator could be close to the moving parts. This is by far the most dangerous position for power shaft use.

Turn off all machine moving parts before ever approaching them for maintenance or adjustment.

Never get into a crush zone between a machine and a tractor to make adjustments, as crushing causes instant death.

Watch out for heavy weights when folding in, or out machinery as these could crush and kill.

Animals August is a high risk period for injuries caused by animals, with these types of accidents accounting for about 23% of farm deaths.

The risk of bull attacks is heightened in August as the breeding season ends.

FARM Farm Safety

Safety This is the cause of two thirds of cattle related deaths. Bulls when separated from the herd should not be left on their own in a shed or paddock. They should always be accompanied by companion animals.

Farmers should also be vigilant when dealing with suckler cows as getting between a cow and calf can provoke an attack by a cow. This is a major cause of farm deaths on Irish farms. Always stay close to a fence, or a vehicle to give you a path to escape.

When treating animals, make sure that crushes and handling facilities are adequate. In particular never enter a crush with an animal.

A high level of skill and competence is required when dealing with horses. In particular tack and equipment needs to be adequately maintained. Wear a skull cap to the correct standard when handling or working with a horse.

Working at Heights Falling from a height, or a collapsing load, each cause 10% of farm deaths during August.

Particular vigilance is required when working at heights. This applies when tying loads of bales.

Carly Dolan

A Tragic Lead-Up To Most Dangerous Month on Farms A number of recent deaths have shaken rural communities across Ireland and Northern Ireland and prompted a reminder of the dangers on farms. In the lead-up to August – the most high-risk month for people in the agricultural industry – three people have died on farms in the north and two have died south of the border.

The most recent incident involved a 10-year-old boy who died following an accident in rural County Down on July 30. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service reported that Aaron Macaulay fell from farm machinery and was airlifted to Craigavon Area Hospital in a critical condition, but could not be saved. His teenage brother was also believed to have been injured in the accident, but it is understood that he is recovering in hospital. Aaron’s family is well-known in the tight-knit farming community and their local minister cut a holiday short to be there for them. The Health Safety Executive for Northern Ireland is investigating the incident and cause of death.

It followed two other tragedies on farms in Northern Ireland in a week. Father of three, Henry Allen, 70, died after falling from a wall on his farm in County Derry. He is believed to have lost his balance while working with silage. That came just days after six-year-old Harry Starrett died when he collapsed in his family’s milking parlour on the outskirts of Armagh. However, a post-mortem examination found that he died from an undiagnosed heart condition, not a farm-related accident.

In mid-July, two separate farm accidents in Ireland caused the death of two children. Jack Lyons, 13, from Knockaderry, was using a power hose when he was electrocuted at his grandfather’s farm in County Limerick. He was rushed to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest but was pronounced dead a short time later. Jack was known locally as a young GAA star and was captain of his local hurling team.

Make sure that loader attachments are properly secured so that they don’t become detached at height and collapse.

Just days before that, a nine-year-old girl died at the Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin after an accident on a farm in Ballacolla, County Laois. Sophie Pearson is believed to have fallen from a hay bale that was on a trailer. She was rushed to hospital and put on life support, but died nearly a week later from her injuries.

Make sure that bales of hay or straw are securely stacked so that they cannot collapse.

“It is very tragic – the sympathy of the farming community goes out to them,” Laois IFA chairman Pat Hennessy said. “I would appeal to farming families to be extra careful – farms are a dangerous place to be and are not a place for children.”

Behavioural Approach

As Ireland heads into August, the accidents act as tragic reminders of the dangers on farms, which can be easily overlooked because they are people’s homes as well as their businesses. Despite significant advancements in modern agriculture, farming remains a labour-intensive and sometimes dangerous occupation. Ireland’s farmers work in harsh weather conditions, handle dangerous chemicals and materials, and operate large machinery and equipment.

Farms are constantly changing workplaces especially during August. Safety is secured by vigilance of farmers for hazardous situations which may arise. Accordingly the farmers approach to safety is the single most important requirement to prevent death and serious injury.

In 2010, 25 people died in farm accidents, making it the worst year for agricultural fatalities in recent history. The main causes were machinery, tree felling, livestock and falling from heights. In 2011 there were 22 fatalities.

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FARM Farm Safety

Road Safety Appeal The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) have urged road users to take extra care as the number of tractors, trailers and other farm machinery using the roads increases.

Image by Corkmachine Videos

The appeal comes as many farmers around the country are gearing up for the busy harvest season as well as completing the second cut silage. Over 2.2 million tonnes of grain, oilseeds and protein crops and approximately 1.5 million tonnes of straw will be moving off the fields and into stores and yards over the next 3 months.

In an effort to raise awareness of this increase in agricultural traffic, the RSA and the IFA will be broadcasting their 30-second radio advert on national and local media.

Advising road users, Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority, said “This is a very busy time of year for farmers, with silage cutting and grain harvesting underway.

The number of tractors and trailers out using the roads will increase dramatically.

As a result the risk of a collision involving a road user and farm machinery has increased. As such I am asking all drivers to be on the look out for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery exiting from fields and farm yards. If you are travelling behind farm machinery, please be patient

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and only over take when it’s safe to do so.

We should all expect the unexpected, as danger could literally be around the next corner”.

Drivers of agricultural vehicles are being reminded that they are covered by road traffic laws on driver licensing, insurance, standards in relation to vehicle roadworthiness, vehicle lighting and motor tax.

Advising farmers, IFA President John Bryan said, “I am asking farmers to be safety conscious whenever bringing a farm vehicle onto the public road. Farmers should be aware of traffic building up behind them and keep left where possible to allow other vehicles pass safely. I would appeal to other road users to show patience when encountering farm machinery on the road. With understanding on both sides, the roads can be safer for everybody”.

Mr. Brett also urged farmers to ensure “that the drivers you use are competent and do not carry a passenger unless the tractor is equipped to carry one. The trailer should not be used for transporting

people unless it has provision for carrying them”.

He added “Your driving mirror must provide an adequate view of the road to the rear and all agricultural vehicles must have proper working brakes on both tractor and trailer units. They must be fitted with lights, reflectors and indicators. Don’t load the trailer in such a way that it would make it unstable on the road, and beware of low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables and uneven road surfaces which could cause the load to shift and possibly overturn.”

Drivers of agricultural tractors and trailers are reminded to ensure that wheels are regularly washed down to avoid carrying mud and stones onto the public road.

Be particularly careful when transporting material such as silage, slurry, sand and gravel so that it does not spill on the road and pose a road safety risk.

For large farming vehicles consider using an escort vehicle to warn other road users and ensure that tractors are driven at an appropriate speed for the road conditions.

FARM Machinery

Massey Ferguson MF 5600 Series Three new, four cylinder powered MF 5600 Series models from Massey Ferguson are purpose built to deliver exactly the right specification for the 110hp to 130hp sector.

The new MF 5600 Series are built to provide uncompromising performance in the field and on the road, combined with the manoeuvrability, visibility and exclusive features that make them unrivalled loader tractors.

‘Loader ready’ models come supplied with a factory-fitted sub-frame, as well as a wide range of novel features and controls to ease and enhance operation.

Powered by the latest AGCO POWER four cylinder engines, the new MF 5600 tractors are built on a new 2.55m wheelbase chassis – equipped with specifically designed Dyna-4 or Dyna-6 transmissions.

There is also a choice of Essential or Efficient cab specifications as well as a completely new exclusive front axle suspension option, designed and manufactured by Massey Ferguson.

With maximum (ISO) powers of 110hp, 120hp and 130hp and weighing 4.8t, the new Massey Ferguson MF 5600 Series four cylinder models offer a distinct specification choice and are developed specifically to meet all customers’ requirements in this important power sector.

The engine powers of all the new tractors also overlap with three models in the MF 6600 Series, to provide further choice.

“The new MF 5600 Series are purpose built for this power sector and application, offering uncompromising quality,

specification and performance,” says Campbell Scott, Massey Ferguson Brand Development Manager. “The 110hp to 130hp bracket is expanding rapidly and is very important - customers need, and expect, a tractor with the specifications the MF 5600 Series offers.

“They should not have to be forced to compromise using older, out-dated models that stretch the top end of the light-duty sector, or employ heavy and cumbersome tractors from the bot-

tom of more powerful ranges. The MF 5600 Series sets a new standard, offering specifications seldom found elsewhere in this sector,” he adds.

The new MF 5611, MF 5612 and MF 5613 will replace the existing four cylinder MF 5445, MF 5455 and MF 5460, as well as the MF 6445 and MF 6455. Set for launch at the forthcoming Agritechnica Show in Germany, the new tractors will become available through 2014.

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Hobbies Vintage

A Claas Claas farm machinery celebrated 100 years in business at an event recently hosted by the De Courcey classic and vintage Club.

The south Cork event, held near Kinsale, attracted a large turn out with well over three thousand people of all ages in attendance.

The event featured three separate working areas of winter barley being cut in turn by a variety of combines, reaper and binders and horse drawn equipment. There were also baling and ploughing areas, all being worked with vintage farm machinery, as well as static displays of cars, motorbikes, tractors, commercial vehicles and working stationery engine display.

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Claas UK and Ireland Mr Trevor Tyrrell was on hand at the event to perform the official opening and enjoy the highlight of the German manufacturer’s centenary celebration.

There were a total of three working areas on the day. The biggest attraction was the Claas harvesting section. On display were 1950’s trailed combines, the first self-propelled models, machines from the 60’s, 70’s and right up to date with 2012 models on tracks. fifteen Claas machines from all over the country attended with the furthest

being from Co Antrim.

The second combine area was filled by ten machines including trailed Danias , Massey Fergusons, a Dronningborg and Claysons. The pre combine harvester harvesting technology in action in the third harvesting area included reaper and binder, horse drawn mowing machine, milling and threshing by steam engine and 102 year old Clayton Shuttleworth threshing machine.

FARM Forestry

FARM Forestry

Day The charity event this year supported the Children’s Leukaemia Unit at the Mercy Hospital and other local charities. The charity proceedings ended with an auction of a number of collectors’ items. Available were two Claas Lexion combine harvester models specially commissioned for the day and a special book signed by Helmut Claas, the man responsible for growing Claas from the small family business in the 1940’s to the multi-national that it is today.

A DVD of the event will be released soon. It will be an opportunity to relive the 100 years of Claas in action.

Watch out for updates of the release on: www.facebook.com/DeCourceyVintageClub or the website at www.decourceyvintage.com.

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FARM Forestry

How to Enter send us Open to all ages. Simply ls and de mo m images of your far , adme na ur diorama. Tell us yo 18, r de un dress and if you are please tell us your age.

Send entries to: ag.ie (with Model Email to: info@grassrootsm Comp as subject) Text to: 086 4684411

Competition, Post to: Grassroots, Modelllinoe Hse, Ba , ine Grassroots Magaz Ballinhassig, Co. Cork.

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Grassroots Competition rules apply. / Sponsor: www.modelmania.ie, phone: 086 8359790Â FARM Forestry FARM Forestry

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Hobbies Grow Your Own

by Jackie W.B

The Gardeners A Novices Guide to Fruit and Veg

“The dedicated gardener needs two things, an enduring sense of humour and a streak of pure viciousness when it comes to dealing with the enemy.”

There is no doubt that Gardening is not easy. We have endless problems with the weather-too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry. We have endless problems with weeds, with soil, with birds, next door neighbour’s cat or even our own motivation, but worst of the lot by a country mile are slugs and snails. They make the most dedicated gardener tear out their hair in frustration. A perfectly good crop devastated overnight or a neatly sown never coming up at all. Nine times out of ten the culprits will be those shiny critters that creep about by night and put more people off gardening for life than all the aforementioned put together.

The dedicated gardener needs two things, an enduring sense of humour and a streak of pure viciousness when it comes to dealing with the enemy.

There are a great many things we can do to tip the balance in our favour and in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

Firstly, have a tidy up. A messy garden is slug heaven. Overgrown or neglected areas are perfect breeding grounds for slugs. Secondly, consider growing plant that slugs hate around the edges of your plot. These are chives and garlic, which happily you can eat aswel, and hardy geraniums.

Unlike their frost tender pot plant cousins, these splendid plants will come back year after year, look pretty and most importantly emit a scent that

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has slugs running for cover. Next, every time you clean your chimney or clean out the fire, save a little of the soot and ash. A sprinkle of this mixture around the outside edges of your beds will deter slugs coming in, but you do need to top this up after heavy rain so keep a bucket handy.

Now if the wretched things still manage to get past that lot, it is time to try the slug pub. Slugs, like most of us adore beer. Happily, unlike most of us, beer does not actually agree with slugs, and they end up dead, in the most pleasurable way possible.

To construct a slug pub you need the following: 1 medium to large pot plant saucer placed in the middle of your vegetable bed. Put 4 flattish stones around it no more than two inches higher than the saucer. Fill the saucer with beer- Budweiser for no apparent reason seems to work best- on top place a slate weighed down by another stone. Slugs like the rest of us do not like their beer watered down! The next morning check you trap, throw away and dead slugs and refill.

If you are the happy owner of poultry, they will eat as many slugs as you can give them- but not the drunk ones, beer does not agree with birds either. This does mean a lot of tedious searching out and gathering on your part. But your birds will thank you.

Alternatively fence off any bit of your

plot not growing anything and let the birds loose in it. This is a great things to do in late autumn/winter, they will have it wonderfully pest free by the following spring.

If you must use chemical controls, blue pellets and the like, bear in mind that they are not just toxic to slugs, they can also poison birds, pets and children. Slug pellets should never be scattered freely around the garden.

Put them in one of those wide necked sport drink bottles and partially bury the bottle with just the neck sticking out. The slugs will crawl in there, do damage to themselves, but hopefully to no one else. Be sure to bury the contents of the bottle on emptyingdon’t leave it for anything to pick up.

We will of course never eliminate pests from the garden, nor should we.

Everything, even slugs, has a purpose. They do after all feed the birds and hedge hogs. All we can do is reduce their numbers to manageable levels with a little care and attention.

Next month: Late sown crops and planning an orchard.

FARM Forestry

FARM Forestry

Year

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Hobbies Gardening

Controlling Moss Most gardeners have trouble at

some stage with moss on lawns.

This can be unsightly and has increased in many Irish lawns this year. This is often a result of poor growing conditions, as experienced in spring and summer. By improving the health of the lawn, moss can be kept at bay.

For organic or non-chemical control, scarification is the best option. Remove loose moss in autumn, by scarification. On small lawns this can be

Moss can be a temporary problem following drought or waterlogging, or more persistent, suggesting a problem with underlying conditions.

Killing and removing the moss is just the start. To remain moss-free, the vigour of the grass must be improved and any other contributory factors addressed. Good autumn lawn maintenance is essential to maintaining lawn health.

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done by hand, raking out the moss with a spring-tine rake, but on larger lawns mechanical scarifiers should be used. For chemical control of moss use a proprietary product such as

those based on ferrous sulphate (sulphate of iron) in early autumn. The ready-to-use formulations of ferrous sulphate be used to spot treat small patches of moss on lawns. When the moss blackens after two or three weeks use a spring-tine rake to remove it.

Mosskillers combined with a fertiliser (NPK) are beneficial where grass vigour is low.

Apply lawn mosskillers in fine weather. Some require watering after 48 hours if there has been no rain - check pack for details. Control with a mosskiller will only be temporary unless the conditions which allowed the moss to become established are improved.

To prevent moss returning, encourage vigorous grass growth by feeding and regular lawn maintenance, avoid mowing grass too short.

FARM Forestry FARMForestry

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Food Artisan Producers

The Great

What is Great Taste? Great Taste is the largest and most trusted accreditation scheme for speciality and fine food & drink.

Established in 1994, it encourages and mentors artisan food producers, offering a unique benchmarking and product evaluation service leading to an independent accreditation that enables small food and drink businesses to compete against supermarket premium own label brands.

start-ups and well established producers have been advised how to modify their foods and have subsequently gone on to achieve Great Taste stars.

Since 1994 over 80,000 products have been evaluated. This year alone, almost 10,000 products were blind-tasted by panels of specialists: top chefs, cookery writers, food critics, restaurateurs and fine food retailers.

What are Great Taste judges looking for?

They’re looking for great texture and appearance. They judge the quality of ingredients and how well the maker has put the food or drink together. But above all, they are looking for truly great taste.

How do they work?

Working in small teams, experts taste 25 foods in each sitting, discussing each product as a coordinating food writer transcribes their comments directly onto the Great Taste website which producers access after judging is completed. Over the years, numerous food businesses,

Any food that a judging team believes is worthy of Great Taste stars is judged by at least two further teams. Only when there is a consensus will an award be given – that means at least 16 judges will have tasted every accredited product. For Great Taste 3-star, every single judge attending the session, which can be as many as 40 experts must unanimously agree the food delivers that indescribable ‘wow’ factor.

What should consumers look for?

The logo. The Great Taste symbol is their guarantee a product has been through a rigorous and independent judging process. It’s not about smart packaging or clever marketing – it’s all about taste.

Irish Great Taste Awards Success Overall 496 Irish products were awarded gold stars. 16 Irish products received the coveted three stars, 61 products received two stars while 419 received one gold star.

Corleggy Cheese

Burren Smokehouse ltd was the big winner with three products getting the highest 3-star award. Corleggy Cheeses and Stonewell Cider both received two 3-star awards. The sixteen products awarded the 3-star awards were:

The award winning Corleggy Cheese began in 1985 when Silke Cropp first began making her own goats cheese to use up excess milk at her farmhouse in Corleggy, Belturbet, Co. Cavan.

Twenty-five years later and Corleggy Cheese is now firmly established as one of Ireland’s finest producers of artisan raw milk cheeses.

Lets take a look at the companies behind some of these great products-

Initially Silke kept her own herd of goats on the farm, but these days

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Food Artisan Producers

Taste all the milk is sourced from local farmers. The cheese is produced daily by Silke in small batches, with all the milk coming from one herd.

The cheeses are then matured for 1-4 months. During this time the young cheeses are carefully minded and regularly turned as they develop a hard outer rind.

Burren Smokehouse Ltd A Swedish woman (Birgitta Hedin-Curtin) and a Clare man (Peter Curtin) took it upon them in 1989 to set up a small smokehouse which expanded over the last two decades to become one of Ireland’s best known artisan producers of Organic Smoked Salmon, Mackerel, Trout and even Smoked Gouda Cheese.

The Burren Smokehouse continues to extend its reputation in its original market areas and has developed a major business in Corporate Mail Order and online orders where companies use modern dispatch facilities to send sides of smoked salmon to their clients worldwide. Many of these patrons are from Continental Europe and the U.S. with a growing number coming from the Far East and the emerging Eastern European markets.

Stonewell Cider Founded in Nohoval near Kinsale (Co. Cork, Republic of Ireland) in 2010, Stonewell is a craft cider company in the dedicated to the creation of real cider using only natural ingredients - basically apple juice and yeast.

With the exception of their glass bottles everything else in a Stonewell cider is Irish – apples, labels, cartons, elbow grease, Atlantic sea air and all!

Stonewell don’t push the apples, juice and cider through massive factory machine.

In the natural process, they don’t use any artificial sweeteners or add any chemical additives to tweak the natural flavour of the awardwinning cider.

J&L Grubb Ltd./ Cashel Blue J&L Grubb Ltd is 100% family owned, today managed by the second generation of the family, Sarah and Sergio Furno.

They put their success down to their heavy commitment to quality. Each cheese is handmade and tasted at least twice before it’s sent to market. All the milk for Cashel

Blue comes from the family’s herd of pedigree Friesian cattle. The milk for Crozier Blue comes from Sarah’s cousin’s herd of sheep.

Wilkie’s Chocolate Wilkie’s Chocolate was set up in June 2012 by Shana Wilkie, who was born in the West Indies.

Shana operates as a bean to bar chocolate producer based in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.

The policy is to produce a premium quality organic chocolate, high in cocoa content and using only natural, organic ingredients. It is a priority for them to ethically source the finest organic cocoa beans, ensuring that the farmers receive a fair price for their cocoa.

The chocolate produced at present is made from single origin organic criollo cocoa beans from Peru. Criollo beans are considered a delicacy. They are often referred to as fine or flavour beans as they have a very distinct and complex flavour and they have a natural secondary taste.

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Food Home Cooking

Edward’s Kitchen Food For Friends

Lemon Drizzle Sl

ices

At home when we were all young we had the ‘bun pre ways seemed to su ss’ and when vis pply. These tangy itors arrived it allemon slices are for all your unexp ected visitors.

8oz/225g butter, softened 8oz/225g caster sugar Zest of 1 lemon 4 eggs 1 tablespoon milk 8oz/225g self-rais ing flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Topping: 4oz/110g icing sugar Zest & Juice of 1 lemon Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Ga s Mark 4.

Grease and line an 11 x 7 inch/ bro wnie/traybake tra Place the butter, y with parchmen sugar and lemon t paper. ze st into the electr until it has a pale ic mixer and bea creamy consisten t for 3-4 minutes cy . Whisk in the eg flour and baking gs and milk and powder and beat then sift in the for another 2-3 m inutes

Transfer into th e prepared cake tin and bake in the skewer inserted in oven for 40-45 the centre comes minutes or until ou t clean. a Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Meanwhile make up the topping.

Mix the lemon jui ce and zest with the icing sugar an been achieved. Ex d beat until a runn tra lemon juice or y consistency ha boiling water can s Drizzle or spread be used to loosen the icing over the fu rther if required. top of the cake an d then cut the ca ke into bars/slices .

Edward’s Handy Hint: I normally cut all the crusts off fir st before I cut into to do with the cru slices; you can de sts! cide yourself wh at

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Food Home Cooking

s & Sweet Crispy Pork Salad with Cashew Nutto Crisps Pota Serves 6

of the biggest at least once a week. At home one Many Irish people will have pork chops chop. This is pork ble hum the give to t men what treat weekly problems I have is wondering ious starter delic a as or n optio er dby as either a supp a really great salad to have on stan at your dinner parties.

Sweet Potato Crisps: 1 large sweet potato Oil for deep frying the potato into r a sharp knife or a mandolin slice Peel the sweet potato and using eithe . Check that fryer fat deep a use ely nativ alter epan or ds and thin rounds. Heat some oil in a sauc secon y thirt for oil the into s of white bread the oil is hot enough by dropping cube the slices of sweet potato and in Drop y. crisp and n brow en allow the bread to become gold , with a slotted a minute and then carefully drain cook very quickly for approximately required. They l unti ainer cont ght airti an store in spoon, onto kitchen paper. Once cool, will last for 2-3 days here.

Crispy Pork: 4 pork chops, ½ teaspoon crushed chilli flakes 2 tablespoons oil

chops and then ing board. Remove all fat from the Place the pork chops onto your chopp s. strip d the pork into using a sharp knife thinly slice/shre nate for at least i flakes and the oil and leave to mari Mix the shredded pork with the chill ight. overn even or s, hour of a few minutes, preferably a couple nade and cook hot and then add the pork and mari Heat a large wide-based pan until very is nice and pork the l unti ly tant tes, stirring cons quickly, for approximately 4-5 minu crisp and cooked through. required. kitchen paper and keep warm until Drain with a slotted spoon onto some Dressing: 2 tablespoons olive/rapeseed oil Pinch chilli flakes Juice of ½ lime Salt & freshly-ground black pepper Whisk together all ingredients and

store until required.

Additional ingredients: Mixed lettuce leaves 16 cherry tomatoes, halved hly 1 bunch spring onions, chopped roug ½ cucumber, thinly sliced 3oz/75g cashew nuts

nuts in a large spring onion, cucumber and cashew Mix together the lettuce, tomatoes, bowl. t potato crisps on scatter the crispy pork and the swee Divide between six serving bowls and ng. servi e befor just salad the top and Drizzle the dressing over Serve immediately.

Edward Hayden is a well-known chef and food writer / blogger and works as a culinary lecturer in Waterford Institute of Technology and regularly lectures in An Grianan the Irish Countrywomen’s Association Adult Education Centre.

Edward initially trained in professional cookery at Waterford Institute of Technology, before completing a Bachelor of Arts in Advanced Culinary Arts at Cork Institute of Technology. Most recently Edward graduated with a Master’s Degree in Learning and Teaching in Higher and Third Level Education.

Edward is very familiar to radio and television audiences from his cooking slots on TV3’s Ireland AM and regular appearances on KCLR FM. In 2008 Edward self-published his first cookery book ‘Edward Entertaines’ and in 2011 he published ‘Food to Love’ with O’Brien Press which quickly featured in the top five Irish best sellers before being awarded the prestigious Kerry Food Book of the year. Edwards third book ‘Food For Friends’ also published by O’Brien Press in 2013.

Food Home Cooking Muffuletta with the top encased in a hollowed out loaf of bread A muffuletta is a sandwich made and wonderful for school also is but n optio ch brun ideal an cut off to make the filling. This is like with the fillc. You can be as innovative as you or work lunchboxes or a summer picni e. fridg s you have in your ing, using up whatever bits and piece A little oil for cooking e 4 tablespoons red onion marmalad d lengthways 1 courgette, halved and thinly slice 1 red pepper, cut into large chunks ks 1 yellow pepper, cut into large chun ks chun large into cut r, 1 green peppe cm diameter) 1 round loaf of bread (approx 8inch/20 6-8 slices parma ham 6-8 slices salami 9oz/250g soft goat’s cheese 2 tablespoons basil pesto Large handful rocket Mark 4.

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas drizzle with a peppers onto a flat roasting tray and Meanwhile place the courgettes and little oil and then allow to for 25-30 minutes until softened Allow to cook in the preheated oven cool. to act as the the loaf of bread and set it to one side Using a sharp knife slice the top off of the bread little a ng leavi just loaf, the of e the centr lid later on. Scoop the bread out of d. attached to the crusts, all the way roun of the basil pesto the goat’s cheese with one tablespoon In a small mixing bowl mix together Assembly: slices of parma basil pesto, and then arrange 3 of the Spread the base of the bread with the alade and half marm onion red some with this ad ham and salami on top of that. Spre pesto mixture spoon in half of the goat’s cheese and of the roasted vegetables. Carefully d half of the secon the with ss proce this leaves. Repeat each layer. and then top with some fresh rocket add you when ure down well on the mixt ingredients, ensuring that you press top. on lid the place can you in Once the last layer of rocket has gone Place another onto a flat plate or chopping board.

Wrap the bread in cling film and place compact and be will it that re ensu to canned foods plate on top and weight down with some but preferably overnight and s hour 3-4 least at for e fridg the will cut correctly. Store in then unwrap and cut into wedges.

Edward’s Handy Hints: crumbs for the ed out to make some fresh white bread Use the bread which you have scoop freezer.

To win a copy of ‘Food for Friends’ answer the following question

Edward Hayden makes regular morning TV appearances on what TV Station?

Q.

Send your answers on a post card or by email.

Email: info@grassrootsmag.ie (subject - Cookery) Post: Cookery Competition, Grassroots Magazine, Ballinoe Hse, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork.

Grassroots Competition rules apply

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Food Food Festival

Macroom Food Festival Organisers of the Macroom Food Festival say they are looking forward to building on the huge success of last year’s inaugural event to host an even bigger and better festival in 2013.

At the official launch recently at the beautiful Bealick Mill in Macroom, Mayor of Macroom Cllr Ted Lucey and Mayor of the County Cllr Noel O’Connor encouraged everyone to visit Macroom and sample the array of wonderful food on offer over the last weekend of September this year.

The Mill, according to deputy chairperson of the festival committee Pat O’Connell was a fitting venue for the official launch as it represents a link to the long food producing tradition of the town.

Preliminary details have been announced of the 2013 Macroom Food Festival. The event is due to take place over three days from Friday 27th September 2013. The weekend will kick off on Friday with a welcome ceremony and a variety of food demonstrations. Saturday will see the

town come alive with the sounds of a busking festival along with a taste trail showcasing superb local produce in the pubs, shops, cafes and restaurants around Macroom and a (local) cheese and (not so local) wine event to finish off the evening. Sunday will see the square transformed into a massive outdoor food market, complete with children’s entertainment, live music and plenty to eat all round along with the final of the schools cook-off.

The organising team are now working on a detailed schedule of events which will include all the successful elements of last year’s festival plus some exciting new events. Last year’s festival welcomed over 5,000 visitors to the town over the course of the festival weekend and the team are looking forward to seeing those visitors return again and welcoming lots of newcomers too.

The Macroom Food Festival organising committee says the programme of events will be diverse enough to whet the appetites of dedicated food enthu-

siasts, as well as families looking for an enjoyable weekend of culture and entertainment: “Foodies will delight in the range of events on offer – from learning a new skill at a demonstration to tasting something different from the great variety of locally produced foods or getting competitive at the schools cook-off competition. The taste trail is a wonderful way to wander through town, tasting something different at every station.

Although the focus is on food, there will also be plenty of entertainment for adults and children alike through the busking competition, puppet shows, fancy dress and live music” says Don Buckley, chairperson of the group and owner of The Castle Hotel, Macroom.

The festival will, again, put the fantastic food of west Cork, Kerry and beyond in the spotlight. If yesterday’s launch event is anything to go by, the festival proper will be an epic feast for all the senses.

www.macroomfoodfestival.com for more details.

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Rural Interest Festivals

A LOOK AT August in Cork 14 to 18th: Bantry is host to a celebration of Irish Music in its purest form.

Artistic Director Martin Hayes gathers the finest Irish Musicians and gives them the freedom to choose what they play in the glorious surroundings of Bantry House and St Brendans Church.

15 to 18th: Inchigeela Festival.On Thursday 15th TV.Chef Neven Maguire will give a Cookery Demonstration commencing at 8,00pm This is proceeded by an Artisan Food Fair which will open at 6.30pm Tickets are €20 Euro available at Supervalue - Dunmanway, Twomey Butchers, Macroom and Toomsbridge Dairy. Neven Maguire is a chef not to be missed.

Make it an evening out with friends and support all the fantastic local food producers who will have lots of nibbles to offer and also some great shopping opportunity. All on at the Marquee.

9 to 18th:Rosscarbery Family Festival. This family friendly festival offers something for all the family. Lots of Family fun during the week, music, song dance, sandcastle making, and lots more check the website for up to date details.

23rd: Calling all Redheads to the Redhead Convention in Crosshaven.

This week-end will host the Movie World Premier of the true life documentary “Being Ginger” by American Filmmaker Scott.P.Harris. www.readheadconvention.ie 23 to 25th:The World Mini Games will take place in Cork, this event is described as an Olympics for the non-elite, or the National Ploughing Festival of Sport, as it brings together the entire sporting community, family, friends and supporters alike, to one big location for a week-end of sport,fun

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and entertainment at the UCC. Mardyke Venue. Help the Irish Heart Foundation break the World Record for the Largest Barefoot Race on Saturday at 11.30am and on Sunday be there for the Irish Cancer Society to break the World Record for the Largest Circuit Fitness Class. Register online, www.worldminigames2013.com

All the Month of August.

Loughbeg Open Farm, is a great day out, why not stop off at the Mizen Market in Schull pick up a picnic or pop in and have a great fresh Irish Paddy Hegarty Burger. Continue on to Loughbeg Farm to see all the farm animals and have a lovely safe walk through the fields.

The Mizen Market, open seven days a week. Have a unique shopping experience with some great Artisan Local Food Producers on display including Loughbeg Goats Milk Ice Cream and their signature Courgette and Ginger Jam. You will also find some lovely wood craft and flowers / herbs and shrubs for the home and garden at the Mizen Market, Main Street, Schull.

September in Cork 6 to 8th: Courtmacsherry Storytelling Carnival. This is one great weekend not to be missed. All events are free with the exception of theSaturday night Concert which must be prebooked. For the most amazing story telling, music, song and dance trot along to one of the village pubs or the hotel for some great entertainment.

Something for Children on the Saturday lots of Storytelling and things to participate in. More details from local participating venues.

6 to 8th: Check out Schull Harvest Moon Festival.You will find some great music lined up for the week-end. Tune in for the very popular Bobthedonkey and much more.

September in Tipperary 15th: Loughmore Village is the place to be for the Purcell Gathering on Sunday15th.There will be the election of a Baron or Baroness on the day, pony trips to the home of the Purcell’s where you can have your photo taken. You will also have market stalls, dance floor, singing and other musical performances taking place on the village square. Lots and Lots of Children’s entertainment including puppet show and magic show. Further information call 087-7920588

August in Waterford 15 to 18th:Tramore August Racing Festival. This four day sea side event is a mix of Flat and National Hunt racing, Ladies Day is traditionally on the Saturday with Family day on the Sunday.

24 to 25th: Take the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford, cycle with one of Ireland’s greatest ever sportsmen, in his native Waterford. Location, Dungarvan. Info. 058-21190

Rural Interest Festivals

WHATS ON September in Waterford 9 to 15th: Waterford Harvest Food Festival. This family friendly festival offers the perfect opportunity to discover and enjoy the story of real Irish

Food. Celebrate Waterford’s food heritage from the home of world famous Blaa, to the birth place of the Rasher and Cream Cracker.www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie

August in Kerry 22 to 25th: Why not take off to Waterville for the four day Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival and celebrate the creative genius of the man himself. Info. Tel: 068 9478818 14 to 20th: It is The Rose of Tralee International Festival. For Fashion, Passion, Music and Dance this is Ireland’s number one gathering spot from all corners of the world for a week long jam packed entertainment agenda.

August in Kilkenny 9 to 18th: Kilkenny is a haven of all things bright and beautiful from the world of arts, everything from Theatre to Dance, Classical Music, and Literature to Visual arts and crafts.

Freckles and Frolics

If you have ginger genes, get ready for Ireland greatest festival of freckles and frolics at the Irish Redhead Convention in Crosshaven, Co. Cork from August 23 - 25. The annual festival for redheads and lovers of gingers which is in it’s fourth successive year, is a fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society and a Gathering Ireland flagship event for county Cork!

Events include whacky competitions such as the most freckles per sq inch, the crowning of the new redhead King and Queen, a parade of natural redheads and a massive group photo shoot. To celebrate this weekend of genetic gingerness, all red-gistered participants will receive a “Certificate of Genuine Foxiness” and can partake in the worlds first “Ginger Discount Scheme”, with local business’ committing to special offers from beauty treatments to reduced accommodation rates and free entry to the magnificent WW1 Camden Fort Meagher.

The Irish Redhead Convention will also host the movie world premiere of the true life documentary “Being Ginger” by Ameri-

can filmmaker Scott P.Harris. The highly anticipated movie is a comedic look at life of a male ginger, as Scott desperately seeks to find a lady who truly appreciates red haired men.

Also visiting this years event from Scotland are the scientific research team behind IrelandsDNA. These geneticists are currently mapping the British Isles in an attempt to find out more about the red haired gene variants and discover who is the most redheaded nation on earth.

Red hair is the rarest of human hair colours and accounts for only 0.6% of of the worlds population. However the Scottish genetic team, believe that in Ireland up to 40% of the Irish population are carriers of the recessive ginger gene.

Other redhead activities include a ginger chef cook-off, redhead photography booths, redhead storytelling and a unique performance from redhead musician Kellie Marie and redhead playwright and performer Susan Boyle in her one woman show “A Wine Goose Chase”.

August in Limerick 17th: Cappamore Agricultural Show, a one day event with top class displays of cattle, horses, cookery and craft, with live entertainment and children’s amusements.

17 to 25th Heritage Week, lots of activity throughout the City and County check, www.heritageweek.ie and search events in Limerick.

Rosscarbery Family Festival

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Rural Interest Humour

Did you hear about the guy who made up the “Knock Knock” jokes? He won a Nobel prize.

A farmer’s son swallowed some His coins and was taken to hospital. the rang concerned grandmother hospital to check how little Patrick was doing. When she enquired the nurse smugly replied “no change yet”.

What happens if you eat yeast and shoe polish? Every morning you’ll rise and shine!

What’s the definition of a Will? It’s a dead giveaway.

What happened to the pig that lost its voice? It became disgruntled!

There was once a cross eyed teacher who got fired. Upset at losing his job he went to the school principal to find out exactly why he had lost his job. The principal replied “because you can’t control you’re pupils”.

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A man and his pet pig walk into a bar. It’s about 5pm, but they’re ready for a good night of drinking. They start off slowly, watching TV, drinking beer, eating peanuts. As the night goes on they move to mixed drinks and shots.

Finally, the bartender says: “Last call.” So, the man says, “One more for me... and one more for my pig.” The bartender sets them up and they shoot them back. Suddenly, the pig falls over dead. The man throws some money on the bar, puts on his coat and starts to leave.

The bartender, yells: “Hey buddy, you can’t just leave that lyin’ there.” To which the man replies: “That’s not a lion, that’s a pig.”

A circus owner walked into a shop to see everyone crowded around a table watching a little show. On the table was an upside down pot and a duck tap dancing on it. The circus owner was so impressed that he offered to buy the duck from its owner. After some wheelin’ and dealin’ they settled for €10,000 for the duck and the pot. Three days later the circus owner runs back to the shop in anger, “Your duck is a rip-off! I put him on the pot before a whole audience and he didn’t dance a single step!”.”Hmmm....” thought the duck’s former owner. “Did you remember to light the candle under the pot?”

I don’t know what’s up with this bottle of whiskey, but I am going to get to the bottom of it.

When William joined the arm y he disliked the ph rase “fire at w ill”.

from a pampered What do you get cow? Spoiled milk

Did you hear about the angry pancake? He just flipped

Rural Interest Business

The Unravelling of Dawn Fresh

by Carly Dolan

We are starting to see some of the long-term effects this year’s horsemeat scandal has had on the industry in Ireland.

Fewer sales of ready-made food is being partially blamed for the closure of Tipperary food firm Dawn Fresh by the end of the year.

It will mean more than 100 job losses in the rural area of Fethard with a phasing out of workers between now and then. With a population of only 1000 people, the lay-offs mean a 10 per cent job loss in the town. The announcement came early in August.

The company, which was established in the 1980s, said the decision was made to close following a period of continuous losses. Dawn Fresh suffered significantly when horse DNA was found in beef burgers and other products. The issue led to a Europewide investigation into the issue when it emerged. Six months on from that and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said consumers were buying fewer frozen burgers and other readymade meals.

Local Junior Minister in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Tom Hayes has met with manage-

ment at the plant. “My initial thoughts are with the families of the staff of those concerned at this difficult time,” he said. “Unfortunately, this decision follows five years of tough trading conditions for Dawn Fresh Foods.”

With 80 per cent of all output from the Fethard plant exported, the continuing impact of the sterling/euro exchange rate has contributed significantly to its loss. Just two years ago, unions were fighting to stop job losses at the same plant. However, it seems the horsemeat contamination in the industry might have been the tipping point for an already struggling company.

Oak Farm Foods, a UK subsidiary of Dawn Fresh Foods, was directly involved in the horsemeat scandal this year, with its cottage pies withdrawn from 47 British school kitchens by Lancashire County Council. Samples had shown that some tested positive to horse DNA. Dawn Fresh did not have any such direct involvement in the scandal but the issue has impacted on all relevant companies within the industry.

Almost two out of every five people surveyed by the Irish Food Safety Authority, who consume meat, said they were concerned about the contamination, leaving 61 per cent who said they were not concerned. The people who were concerned said they weren’t sure what else might be unknowingly in meat products. Other concerns included the possibility of chemicals, medicines and antibiotics being present the meat, health risks, and discomfort at the thought of eating horse meat.

So how does the industry fix this problem? It won’t be easy, and there will be a continued period where sales will remain lower than before the controversial issue was exposed. It seems that fixing lax regulation will only go a small way to resolving the problem; Europe needs to address the circumstances that created the fickle food supply system.

In the meantime, stick with local, home-grown Irish beef – you’ll always be safer with that.

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Rural Interest Travel

by Victoria Deane

Last Summer

So it’s that time of year again where the summer holidays have started to turn into a ticking time bomb. The school term is only a few short weeks away.

Kids all over the country are being forced to try on their new school uniforms in a cruel reminder that sets their little hearts thumping. Ok so that might be a slight exaggeration for some but it’s definitely how I felt back in my school (prison) days. Once August began slipping away I knew it was only a matter of time until I was back sitting in a boring classroom, listening to a boring teacher, talking about boring things. I would watch as the hands on the clock would slowly saunter their way from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Small break: that was a pitiful few minutes where you gulped a ham sandwich, which caused severe indigestion, and then you galloped out the door and barely got to do one lap of the playground when the dratted bell rang taunting you back into the classroom of doom and gloom.

The monotony began again as you were asked to write a paragraph about how wonderful your summer was. I mean come one, talk about torture. Sitting in the dullest place on earth where you’re being forced to relieve happy times. Times where you were running free without a care in the world into the freezing salty water at Ballybunion. Or playing chase with your brother around the freshly baled hay.

All I’m trying to say is the school term from now until next June is a long and painful time that your kids will have to endure. So what can you do to make

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it that bit more bearable for them? My advice, make the most of their last few weeks of freedom.

Make memories and share precious family time together. So when they are asked to write about their summer holidays (trust me it will happen, those teachers love to torture) give them a story that will make all their friends envious.

Here are a few places that will make superb family days out and will make summer 2013 one your kids will never forget.

Rumleys Open Farm Co. Cork Although this farm is relatively new on the scene it is well worth a visit.

The farm has a wide range of activities for children of all ages and has many exotic and domestic animals.

As well as an open farm Rumley’s is a real working farm, operating 7 days a week buying and selling produce and animals. This means you will get to see just exactly how a real farm works which is an experience in itself. They have a huge range of animals which includes Camels, pigmy goats and cattle! Just a short distance from Cork city Rumleys farm is very accessible and a brilliant place to go for a family day out. €8 per person. Children under 2 years go free. Family day passes also available.

The Aqua Dome Co. Kerry The Aqua Dome is one of Irelands Largest Indoor Waterworlds & Premier Tourist Attractions. The Aqua Dome offers tropical temperatures all year round. If it’s one of those drizzly days where you actually can’t take the kids to the beach for fear of pneumonia then the Aqua dome is the place for you to go. The hours of splashing fun that kids can get here makes it an ingenious place to visit. €15 per Adult. €12 per child. Family tickets also available.

Mitchelstown Caves Co. Tipperary Considered one of the most spectacular caves in Europe, Mitchelstown Cave is located 12 kilometres east of Mitchelstown. Visit the site of world famous Stalagmites and Stalactites.

Adult: €9 Child: €3 Family tickets also available.

Galway Atlantaquaria Co. Galway Galway Atlantaquaria is Ireland’s largest aquarium and you can be sure that a visit to the aquarium will full of wonder and excitement for visitors of all ages. It includes exhibits such as the Splash Tank, The Ray Pool, and The Ocean Tank. There is also a very impressive Fin Whale skeleton on display which is a whopping 60 feet long.

Adults: €11 Children: €7. Family tickets also available.

FARM Forestry

FARM Forestry

Days Blarney Castle Co. Cork Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. A stunningly impressive Castle with beautiful grounds to match is wonderfully historic place to visit.

Adults: €12 Children: €5. Family tickets also available.

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59

Rural Interest Emigration

by Carly Dolan

Dairying

In the latest bout of mass emigration, many young Irish men and women are heading to mineral-rich Australia where mining is the major industry offering work to economic migrants, but many are also finding work in the large farming sector down under.

County Laois man Daniel Whyte travelled around Australia for a number of years, and when he ventured to Tasmania, the island state at the bottom of the country, he found himself dairy farming.

Unlike Western Australia and Queensland, which mining has sent into boom times, Tasmania is actually in a recession and manufacturers and shops are closing every day. Dairy is one of the few industries being relied on to pick up the pieces of its struggling economy, and millions of dollars have been invested into the sector in the past few years. Tasmania is the wettest and greenest part of Australia and its dairy production rate is second only to Victoria. It is the only Australian state that is increasing milk production, with most other states in decline.

“Where I was in north-west Tasmania, there isn’t much other work apart from farming – especially dairy farming,” Mr Whyte said. He worked for eight months at a 180-cow farm before moving to a 350-cow farm for another six months.

“The milking parlours at the farms I worked at in Tasmania were more oldfashioned than the ones I’ve worked at here in Ireland, so we had to get up earlier because it took longer to milk the cows,” he said. “We had to manu-

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ally move the clusters from one cow to another. That might not be the case with all the farms in Australia, but the ones I worked at didn’t have the modern equipment. The farms I’ve worked at here had computerised systems for milking, which made it a lot quicker.”

It made a big difference when it came to the starting time each day. In Tasmania, Mr Whyte would start work at 4.30am after a half-hour drive to get to the farm, meaning he had to leave the house at 4am. “And the wildlife on the roads at that time of the morning in Tasmania means you can only drive about 50 kilometres an hour, and even then, a wallaby might jump straight out in front of your car,” he said.

“The farms I worked at in Tasmania were similar sizes to the farms you’d find here, but they were quite small for Australian farms. Two hours from where I was working, there’s a company that has 25 farms and runs 30,000 dairy stock.”

Mr Whyte said there were many similarities between dairy farming in Ireland and dairy farming in Tasmania, which is sometimes referred to as “another Emerald Isle” and is often compared to Ireland in appearance and weather.

“It’s definitely the coldest part of Australia and it rains a bit, but it never

gets as cold as Ireland does and they always get a summer. So the major difference is, In Ireland, cattle are housed during the winter, creating a lot of slurry built-up, which is why farmers have to go spreading it every chance they get. In Australia, cattle aren’t housed inside so farmers don’t tend to spread slurry on their fields.

“It also means that there’s more work to do on Irish farms because in the winter, you’re feeding silage and cleaning out the sheds, and in the summer, you’re spreading slurry.

“Also, Australian farmers don’t have to worry about milk quotas, so that changes the way they plan and organise the farm.”

During his travels across Australia, Mr Whyte also worked on two broad-acre farms, sowing wheat and rapeseed.

“Those farms were between 40,000 and 50,000 acres and we’d be working 24 hours a day between two of us with one tractor continuously going during the sowing season, so one of us would do a 12-hour shift on the tractor and then you’d swap with the other person who would do the next 12 hours and it was seven days a week doing that for about two months at the one farm.”

FARM Forestry

FARM Forestry

Down Under

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61

Rural Interest Macra/Youth

Gemma wins Miss Macra Gemma Goulding from Co. Laois was crowned International Miss Macra 2013 at the close of the 42nd International Miss Macra Festival Gemma Goulding from Co. Laois was crowned International Miss Macra 2013 at the close of the 42nd International Miss Macra Festival which took place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Eimear Guiney from the Avondhu region, Co. Cork achieved second place while Louise

Ballantyne from Dublin was awarded third. The winners were announced after the enchanting hour of midnight when an eerie silence descended on the ball room of Dundrum House Hotel which marked the conclusion of this year’s festival and where the Gala banquet had taken place that

evening. Gemma Goulding follows in the footsteps of Aileen Hennessy, International Miss Macra 2012, who had represented the Muskerry region, Co. Cork. Gemma was presented with a specially-made Sterling Silver Tiara, embellished with cubic Zirconia, designed and hand crafted by Michael’s Jewellers Thurles, for the 40th anniversary of the Festival. She also was presented with the Perpetual Silver Miss Macra trophy courtesy of Dundrum House Hotel and a cash prize of €1000. In second place, Eimear Guiney received a specially commissioned piece of Tipperary crystal and a cash prize of €500 and Louise Ballantyne who came third also received a piece of Tipperary crystal and €300.

Over two hundred people sat down for the five course Gala Banquet Sunday evening in the luxurious DundrumHouse Hotel to conclude the festival.

That morning, the Miss Macra contestants had to prove their worth by taking part in a sports day. The entertainment on the Sunday night was provided by Memphis Band and DJDundrum House Hotel.

This year saw twenty-two contestants taking part in the 42nd International Miss Macra Festival. Every August Bank Holiday weekend, ClonoultyRossmore Macra na Feirme hosts this fabulous festival from the Welcoming ceremony on Friday afternoon to the Gala Banquet Sunday night, which continues on to the early hours of Monday morning. Every person involved in the precise planning and organising of the festival does so on a completely voluntary basis and the success of this year’s festival should particularly go to Donnacha Ryan (Chairperson) and his dedicated team.

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Rural Interest Macra/Youth

Cork claim stockjudging titles

The national final of Macra’s Irish Dairy Board Dairy Stockjudging competition took place at the Irish Holstein Friesian Association Open Day in Cork on June 16th.

First prize in the senior competition went to Victor O’Sullivan, Whitechurch Macra, Seandun, Cork, while the Under-23 competition was won by Alan Twomey, Donoughmore Macra, Muskerry.

Runners-up were Michael Murphy, Kiltealy/Ballindaggin Macra, Wexford (Senior event) and William Neville, Tullamore Macra, Offaly (Under-23 event).

The dairy stockjudging competition takes the form of an academic test followed by the score-marking in order of merit of a pen of heifers and a pen of cows. Competitors are also in-

terviewed on their overall grading of the animals and must answer questions on the technical aspects of dairy farming.

very high.” The two overall winners have won a place on the annual Macra prizewinners trip in Autumn.

Speaking at the event, Macra na Feirme Munster Vice President, James Healy said, “I’d like to thank the Irish Dairy Board for their continued support of the competition.

This competition is a great opportunity for young farmers to become skilled at assessing livestock and it prepares them for the actual job of buying and selling farm animals.

Stockjudging also broadens the young farmers’ knowledge of new developments in stock breeding, husbandry and disease control.

This year’s competition was outstanding with the standard of entrants being

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Rural Interest By- Gone Days

by Victoria Deane

Hillie

Hillie’s grandfather immigrated to America where he worked as a shoe shiner to earn a living. “When he got out there he bought a box of polish, a shoe shiner and he polished shoes for millionaires, the rich and famous” on the dull and drizzly evening. I am curious about his nickname and he soon explains it to me “you see there is another Edward Barrett down the road there so as to not make it confusing people started calling me Hillie Barrett because I live on the hill. I didn’t mind what they called me as long as they didn’t call me early in the morning.”

To any person oblivious to their surroundings the narrow twisty road that leads to Hillie Barrett’s house is just another country lane.

However, this road at the foothills of the Ballyhoura mountains is like taking a step(or a drive) back in time. In the rolling pastures behind the overgrown ditches is a wealth of history as I am soon to discover from local man Edward Barrett or as he is more commonly known Hillie Barrett.

When I meet Hillie at the door of his wellkept home he welcomes me in with a warm smile and a friendly handshake. Inside his kitchen is a lit stove, which is so welcome

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Hillie’s grandfather immigrated to America where he worked as a shoe shiner to earn a living. “When he got out there he bought a box of polish, a shoe shiner and he polished shoes for millionaires, the rich and famous” says Hillie with a chuckle. When Hillie’s grandfather returned to Ireland he settled with his family in close proximity to where Hillie lives today. “They came over from America and they settled in Ódaneie (pronounced O Caney), there were only 4 and a half acres there, Croft’s were the landlords”.

Hillie recalls how his grandfather used to work for the Crofts “he used be minding the wood for them for the hunting people, there would be foxes and of course minding the timber. There was larch timber, in case it would be stolen you know? He was the caretaker I suppose.” Hillie describes for me the sort of life style his grandparents had while living in Ódaneie. “They started a family while living there, they had water and everything there. They used cross the fields down to mass,’ yera there was stepping stones over the ditch. They would be onto then what was the main road, ‘twas the main cork to limerick road.

Or as it was known, the butter road. There is more history down that road.”

Hillie tells me a bit about the history of the Butter road or the Coach road as it was also known “they done all that road with coaches. ‘Twas all horses that time.

There were coaches transporting post and all sorts of things. There would be stops along the way then where they would change horses and they would change the driver. All that though was in my grandfather’s time” “Now we’re here in my time. Well I’m here a lifetime. I was born on the 26th March 1935. I was the oldest of the family. I had two brothers and four sisters. There were other brothers too that died as babies and such. I went to England but only for a short time, I had to come home because my father had an accident. There was very little

Rural Interest By- Gone Days

Recalls money in Ireland that time, ‘twas actually my aunt sent me the money to come over to her in England on holiday. Of course when she got me over she made me stay for a few months but I got bored. I wanted to go to work, I was used to working. ” Hillie recalls for me the type of farming that took place when he was a child “Well ‘twas all old type farming they had to go on with, they would have a few cows and they

would have had a bit of barley and a bit of oats. We had our own cabbage, our own bit of bacon-we would kill our own pigs.

A lot of it was hardship, but people were very helpful to one another. There was no money transactions really ‘twas all I help you and you help me”. Hillie tells me about the cows they used to milk. “Well we had Shorthorns and Kerry’s and we used to go to Buttevant creamery with the milk

which was 4 and half miles away. We had a working horse that used to pull the cart.

Milk at that stage was only four pence a gallon. There was no money. ” Hillie tells me that the farm he lives on now was mostly reclaimed land. “When we were reclaiming the land we came across all the old dwellings that were there from the time of the famine. We found all the ridges as well from where the potatoes

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Rural Interest By- Gone Days

were grown, they even grew them below into the river with sand.”

Hillie explains to me how in that small area there used to be 60 houses from before famine times, there was even a weaver there for weaving clothes. “It was in the heart of the bog and yet there was an amount of industry going on there. There was turf cut there and everything. There is very ancient history around here you see” While talking to Hillie it becomes evident his knowledge of local history is vast. He tells me different local landmarks such as the Valley of The Black pig and their significance. “That’s where the end of the world is supposed to end up, in the Valley of the Black pig, that’s only over across the valley from me here. Then you had the Slaughter Hole, there was two slaughter holes. There was the big and the small one”. I ask Hillie how these worked “Well there was valleys coming in to them off the mountain and they would drive the cattle down the valleys and they would fall into it and they would crack their neck.”

Hillie also explains to me the meaning of the place name Ódaneie. “It means Sean’s grave. There was a peddler called Sean that was selling stuff and he was robbed and murdered for his money and he was buried in Ódaneie. There is a heap of stones there to this day and legend has is that people passing the grave used to throw a stone up on the grave as a tradition. This is the story we hear anyway.”

Hillie continues to work on his farm to this day “I do my little bit, I keep a few dry stock away the whole time.” He loves animals and always has a dog or a cat around him.

Hillie is a man with fantastic knowledge of local history and a true gentleman.

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FARM Forestry

FARM Forestry

The Furrow

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