Irish Tractor February 2016

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€3.95 Stg£2.95

February 2016 Vol. 4 No. 2

Martin’s Garage Bailieboro Ltd. TMP Repairs Ltd.

E.C. Pratt & Co. Ltd.

Conal’s Tree Services Ltd.

Ronnie Killen & Sons

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. IS YOUR CROP ON TARGET?

When your goal is to create successful and sustainable farms, with high yielding crops, you start with a superior fertiliser.

To learn more about what makes us different, call us on 053 9255389 or visit targetfertilisers.com

TA R G E T

FERTILISERS

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2 Agri News

Contents

Irish Tractor & Agri is published by DG Press, Kells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath Telephone: (046) 9241923 Fax: (046) 9241926 e mail:

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Mid Tipp Mart Premier centre of cattle trading in Tipperary

Eugene & Garrett Headon Shortlisted for the 2014 Contractor of the Year

10 KC Agri Ltd.

Providing an extensive range of agriculturral services

14 Duffy’s Farm (Duffy Potatoes)

A vibrant potato and fruit and veg supplier

18 PJ Dore & Co. Ltd.

Pumps and Irrigation Systems specialists

21 North Cork Creameries Ltd.

Winner at the 2015 Quality Food & Drinks Awards

24 Dúnmasc Genetics

Emerging new business award winners

28 Wicklow Rapeseed Oil Earning a fine reputation

32 Shortall Agri Service

A proud tradition in farming for generations

36 Murnaghan Tyres

Celebrating its 40th anniversary

40 Powell Dairy Farm

Operating 152 hectacres in Co. Tipperary

44 Shanks Engineering

Manufacturers of the innovative Farm Hitch

47 Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers (J&L Grubb Ltd)

Cashel Blue - Ireland’s first and finest blue cheese

50 William Lee

Providing a full range of services in farming and agriculture

Email: contact@lynngroupmedia.com

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Taylors (Fyfin) Ltd One of the market leaders in the animal feed industry

53 Suir Sprayers Ltd.

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McIlroy’s Chickens First poultry farm in Northern Ireland to become completely carbon neutral

Eddy Lynch, Ireland’s Best Young Enterpreneur

56 Railway Stables

We talk to trainer Harry Kelly

59 EC Pratt & Co. Ltd.

Catering for the needs of farmers in the Midlands for over 40 years

68 Martin’s Garage Bailieboro Ltd.

Synonymous with Massey Ferguson for over 30 years

72 TMP Repairs Ltd.

Comprehensive on-site repairs service

80 Conal’s Tree Services Ltd.

One of the premier tree surgery and tree maintenance companies in Ireland

85 Philip O’Dwyer Agricultural Consultants Administering professional advice for over 20 years

88 Ronnie Killen & Sons

Offering a wide range of services to an ever increasing customer base

97 O’Connor Roofing Supplies Ltd. Providing for its customers since 1980

100 Irish Rollforming Ltd.

Universal cladding solutions providers

102 Neil Armstrong Farmstrong Agri & Domestic Supplies

One of Northern Ireland’s leading farming supplies companies

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Herbst Software CCTV images are now live within their accounts system

With Herbst Software, you can now integrate cameras in to their business management system to help businesses better manage their stock movements, traceability and assist in dispute resolution. In the latest release of their Insight platform, the Wicklow software company announces that live cameras with time and data stamped footage will be linked to things like stock management, weighbridge transactions and vehicle movements.

1. On the toolbar of any authorised user, an option is available for selected cameras to be visible live on the screen whilst working on other tasks simultaneously. This allows a user to monitor and keep track of video activity at any time, if and when required.

2. Key documentation such as production documents, orders delivery documents etc. have a date and time security stamp, and when required, the video of the production or snapshot can be recalled at the user’s discretion.

3. Snapshots of video footage can also be automatically be attached to weigh documents, collection docs etc. and replace or add to the receipt signature and printed on the document forms if needed.

Customers of Herbst Software may already have cameras installed at key locations around their business, typically beside warehouse entrances, or near production facilities and hardware stores. Images from these cameras can be monitored and automatically inserted in to invoices, or sent to

Herbst Software CCTV

partnering companies that may require this information. This doesn’t require any user intervention, minimal effort, and can make use of existing CCTV cameras if available.

In recent tests with several small-medium scale businesses, companies have used the cameras to eliminate disputes and provide better information to customers and clients. “From listening to our customers, a common theme that came across is the requirement for better visual data” says CEO Michael Herbst. “Disputes over weighbridge issues, and traceability have been a consistent problem for many of our customers. We invested in addressing these needs and now users can plug cameras directly in to our system – which is a global first in this area.”

“So far, customers have proven they have increased transparency and can better communicate traceability with clients. We are just at the tip of the iceberg, we expect other uses will become apparent across many other industries over the coming years – it’s a very exciting time for this area” concluded Mr. Herbst.

Herbst Software is based in Wicklow Town and has been in business since 1980, they have created this new feature in coordination with Evercam, a camera IT Solutions Company.

For more information, please contact Vlad at vlad.vekshin@herbst.ie or 014509329

Study shows Michelin Ultraflex tyres can increase yield by 4%

Farmers fitting Michelin Ultraflex Technology tyres to their agricultural machinery can benefit from a 4% increased yield, a study has found.

The research led by Harper Adams University in Shropshire set out to measure the effects of Michelin Ultraflex Technology tyres on annual yields, specifically looking at productivity, environmentally-friendly agriculture and soil protection.

The studies made it possible to quantify the yield gains and established that based on a wheat harvest a 4% gain can be achieved, solely through the use of Michelin Ultraflex Technology tyres*.

On a global scale, if all agricultural vehicles in the main wheat-growing areas of the World – including the 27 members of the European Union, the United States, South America and China – used Ultraflex Technology tyres, 23 million additional tonnes of wheat would be produced each year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 23 million tonnes is the quantity of wheat that is needed to feed the entire population of the United States – 319 million people** – for a whole year. 23 million tonnes of wheat is also equivalent to Germany’s annual wheat production.

Michelin’s Ultraflex Technology allows farmers to run their agricultural machinery at lower than standard tyre pressures, protecting the health of the soil by reducing the incidence of rut formation and ground compaction. As a result, air and water can penetrate the earth more freely, leading to improved soil conditions for maximum crop response.

Mike Lawton, Commercial Director of Michelin’s agricultural tyre division, explains: “With a larger footprint than conventional technology tyres, Ultraflex Technology spreads the weight of the machine over a larger ground area.

Increasing contact with the ground improves traction and decreases wheel slippage, which in turn allows farmers to spend less time in the field; improving productivity and saving fuel. We manufacture Ultraflex Technology tyres with reinforced sidewalls and special rubber compounds to keep the tyres strong, even at low pressures.” Designed to cover the entire crop growing cycle, the full line-up of Ultraflex Technology tyres available in the UK and Ireland includes AxioBib, XeoBib and YieldBib tyres for tractors, CereXBib tyres for combines and forage harvesters, plus SprayBib fitments for high-clearance sprayers. In 2014 Michelin expanded its range with the launch of the CargoXBib High Flotation tyre for trailers, marking the first trailer tyre to Michelin Ultraflex incorporate Ultraflex Technology.

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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CLAAS and Agrovista join crop sensing forces

To provide a new industry-leading level of both mechanical, but more importantly agronomic support for the ISARIA CROP SENSOR, CLAAS UK has teamed up with agronomy specialists Agrovista UK to ensure that users receive an unprecedented level of support that is not matched by any other system.

The use of crop sensing technology to provide a real-time, areaspecific calculation of a crop’s optimum nitrogen requirement, provides growers with the opportunity to easily and accurately ensure optimum nitrogen application rates across the field, thereby potentially boosting crop performance and a reduction in fertiliser use.

The agreement between CLAAS UK and Agrovista UK means that in addition to full mechanical support for the CROP SENSOR from CLAAS dealer EASY precision farming specialists, this is also backed-up by Agrovista’s full range of agronomic specialist knowledge and software including the latest MapIT Pro data management system, which is part of the cloud based real-time AXIS data hub.

The ISARIA CROP SENSOR is ISOBUS compatible, so enables both the sensor and the spreader to both be used with the same ISO-compatible control terminal. It is the first sensor to be awarded an AEF certificate for ISOBUS compatibility, which confirms its compatibility with current ISOBUS terminals, and will be listed on the AEF database so that users can check its compatibility with current or new technology.

The ISARIA CROP SENSOR is mounted on the front of the tractor, which has the advantage that it is further from the spreader, so more accurate. Also by measuring vertically at 80cm above the crop instead of at an angle, this again aids accuracy.

The two sensor heads incorporate four high-performance sensor LEDs that enable the CROP SENSOR to be used at day or night, plus an optical sensor and a distance sensor. These take a real-time measurement of the crop’s nitrogen requirement, which is then used to automatically alter the fertiliser spreading rate accordingly.

Unlike other sensors, the ISARIA CROP SENSOR does not need to be manually calibrated on a regular basis or require any agronomic input, making it far easier to use.

Using biomass reflection as the measure for crop analysis, working over a 50cm diameter area, up to 800 measurements of the light reflected by the crop are taken every second. These measurements are then used to calculate the IRMI vegetation index, which reflects the current nitrogen supply to the crop.

The ISARIA CROP SENSOR measures the quantity of nitrogen which has already been absorbed by the crop up to that point in time, compares this measurement with the target value of the current growth stage and then calculates the missing nutrient difference which must be balanced. In addition, crop density is measured using the IBI biomass index. If the IBI falls below a particular threshold value, for example due to drought or frost damage, the spread rate in these subplots reverts to the value defined by the farmer.

With the ISARIA CROP SENSOR the best IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

results come when making a ‘yield potential’ map for the field, this allows you to essentially create a map that tells the ISARIA CROPSENSOR whether it is operating in a high, medium, or low yield potential area so that it not only looks at the crop in isolation. In real terms this means that a thinner crop in a low yield potential area of the field will not receive as high a nitrogen rate as the same patch in a high yield area, which is a feature unique to the ISARIA CROP SENSOR. The data produced by the sensor will automatically record all the input and biomass data from the crop which, using Agrovista’s MapIT Pro Advanced data manager will help buildup an overall ‘picture’ of the crop. In addition to allowing easy access to view both field and input data, the data can also be easily utilised to create both yield potential and also variable seed rate maps.

The Agrovista MapIT Pro software will allow the user to set up their own yield potential maps, either from field knowledge or by using other data layers such as soil conductivity data or yield maps. The collaboration between the two companies will ensure that Claas yield data can be seamlessly imported into the cloud based software to be easily accessed anywhere using a number of platforms.

CLAAS crop sensing

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Mid Tipp Mart General Manager Martin Ryan

I

Moving with the times

n practically all walks of life, if you stand still, you will get left behind. You have to move with the times and, more often than not, that mean embracing new technology, new ideas and new strategies.

The recent developments at Xtra-Vision is a clear case of technology driven obsolescence. Thurles-based Mid Tipp Mart certainly can’t be accused of standing still. General Manager Martin Ryan tells us why...

Mart is the premier centre of cattle trading representative from each region as a in Tipperary and indeed much of the member of the board.”

Cattle are pulled from Tipperary and surrounding counties. Their mission is to provide sellers and buyers of cattle with a fair trading platform in a modern, CONTACT DETAILS efficient and customer focused environment.

The Mart is a farmer co-operative run by Mid Tipp Mart farmers for farmers. They cater for all types of stock and use three active sales Ballycurrane rings for most of the year.

Thurles The Mart operates under the management of General Manager Martin Tel: 0504 -21499 Ryan who explained: “We are a farmer Martin 086 -7735958 co-op owned by approximately 800 Email: midtippmart@gmail.com Website: midtippmart.com Established in 1966, the Thurles-based farmers, divided into 20 regions with a

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Mid Tipp Mart is renowned as the premier centre of cattle trading in Tipperary and surrounding counties

several surrounding counties. The motorway network has made it easier for both sellers and buyers and according to Ryan has helped the expansion at Mid Tipp Mart. The Mart is renowned for the quality of the cattle offered, with many buyers returning year after year.

This year Mid Tipp Mart is celebrating its’ Golden Jubilee milestone being 50 years in existence.

“There has been a gradual increase in strength from 1966,” he continued. “It was very much a case of steady as you go for many years but the last five years has seen us undertake a lot of modernisation.

“There has been a major investment in the technologies use in Mart operations and the structural aspects of the Mart site itself. For example, we have invested in additional covered penning and also the intake area, we've invested heavily in waste management removing the solids from the slurry, yard and truck washings etc. We have also invested in a lot of concrete and our patrons can comfortably frequent the Mart in their IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

shoes.

“On the technology side of things, we've upgraded our software to provide much better management reporting systems while we are the first Mart in the country to develop a mobile phone app which allows for bids out of sight in the ring. This is currently being phased into use. The Sales Ring Boards provide more detail than in any other facility with QA status, QA days, Breed, Number of previous movements etc, as well as other more usual data being provided for every animal in a lot (even lots of 10+).

We can also display genetic evaluation but in the context of the BDGP scheme only evaluations with genomic data included will be displayed for now, to avoid any confusion.

“In addition, our website (midtippmart.com) always contains the most up-date market information, special sales catalogues and our sales calendar.

The customer texting service is a big hit and is regularly used as a marketing tool.”

It has been very much a case of

onwards and upwards for Mid Tipp Mart and their hard work has already reaped huge dividends.

“We had a turnover just shy of €35m for 2015,” Martin revealed. “It was an excellent year for us. In fact, the last three years has seen 8-10% growth year on year in terms of cattle numbers.”

Martin added: “We take great pride in how modern the Mart has become and the facilities that our customers enjoy, everything from catering to truck wash facilities.

“We're generally rated one of the top three Marts in the country for catering while there is a 100% consensus amongst livestock hauliers and sellers that we have the best truck wash. The Department of Agriculture have acknowledged that as well. We have a three lane truck wash on site which is free of charge!”

Martin and his team are proud of their reputation for offering a first class service to their customers. They endeavour to put customers and their needs first and provide them with a highest quality

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Mid Tipp Mart From

David O’Mahoney Best Wishes To Mid Tipp Mart From

Electrical Services Domestic & Commercial Gate Automation Alarm & CCTV Installed

Corbally, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Contact David 086-8960524

Email: davidomahoney@ymail.com

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Mid Tipp Mart From

AIB Thurles, Liberty Square, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Tel:0504-22055 www.aib.ie

H.Crilly & Sons

Specialising In Water & Waste Water Pumps, Pumping Systems, Pump Accessories & Water Treatment Systems Athnid, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel:0504-34100 Tel:086-6030320

www.tqees.ie

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Mid Tipp Mart From

Livestock & Bulk Haulage Specialising In

San-Malo, Mount Avenue, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Best Wishes To Mid Tipp Mart On Your 50th Anniversary Offering a broad range of Agri Health & Safety Training

• Tractor Driving • Boom and Knapsack Pesticide Application • Safe Livestock Handling (drover training) • Best Practice in Milking Course • Chainsaw Operation • Farm Safety • Health & Safety Courses • Safe Pass • Manual Handling • First Aid Contact Mary Berkery on Lo-Call 1890-201000 Email: mberkery@frstraining.com

www.frstraining.com

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WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED

Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

mid tipp mart designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:47 Page 4

The Pennygate Herd is milked three times a day

service. At Mid Tipp Mart, their objective is to be the best at what we do, whether that is livestock sales, land leasing or generally giving good advice, and Martin and the board have no intention of resting on their laurels.

To date, the success and growth of Mid Tipp Mart has been Best Wishes built on its reputation for honesty and integrity, its qualified and professional staff and thousands of satisfied customers.

Not to mention its pioneering role in industry innovations and its goal to be the best, most complete cattle marketing service in the country.

Sales Schedule; Regular sales are held on Mondays and the only exception is The August Bank Holiday and the Christmas break. These sales cater for Bullocks, heifers, Cull Cows, Calves and Breeding stock. In the Autumn (SeptemberNovember) calves are sold in conjunction with weanling sales on Wednesdays.

Dairy Cows/Heifers and Suckler

Cows are sold on alternate Wednesdays from late January until late May. The Mart provides a comprehensive service for land letting/leasing and entitlement leasing and trading.

& Continued Success To Mid Tipp Mart

It has been very much a case of onwards and upwards for Mid Tipp Mart IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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KC Agri designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 11:21 Page 1

The Creane name is synonymous with quality work and competitive prices.

K

A quick and efficient service

C Agri Ltd offer the most extensive range of agricultural contracting services and solutions for farmers and landowners from the Hook Peninsula to New Ross and the surrounding area. Irish Tractor sat down with Kevin Creane to reflect on their years in business.

With over three decades of farming experience, Wexford based KC Agri Ltd provides an extensive range of agricultural services. When it comes to professionalism, reliability and diversity in their range of services, they are your one stop service and are always willing to help.

Agricultural contractors play a central

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role in Irish Agriculture. It is estimated that 80% of the heavily mechanised work, such as silage making, is done by contractors while the value of services provided is about €500m per year.

Contracting runs in the Creane family.

Father Kevin has 30 years experience to fall back on and he has passed on his knowledge and skills to his son Ciaran who has inherited his passion for farming.

“It is a family business and we pride ourselves on the work that we do,” Kevin explained to Irish Tractor magazine. “We consider ourselves fortunate in that we have a lot of loyal customers and we always strive to provide them with a top quality service “I come from a farming background and have been contracting for over thirty

years. I worked with two other contractors before setting up my own business in 1983.

Myself and Ciaran decided to

combine forces and set up KC Agri in

2010 and in that time has built up quite a

CONTACT DETAILS KC Agri Ltd

Ballygarret, Saltmills, New Ross Co Wexford Kevin: 0862602438 Ciaran: 087-9473061 kcreane@gmail.com

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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large portfolio of work and many happy customers. “ In addition to ourselves, we employ one person full time while, at the busy times of the year, we could have up to nine others working for us.”

The Creane name is synonymous with quality work and competitive prices. Generally working within a 12 mile radius of their base near FethardOn-Sea, they provide a complete contracting service and all jobs, big or small, are treated with the same attention.

With carefully analysed costs, they offer exceptional commitment to their customers. “We are always looking at ways we can improve the services we offer our customers so we can give them the best possible value for money. We recently invested in a new McHale Fusion 3+ baler and Keltic bale carrier which means less handling of the bale giving the customer better bale quality.”

Kevin, Ciaran and their employees

provide the full range of services including ploughing, sowing, spraying, harvesting corn, maize, beet and silage; baling and slurry to name but a few.

With a well maintained fleet of modern tractors, balers, combines, silage harvester and associated machinery, they can be flexible to suit everyones individual needs depending on the task and can tailor contracts depending on what machinery or help is required from them as contractors.

They offer very competitive IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

KC Agri was set up in 2010

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Heating Oil Agriculture Petrol & Diesel Lubricants & Tanks

Wexford Office Contact 053 9139177 / 9139133 The Dirr, Murrintown, Wexford Enniscorthy Office Contact 053 9237233 Old Dublin Rd. Enniscorthy Gorey Office Contact 053 9482211

Order Online www.newlineoil.com

Wishing Continued Success To KC Agri Ltd

Best Wishes & Continued Success To KC Agri Ltd

Grain Merchant Suppliers of SEED - FERTILISER CHEMICALS - FEED CONTINUED SUCCESS TO ALL AT

KC Agri Ltd

Wexford Diesel Services Ltd

Best Wishes & Continued Success To KC Agri Ltd From

Specialists in Diesel Fuel Pumps and Injectors Common Rail & Vp Systems

OPENING HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:30pm. Saturday by appointment.

Ardcavan, Wexford, Co. Wexford T: 053 91 45537 F: 053 91 45728 E: info@wexforddieselservices.ie

www.wexforddieselservices.ie

Ballyhamilton, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

T:053-9388400 M: 087-2792756 E: j.leech@ballyhamiltonagri.ie

ANDREW LACEY Continued Best Wishes To KC Agri Ltd From

AGRI MACHINERY LTD Offering New & Quality Second Hand Machines, With Constantly Changing Stock Nationwide Delivery

The Harrow, Ferns, Co. Wexford Tel:053-9366423 Mobile: 087-2594864 E: sales@alaceyagri.com E:andrewlacey1@eircom.net www.alaceyagri.com

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED

Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 12

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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prices and the best rates allowing you quality service using the latest technology and modern equipment available at the lowest prices.

This means you can get the work done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“We look after all the maintenance work ourselves and if there's anything major we go back to the main dealers – TFM Enniscorthy (John Deere) and Kill Agri, Kilrossanty, Co Waterford (Case).”

By using KC Agri you free up more time to concentrate on other aspects of your farm, and eliminate the need to invest large sums of money in equipment that you may only need a few times in a year. hope to stay at it for a long time to machinery costs are rising every day so “Thankfully, we were very busy in 2015, come.” when the work is there you have to do it. it was a very good year from our point of Do not hesitate to get in contact with Having said that, overall we've been view, we are extremely lucky to have Kevin, Ciaran and KC Agri Ltd to see happy with how things have gone for us such a loyal customer base,” Kevin what they can do for you. since setting up the business and we replied when asked: was there much demand for their services in the year just come to an end.

He also sounded a note of caution however: “There are plenty of challenges in this business.

“The price of diesel was a big factor there for a long time but has come down but insurance is now a big issue. The price of insurance is after seeing a big hike in the last 12 months and there doesn't seem to be too many companies willing to quote contractors at the moment.

“We are always looking at ways we can improve the services we offer our customers so we can give “On top of that, them the best possible value for money” IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Harvesting underway

A growing concern

D

uffy’s Farm, formerly Duffy Potatoes, is a young and vibrant potato and fruit & veg supplier based in Buncrana, Co. Donegal. The company has come a long way in just two years as managing director Christopher Duffy explains.

The 27-year-old’s hard work, diligence, foresight and ambition were recognised when he

CONTACT DETAILS Duffy’s Farm (Duffy Potatoes)

Another load of potatoes being brought in from the fields

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Lisfannon, Buncrana, Co. Donegal.

Telephone: 086 3664724 / 087 7607120 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Christopher Duffy receives his award for Donegal's Best Overall Young Entrepreneur

was chosen as the Best Overall Young Entrepreneur winner in Donegal last year. His fledgling business, which was recently rebranded Duffy’s Farm to reflect its expansion into fresh fruit & veg, also scooped the award for Best StartUp Business.

Christopher, who went on to represent Donegal at the national finals, was humbled to be honoured at last September’s awards ceremony in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny.

Commenting on his Best Overall Young Entrepreneur Award, he said: “It was unexpected. It was such a tough category and to be chosen as the overall winner was a huge thrill.

“Donegal Enterprise ran an eightday boot camp and all 20 entrants had to make a business presentation. I was chuffed to come out of it with two awards.

The other award categories were for Best Established Business and Best Business Idea.”

Employing seven people, Duffy’s Farm grow, pack and distribute their produce not only to Donegal and Derry, but now to the whole of Ireland. Diced potatoes, chunky chips, freshly cut chips and blanched chips are a speciality.

When Christopher set up the business two years ago with his IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

brother John, they identified an opening in the market for fresh, peeled and chipped potatoes.

“I decided to target the processing / production end because I felt I had to do something different than just supplying potatoes in their natural form. This is a more dependable market in my view as it cuts out the middle man. Potato growers are often offered prices below what they cost to produce and I didn’t want to be at the mercy of the buyers.

It meant having to invest in washing, chipping and peeling equipment. I had to

Bagged peeled potatoes and chips

put a van and a lorry on the road as well.

This investment is now starting to pay off as we’re supplying all over Ireland to the hotel, fruit & veg, restaurant, chip shop and retail sectors.

“We supply 10kg bags to the catering sector and 2kg bags to the retail sector,” he explains.

Since November, Christopher and John have also been directly supplying fresh fruit and vegetables, which are prepacked and ready to cook, to his expanding customer-base.

“It’s all about bringing more products to the dinner table. We now have all your potato and vegetable needs covered which will allow us to make further inroads into the retail sector,” he says.

There is a long tradition of potato growing in the Buncrana area and farming is in the blood as Christopher and John are third generation potato growers. Their grandfather Philip and his brothers were major potato growers in the 1940’s. It was tough work back then with horses called on instead of the tractors of today, and Saturdays were spent with a horse and cart going into towns selling potatoes. The business developed and by the 1960’s the Duffy family were

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Congratulations To Duffy Potatoes

Travers & Co Insurances Ltd Best wishes and continued success to Duffy Potatoes

supplying the Dublin markets and were also feed suppliers.

For a while Christopher’s family were not involved in potatoes until himself, his brother John and father started again.

Christopher and John grow a wide variety of the finest potatoes on mostly rented land on the Inishowen Peninsula.

They grew Roosters, Kerr’s Pink, British Queen’s and Maris Piper last year, and intends upping production this year.

Red-skinned, yellow-fleshed, easy to cook any way and

INSURANCE, MORTGAGE & LIFE BROKERS

7 Upper Main Street, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Tel:(0402) 32204 Fax:(0402) 31203 www.traversinsurances.ie

Travers & Co Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Duffy Potatoes From

OPENING HOURS 7am -11pm Monday – Saturday | Sun 7.30-10pm Buncrana, Co. Donegal Tel 074 93 61719

DOHERTY POTATOES Best Wishes & Continued Success To Duffy Potatoes, From

SUPPLYING POTATOES TO ALL LOCAL MARKETS Seed Potatoes Supplied Nationwide Moness, Burt, Co. Donegal

Mobile: 086-8220247

E:dohertypotatoes@yahoo.ie

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The 27-year-old also won the award for Best Start-Up Business in Donegal

Some of the products from Duffy's Farm on display

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

hardy, Roosters are the most widely grown potato in Ireland which are traditionally harvested from August through November.

Kerr’s Pink, with their whiteto-pink skin colour, are flourier than the Rooster. This is another Irish favourite that has traditionally been grown in Donegal. Queen’s are also very popular in this country.

They are a mainstay of the summer with their white skin and flesh, excellent floury texture and beautiful taste.

They can be used for boiling, steaming, roasting and chipping.

Maris Piper, meanwhile, is suited to making chips.

Once the potatoes are harvested, they are washed, graded, chipped and peeled in Duffy’s state-of-the-art packhouse before being distributed / stored.

The Irish know their potatoes better than anyone, so the team at Duffy’s Farm take great pride in the care and skill with which they grow potatoes.

They give their potatoes all the attention they need to ensure they arrive on the consumer’s plate in prime condition. They strive to provide the highest quality potatoes which meet the standards of the Irish consumer, while being mindful of the environment. Their passion for producing the best keeps them focused and promotes continuous improvement.

Christopher would like to see greater promotion of potatoes and the health benefits of consuming them.

“There is a misconception about potatoes being fattening.

This is something that needs to be addressed. They keep you feeling fuller for longer and are packed with nutrients.

They are also great as part of a gluten-free diet.

“They can be just as convenient and as easy to prepare as rice or pasta. You can’t beat the humble spud and we have to get that message across to the younger generation especially,” he concludes.

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An irrigation system in operation on a racetrack

C

e pumping solutions experts

elebrating 40 years in business, PJ Dore & Co Ltd are pumps and irrigation systems specialists.

The Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick-based company designs, supplies and installs a wide range of pumping and irrigation systems for domestic, agricultural, commercial, industrial and sporting applications all over Ireland.

From a farming background, PJ began his working life as an electrician and was involved in wiring many of the new milking parlours that were built in the Mid-West region during that time. He then began installing washdown and deep well pumps, which led to him setting up his own pumping and irrigation systems company.

PJ’s wife Betty is also a director in the family-run business, which their son Shane is also involved in.

It was on a trip to the Royal Show in England with the Limerick and Clare branch of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association 28 years ago that PJ secured the prestigious Briggs Irrigation agency.

He recalls: “John O’Meara, who was the manager of Irish Cement at the time, was on the tour with us and suggested to me

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that I should bring the brand to Ireland.

Briggs was only a new company at the time and we held a number of demonstrations around the country before I sold my first system to Teagasc in Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. And I’m delighted to be able to say it is still working perfectly to this day.

“Shortly after that, I sold further irrigation systems to Clongowes Wood College, Rockwell College and to Teagasc’s Grange and Moorepark research centres. I’ve since sold hundreds of Briggs systems to farmers and other customers all over Ireland.”

PJ is proud to represent Briggs Irrigation, which was founded in 1985 and has developed an extensive range of successful irrigation and dirty water dispersal systems over the years.

Ingeniously simple, Briggs’ award-winning Roto Rainers provide an efficient, low-cost and environmentally-friendly method of disposing thin slurry and dirty water.

Application rates of 5mm or less can be achieved with all models to fit in with dirty water disposal guidelines.

As fluid moves into the boom it starts to revolve, tripping the automatic start mechanism. The revolving boom drives a toothed drum on which a wire rope is wound. By anchoring the rope at the end of the run, the machine is pulled towards the

anchor and travels along until an automatic stop mechanism puts it out of gear. The boom’s low height keeps drift and smell to a minimum, while the unit has a low energy and low pressure requirement.

There are three models available – Model 2, 5 and 10 – giving runs from 150 to 300 metres and widths between runs of 18 to 24 metres.

A choice of slurry pump sets is available for the full range of Roto Rainers, ensuring the slurry pump can be sized correctly for each site. Model 2 and 5 pumps are available in three-phase of single phase version and can pump from 2-6m 3/hr or 7.5kW motors which can pump up to 16m 3/hr. All Roto Rainer slurry pump sets are based around the well-proven British-built

CONTACT DETAILS PJ Dore & Co Ltd Ballyshonick, Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick.

Telephone: 061 393240 Mobile: 087 2554794 Email: info@pjdore.com Web: www.pjdore.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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A huge range of services are offered

Mono progressive cavity pump and the unit is designed to give reliable service with a minimum of maintenance. For example, a mechanical seal is used in place of traditional ‘packed’ seals, this avoiding the need for routine seal maintenance.

Standard features includes a thermostatically controlled heater for frost protection, a float switch to start and stop the pump automatically, a stainless steel pressure switch gauge which shows the running pressure and stops the pump (if there is a burst pipe, blockage or if the Roto Rainer has finished the run), a nonreturn valve and a digital display showing pump status.

PJ is also an appointed Irish agent for Grundfos pumps and energy-efficient solutions, Bauer irrigation and slurry pumps, Mono pumps and Storth machinery, who manufacturer slurry handing equipment, including slurry storage tanks, mixers, pumps and automatic scrapers.

PJ Dore & Co Ltd provides a huge range of products and services, including sprinklers, irrigation, slurry mixing and pumping solutions, water pumps, water pressure pumps, dirty water and slurry PTO pumps, pressure pipes, drip irrigation IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

systems, pump parts, water booster pumps, water pipes, Hdpe pipe laying, water well pumps, dry bedding separators and submersible pumps as well as repairs, service and maintenance.

While most of PJ’s customers are from the farming sector, his services are being increasingly sought by sporting organisations. In 2008, he installed a Briggs racecourse irrigation system in

Galway Racecourse. Two Briggs racecourse irrigators with a boom width of 30 metres can water the course in six hours with a fully automatic dieselpowered pump capable of pumping over 100m 3/hr.

He has since installed similar irrigation systems at The Curragh, Leopardstown and Ballinrobe Racecourses and sportsfield irrigation systems at the Gaelic

Slurry being pumped

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Continued Best Wishes To PJ Dore & Co Ltd, From

Milltown, Athy, Co. Kildare Tel:086-1911811 Email: cliffperse@yahoo.co.uk

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL PJ Dore & Co Ltd are pump and irrigation systems specialists

Grounds in Limerick, Semple Stadium in Thurles, Pearse Stadium in Salthill, Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney and at the Dr Crokes and Rathmore GAA club grounds in Co. Kerry.

For the past 25 years, PJ’s company has been responsible for providing the water supply for the entire National Ploughing Championships site. A month before the event every year,

the Pallaskenry man arrives at the site to begin the arduous task of connecting the supply that will see up to 90,000 gallons of water being circulated daily.

“The first time we worked at the Ploughing Championships was back in the early 1990s when they were held in Crecora, Co. Limerick, and we have been working at them ever since,” he explained.

As farming techniques advance, the demand for PJ’s dirty water systems are on the increase, and he is now installing systems in farms on a weekly basis. Whatever your requirement, he has the knowledge and expertise to recommend the best solution for any pumping application.

PJ Dore & Co Ltd offers a top-class service to all customers and ensures every job is completed to the highest standard. Why not give them a call?

How to deal with dirty water We are pleased to be associated with PJ Dore & Co, supplying our proven Roto Rainer dirty water irrigators and Roto Rainer pumpsets. www.briggsirrigation.co.uk

Best Wishes To PJ Dore & Co Ltd, From

Best Wishes & Continued Success To PJ Dore & Co Ltd From

Irelands Premier Irrigation Supplier Unit 22 Turvey Business Centre, Turvey Avenue, Donabate, Co. Dublin

Sprinklers are a speciality

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Tel: 01-8404033 Fax: 01-8405337 Email: info@ irritec.ie www.irritec.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Harvesting underway

A growing concern

D

uffy’s Farm, formerly Duffy Potatoes, is a young and vibrant potato and fruit & veg supplier based in Buncrana, Co. Donegal. The company has come a long way in just two years as managing director Christopher Duffy explains.

The 27-year-old’s hard work, diligence, foresight and ambition were recognised when he

CONTACT DETAILS Duffy’s Farm (Duffy Potatoes)

Another load of potatoes being brought in from the fields

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Lisfannon, Buncrana, Co. Donegal.

Telephone: 086 3664724 / 087 7607120 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

duffy potatoes designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 11:27 Page 2

Christopher Duffy receives his award for Donegal's Best Overall Young Entrepreneur

was chosen as the Best Overall Young Entrepreneur winner in Donegal last year. His fledgling business, which was recently rebranded Duffy’s Farm to reflect its expansion into fresh fruit & veg, also scooped the award for Best StartUp Business.

Christopher, who went on to represent Donegal at the national finals, was humbled to be honoured at last September’s awards ceremony in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny.

Commenting on his Best Overall Young Entrepreneur Award, he said: “It was unexpected. It was such a tough category and to be chosen as the overall winner was a huge thrill.

“Donegal Enterprise ran an eightday boot camp and all 20 entrants had to make a business presentation. I was chuffed to come out of it with two awards.

The other award categories were for Best Established Business and Best Business Idea.”

Employing seven people, Duffy’s Farm grow, pack and distribute their produce not only to Donegal and Derry, but now to the whole of Ireland. Diced potatoes, chunky chips, freshly cut chips and blanched chips are a speciality.

When Christopher set up the business two years ago with his IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

brother John, they identified an opening in the market for fresh, peeled and chipped potatoes.

“I decided to target the processing / production end because I felt I had to do something different than just supplying potatoes in their natural form. This is a more dependable market in my view as it cuts out the middle man. Potato growers are often offered prices below what they cost to produce and I didn’t want to be at the mercy of the buyers.

It meant having to invest in washing, chipping and peeling equipment. I had to

Bagged peeled potatoes and chips

put a van and a lorry on the road as well.

This investment is now starting to pay off as we’re supplying all over Ireland to the hotel, fruit & veg, restaurant, chip shop and retail sectors.

“We supply 10kg bags to the catering sector and 2kg bags to the retail sector,” he explains.

Since November, Christopher and John have also been directly supplying fresh fruit and vegetables, which are prepacked and ready to cook, to his expanding customer-base.

“It’s all about bringing more products to the dinner table. We now have all your potato and vegetable needs covered which will allow us to make further inroads into the retail sector,” he says.

There is a long tradition of potato growing in the Buncrana area and farming is in the blood as Christopher and John are third generation potato growers. Their grandfather Philip and his brothers were major potato growers in the 1940’s. It was tough work back then with horses called on instead of the tractors of today, and Saturdays were spent with a horse and cart going into towns selling potatoes. The business developed and by the 1960’s the Duffy family were

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supplying the Dublin markets and were also feed suppliers.

For a while Christopher’s family were not involved in potatoes until himself, his brother John and father started again.

Christopher and John grow a wide variety of the finest potatoes on mostly rented land on the Inishowen Peninsula.

They grew Roosters, Kerr’s Pink, British Queen’s and Maris Piper last year, and intends upping production this year.

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To Duffy Potatoes From

OPENING HOURS 7am -11pm Monday – Saturday | Sun 7.30-10pm Buncrana, Co. Donegal Tel 074 93 61719

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Mobile: 086-8220247

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The 27-year-old also won the award for Best Start-Up Business in Donegal

Some of the products from Duffy's Farm on display

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hardy, Roosters are the most widely grown potato in Ireland which are traditionally harvested from August through November.

Kerr’s Pink, with their whiteto-pink skin colour, are flourier than the Rooster. This is another Irish favourite that has traditionally been grown in Donegal. Queen’s are also very popular in this country.

They are a mainstay of the summer with their white skin and flesh, excellent floury texture and beautiful taste.

They can be used for boiling, steaming, roasting and chipping.

Maris Piper, meanwhile, is suited to making chips.

Once the potatoes are harvested, they are washed, graded, chipped and peeled in Duffy’s state-of-the-art packhouse before being distributed / stored.

The Irish know their potatoes better than anyone, so the team at Duffy’s Farm take great pride in the care and skill with which they grow potatoes.

They give their potatoes all the attention they need to ensure they arrive on the consumer’s plate in prime condition. They strive to provide the highest quality potatoes which meet the standards of the Irish consumer, while being mindful of the environment. Their passion for producing the best keeps them focused and promotes continuous improvement.

Christopher would like to see greater promotion of potatoes and the health benefits of consuming them.

“There is a misconception about potatoes being fattening.

This is something that needs to be addressed. They keep you feeling fuller for longer and are packed with nutrients.

They are also great as part of a gluten-free diet.

“They can be just as convenient and as easy to prepare as rice or pasta. You can’t beat the humble spud and we have to get that message across to the younger generation especially,” he concludes.

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Inside the North Cork Creameries Ltd milk powder plant at Kanturk

P

North Cork gets the cream

art of the fabric of life in the dairy stronghold of Duhallow since 1928, North Cork Creameries Ltd was among the winners at the 2015 Quality Food and Drinks Awards ceremony which took place in Dublin’s Mansion House in September.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Suppliers of high quality milk products, including milk powders, rennet casein, sweet cream butter, whey butter and blended ingredients to both the domestic and international markets, North Cork Creameries won the ‘Free From – Chilled’ category for its SuperValu Lactose Free Milk and was also highly recommended in the ‘Dairy and Milk Products – Butters and Spreads’ category for its SuperValu and Centra Unsalted Butter.

The Irish Quality Food and Drinks Awards were open to all food and drink retailers, producers and manufacturers across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. They set out to recognise excellence in food and drink product development from a wide variety of companies across Ireland.

“These successes reflect the quality of our dairy products. The Irish Quality Food

Awards are very prestigious, so it was a great honour for us to be recognised by the judges,” North Cork Creameries CEO Pat Sheahan enthuses.

These are certainly exciting times for North Cork Co-op which is totally farmerowned and has provided jobs for generations of people in the region over the decades. In March 2014, the Creamery opened a new €5 million milk

CONTACT DETAILS

North Cork Creameries Ltd

Dromalour, Kanturk, Co. Cork.

Telephone: 00353 29 50003 Email: info@northcorkco-op.com

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GREENVALLEY TRANSPORT & PLANT HIRE LTD. Wishing NORTH CORK CO-OP continued success.

Ballygiblin, Cecilstown, Mallow, Co. Cork

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Main Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Tel: 045-439000

Email: mossie.o’leary@bnm.ie

www.bnm.ie

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AGRI

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BEST WISHES TO NORTH CORK CO-OP Goulding Chemicals Limited,

Centre Park Road, Marina, Cork Tel: +353 (0)21 4911 611 Fax: +353 (0)21 4911 660 Email: sales@gouldings.ie

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north cork designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 11:36 Page 3

powder plant in Kanturk which will enable it to compete at a global level and support the local economy well into the future.

Minister Simon Coveney was on hand to officially open the new plant, which has the capacity to dry two tonnes per hour. The milk drying plant is one of the most modern and efficient facilities of its kind, producing very high quality milk powders together with other operations such as casein, butter and liquid milk.

The facility was developed in line with the continuing global growth in demand for dairy products and the abolition of milk quotas last April.

“We have invested €12 million over the last four years on our facilities in preparation for the lifting of milk quotas and the extra capacity that’s needed to meet expanding processing needs and to supply growing global demand for dairy products,” Pat says.

“The new powder plant allows us to benefit from reduced processing costs while improving our long-term competitiveness and strengthening our market presence with a world-class product. It forms a key element of our business, development strategy to improve capability, create new efficiencies and to identify new markets for our value added dairy products.

“This investment is very important in addressing the needs of our customers on whom our business depends.”

Pat, who became North Cork Creameries CEO in 2013 after

There are two North Cork Creameries Town and Country Stores

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working with the Kerry Group as a senior executive for 25 years, isn’t unduly concerned about the current low prices farmers are getting for their milk.

“Despite the volatility over prices, the medium-term is still quite positive on balance with world population growth. The outstanding reputation Irish dairy products have abroad will play an important role in the recovery of milk prices in this country, I believe.

“At the start of 2014, our suppliers were offered the opportunity to sign up to a fixed-milk price scheme which is run in conjunction with Ornua (Irish Dairy Board). The price offered at the time was 34.71c/l including VAT and was available for three years. There was a poor supplier take-up and with prices now at 26c/l, I’m sure a different view might prevail.

“But they will have an opportunity to sign up to a new scheme in January 2016 which will see them paid 29c/l over a 36-month period.”

North Cork Creameries has developed into a strong, independent and successful agribusiness since its foundation nearly 90 years ago. The Creamery’s mission is to serve its shareholders and milk suppliers, and has a dedicated team in place to carry out this role. It currently has 140 suppliers, 300 shareholders and employs 65 people from the local area.

North Cork Creameries processes 105 million litres of milk and five million litres of liquid milk per annum, including milk for other co-ops such as Dairygold and Glanbia. The recent investment in new facilities gives it the capacity to process 200 million litres of milk per year.

With annual revenues of €65 million, the Co-op has an enviable record in processing and sourcing steady and profitable market outlets and for its suppliers’ milk and for maintaining secure employment in Kanturk and its environs. It is one of the few remaining independent creameries dedicated to the principles first laid down by Horace Plunkett at the foundation of the cooperative movement.

The North Cork Creameries board is made up of 12 members from six branches – Banagh, Castlecor, Glensouth, Cullen, Ballyhoulihan and Kanturk. The board members – two from each branch – are elected every three years. Pat Sheahan is joined on the executive by financial director Chris Caulfield, commercial director Mick O’Shea, agri trade director Con Drew and HR manager Micheala Ronan. Martin O’Keeffe is chairman of the Creamery.

As well as producing its own brand of butter and milk, North Cork Creameries produces milk and butter for Musgraves (SuperValu and Centra) and butter for Kerrygold. It is also the only creamery in the 32 counties of Ireland to produce whey butter, which is used mostly in the manufacture of confectionary.

In addition, there are two North Cork Creameries Town and Country Stores located in Kanturk and Cullen. There are a range of departments in both stores, including hardware, building products, electrical products, gardening, fuels, paint/accessories, clothing and footwear and a full range of agri inputs such as feed, fertilizer etc.

Staff are friendly, highly-trained and always on hand to provide advice to customers. There is ample car parking space and a comfortable, spacious layout where customers can browse through the wide range of products on offer.

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Stephen Dowling set up Dúnmasc Genetics three years ago

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

dunmasc designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:40 Page 2

An Emerging Business

D

espite being just three years in existence, Dúnmasc Genetics are no strangers to award success. The progressive business was nominated in two categories at this year's Agrinusiness Awards while their roll of honour also includes the 2015 Emerging New Business (SSA Awards) and Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur (Laois) accolades.

On Tuesday, December 8th last the cream of Ireland's Agribusiness industry were recognised and celebrated in front of an audience of industry professionals at the inaugural Agribusiness Awards which were held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dublin.

The Agribusiness Awards were launched to recognise and celebrate the most innovative organisations and individuals that have contributed to Ireland being

viewed as a global leader in this sector.

Dúnmasc Genetics were up for two awards, in the 'Use of Technology' and 'Innovation' categories and Managing Director Stephen Dowling, who set up the business three years, ago told Irish Tractor & Agri magazine: “It was a great achievement to get that far.

“In relative terms, we're a small business and it can be at times difficult to compete against bigger companies but we feel we're innovative in how we go about running our company and the nominations back that up.”

Initially, bovine embryo transfer and ultrasound scanning were the core components of the business, but the past few years has seen Dúnmasc Genetics diversify its services, as it expanded into artificial insemination (AI), hoof trimming and the distribution and sales of AI straws.

In addition, Stephen and his experienced staff provide a range of training courses

with the needs of the farmer in mind. Their aim is to provide practical training, as well as develop the farmer’s knowledge in their chosen area of training.

As a pedigree breeder or farmer, your herd is a major asset that offers huge potential. Work with Dúnmasc Genetics to unlock that potential and make gains in terms of quality and productivity.

Their business is based on genetic merit.

For dairy farmers, they can help you

CONTACT DETAILS

Dúnmasc Genetics Rockview Dunamaise Portlaoise Co Laois.

T: +353 (0)57 864 6688 M: +353 (0)86 360 7641

Dúnmasc Genetics' Stephen Dowling (second from right) accepts the Emerging New Business award from Minister of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD alongside SFA chairman AJ Noonan and David Curtin of sponsors IE Domain Registry IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Continued success to DÚNMASC GENETICS, from Delighted to be associated with DÚNMASC GENETICS & Wish Them Continued Success

Whitemill Industrial Estate, Clonard Road, Wexford Wexford: +353 (0) 53 9184535 info@allinoneeventhire.ie

www.marqueehire.ie Continued Success To Dúnmasc Genetics From

Unit 4 Creevaghbeg, Athlone Road, Ballymahon, Co. Longford.

Tel: (090) 64 38724 Fax: (090) 64 38725

DENIS FOYNES HOOF TRIMMING www.molloyveterinary.ie

Clonaslee, Co. Laois

ANNUAL AI SERVICE LIQUID NITROGEN DELIVERIES EQUIPMENT SALES PIPE FREEZING SHRINK FITTING

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www.bolandcryo.ie Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Dúnmasc Genetics From

Tel: 086-2358803

ALL ASPECTS OF HOOF CARE IN A SAFE MODERN CRUSH WILLING TO TRAVEL TO ALL AREAS

Continued success to Dúnmasc Genetics

‘Asistec – specialists in cryogenic storage congratulate Dúnmasc Genetics and wish them well for the future.’

Unit 15A, Solus Tower Estate, Corke Abbey, Bray Co. Wicklow

Tel:00353 1 2814650 Fax: 00353 1 2043064 Email:info@asistec.ie www.asistec.ie 26

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dunmasc designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:40 Page 4

Dúnmasc Genetics provide top quality bovine genetics and fertility management services to farmers and breeders throughout Leinster, Ireland and beyond.

improve milk quality and herd classification. For suckler farmers, they can work with you to increase weanling or beef production. They can help by providing proven bloodlines so that you can breed with confidence.

Based in one of Ireland’s agricultural heartlands, Co. Laois, they provide top quality bovine genetics and fertility management services to farmers and breeders throughout Leinster, Ireland and beyond.

They source semen and embryos from proven herds and export them all over the world. Their services include flushing, freezing and transferring embryos. They can also provide bovine pregnancy scanning, training courses and their product range includes the HerdInsights and semen sales.

“The use of technology nomination was more linked with what we do around embryo transfers, the skill and technology we use to be able to breed and transfer embryos,” Stephen explained.

“We've also developed a mobile app which is all about making life easier for farmers. They have constant access through their mobiles and can generate their own programme through the app while we use push notifications to keep them updated. It's a basic app at the minute but we're looking at ways of improving it.”

Dúnmasc Genetics' laboratory is in Dunamaise just outside Portlaoise and the Dowling family is steeped in farming and IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

still run a busy farm beside the famous Rock of Dunamaise historical site.

Stephen brings with him years of experience in farming allied to extensive training in the field of bovine genetics.

After studying for two years in Kildalton Agricultural College, Stephen developed his interest in genetics and undertook further training in AI. He then went on to undergo specialist training in the area of embryo transfer with Rafter D Genetics, Texas in the United States.

As an Embryo Transfer technician, he believes ongoing training is required to regularly update his skills in line with scientific developments and best practice.

A family-run affair, his mother Antoinette looks after the sales and administration functions.

Their custom built laboratory is designed with both tailored analysis and practicality in mind; they are the first company to combine embryo transfer services and semen distribution in Ireland.

Regulated to the appropriate standards and legislation according to The Council Directive 89/556/EEC and SI19 of 2009 and approved and licensed by the Dept of Agriculture, the lab is equipped accordingly, using equipment like microscopes, freezers and cryopreservation units.

Their residential service with a focus on nutrition, fertility and flushing programmes offers their customers an extra level of service if required. Their aim is to help you get the most from your herd.

Traceability is a major issue for the agricultural community today so Dúnmasc Genetics source semen and embryos from sources they know and trust. As farmers themselves, they understand their customers requirements.

“We’re a family-run business with a commitment to providing only the highest quality products and services,” Stephen added.

“Every year we're gets busier and busier.

We're a growing company with loyal customers from all over the country and we've also being doing a certain amount of export since 2014. We're very experienced at what we do and we enjoy a high level of interaction with customers.

Our team knows what they are talking about and the advice they offer is second to none.

“We're continually looking at ways of expanding the business. We have beef cattle catalogue and are looking at setting up a dairy catalogue to have ready for the Spring market.”

Dúnmasc Genetics believe in quality for all farmers and breeders, both in Ireland and abroad. They welcome enquiries from other countries who want to improve their herd’s productivity and efficiency from their selection of proven bloodlines and animal health monitoring systems.

They provide the perfect combination of science and expertise to help you make the most of your herd.

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Keith Symes with his popular product

W

From farm to table

icklow Rapeseed Oil has earned itself a fine reputation since it first hit the store shelves two years ago. Irish Tractor & Agri spoke to its founder Keith Symes to learn all about the brand’s quality and its quick rise to success.

Going out on your own may well have been somewhat risky for many Irish farmers back in 2013, but for Keith Symes the right ingredients to start his own company were there – literally.

Since that time, Wicklow Rapeseed Oil has been flourishing to the point where its brand is now a back-to-back A happy heart all the way winner in the from Hawkstown Lower, Co Wicklow much esteemed

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‘Great Taste Awards’ and could well be on its way to supermarket shelves in the United Kingdom in 2016.

That’s an impressive blossom in the space of 24 months, which is roughly the amount of time which Keith took to research the market before launching his superb product.

“Based on the family farm at Hawkstown Lower, Co Wicklow, we currently employ three staff,” explained Keith.

“Basically, we grow Oilseed Rapeseed Rape on the family farm and pay local farmers a premium price for growing oilseed rape. A certain variety of seed is used that thrives in the Garden of Irelands finest soil and produces a flavoursome healthy cooking oil of Extra Virgin standard. Before launching Wicklow Rapeseed Oil, I spent two years researching the market, attending courses and creating a Flavoursome Rapeseed Oil which is light in flavour.”

“Oils are very like wines, the quality and flavour are affected by various parameters from Farm to Table; these include seed variety, climate, soil fertility, drying techniques, seed cleaning, cold pressing seed and oil filtration. We carefully ensure each stage is carried out to achieve 100% satisfaction resulting in a light and nutty flavoursome cooking oil.”

Since graduating from agricultural college, Keith has farmed the land which has passed down through generations of

CONTACT DETAILS

Wicklow Rapeseed Oil Address: Hawkstown Lower, Co Wicklow Tel: +353 (0) 404 79574

Web: wicklowrapeseedoil.ie E-mail: info@wicklowrapeseedoil.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Keith Symes

my family.

During this time he has been tillage farming, growing a variety of crops such as barley, wheat, oats and oilseed rape.

The rich fertile soil and favourable climate in this area lends itself well to a high quality harvest.

Keith’s passion for farming along with his ambition to start a business which is linked with farming led him towards the idea of producing

Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil. “I saw an opening in the market for this great healthy product and began working on establishing Wicklow Rapeseed Oil,” he explained.

“Over previous years I have spent much time researching rapeseed oil. This partly involved growing and harvesting various different seed types in order to find a seed variety that thrives in our soil

The different flavours of Wicklow Rapeseed Oil IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

conditions and produces a flavoursome, healthy cooking oil of Extra Virgin Standard.”

Since his youth, Keith’s background had always been in farming and he would graduate with a college degree in his chosen field.

After that, he moved up the country to start work in power stations before founding the company which he now runs today.

Wicklow Rapeseed Oil was set-up in 2013

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Wicklow Rapeseed Oil are back-to-back winners at the ‘Great Taste Awards’

“I started off farming when I was a young lad and would have continued farming all my life,” said the Wicklow native.

“I studied Agricultural Engineering at Tralee IT for three years” He continued: “After college I worked as an Engineering constructing gas combined cycle power stations in Dublin. I also worked on peat power stations in the Midlands while traveling home at weekends to help my father on the farm.

With its own unique flavour, it can be used for a variety of cooking purposes, which can be added to your favourite salad or marinade while you can also use it as dipping oil for rustic breads.

You can also use it when making a stir fry or when roasting.

Rapeseed oil will add a richness of colour, taste and texture to your finished dish.

Best Wishes To Wicklow Rapeseed Oil

Wicklow Rapeseed Oil is a truly tasty versatile oil with all the nutrition.

The next step now for Keith is to introduce a new lowcalorie cooking spray.

“We’re launching a new 2 Cal Cooking Spray which is low in calories and contains only 6% Saturated fat and 96% Omega 3, 6 % 9 which helps Lower your Cholesterol and keep a Happy Heart.

It is the only 100 per cent natural Extra Virgin Rapeseed Oil Cooking Spray on the market in Ireland, this product is ideal for people on slimming programmes as you can measure the amount of calories on each dish e.g. “2 Cal per Spray” whilst obtaining all the health benefits of Extra Virgin Rapeseed Oil explained Keith”.

Wicklow Rapeseed Oil Cooking Spray will be available in Supervalu’s in January 2016.

The health benefits of Wicklow Rapeseed Oil are definitely something which potential customers should take into account.

Rapeseed oil has less than half the saturated fat content (6%) when compared to all other cooking oils (e.g. olive oil 14%, sunflower oil 13%). Diets high in saturated fat content are linked to heart disease and high cholesterol etc.

It has 52% mono-unsaturated fat (Omega 9) and 25% polyunsaturated fat (Omega 3 & 6). Omega 9 aids brain

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Keith’s brand had earned itself a fine reputation

development in unborn children and has been linked to reduced rates of premature birth and low birth weights. It also can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Omega 3 & 6 are important essential fatty acids that we cannot produce ourselves and can only get from our food.

Eating foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer, as well as lower LDL or “Bad Cholesterol”. Nutritionists suggest 2:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio in the diet. Rapeseed Oil strikes this balance.

Rapeseed oil contains Vitamin E. This vitamin has a number of very important functions, (e.g. it helps protect cell membranes by acting as an antioxidant). Vitamin E is also necessary to preserve Omega 3 in cooking, helping to keep its nutritional value.

Apart from the healthy upside, the flavour is also something which consumers take into account by Keith’s customers.

“My main client is Supervalu,” he explained. “They’re choosing my product because of its flavour, because it’s suitable for salad dressings and stir frying, roasting etc.

“The other reason is because it’s a very strong brand name, plus it’s local as well. It’s creating a lot of work while putting a

lot into the local economy as well. Everything I source is Irish.

“Apart from the quality, we also have chilli, lemon and garlic flavours.”

It’s hard to argue with Keith there, as his products have been winning some of the most prestigious awards available when it comes to the oil food category.

Wicklow Rapeseed Oil has won back-to-back Great Taste Awards in 2014 and 2015 in its oil category and will be going for a hat-trick in 2016.

“It’s the biggest award in the world and the most prestigious one you can win in this line of work,” said Keith.

“The way it works is you send your product across to the UK and they have a panel which judges the products. If you win, you get to place the ‘Great Taste’ logo on to your products, website, flyers etc.”

Next up on the agenda for Keith is to export his product across the Channel in conjunction with Bord Bia. “I am looking into export at the moment,” he confirmed. “I’m currently in some small butchers in Scotland and now I’m looking into expanding into supermarkets in the UK. “I’m linking up with Bord Bia and hopefully they’re going to help me export my products in the future. We will be partaking in BordBia Superbrands in January.”

He concluded: “It’s all about getting out there, getting the PR and keeping the quality up.”

For Keith Symes and his company, it definitely looks like a case of ‘so far, so good’ with Wicklow Rapeseed Oil Cooking more success set to come.

Spray will be available in Supervalu’s in January

Some of the day-to-day work that goes on at Wicklow Rapeseed Oil IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Shortall Agri Services is based in Stradbally, Co Laois

F

A solid reputation

arming for generations, the Shortalls in Stradbally, Co Laois have been keeping their family’s proud tradition going strong. Irish Tractor & Agri spoke to Martin Shortall to find out about his John Deere fleet and what he has been up to as of late.

Family and farming have gone hand-inhand in this country for generations and as far as Martin Shortall is concerned, he wouldn’t rather be doing anything else.

Since finishing agricultural college at Kildalton in 2004, Martin has been providing an excellent agricultural contracting service which specialises in tillage and grassland work.

Indeed Shortall Agri Services has built up a splendid reputation since its inception and has been experiencing busy times recently off the back of that hard-earned reputation.

Working alongside his father, Andrew, Martin wanted to expand the already existing contracting buisness and hasn’t looked back since, doing work for

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customers all throughout Co Laois and outside its borders.

“We’re based in Aughamaddock, Stradbally in Co Laois,” explained Martin, who is running the services side of the business.

“My family has been farming for generations. My father and grandfather were doing it before I was born and I suppose I would’ve started full time back in 2004.

“Myself and my father had started contracting together and mostly what we do here is seasonal work. March through October would be our busiest time of year and when we’re at our busiest we’d have up to five working for us here.”

As farmers and agricultural contractors, Shortall Agri Services provide a service specializing in tillage and grassland work. The tillage work that they carry out consists of complete "stubble to stubble" contracting or part work carried out.

The grassland part mainly consists of baled silage and hay, while there’s the option of mowing, tedding, raking and slurry spreading, while grass re-seeding,

ploughing or disced before sown is also carried out.

Martin’s business also supplies silage, hay and straw in all shapes and sizes and all produce and work is "quality as standard".

“We’re feeding cattle here daily in a bed and breakfast arrangement, finishing 1200 beef cattle each year. We also farm 400 acres of cereals,” said the Laois native.

“Mainly what we do is tillage work our main service in that is sowing around 1,200 to 1,500 acres. We buy and sell a lot of straw throughout the year.

Last year I bought a New krone Big Pack square baler to run alongside the already existing two Welger round balers, but

CONTACT DETAILS Shortall Agri Service Stradbally Co. Laois

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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One of the John Deere fleet in full flow

Martin Shortall has put a lot of faith in the John Deere brand

Two of the John Deere fleet in operation

Martin Shortall has been involved in farming all his life IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

at this time of year would be working mainly with the cattle.

“As I said, our busiest time is in the spring into summer between sowing and harvesting and we’re kept busy throughout the winter as well with feeding.”

The range of services that Martin and his staff often sees them staying busy all year round.

Combine that with the fact that the majority of their customers are nearby and you start to understand why Shortall Agri Services has grown to become a successful business over the past decade and a half.

Fair pricing has a lot to do with it along with some word of mouth, according to the man himself.

“Most of our customers would be local. A lot of them would be within a five-mile radius and the furthest wouldn’t be any more than 30 miles,” explained Martin.

“Like everything else, I think, customers go by price and quality and I think we offer a fair service that way. Price-wise, we try and keep the machinery updated – that’s what customers want and the quality of service is what they pay for.

“The customer wants to get the job done right and as quick as possible – that’s what I’ve learned in all my years of doing this and that’s what we try and provide for them.”

Martin’s machinery is largely made up of John Deere tractors – a brand which he has found very reliable down through the years.

Since switching over from New Holland almost 10 years ago, Martin has been happy to keep buying John Deere above all other brands and has kept his fleet updated with some state-of-the-art machinery.

“We have four tractors – all of them John Deere. We run a 6430, 6920s, 6150r with a h360 loader,6190r and a JCB 536-60

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Meredith Engineering Best Wishes & Continued Success To Shortall Agri Service From

Continued Best Wishes To Shortall Agri Service

Beechgrove, Stradbally, Co. Laois Tel:087-8384115 | E:meredithengineering1@gmail.com

Best Wishes To Shortall Agri Service From

Stradbally, Co. Laois Wishing Continued Success To Shortall Agri Service From

The Maltings, Main Street, Stradbally, Co. Laois.

Contact Martin McDonald Telephone:057 8641669 Email: infostradbally@gmail.com

www.stradballytownandcountry.com

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Shortall Agri Service, From

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN Irish Tractor & Agri Magazine

27 Jessop Street, Portlaoise, Co.Laois Tel:057-868 0603 Fax:057-868 0637 Email: info@elainedunnesolicitor.ie 34

Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

martin shortall designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:11 Page 4

load all. This January we are awaiting delivery of a new John Deere 6215r and a new 6mtr Horsch Pronto drill.

“The new john Deere is coming with full Auto-Trac. As we are now looking to get into providing gps based services such as gps drilling, fertiliser section control, etc. We also hope Auto-Trac will reduce fuel, input costs and cut down of fatigue.”

On the John Deere brand, Martin feels that they can’t be beaten when it comes to value for money and the reliability of their products.

“The services we get out of John Deere and TFM are excellent and pricewise I think they’re up there with the best you can get when you consider the quality of them,” he stated.

“Since 2007, we’ve only been running The Shortalls specialise in tillage and grassland work John Deeres tractors here. Before that I was running New Hollands, we still run a New Holland CX combine but I like the John Deere tractors more because they’re a reliable brand.”

Along running his own business, Martin has been chairman of the IFA’s Stradbally branch for four years up until 2013. Before that, he had been secretary for two years and served in his role for the duration of his term.

“It’s a small branch in Stradbally and basically how it came about was I got proposed at a meeting and went forward for it. I’d been there for a number of years,” he laughed.

Martin has plenty on his plate for 2016 and the plan is to keep it all ticking over for the next couple months into what is set to be another busy summer period.

Back in December, he was looking at Shortall Agri Services finish 1,200 cattle each year the possibility of going out and working on Christmas Day, which gives as clear an indication as any as to why “We’re busy at the moment (in December),” he stated. “We will even be out Christmas Day working with cattle – that’s a real possibility. It’s just the way it is each year and it has to be done.”

The company have been providing an excellent agri contracting service since 2004 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

The JCB 536-60 in action

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As farmers themselves, Murnaghan Tyres fully understand the needs of the agri community

A terrific tyre service M

urnaghan Tyres is an exceptional family-run business which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. We popped into their modern depot in the beautiful Cooley peninsula and caught up with John and Martin Jnr. to discuss the history of this outstanding operation as well as the wide range of products and services offered to customers across Louth, Armagh, Monaghan and beyond.

Murnaghan Tyres is celebrating 40 years in business.

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Ideally located just off the main Dundalk - Carlingford Road (R173), close to the Armagh border, nestling in the foothills of the Cooley Mountains, County Louth based Murnaghan Tyres provides unrivalled tyre repair and replacement services to motorists and farmers / contractors in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

By offering customers prompt,

dependable and cost-effective products and services, the family-run business has been able to grow from strength to strength over the past four decades. They have continuously moved with the times, updating and modernising their equipment and services as and when required, and their policy of never seeing a customer stuck at any time of morning or night has reaped

CONTACT DETAILS

Murnaghan Tyres, Rathcor, Riverstown, Dundalk, County Louth.

Tel: 042 9376205 / 9376373 Fax: 042 9376205 Mobile: 087 2123408 / 6737620 Email: john@murnaghantyes.com www.murnaghantyres.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Premier purveyors of car, commercial vehicle and agricultural tyres

dividends – to the extent where Murnaghans are now widely recognised as the No.1 car, commercial vehicle and agri tyre men in the greater Louth / Armagh / Down / Monaghan catchment area.

Farmers and contractors from within a 20-mile radius of the Cooley peninsula have been benefiting from Murnaghan Tyres’ top-class, expert service since 1976, safe in the knowledge that – coming from a strong farming background themselves – the Murnaghan family understand and appreciate the needs of agricultural machinery owners and operators, and respond accordingly.

Importing all brands of tyres, Murnaghan Tyres offer fast puncture repairs and tyres fitted while the vehicle owner waits, be that in their state-of-the-art North Louth facility,

which is opened from 9-6 six days per week, or at the side of the road courtesy of the busy, fully-kitted mobile breakdown unit which is on call 24/7. Wheel balancing and alignment services are also provided to make sure that every customer is 100% safe and secure.

Reflecting on the genesis of the family business, director John Murnaghan notes: “Our 40th anniversary is coming up this September. My father, Seamus, and his twin brother, Martin, set the tyre business up and indeed they are still very much involved today. We started as a small operation buying tyres and tubes down the country for small cars and it grew from there. Every time there was a change in the tyre industry, with new technology like tubeless tyres or run-flats introduced, we adapted and moved with that. The customer is never wrong and you have to offer the products and services that he / she wants.”

Murnaghans specialise in tyres for cars, light and heavy commercials, and agricultural machinery – from individual tyres to sets of four to entire fleets - as well as offering a With a large range of tyres in stock, Murnaghan Tyres can wholesale guarantee a prompt and professional response

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

service. Although they are most active in the North Louth / border region, they provide a nationwide service through their network of carefully-selected network partners. “If a customer from Cooley – or anywhere else, for that matter – gets a flat tyre in Cork, we will get them sorted out in double-quick time,” John confirms.

Ongoing investment has enabled the business to remain at the cutting edge of the tyre industry for 40 years and counting.

“We’ve invested a lot of money in the premises, the huge stock of tyres, latest tyre-fitting machines, wheel balancers, laser alignment and the breakdown van,” says Martin Jnr. “That is a necessity if you want to continue to give your customers an excellent service.”

At present, four members of the Murnaghan family work full-time in the tyre business – Martin Snr., Seamus, John and James – with Martin Jnr. always available to lend a helping hand. Regarding the secret of the business’ ongoing success over the years, the latter comments: “You have to be versatile and flexible.

Also, we have always been competitive for customers from both sides of the border.

You have to be competitive and you also have to offer a good-quality service. We’re here for generations now and we have gained a great deal of experience. As well as that, we are hands-on and always available, so customers have the peace of mind of dealing directly with those who are involved in the running of the business.”

Due the current strength of Sterling, cross-border trade is brisk. “We’re getting good business from the other side of the border for the past six or seven years,”

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CASTLETOWN TYRES LTD Best Wishes & Continued Success To Murnaghan Tyres

Castletown Road, Dundalk

Tel:042-9334050

James Quinn

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Best Wishes To Murnaghan Tyres

We are pleased to be a tyre supplier to Murnaghan Tyres and wish them continued success for the future

DEPOT LOCATIONS Armagh • Dungannon • Saintfield Belfast • L/derry Castleblayney • Dublin

Tel: +44 (0)28-37510666

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Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

murnaghan tyres designed_Layout 1 10/02/2016 14:46 Page 4

An exceptional service is provided to contractors and farmers within a 20-mile radius of Cooley

says John. “We’re close to the border and it’s convenient for a lot of customers in the North to deal with us.”

The team is on call around the clock, come rain, wind or snow.

“We work every day – Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day were no different. There were a few unfortunate souls who got in trouble and we got them back on the road again.”

Regarding the agri work, for which Murnaghan Tyres are particularly renowned, Martin Jnr. states: “As farmers ourselves, it’s something we’ve always done. Generally, the customers tend to be closer to home, but we’ll go wherever we’re needed.

“We do the full range of agri tyres, for tractors and machinery, from the Ferguson 20 and John Deere, Massey, Case etc. to combine harvesters, balers, diggers etc.

There’s a great vintage tradition here in Cooley and a great farming tradition so it’s a big part of our business. We carry a huge stock but in the event of us not having a tyre in stock we can guarantee next-day delivery.”

Generally speaking, are agri machinery operators more concerned with price or quality: “Both. We deal with a lot of farmers with small-to-medium herds as well as large tillage farmers, so it all depends on the individual’s needs. The bigger contractors and farmers will tend to go with premium tyres, but there’s demand for everything. It depends on what they want it for. We offer a full range and we also advise customers accordingly depending on the work they are

going to be doing. We won’t see any of our customers wrong.”

The Murnaghan family also farms in excess of 170 acres – 120 of their own plus conacre. “It’s mainly beef but we also do a bit of tillage,” John concludes. “We have a field of winter barley in here at the moment as well as some spring barley and potatoes.

“We kill 120-150 cattle per year. They’re bought in from the marts in Carnaross and Ardee and then fattened and killed. We don’t do any sucklers.

“Our family has always been involved in farming. My grandfather was a farmer and his father before him and that was where the tyre business developed from initially.”

The fully-kitted mobile breakdown unit is on call 24/7

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Milking time as the cattle make their way in

F

e green, green grass of home

arming in Ireland has been the mainstay of the economy for thousands of years and even though the reliance on the agricultural industry for everyday living is not as strong as it used to be, it still plays a massive part in our lives.

There are approximately 139,800 family farms in Ireland with an average size of 32.7 hectares per holding according to the last agricultural census. The island has the best grass on the planet and a reasonably mild climate.

Ireland’s temperate climate and grass growing ability, combined with a dairying tradition, are natural advantages that make Ireland one of the foremost milk producers in the world. In 2011, we had over 1.1 million dairy cows producing milk on 18,548 dairy farms.

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For this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we profile Tipperary based dairy farmers the Powell family who operate on 152 hectacres.

Brian Powell is the fifth generation of the family to run the family farm and he does so along with his father John and brother Barry.

At present, they are milking 290 cows twice daily and the abolishment of the milk quota earlier this year has been met with a seal of approval from the Powells.

When milk quotas were introduced, Ireland had 63,000 farmers milking cows on about 1.7million hectares. Consolidation into larger herds resulted in seven out of ten farmers leaving the business since then. A large proportion was small scale and could not justify the required capital investment in housing and milking facilities, especially when quotas prevented any expansion, but the removal of the quota is set to change all

that.

“I definitely think the abolishment of the milk quota is a good thing and it is the best situation for farming in this country,” said Brian.

“We are milking 290 cows at the moment but we are looking to increase that to between 320 or 330 by next year. That is the plan anyway. It is all about managing the farm the best way possible.”

The Powell family are certainly

CONTACT DETAILS Powell Dairy Farm Ballycrenode Nenagh Co Tipperary

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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John, Brian and Barry Powell continue to build the farm IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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powells dairy farm designed_Layout 1 10/02/2016 16:26 Page 3

Cattle being fed during the winter time

progressive farmers and Brian revealed that they have all gained experienced from the number one country for dairy farming, New Zealand.

For well over a century, New Zealand’s dairy industry has prided itself on the opportunities it gives to young people entering the sector. The system in New Zealand is a bit like climbing a ladder.

At every rung of the ladder, there are opportunities for progression.

Share-milking has been the traditional route for most New Zealand farmers to get into land ownership. In a share-milking arrangement, the share-milker provides the cows, labour and machinery and the landowner provides the land and infrastructure.

The milk cheque and certain costs are split 50:50.

“Years ago, my father spent time in New Zealand working on a dairy farm and he brought a few ideas back with him which he implemented into the farm here to a great deal of success.

“Barry was over there for four years and he also learned a lot

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Brian & All At Ballycrenode Farm From

JOHN & MATTHEW MOUNSEY Norwood, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary Tel:086/087-2586358

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Best wishes to Brian Powell, Ballycrenode Farm and continued success in the future from Tom Ryan & Staff - IFAC Nenagh Branch

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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during that time, while I spent time over there as well and it certainly is a learning experience.”

The Powell family installed at Dairymaster Rotary milking parlour back in 2008 and Brian admitted that they are delighted with the machine.

“It takes us about an hour and 20 minutes to do the milking these days whereas before that it would have taken up to three hours. It frees up so much more free time for us and lets us get on with other work around the farm.”

The Powell’s carry out the majority of the work on the farm themselves, although a contractor does come in for certain jobs.

“We would have a contractor doing the baling and while we knock our own silage, we would have someone else come in and pick it up. We find this more efficient and the work is done quicker.

“However, we do our own ploughing, reseeding, slurry and other work as well. We have just bought a Keenan feed wagon to go with the machinery that we already have. We use John Deere and New Holland tractors all of which is bought locally.”

Brian added that there main priority for the immediate future was to grow more grass and expand the herd. Young grass grows faster and has an average of 4 to 6% more protein than older grass, so farmers often fence the cows into small sections of pasture. This forces the animals to graze tightly down to the base of the grass. This in turn encourages rapid regrowth of the highly desirable young grass. The cows rotate all season long from one bright green salad bowl to the next.

“We are looking at managing the grass better and grazing it better. One way would be to get the cattle out earlier, but that all depends on the weather.”

It’s that time of the year for slurry spreading

Silage been loaded into a wagon for feeding

James O’Brien & Co.

Best wishes to all at Ballycrenode Farm, from

James O’BrienSolicitors & Co. Solicitors 30, Castle Street, Nenagh

30, Castle Street, Nenagh Established 1904 Established 1904 Partners:

Mark Hassett, Tom Kelly, Pat Liston

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The milking parlour used is a 50 bale rotary

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Wish Ballycrenode Farm continued success

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Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 43

farm hitch designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:26 Page 1

The farm hitch in operation

T

Safety on the farm

he agricultural industry has suffered its fair share of tragedies over the years as fatal accidents have taken many before their time.

Health & Safety is paramount on a farm these days and there is a lot more attention paid to this area in modern times than there was in times gone past.

A Co Monaghan engineer has come up

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with a device that can enhance safety when it comes to working with PTO shafts, an implement that has been the cause of many accidents.

Glenn Cruickshank is the managing director and owner of Shanks Engineering and it was from his workshop in Carrickmacross that the idea for Farm Hitch was born. “I worked with a farm services company for a number of years before

CONTACT DETAILS

Shanks Engineering Drumgurra, Carrickmacross.

Co. Monaghan, Ireland.

Phone: +353 42 9661166 Mobile: +353 87 8758456 Email: info@farmhitch.com Web: www.farmhitch.com

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

farm hitch designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:26 Page 2

The invention took two years to manufacture

deciding to set up my own business in 2004. I was on my own for the first three years and now there are eight full time workers here,” said Glenn.

“We do a lot of maintenance work for factories developing different tools and equipment for them, while we still do a lot of frame work and stall work for the farming industry.”

From their 6,000sq ft purpose built facility that they moved into in 2009, Glenn and the team set about devising the Farm Hitch after being told that his original idea wasn’t feasible.

“I spoke to a few people about devising the Farm Hitch and most said it couldn’t be done, but that only spurred me on to make it work. It took about two years or more to actually get the finished product as I was only working on it in my spare time.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

“We developed it from switching an implement on my Dad’s tractor and following a lot of tinkering, we showcased it at the 2013 National Ploughing Championships.”

The end result is a tractor mounted device to enable safe efficient connection of farm equipment which use a 3 point linkage. Farm Hitch ensures you never need to leave the tractor cab while connecting to these implements eliminating the risk of injury while completing this task.

“Not only is the Farm Hitch a convenient and easy tool to operate, it is also safe as there is no risk of incident which arises from being positioned between the tractor and implement during connecting. The PTO guard is always in position and the operator doesn’t have to leave their seat while they connect.”

The end result is a safe efficient tool that allows the farmer perform a number of duties with the minimum of fuss.

Farm Hitch leaves no areas exposed that could injure or cause serious bodily harm whatever the situation. An unguarded PTO is a hazard. Section 19

of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 says “employers must as far as is practicable, provide a working environment in which employees are not exposed to hazards”.

“It can be connected easily with the three point linkage quick hitch. It also consists of two primary assemblies, the Tractor Mounted Assembly (TMA) and the Implement Mounted Assembly (IMA).

Both are primarily welded constructions of laser cut steel plate and steel box section, galvanised to provide corrosion protection.

“The Tractor Mounted Assembly (TMA) is easily connected to the tractor’s three point linkage and for the majority of the time will be left connected to it. A hydraulic cylinder (Toplink) is mounted to the upper point of the 3 point linkage to allow remote pitch adjustment of the assembly from the tractor. Hydraulic locking pins are also controlled from the tractor unit via a remote switch within the tractor.

“Once the locking pins are in position along with the pitch set to preferred position the remote is switched to implement so the Hydraulics no longer

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farm hitch designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:26 Page 3

The Farm Hitch on display at a farm show

control the top link or locking pins for safety.

The TMA comes complete with a bespoke adjustable PTO shaft. The Female portion of the PTO & electrical along with the Male portion of the Hydraulics are mounted to this assembly.

The Implement Mounted Assembly (IMA) has the facility for mounting a three point implement. There are a number of versions available from the basic of 3 point connections without lights PTO or hydraulics up to a version with 3 pair of hydraulics, PTO & electrical lighting socket.

Feedback from customers has been very positive if these few testimonials are anything to go by.

“The Farm Hitch is the best invention since the tractor!”

Seamus O’Leary, Skiberren.

“I discovered the Farm Hitch at the national ploughing championships in 2013 and was intrigued immediately. The hitch not only makes my life easier on the farm, it keeps me safer too. It’s great to see science & technology put back into farming to a new intuitive way.”

Pat O’Keeffe, Co. Cork.

Best Wishes To Shanks Engineering, From

the sheeting centre....

Lough Egish, Co. Monaghan Tel:(042)9745085 (042) 9745094 Fax:(042) 9745146 Int Code (00 353 42) Wilsons Steel Supplies & Services Ltd T/A Rollspan Sheeting & Purlins “Cut to Length” 46

“Thanks to Glenn and the Team at Farm Hitch. I am very happy with the Hitch and how easy it is to use.”

Shane Murphy, Waterford.

“I cannot recommend the Farm Hitch highly enough, easily one of the best investments I have ever made.”

Martin Gallagher, Donegal.

There has been a lot of interest in the Farm Hitch

MCKENNA AGRI SPARES LIMITED

Best wishes to Shanks Engineering, from

Castleblayney Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.

Tel: 042-9663311 E: mckennaagri@eircom.net SPECIALISING IN TRACTOR AND MACHINERY SPARE PARTS, HYDRAULIC HOSES, BELTS, BEARINGS AND OILS. ENSURING YOU ARE WINTER READY WITH SHEAR GRAB AND DIET FEEDER PARTS ANTIFREEZE, BATTERIES AND LED LIGHTING. ALSO CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR OFFERS.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

cashel blue designed_Layout 1 09/02/2016 10:26 Page 1

The range of Cashel Blue products

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Premier cheese

ashel Blue is Ireland’s first and finest blue cheese, having been produced on the Grubb family’s dairy farm at Beechmount, Fethard, Co. Tipperary since the early 1980s.

Cashel Blue is a multi-awarding brand which is stocked by all the major retailers and cheese shops.

Husband-and-wife Louis and Jane Grubb began making their now famous Irish farmhouse cow’s milk blue cheese in 1982 before founding J&L Grubb Ltd two years later. Jane’s unique recipe was created at a time when softer blue cheeses were a rarity in the Englishspeaking world, so Cashel Blue truly set the trend as an alternative to the traditional and stronger Blue Stilton. It does not aim to be like any other blue cheese, instead representing a style of blue cheese reflective of the people and place from which it hails.

While the company, which trades as IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers, remains in the ownership of Louis and Jane together with their only child Sarah and son-in-law Sergio Furno, it is now run

by Sarah, Sergio and her cousin, Louis Clifton Brown. Sarah met her Italian husband Sergio while they were both studying in Wales. They then lived in London before coming back to join the company in 2011.

“The origins of the business can be traced back to the late 1970s when my father got into dairying,” Sarah explains.

“That meant the raw material was there to make our own cheese. We are currently milking 139 pedigree Holstein Friesian cows all-year round on our 200acre farm. The cheese is produced onsite and we have grown to employ 26 staff, between full-time and part-time, all from the local area. Our head cheesemaker is Guert van den Dikkenberg, who has worked with us for over 20 years, and is responsible for creating our Crozier Blue brand.”

Named after the nearby ‘Rock of Cashel’, Cashel Blue is pleasant, firm and creamy edged with an established blue character which is offset by a mouthwatering tanginess. By three months of maturation, it will have broken down to a richer, fuller and rounder yet not strong flavour.

With time, Cashel Blue becomes

CONTACT DETAILS Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers (J&L Grubb Ltd) Beechmount Farm, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.

Telephone: +353 (0)52 6131151 Web: www.cashelblue.com

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creamier and more balanced in flavour as the saltiness, blueness and gentle milky elements integrate together.

From three months, a gentle touch of spice may become apparent.

Cashel Blue can age up to six months, becoming increasingly unctuous in texture with age.

Beyond this point, it loses its way and enters the sphere of hot strong blues, an area the producers are not comfortable in.

Cashel Blue has a white appearance or paste as it’s technically called when young, turning increasingly towards a buttery yellow as it matures. Throughout this paste, there is a blueing often referred to as having marble-like pattern. The rind, which with time can develop a film of surface mould, is untreated and is therefore edible. It is intrinsic to the cheese and contributes to the breaking down of the paste, adding further flavour and complexity.

Crozier Blue, Cashel Blue Cream Cheese and Cashel Blue Organic are the other brands produced on Beechmount Farm. Made from sheep’s milk produced on Ballinamona Farm in Cashel, Crozier Blue has a rich, full and well-rounded flavour. It is gently salty with a distinctly rich creamy texture offset by a touch of spice.

It is much slower to mature than Cashel Blue and becomes ready for the market at a minimum of 12 weeks (compared to six weeks for Cashel Blue) and can be matured for up to 11 months. Stronger than Cashel Blue, a particular characteristic of Crozier Blue is its pleasing creaminess. This can be traced directly to the limestone-rich pastures which the ewes graze, and which in turn contributes to a lush full and sweet milk.

Created in 2013, Cashel Blue Cream Cheese is Cashel Blue, cream cheese, fresh cream and water combined in a smooth spread. The flavour is mild and creamy with a gentle blue character and a rich smooth texture. It offers chefs and home cooks a ready-to-use ingredient for stuffing and spreading, with no waste from rinds, and an easy-to-reseal format reducing food waste.

Cashel Blue Organic is the result of a relationship between The Little Milk

48

Cashel Blue has been produced on the Grubb family farm since the early 1980s

Company (a group of Irish organic dairy farmers who came together in 2012) and Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers. It is made to the original Cashel Blue recipe and the organic milk comes from a single herd of cows based 15km from the Grubb family’s cheese house.

Approximately 60 per cent of the company’s products are exported. The typical age of Cashel Blue on mainland Europe, North America and Australia is between 14 and 22 weeks. It is sold exclusively in the North America as ‘Kerrygold Cashel Blue’.

As well as producing their own brands, Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers produces the Lidl Deluxe Mature Tipperary Cheese/Cashel Blue brand which was Highly Recommended at the 2015 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards. The awards were open to all food and drink retailers, producers and manufacturers across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and set out to recognise excellence in food and drink product development from a wide variety of companies across Ireland.

Also last year, Crozier Blue became the first Irish Super Gold recipient at the Mondial du Fromage at Tours in France as well as winning a Super Gold at The Guild of Fine

Joint-owner Sergio Furno

Co-director and cheese maturer Sarah Furno IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

cashel blue designed_Layout 1 09/02/2016 10:26 Page 3

Food’s World Cheese Awards in the UK. The company has scooped numerous other prestigious accolades at the Great Taste Awards, National Irish Food Awards, Irish Cheese Awards and the Nantwich International Cheese Awards to name but a few.

Recently, Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers launched a new online farm shop, with delivery throughout the island of Ireland. A new dairy was constructed on the farm in 2011 and last year saw the installation of 180 solar panels on the roof of the cheese house as part of a sustainability project.

Sarah and Sergio have three children, Luca, Anna and Leila, who, it is hoped, will uphold the family tradition of cheese-making for many years to come!

The cows coming in for milking

Ireland's finest blue cheese

GRANGEBARRY AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD. Continued success to all at Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers from

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers From

Grangebarry, Fethard, Co. Tipperary Tel: Niall O’Connell 087-2513969

BALING - SILAGE HARVESTING - GRAIN HARVESTING IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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william lee designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:19 Page 1

28 years and counting

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oming up on 30 years in business, William Lee Agri in Co Fermanagh continues to provide the full range of services in farming and agriculture. Irish Tractor & Agri spoke to the man himself about his extensive Massey Ferguson fleet as well as the services they have to offer.

William Lee Agri is known for its reliable service

William Lee when you speak to him about farming up there and what his business has to offer people immersed in the agriculture industry.

William Lee Agri has been operating since 1987, with much of its work being focussed in and around Co Fermanagh, where William had built a strong customer base thanks to the reliable and wide range of service that he provides to farmers in the Erne County.

They do things right in Bellanaleck.

“We’re based in Bellanaleck, That’s the impression you get from native Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh,” William

explained. “We’re established 28 years and we’ve three full-time staff, plus five part-time.

“I’m the owner of the company and my brother Raymond works on the farm here, which is 200 acres.”

Take into account the fact that William and his brother milk 160 cows on that farm and you can understand just how busy they are all year round. By adding his agri business into the mix, you are talking 12 months a year when you look at the list of services provided.

CONTACT DETAILS William Lee

Bellanaleck Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh William has three full-time staff

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William Lee Agri has been in operation sin IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

william lee designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:19 Page 2

According to William, they do “everything” when it comes to agri.

“We do everything,” he confirmed. “We cut silage, do round baling, slurry, reseeding, digger work, hedge cutting and spread lime. If it’s to do with agri, then we probably do it.”

To be precise, the services list for William Lee Agri reads as follows: Grass/silage cutting, Round baling, Slurry spreading (umbilical/tankers), Ploughing, Reseeding, Muck spreading, Digging, Hedge cutting, Dump trailer hire, Teleporter/shovel hire and Tractor and driver hire.

With so much on offer, it’s hard to believe William when he says business is actually slow at this point in time.

However, many in the agricultural sector

been in operation since 1987 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

William operates with a Massey Ferguson fleet

are paddling on the same boat given the damp weather this past summer which has left silage cutters playing catch up all season.

“It’s very quiet at the minute actually,” he said. “The weather and the milk prices are a big factor in that. Lamb prices as well. The weather this summer has been very harsh on farmers, I must say. Hopefully it’ll improve but the summer is practically gone now anyway so maybe we’ll have a good autumn.”

For the most part, William and his staff take an all hands on deck approach each summer but this year has been different.

He anticipates that things are set to pick up again very soon though, with services to suit all seasons for their customers.

“We are fairly busy all year round here,”

A typical day’s work in Bellanaleck

he pointed out. “We’ve a lot of digger work which keeps us busy throughout the winter and then the summers are usually a hectic time for us, with cutting and spreading and things like that.”

William has an extensive fleet in order to take on the colossal annual work load.

His first choice of tractor has always been the Massey Ferguson brand, which is understandable when you listen to him boast about their reliability ““You could say that I was just a farmer’s son and grew up on a dairy farm but my father had always used Massy Fergusons,” he said.

“I guess I grew up driving them and stuck with them when the time came to take on the business myself. At the moment all of my tractors are Massey

William milks 160 cows on his farm

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2004 6490, a 2005 6480, a 2005 6480, a 2008 6480, a 2002 6280, a 2002 4255, a 1997 399, a 1986 690, a 20157616 and a Harvester. The one John Deere tractor at the farm is a 6850.

William has two loaders; a 2003 Redrock TM300 and a 2005 Wieldmann 1460, and one excavator which is a 2006 Cat 414CL. With regards to machinery the list stretches long, with four furrow kuhn reversible plough, 3m heavy duty power harrow with 3m air seeder for one pass cultivation, 6m Einbuch grass seeder, Vicon 10 foot 6 inch trailed mower conditioner, Vicon 10 foot 6, inch rear mounted mower conditioner, Vicon 10 foot front mounted mower, 30 foot Kuhn rake.

Two Kane 15 foot silage trailers on 550 tyres, 2 To William Lee Agri, From Donnelly 13 and 14 foot silage trailers on 550 tyres Johnston 14 foot cattle/silage trailer make up the trailers that William has at his farm.

As regards balers, there’s no expense spared as William has invested in the following; a McHale Fusion round baler wrapper combo, Vicon 135 round baler, Vicon round bale wrapper, Slurry Kat umnilical slurry system with Doda pump, Redrock 2000 gallon recessed wheel tanker, Redrock 1600 gallon recessed wheel tanker, Abbey 9 ton multi spreader, 2 Redrock slurry pumps (high flow/ super flow), Spearhead hedge cutter and a 048-66 348 213 Mixtech twin tub diet feeder.

With so much machinery at his disposal, it’s little Lee Agri, from wonder why William’s customers come to him first and you can expect the list to grow next year as he continues invest/back the success of his business.

Ferguson bar one John Deere. We have a good few here; 6280, a 6840, a 5480, a 6405, a 6499 and a 5470. The latest one that we bought was a 2015 7616 and it has been going great for us.

“My father always had faith in the Massy Ferguson brand and that’s why I chose them. They are an absolutely reliable brand and I buy them off William Bells in Five Mile Town here beside me.”

Again, with William Lee Agri you have to read down the list to get an idea of how much work silage their cutting, bales their baling, slurry their spreading etc.

With regards to Massey Fergusons the list is as follows: a

Continued Best Wishes

Best Wishes To William

Best Wishes To William Lee Agri, from

Growing in more fields than you can imagine

For all your seed and crop packaging requirements

Agriculture • Amenity • Equine

W F Lemon & Co Ltd

Tel:+44 28 89541636 Email: info@howardallenseeds.com

Best Wishes To William Lee Agri, From

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Congratulations William on achieving 30 years in business, Agricultural For All Your Accountancy needs Contracting and Dairy 65 Bachelors Walk, Lisburn Farming, Co. Antrim BT28 1XN It was a pleasure Tel:+44 (028)92662300 acting for you and 76 Main Street, Lisnaskea, the family over the 30 Co. Fermanagh BT92 0JD years and we wish you Tel:+44 (028) 67721266 every success in the future Email: wfl@wflemon.com

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Enniskillen 048-66 326275 Lisnaskea 048-677 21668 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

suir sprayers designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:10 Page 1

Company founders Eddy Lynch (left) and John Lynch (right)

I

A Suir thing

n the short space of three years, Suir Sprayers Ltd in Co Waterford has been earning a glowing reputation to the point where it’s now an award-winning company.

Irish Tractor & Agri caught up with co-owner John Lynch to find out what they’ve been doing right.

2013 may not have been the most ideal time to set-up your own business in Ireland, but for John and Eddy Lynch the ingredients for success were there – and that’s all that mattered.

Now coming up on three years old, the two cousins started Suir Sprayers - a limited company which provides sprayer testing, parts sales and service to all sprayer types nationwide – and haven’t looked back since opening the doors of their stores premises two miles outside Waterford city Both John and Eddy have graduated from college with honours degrees and come from backgrounds in farming and farm machinery. They use their knowledge and IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

experience to drive the business and provide the best possible service for their customers, as John explained to us.

“We’re based here in Passage Cross, Dunmore Road, Co Waterford and we’re established two-and-a-half years now,” John stated.

“We set-up this company during a time when all of these regulations were starting to come in, so we moved quickly into spraying mechanics.

“Myself and Eddy are both in our 20s and when we started here Eddy had just finished college and I had done an honours degree in Civil Engineering.”

The Lynchs geared their business towards a sprayer venture, namely due to the ever increasing cost of pesticides, the need to sustain public confidence and a requirement to achieve maximum effectiveness.

For them, it made makes sense to ensure that a sprayer is operating safely and efficiently and since opening the motto at Suir Sprayers is to value their customers

highly and pride themselves on delivering top quality advice and after sales service.

Their team of certificated engineers undergo regular training to make sure that they have the latest in EU recognised training to guarantee the highest standard of service.

Sprayer testing, sales, servicing, parts and calibration are all a part of the services in which Suir Sprayers provide and can be

CONTACT DETAILS Suir Sprayers Ltd

Address: Passage Cross, Dunmore Road, Co Waterford Web: www.suirsprayers.ie

Tel: 051 821 500 E-mail: info@suirsprayers.ie

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explored in greater detail on the company’s excellent website – www.suirsprayers.ie.

As regards sprayer parts, Suir Sprayers carry a wide range in their store for all sprayer types. They also keep a stocking of both Hardi and Hypro nozzles, adapters, caps, etc.

Where they do not have the customer’s required parts in stock Suir Sprayers will endeavour to have them delivered immediately. They also stock Hardi Knapsacks at their store in Passage Cross.

Included in the store is a large stock of health and safety equipment to ensure the risks to the machine operator are minimised. These items include; gloves, face shields, masks, coveralls, etc.

While John admits that the company are still in the process of building their client base, sales seem to be going well nonetheless.

In fact, when you ask John how business is at the minute and he’ll tell you: “It’s good.

It’s growing all the time.”

So how did the idea for Suir Sprayers first come about?

“We got some good advice and I guess you could say that we knew the line of work that we were getting into,” explained John.

“If you look at the UK, there are only in excess of 12 specialists doing the kind of

Suir Sprayers is based in Passage Cross, Co Waterford

work that we are doing and here there aren’t that many.”

Suir Sprayers now deliver their parts all over the country as a complete mobile service, travelling as far as north Meath for

Suir Sprayers deliver their parts all over the country

The company was set up in 2013

54

their customers via courier.

All orders placed before 1.00pm on any given business day will be despatched same day for next day delivery via Fastway.

There is also free shipping on any orders €100 (Ex. VAT) or more and standard shipping rate is €5.35+VAT for any order less than €100.

Orders can also be collected free of charge at Suir Sprayers’ trade counter at Passage Cross and the company must be notified of damaged, missing, or incorrect items during shipping within 3 days of delivery.

Suir Sprayers also offer their customers a calibration service for all boom sprayers.

This involves working with the operator to provide training on how to calibrate a sprayer.

On site they will complete a one-off calibration and will show the operator the correct procedure to calibrate the sprayer before each use.

Calibration will ensure the correct spray volume, pressure, quality along with providing the correct forward speed that the machine is to be operated at. This is a simple procedure and once shown once an operator will be fully capable of calibrating the sprayer upon each use.

In October, Suir Sprayers’ achievements in the short space of three years were recognised on a nationwide scale by Enterprise Ireland.

Representing his company, Eddy Lynch won the Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur competition in the Best Established Business category in the both IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

suir sprayers designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:10 Page 3

Some of the company fleet outside the premises

the Waterford and Regional Finals for 2015.

A cash investment of €20,000 was won by winning the Waterford final and a ticket to the final eight at Google Headquarters in Dublin was gained from winning the Regional Final in Fermoy, Co Cork.

“It was obviously a great honour for the company to get the award and hopefully now we can continue to live up to it for years to come,” said John.

With the current trend that this company find themselves in, everything points towards promising careers for John and Eddy as another successful family business looks to be on the horizon.

For John, the business is still in its early stages in many ways but he’s certainly excited about the potential.

“At the minute, we’re growing all the time and we’re just looking to grow our client base now,” he stated.

The creation of this company has already been an accomplishment in itself for the Lynch, but there’s no doubt that more success awaits.

KC AGRI LIMITED Best Wishes To Suir Sprayers From

Specialise In All Types Of Agri Contracting Ballygarret, Saltmills, New Ross, Co. Wexford

Tel:086-2602438

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

pat lynch & co A look inside a section of the store in Passage Cross

CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS REGISTERED AUDITORS 86 The Quay Waterford Co. Waterford Tel: (051) 877581 (051) 874794 Email: patlynchandco@eircom.net

Delighted to be associated with Suir Sprayers and wish them continued success 55

harry kelly designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 09:58 Page 1

Moyle Park was a stand out horse for Railway Stables.

D

One to watch in the winners enclosure

avid Harry Kelly is carving a niche for himself as one of the country's up and coming horse trainers. Irish Tractor & Agri magazine met up with the Fethard-based horse man to discover how he has earned a reputation as having a real knack for getting the best out of his charges.

Having cut his teeth as a point-to-point jockey, Harry Kelly's determination to make an impression on a national scale saw him take out a track licence in 2012.

Located in the shadow of the world renowned Coolmore Stud, he has established his 'Railway Stables' in his native Fethard into a top class training establishment and the quiet and picturesque surroundings make it an ideal

56

setting for training horses.

“I trained point-to-point for a couple of years before taking out my track licence three years ago,” the affable Harry explained to Irish Tractor & Agri magazine.

“I always had passion for horse racing.

Initially, I worked as a labourer with John Halley and rode a bit as an amateur.

Unfortunately, I had little success, riding just two winners, but I had lots of fun. I like to think that I'm a better trainer than I was a jockey!”

Reflecting on the early days of the yard, he added: “Moyle Park was one of the standout horses we've had had here. He was very good to us, won a Bumper first time out before being sold out of the yard for big money. He was very lucky for connections early on but, unfortunately, met with a couple of injuries.

“Que Pasa was a mare who was

excellent early in her career and won many races and then there was also On Impulse who sold out of the yard to Ted Walsh.”

Very much a family affair, Harry is assisted in the day-to-day running of Railway Stables by his brothers Jimmy and Mikey while his wife Gemma is also a vital cog in the operation.

CONTACT DETAILS Railway Stables Rathvin, Fethard, Co. Tipperary

Tel: 087 2022557

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

harry kelly designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 09:58 Page 2

Galway festival 2013 – Que Pasa, ridden by Davy Condon (blue), on the way to winning The Topaz Novice Hurdle.

Harry saddled his first winner, Hiltop Tommy, under flat rules at Cork in May 2012 and so far in his fledgling career he has racked up 36 first placed finishes.

At the time of writing, he lies in 19th place in the National Hunt Trainer 2015/2016 table. He has enjoyed eight winners out of 122 runners along with 11 seconds, 19 thirds and 12 fourths.

His winners has helped him notch up a highly respectable €114,095 in prize money.

Back in July, the yard celebrated its first course double courtesy of Theatre Sunset and Isnt Dat Right at Wexford.

Jockey Sean Flanagan partnered 16/1 outsider Theatre Sunset to victory in the opening race on the card. In a pulsating finish, he edged out 11/4 favourite Hard Fought and Mark Enright by a neck in the two-mile maiden hurdle.

It was a night to remember for Harry and his team as he completed a first and last race double which would have paid over 200 to 1 with another outsider in the final bumper.

Pa King drove out 12/1 shot Isn't Dat Right to hold Pearl Diamond from the powerful Willie and Patrick Mullins team (100/30) and the favourite Petuna (11/4).

Harry and Gemma missed the milestone achievement as they were putting the finishing touches to their IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

wedding preparations but, needless to say, he harbours ambitions to climb the trainer ranks in the coming months.

“We have 25 to 30 horses riding out all year round. They're primarily National Hunt horses but I keep a couple of dual

Harry Kelly took out his track licence in 2012.

purpose horses to keep me handy.

“They are mostly young horses.

Lagostovegas is one of our main hopes this year. She's a nice, young filly while Curragh na Gold is nice mare who has won a couple of races for us.

“We don't have any Grade One horses but Railway Zira will go for a couple of graded races.

“In addition, we've a number of nice fillies and horses that haven't run yet on the track but I don't want to jinx them by naming them.”

Training horses is a tough game but it's nigh impossible without the backing of owners who are prepared to place their trust in the trainer. Harry has no such worries in that regard.

“We're lucky to have a lot of good owners who I also would count as my friends. Each and everyone of them have been very loyal and supportive.

Anyone who came to us has stayed with us.

“We've great owners and even better staff. The only bad thing is I'm paying them too much!” he quipped.

The steady progress made by Harry and his yard has seen him earmarked as a young horse trainer who has a bright future in front of him. As his prowess in the training ranks becomes wider known, looking ahead to the future, he hopes to attract a better

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LJ Kiely & Co. Accountants

• Accountancy & Taxation Consultant • Zurich Life Agent • General Financial Business Services

class of horse to Railway Stables and, in turn, consistent levels of success on the track.

“Every year the aim is to try to build and improve, try to get a better quality of horse into the yard. I particularly like training fillies. That has always been my thing and I tend to do well with them. A lot of my winners on the track

so far this year were fillies and I'm sent a lot of fillies to train.

“You're always hoping that an owner will come in and he or she will say they want to spend a lot of money. In the meantime, we'll keeping tipping and hopefully get a bit of success along the way.

“We're all trying to be second best to Willie Mullins!”

3 The Spa, Clonmel Co. Tipperary Tel:052-6121593 Mobile: 086-2860221 Email: larrykiely@gmail.com Best Wishes To Railway Stables

Best wishes to all at Railway Stables, from

CONSIGNOR OF ALL FLAT & NH HORSES

Ballinabarna, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Mobile: 086-1569089

BALLINROE Winners at Down Royal, l/r: owner Paddy McCormack, Caroline Todd of sponsor Taste@downroyal, trainer Harry Kelly

Best Wishes To Railway Stables From

INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRANSPORT Templemore, Co. Tipperary

Office: +353 (0)504 32280 Fax: +353 (0)504 32099

Mobile: +353 (0)87 2540415 www.ballinroe.com

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FENCING - PATIOS - EXTENSIONS TIMBER SHEDS - GATES MATT O’DWYER RED CITY ROAD, FETHARD, CO TIPPERARY CALL MATT on 086-8534287 E: redcityfencing@gmail.com www.sfb.ie/red-city-fencing

CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO ALL AT RAILWAY STABLES

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

EC Pratt designed_Layout 1 10/02/2016 16:08 Page 1

EC Pratt & Co Ltd was founded in 1975

Four decades of EC Pratt & Co Ltd E

C Pratt & Co Ltd has been catering for the needs of farmers and gardeners alike in the midlands and beyond for over 40 years. Managing director Edwin Pratt explains more.

A leading supplier of farm and garden machinery and equipment, milking machines and spare parts, EC Pratt & Co Ltd was founded in 1975 on the Cork Road, Abbeyleix by husband-and-wife Sam and Cherry Pratt, who had run a successful grocery and hardware shop at Main Street,

CONTACT DETAILS EC Pratt & Co Ltd Cork Road, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, R32TW82.

Edwin C (Sam) Pratt and Edwin Pratt IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Telephone: 057 8731132 Email: contactus@ecpratt.ie Web: www.ecpratt.ie

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De Au

EC Pratt & Co Ltd took on the DeLaval milking machine range in 2001

Abbeyleix for 12 years prior to that (their Spar shop was the Co. Laois town’s first supermarket).

Their son Edwin joined the family business in 1979 and led the expansion of the Cork Road premises in 1984. The following year, the Pratt’s established a garden machinery division, which grew quickly to become a key element of the business.

In September 2001, EC Pratt & Co Ltd took on the DeLaval milking machine range. The dealership has proven to be such a success that it now accounts for

about two-thirds of the company’s overall business.

EC Pratt & Co Ltd has become a third generation company since Edwin’s son Robert got involved. Sam is still involved in the business today, but sadly Cherry passed away in 2007. There are 11 people employed, with five of those making up the dairy support team.

The Pratt’s could never have envisaged how successful the DeLaval agency would become when it effectively replaced their Zetor tractor dealership 15 years ago.

Their support team is on call 24/7, 365

days a year for their customers, while also providing routine servicing and maintenance for their customers’ milking parlours. The team can also install traditional, automated and voluntary milking systems.

“We provide sales, installation and 24hour servicing of milking machines,” Edwin explains.

“We’ve been exceptionally busy since the EU milk quotas were lifted last April.

With the TAMS II farm building grants coming down the line, we have had many farmers pricing milking equipment and lots

E.C

Robotic milking in action

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

For m

t: (+3

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DeLaval Voluntary Voluntary Milking System VMS Automatic Milking at its best The Delaval VMS rremoves emoves the mundane task of milking fr from om your operations, thus fr freeing eeing up time to focus on farm management issues, such as feeding, br breeding, eeding, health and hygiene, or in other wor words ds all the factors that contribute to impr improving oving the rreturn eturn on investment of your her herd. d.

1. Hydraulic arm is speedy and easy regardless regardless of teat and udder forms & heights.

2. Superior teat pr preparation eparation process process 3. Smart milking - performance is optimised based on customised settings.

4. True True quarter milking - VMS has ICAR appr approved oved milk measuring per quarter. quarter.

5. Teat Teat spray - once milking is complete the teats are are sprayed with VMS approved approved teat spray. spray.

DCC Cell Counter

DeLaval MidiLine ML2100

DeLaval Swinging Cow Brush

E.C Pratt &Co Ltd For more more information contact E.C Pratt & Co Ltd Cork Road, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois

t: (+353) 057 87 31132 DeLaval t: +353 (0) 59 9146859

DeLaval Cooling Tank

www.delaval.ie .delaval.ie

EC Pratt designed_Layout 1 10/02/2016 16:09 Page 4

Best Wishes To EC Pratt & Co., From

Dunmore, Durrow, Co.Laois Tel:057-8736263/ 086-8106957 Email: info@leodunne.com EC Pratt & Co.

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Best Wishes To EC Pratt & Co., From

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Email: info@sparrowins.ie

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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of other equipment besides. For example, we sold a huge amount of cubicles from Teemore Engineering and cattle mats in 2015.”

EC Pratt & Co Ltd is proud to be DeLaval’s representative in Laois and surrounding counties.

Every day, millions of dairy animals are milked, fed and maintained by DeLaval solutions in more than 100 countries worldwide. DeLaval has more than 130 years of experience in the dairy business, supporting dairy EC Pratt & Co are agents for several of the leading farm machinery and equipment brands farmers in managing their farms their way. the cows like it.

The brand’s Sustainable Dairy Farming initiative is contributing “Hopefully, it will be the first of many we sell,” Edwin says. to the production of more quality food, for more people, with less “Some farmers are opting for robotic milking machines because impact on the environment. DeLaval’s Smart Farming strategy they have become tired of the manual side of milking. Others see aims at influencing and shaping the future of dairy farming. The it as the way forward. One robot can milk 2,500 litres a day on a goal is to accelerate the transition from milking management to grass based system. While robotic milking machines don’t suit global farm profitability management by harnessing emerging everyone, every dairy farmer should at least consider them. We decision tools, innovation and automation technologies for better sell the full range of DeLaval conventional milking machines, so quality milk and profits. we have something for everyone.”

Recently, EC Pratt & Co Ltd sold its first DeLaval VMS The family-run business is also an agent for several of the (Voluntary Milking System) robot milking system. The machine’s leading farm machinery and equipment brands, including Abbey hydraulic-powered robotic arm provides extended reliability and Machinery, Krone, Amazone fertiliser spreaders, Quicke and reduces service requirements when compared to pneumatic Trima loaders, Zuidberg tractor linkage systems, Nugent systems. The DeLaval VMS hydraulic arm is fast, quiet, robust Engineering, TJ McKenna farm machinery, Alfco Engineering, and gentle. Its repetitive procedures are consistent too, just as Yes sprayers, Jourdain cattle tubular steel, Crowley storage silos / bins and the aforementioned Teemore Engineering.

A huge range of lawn and garden equipment , including lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, bush cutters and rotavators, are also sold and available to rent at very competitive rates. EC Pratt & Co Ltd includes the recommended safety equipment with each rental and can even arrange delivery and collection of larger items upon request. Sharpening services for chainsaw chains, baler knives, silage wagon knives, sheep shears, lawnmower blades and drill bits are also provided.

EC Pratt & Co Ltd has a wealth of experience in the manufacture and repair of hydraulic hosing. From quarter-inch to one inch, it can meet all your hydraulic hose requirements.

In addition, a broad range of workshop services are offered to customers, including the maintenance and repair of almost every make of agricultural machinery, garden equipment, chainsaws and compressors. A service van and mechanic is also available for call-out.

Edwin sees great potential in his company’s web shop, which went live last March. There are up to 2,000 items available to buy on www.ecpratt.ie Be sure to log in for great prices and offers!

EC Pratt & Co Ltd’s office hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm (closed from 1 to 2pm) and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. The friendly counter staff will be only too happy to assist you with whatever query you have.

Over the past four decades, the business motto “we service what we sell” has been adhered to by the highly-regarded Co. Laois company. So you can be certain when purchasing from EC Pratt, they have the knowledge and expertise to maintain all your equipment throughout its lifetime, whether for garden, farm or Hard at work on a VMS robot milking parlour.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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“We pride ourselves on our reliability and the high standard of work”

A family affair

S

hortlisted for the 2014 Contractor of the Year at the inaugural Farming Independent/Zurich Insurance awards, father and son team Eugene and Garrett Headon of Eugene Headon Farmers & Agricultural Contractors boast a proven track record and can be 64

trusted to get the job done.

The Farmer of the Year Awards seeks to reward excellence in all areas of farming in the Republic of Ireland and while the Naas based Headons narrowly missed out on the Contractor of the Year title 18 months ago, reaching the final three was a noteworthy achievement in

CONTACT DETAILS Eugene & Garrett Headon

Naas Co. Kildare Tel: 086 2560022 or 086 8240352 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

headon designed_Layout 1 10/02/2016 14:34 Page 2

itself.

Not to mention a valuable learning experience and Eugene and Garrett have taken on board the feedback they received from the judging panel and used it to telling effect to help them improve the smooth running and efficiency of their business.

Judging was based on a number of criteria, including standard of the machinery fleet, operator training, health and safety, cash flow management and environmental standards.

The judges for the contractor competition were Derek Casey, machinery reporter with the Farming Independent and John Kennedy, inspector with the Health & Safety Authority.

“We may not have won it but we were delighted to make the final three,” stated Garrett Headon. “Thomas Moloney of of Moloney Agri from Tipperary was the overall winner but the whole process was a very positive experience from our point of view.

“It made us take a step back and look at what we had and what areas we could improve on. Also, feedback from the judges was very constructive. Moloney Agri’s documentation and specialisation was exceptional and they deserved to the win.’’

It should come as no surprise to learn that the Headons hail from a strong farming background and Eugene Headon commenced contracting back in 1972. Six years ago, he was joined in the day-to-day running of the business by Garrett.

“My late father William was a cattle and sheep farmer and did a little bit of tillage,” Eugene revealed when asked to trace the roots of the contracting business. “I was always into machinery so it suited IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Eugene Headon Farmers & Agricultural Contractors specialise in tillage operations and silage harvesting

me better to do tillage. We farm our own farm and also rent other farms, growing winter wheat, winter barley, oilseed rape, spring beans and spring barley.

“I've been contracting since 1972 and we have one full-time and three part-time employees while we also use subcontractors as required. My wife Catherine looks after the paper work.”

The experience gained over 40 years

by Eugene is complemented by Garrett's strong technical knowledge and they work well together as a team, enabling them to to provide a full and comprehensive contracting service, with particular emphasis on tillage operations and silage harvesting.

At all times, they ensure the highest quality, safety and professional standards are adhered to.

Garrett, who completed his studies at

Harper Adams University, England in 2010, added: “Dad's experience counts for a lot and we work well together.

When you're younger you can be a bit hot headed and tend to learn things the hard way but we've a good combination with my technical background and Eugene's practical experience.”

Offering high quality services, the Headons are dedicated to customer satisfaction. Consequently much of their business comes from word of mouth and satisfied repeat customers.

“A lot of our customers go back years with us and we're grateful to them for their continued support,” Eugene commented. “We pride ourselves on our reliability and the high standard of work.

“There was a good yield in 2015 with the favourable weather so if 2016 is as good we won't complain. But, having

The hard-working father and son duo, Eugene and Garrett Headon

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Best Wishes To Headon Farming & Agri, From

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

headon designed_Layout 1 10/02/2016 14:34 Page 4

said that, prices are back where they were in the 1980s and, at the same time, costs are going up.”

Garrett continued: “We treat every job as if it is our own. We don't just turn up in the wet and bull on. You have to treat the landowner and customers land with respect.

“In that sense, we always try to be honest with people. If for some reason we get delayed, we tell them that. You have to be straight and honest in this game and we always try to be professional in everything we do.”

Attention to detail and a policy of continually updating their fleet of tractors and associated machinery are vital components in the well-oiled Headon family machine.

They have invested heavily which means field operations can be very timely and to get the most from their machinery, they look after as much of the maintenance work themselves as possible. They also rely on some key dealers for back up on larger repairs.

“We follow a programme of preventative maintenance as opposed to fixing machinery when it breaks down,” Garrett explained. “That shows out in the field when it comes to finishing the job.”

Give Eugene Headon Farmers & Agricultural Contractors a 'like' on Facebook to find out more.

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Telephone: 086-8593187 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Martin’s Garage Bailieboro was established in 1969

S

Martin’s for Massey

ynonymous with Massey Ferguson for over 30 years, Martin’s Garage in Bailieboro, Co. Cavan is recognised as one of the leading farm machinery dealerships in the country. Sales director Ronnie Martin explains more.

Martin’s Garage Bailieboro Ltd was established in 1969 by the late Freddie Martin who initially carried out repairs on a wide range of vehicles and equipment. In the early 1970s, he developed the farm machinery side of the business and was appointed International Harvester (IH) tractor dealer for the Cavan and Monaghan region.

Freddie was awarded IH ‘Dealer of the Year’ in Ireland for three consecutive years in recognition of his outstanding performance in the areas of sales, service and parts. In 1983, he acquired the Massey Ferguson franchise and this led to the family-run business relocating to its existing premises on a five-acre site on the Cavan Road, Bailieboro. With the help of his wife Lily and sons Ronnie, Trevor and Ian, Freddie had

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established Martin’s Garage as one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of Massey Ferguson tractors before his untimely passing at the age of 62 in July 2009.

The business has continued to go from strength to strength under the guidance of Freddie’s sons, who have clearly inherited his passion for farm machinery and his business nous. In 2006, Martin’s Garage sold the most Massey Ferguson 6400 series in Ireland and the UK, and it emulated that last year by selling the most 7600 series in Ireland and the UK. “New sales have been very brisk over the past couple of years. To be fair to Massey Ferguson, they have a great range of products which makes the job of selling them that bit easier,” says Ronnie, who is involved in the sales end along with Oliver McCormack.

“Massey are offering 0% finance for four years on all new tractors and there has been a great take-up on this. The 5600, 6600 and 7600 series will soon be complemented by the new 4700 series which is a range of 75, 85 and 95hp tractors. These models will

appeal to smaller farmers and we’re eagerly looking forward to their arrival on the Irish market.

“Massey are also launching a new range of telescopic farm handlers (9000 series), with engine horsepower up to 122hp. It is a serious piece of kit that will prove to be invaluable around the farm. In addition, Massey has introduced an impressive range of new hay and forage equipment that

CONTACT DETAILS Martin’s Garage Bailieboro Ltd Cavan Road, Bailieboro, Co. Cavan.

Telephone: 042 9665147 Telephone (Sales): 087 2201296 / 086 2506462 Fax: 042 9666193 Web: www.martinsgarage.ie www.masseyparts.ie

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Just some of the Massey Ferguson stock at Martin’s Garage

encompasses a wide array of high quality and energy-efficient mowers, rakes and tedders.

“Having originally held the Massey Ferguson dealership for Cavan and Monaghan, we are now main dealers for Louth and parts of Meath as well. We are currently developing a new display store area and extending our workshop. These are exciting times for our business,” he adds.

Martin’s Garage isn’t just about Massey Ferguson. The company’s core business is the supply and service of new and used tractors and farm machinery to the agricultural community and, in this regard, it has something for everyone. Visitors to the garage can view and test-drive a huge range of new and second-hand tractors and machinery.

Over the years, Martin’s Garage has acquired many other dealerships which are household names. These include Abbey Machinery, JF-Stoll, Kuhn, Conor, Krone, Rauch, Rossmore, Malone, Spearhead, Quicke, Nugent Engineering, Amazone, Prodig, McKenna Engineering, Johnston Brothers, NC Engineering, ProDig and Plant-Mec. The company usually has around 50 quality used tractors in stock of every make and model from 20hp to 200hp. “Most of the second-hands have had only one owner.

We are selling an increasing number to the UK due to the strength of sterling against the euro,” Ronnie explains.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Martin’s Garage Bailieboro

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Cmc Agri Contractors Good Luck To Martin’s Garage & Best Wishes For The Future From Charlie & All The Crew At

Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan | Mobile: 087-2674297| Email: cmccharlie@yahoo.com

Best Wishes To Martin’s Garage From

Best Wishes to Martin’s Garage, From

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Trevor Martin is in charge of the service department. The Martin’s provide excellent service and back-up with every product they sell. Their fullytrained, dedicated service engineers are only a phone call away and can carry out work either in the workshop or on-site.

The company has three service vans on the road, while a recovery truck is also available to customers. The service vans have state-of-the-art technology on board to diagnose problems efficiently and to ensure your downtime is kept to a minimum.

As the industry has advanced, Martin’s Garage has led the way with the service it offers through first-class premises and Massey Ferguson and Martin’s Garage go hand-in-hand facilities, and trained and professional staff. The workshop is equipped with a complete range Best Wishes To Martin’s Garage From of computerised diagnostic and repair systems and lifting and handling tools. Air conditioning services are now available, while a tractor can be provided to keep the customer working while his own machine is being repaired.

In addition to having over 20,000 parts in stock, Martin’s Garage has its own parts website, www.masseyparts.ie, which is run by Ian Martin. On the website, you can purchase everything from alternators, axles, clutches and fan belts to filters, hydraulics, radiators, seats and water pumps. Ronnie expects this end of the business to grow significantly in the coming years.

Martin’s Garage is open six days a week from 9am to 6pm. And 6 Farnham St., Cavan, Co.Cavan because it’s a family-run business, there’s a good chance you’ll get someone on the other end of the phone after-hours too. For a T:049-4331444 F:049-4332237 professional, friendly, reliable and cost-effective service, be sure to E: law@gvmaloney.ie | www.gvmaloney.ie give them a call.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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TMP Repairs provides a comprehensive on-site repairs service

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A 24/7 call-out service is provided

Professional on-site repairs for tractors, machinery and plant

rom its central base in Lispole, TMP Repairs Ltd. (Tractor, Machinery & Plant Repairs) provides customers in County Kerry with a comprehensive on-site repairs service, covering everything from tyres and hydraulics to engines, gearboxes and welding. We caught up with the driving force behind the business, Bryan O’Sullivan, to find out more about this exceptional operation.

Boasting a wealth of experience in repairing tractors, plant, farm machinery and commercial vehicles, Bryan O’Sullivan of TMP Repairs Ltd. offers a unique and professional on-site mobile service to customers and businesses

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Bryan O’Sullivan boasts a wealth of experience of repairing tractors, plant, farm machinery and commercial vehicles

throughout County Kerry. Keeping downtime to an absolute minimum, he has the expertise and equipment to get all machinery up and running as quickly as possible.

The vast range of services provided to agricultural and plant machinery operators across the Kingdom includes: mobile puncture repairs; on-site repair and replacement of all types of hydraulic hoses on tractors, diggers etc.; .the repair of engines, gearboxes and hydraulics on forage harvesters, feeders, balers, bale wrappers, mowers and combine harvesters, tillage and slurry handling equipment; repairing tractors, commercial trucks and vans, track machines and forklifts; and an on-site welding and fabrication service.

Bryan provides a 24/7 mobile service

and prides himself on having machinery repaired as rapidly as humanly possible.

Reflecting on the history of TMP Repairs, which was formed in April, 2011, the Kerry man notes: “I had worked for silage contractors and also drove trucks, including a lot of continental work, so I was no stranger to working long and unsociable hours.

CONTACT DETAILS

TMP Repairs Ltd.,

Lispole, County Kerry.

Tel: 087 9737920 Email: tmprepairs@gmail.com www.tmprepairs.ie Facebook: TMP Repairs Limited IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Tractors, machinery and plant are serviced throughout County Kerry

TMP Repairs was formed in 2011.

“Any time I was at home, I was doing seasons – farming and fishing,” he have large mobile welders and can do repairs. I then got a job driving a petrol continues. “On the fishing side of things, on-site aluminium and MIG welding as tanker three days a week and was doing I do a lot of the repair work for Dingle well as arc welding.” repairs the rest of the time. The repair Transport, who specialise in fish Bryan also does GA1 certification and side of it just kept getting busier and transportation and also do a lot of work inspection for commercial and agri busier and eventually I decided to go out on trawlers etc. During the summer, machinery. on my own, offering a mobile repairs there’s a lot of work for farmers and “I’m lucky in that I have two busy service to tractor, machinery and plant owners.”

From his base in Lispole, close to Dingle, Bryan provides coverage to all of County Kerry. He includes Kerry County Council amongst his wide and varied list of regular customers (“I work for them in Dingle; they rang me two years ago and I’ve been working for them ever since”). He’s always busy… “At this time of year, the work varies – a lot of marine work, a lot of agricultural work and working on artics etc.,” he notes. “I’ve a huge customer base all over the county and could be doing anything from one day to the next – fitting tyres, repairing a hydraulic hose, rebuilding engines or Two Mercedes Sprinter mobile units provide around the clock coverage across the Kingdom. gearboxes. We also IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To TMP Repairs From GENERAL HAULAGE CONTRACTOR

Annagh, Castlemaine,Co. Kerry Tel:066-9765468 Mob:087-2562276 Email: tonyladden@gmail.com www.ladden.ie

LICENSED HAULIER | NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NATIONWIDE SERVICE

Ballaugh, Killarney, Co. Kerry • T: 064- 66 32661 F: 064- 66 32631 • Mobile: 087- 2934466 Best Wishes & Continued Success To TMP Repairs Best wishes to TMP Repairs, from

Wishing Continued Success To TMP Repairs, From

Best wishes to TMP Repairs, from AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS PLANT HIRE & CONTRACTORS FARM RELIEF SERVICES

DINGLE TRANSPORT Ltd. Would like to wish TMP Repairs continued success

Lispole, Dingle, Co. Kerry Phone: 0861541655

BALED SILAGE, SLURRY SPREADING, SPRAYING, PLOUGHING, LEVELLING & RESEEDING, FERTILIZER SPREADING, DUMP TRAILER HIRE, GROUNDWORKS, ALSO ALL TYPES OF FARM WORK, FENCING, BOUNDARY REPAIRS ETC. Email conorhanafinagriplant08@gmail.com

Best wishes to TMP Repairs, from

The Wood, Dingle, Co. Kerry Tel: 087-2414006

For All Your Farming News

www.irishtractor.ie 74

Unit 4 Westside Business Park, Monavalley Ind Est. Tralee Co. Kerry.

Email: fredcronin@eircom.net www.boltbank.com Tel: 353 66 7127542 Sales Mobile 087 2641350 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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contractors.”

Bryan runs two Mercedes Sprinter mobile units – an ’05-reg and an ’11-reg – both of which are fitted out with everything he needs to provide an unrivalled mobile repair service to agri, plant and commercial vehicle operators.

Specialist equipment includes the latest diagnostics for trucks and tractors, flow meters for testing pumps, air pressure gauges, compression tester etc.

The ’11 Sprinter carries equipment like compressor for puncture repair, a large selection of tools from sockets to spanners, hydraulic crimpers covering ¼ to 1inch 2wire and up to 3/4 inch 4wire fittings like BSP, JIC, Metric, ORFS and lots more and can stock specific fittings for customers if required. The ’05-reg has a Mosa welder /generator, pillar drill, compressor and provides the onsire welding.

Bryan has one man working with him part-time. Ideally, he’d like to take on a full-time employee, but he’s finding it virtually impossible to locate somebody who can do the same work he does himself. “The problem is that I’d need someone who can weld, do diagnostics, change tyres, do hydraulic hoses and it’s very hard to find a lad that can cover all of those areas,” he points out.

TMP Repairs. is completely service-based and customer-

All types of agri machinery are catered for IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Rapid puncture repairs save customers time and money

orientated. “My aim is to provide a high-quality service and to try to keep people on the move,” says Bryan. “At the end of the day, I am here to save my customers time and money. I get in high-quality parts and provide a complete service. For example, I recently rebuilt a hydraulic motor where a new one would have cost €9,000 and the parts and labour cost the customer just €2,500. That’s big saving and you try your best to save your customers money in any way you can, without compromising on quality.”

Every job is done to the very highest standards. To guarantee this, Bryan has invested heavily in the business. “Since I started off, I’ve kept putting money back into it. I bought the ’11 Sprinter three years ago, which was a fair investment, and also added the ’05 two years ago when we were expanding. I bought the mobile welder six months ago, which was another big outlay, but I’ve got a nice steady flow of work out of it.

“I buy top-quality tools and have already earmarked what I want to buy in 2016. I know what my budget is going to be every year and invest that as well as I can.”

Is it a headache trying to run Tractor, Machinery & Plant Repairs as a viable commercial entity, ensuring that there is sufficient profit at the end of the week to make it all worthwhile?

“It is and the harsh reality is that you have to walk away from some customers if they start to mess you around. I have to get paid. I need a wage myself and I have to get the money in to keep things rolling. Otherwise I would be wasting my time.”

Looking to the future, Bryan is optimistic that the business can continue to thrive: “I hope so. There have been times when it has been tough but I enjoy what I do and I can see where I want to bring this business and the potential it has.

“I set the business up in the middle of a recession,” he concludes. “I had no other choice. I came in at a hard time but the choice was to either sit at home doing nothing or to keep doing what I had become known for. I started off small and kept adding more equipment and more customers and built it up gradually. It has worked out well so far and hopefully that will continue.”

Considering the comprehensive range of quality services provided by TMP Repairs Ltd. to a varied clientele all over County Kerry, it’s hard to imagine anything other than continued success for this outstanding business.

PORTLAOISE Best Wishes To TMP Repairs, From

DIESEL INJECTION Ltd. 057- 8621024 - 057- 8622713 REPAIRING ALL TYPES OF

Diesel Injection Systems

The mobile welding service is extremely popular

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T

A Taylor made success story

aylors (Fyfin) Ltd is a family run business committed to the highest standard and quality. From humble beginnings as a potato merchant to being one of the market leaders in the animal feed industry, the company's growth is testament to hard work, dedication and putting their customers first.

For 65 years Taylors (Fyfin) Ltd, which is based outside Castlederg, Co Tyrone, have been a well known manufacturer of agri-products. They have earned a reputation for only using the best raw materials and blending them with care to ensure that the benefits are passed on to the farmer.

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Established in 1950 by the late Thomas cattle and sheep.

William Taylor, known to most as 'Tommy In addition, their range of products cover Taylor', the company is now in the third all aspects of farms and they have a line generation of Taylors. in farming equipment such as creep In the late 1950's Tommy Taylor started to work as a potato merchant and keep animals of his own. Due to the success of CONTACT DETAILS his own livestock, he started to make feeds for other farmers in the area. The Taylors (Fyfin) Ltd rest, as they say, is history.

27 Killeen Road Over the years the company has grown Victoria Bridge to now having its own manufacturing Strabane plant and fleet of lorries delivering their BT82 9LL products all over the country and further Tel: 028 8167 1239 afield.

William Taylor They now manufacture and supply feed william@taylorsfyfinltd.com rations for all types of livestock, from Thomas Taylor dairy, beef, pigs and sheep, and a thomas@taylorsfyfinltd.com specialist line of products, 'Pure Website: www.taylorsfyfinltd.com Performance Feed Rations' for pedigree

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Another delivery from Taylors (Fyfin) Ltd

feeders, troughs and loader and tractor attachments.

They also carry an extensive range of fertilizers and glass land additives to maximize the potential out of our land and a range of sprays to ensure that your land stays weed and pest free, giving increased yield. Their forage packing range, meanwhile, includes baler twines, netting, wrap and silage covers.

The company is now managed

by William Taylor, and his son Thomas Taylor. Together they have brought the company to where it is today, at the forefront of feed technology and nutrition.

Over the past 65 years the Taylors have gained extensive knowledge in how to produce the best feeds for your cattle, dairy or beef, to give you the results you need. Using the best ingredients and blending them carefully with supplements, they are sure you experience the benefits of their feeds.

“We specialise in pedigree feed for both cattle and sheep and we source our ingredients worldwide,” explained Thomas who holds a Degree in Agricultural Science and

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Diploma in Ruminant Nutrition and joined the family business in 2011.

“We also supply farms with high quality and bespoke blends of feed for dairy, sheep and beef cattle which are managed by our nutritional team.”

One of the strengths of their business lies in the dedication and skill of the 13 employees on their payroll. Every member of staff has the skills to provide

consistently high level of service to meet their customer needs.

Delivering nutritional and management solutions to dairy, beef and sheep farmers, their consultancy service provides farmers with the most cost effective nutritional solutions for the farm.

They make a difference to every farm they work with, adding value, not costs to their clients' business.

Taylors specialise in pedigree feed for both cattle and sheep IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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• Dedicated • Personal • Local

Their philosophy is underpinned by the belief that nutrition is not just about the ingredients going into the herd but it’s about their health and well being. The quality of any home grown forage as well as other inputs into the farm. As an independent company they can provide those farm inputs as cost effectively as possible.

They work closely with their customers as an integral part of their team and set measurable objectives and evaluate their work to provide clients with the best results “The quality of our products is obviously of paramount importance to us and we provide a nutritional and advisory back-up service.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of our commercial feeds which are distribute widely throughout Northern Ireland as well as County Donegal while we export our pedigree feeds to the UK as

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

well as the Republic, to counties Roscommon and Dublin.

“It's a competitive market but what separates us is the fact that we can provide bespoke solutions.”

Looking ahead to the future, Thomas revealed that expansion plans are in the pipeline.

“We're hoping to commence work on expanding our production and storage facilities shortly and hope to have that completed by July 2016.”

Taylor's attention to detail and dedicated staff with years of experience make them a leader in the market.

They boast the knowledge, expertise and resources necessary to satisfy your feed requirements.

As a family business, they will go above and beyond the call of duty to provide a professional personal service. They ensure a greater flexibility to their customers and a personal service is always guaranteed.

“We're enthusiastic about what we do and we realise that our customers are the backbone of our business.

We're a very customer centred business and are always willing to help, no matter how small or trivial the query may be. We always say to our customers don't be afraid to pick up the phone to us.”

Give Thomas and the team at Taylors a call to find out more. Their feeds can help ensure the good health, welfare and production of your livestock.

Best Wishes To Taylors (Fyfin) Ltd www.findinsuranceni.co.uk Telephone: 028 7131 1171 42-44 Spencer Road, Derry Wishing Continued Success To Taylors (Fyfin) Ltd From

Bulk Blowers |Tippers | Curtainsiders Drawbars | Tipper Bodies Waste & Recycling Solutions etc E: info@muldoon.com T:+44 (0) 28 3885 2002

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Wishing Continued Success To TAYLORS (FYFIN) LTD From

Volac Ireland Church Street, Killeshandra, Co. Cavan Tel. 049 433 4755 www.volac.ie Wishing All At TAYLORS (FYFIN) LTD Continued Success

10 Lower Main St., Kilcullen, Co. Kildare Tel:028 9023 4296 E: dublin@edfman.com www.edfman.ie 79

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The team at Conal’s Tree S

Setting high standards

C

oming up on 10 years in business, Conal’s Tree Services Ltd has gone from strength to strength to become the premier tree surgery and tree maintenance company in Ireland.

Conal Thomas, the man behind it all, filled us in on his business and the high standards that it has set.

Set up in 2007 by Donegal man Conal Thomas, Conal’s Tree Services Ltd’ rise to success has been rapid, having doubled their employment each year since its inception. The company continues to win prestigious contracts each year from leading infrastructure businesses in Ireland. One of the longest standing of which is with ESB networks.

Conal started the company from his adopted home in Mallow, Co. Cork, before expanding its headquarters towards the capital in Kiltiernan, Co Dublin.

“We started with six staff back in 2007 and now we have 40 working here. It is

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truly a family business; my son, Stephen, works with one the crews as well as moving steadily into other roles and my daughter, Julie, helps me in the cork office. My wife Majella is a director and Shelley, my youngest daughter, is going to be starting with me this summer as well.” said Conal, who made the move down south from his native Donegal town 33 years ago.

“The main contract we have had since day one is with ESB Networks, ESB Power Generation, we also have a long standing contract with the Dublin Council for the work we do at Phoenix Park. Most recently we are entering into a new contract with South Dublin County Council”.

“We have invested heavily in more up to date machinery down through the years.

This year, as well as investing in such machinery, we are looking into new technologies that will help us to stay at the cutting edge of our business. I think this ability to look to the future is part of the reason why our company has had such success”

Conal’s attention to detail and devotion to the safety of his staff and those for whom they are working is evident.

Conal’s Tree Services Ltd has been awarded the highest available safety accreditations from ‘Safe T Cert’ (The Safety Management Accreditation System for the Construction Industry) year after year. “ I believe Safe T Cert is a great system for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of my employees and others who maybe

CONTACT DETAILS Conal’s Tree Services Ltd Address: Sancta Maria, Enniskerry Road, Kiltiernan, County Dublin (HQ) Second office: 10.2 Market Square, Mallow, Co Cork Tel: 0818 288 100 Mob: 087 220 4647 Web: www.conalstreeservices.ie E-mail: info@conalstreeservices.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

conals tree designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 11:47 Page 2

am at Conal’s Tree Services

effected by our work. The system involves a comprehensive office and site audit which covers all the basis to ensure we comply with all the relative legislation”.

Since Conal started working in the Tree Care industry he has always found health and safety to be paramount. He spent seven years as a representitive for Asplundh Tree Services and he has carried that experience with him into the work he does now.

The nature of the work demands this attention to safety. “The work we do for

ESB Networks sees us clear trees and branches away from overhead power lines, removing dangerous trees around their buildings and other infrastructure” he explained.

“Health and Safety is our number one priority here and we constantly check for it on site through site audits. We also have Jo and my daughter Julie who ensure that our paper work is kept to the high standards that our clients have come to expect from us. All the company’s activities are overseen by my Operations Manager, Jamie Moran, who

Left to right: Dermot Carey (CIF), Gearoid Fitzgerald (CTS Ltd), Tom Parlon (CIF), Conal Thomas (CTS Ltd) and Jamie Moran (CTS Ltd) IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

has been with me since the beginning.

He has stood by me through all the growing pains and his dedication to safety was highlighted back in 2013 when he was awarded a commendation for safety rep of the year by the National Irish Safety Organisation.” Conal notes that “with the right people in the right place your business will always grow and develop in the desired direction”.

“We were the first tree services company in history to be awarded Safe T Cert, where we started out with a C grading. We then went on to make Safe T Cert records as the first company to be award an A grade within 2 years of auditing. This is a massive achievement for the company and all my staff”.

“ESB started a safety test three years ago and they audited us and we have been achieving similar results on their system, which is also a good indicator that all our hard work is paying off” Stats like those give you an indication of the standards that Conal’s Tree Services Ltd set when it comes to their Health and Safety procedures.

Conal’s staff members are carefully selected and with over 30 plant vehicles from hoists to tippers, trucks to stump grinders, specialist tractors to forestry machinery the company has the equipment at their disposal to handle all types of tree care projects.

“All of our training courses are the highest standard all staff hold NPTC city

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To Conal’s Tree Services From All At

SALES SERVICE HIRE Wishing Continued Success To

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Conal’s Tree Services From

Conal’s Tree Services Contact:

Institute of Legal Research & Standards

The Legal Quality Standard

SERVICES INCLUDE: - PROPERTY & LAND TRANSACTIONS - CORPORATE & PROPERTY FINANCE - COMPANY & COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS - EMPLOYMENT, HEALTH & SAFETY - WILLS, PROBATE & ESTATE PLANNING - FAMILY LAW - RETAIL & LICENSING - CIVIL LITIGATION & PERSONAL INJURIES

John Purcell, Managing Partner, BCL

P: (053) 9159922 F (053) 9159923 Email: info@stuartinsurancesse.ie www.stuartinsurances.ie

www. bmomeara.ie

18 South Mall, Cork, Ireland T: +353 (0)21 427 3305 F: +353 (0)21 427 4693 E: info@bmomeara.ie

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED 82

Main Street, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford

Stuart Insurances (South East) Ltd is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

IRISH &

AGRI

Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

conals tree designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 11:47 Page 4

and guilds, Lantra and FETAC awards.” said Conal.

“Two of our employees were put back into college one for a degree in health and safety management which he is hoping to continue into a masters qualification. Mark Moran is well into a diploma in environmental management and is leading the way for our company in his new found role as environmental officer. We have always found that the way we get the best out of our employees is to treat them as members of the management team.”

The training end of the business is run out of the company headquarters in Kilternan and the training school operates all year round under the guidance and expert tuition

The wood chipper in full flow

Best Wishes to Conal’s Tree Services From All At Upskill Safety Training

Some safety instructions being dished out

Upskill Safety Training Phone: 089-417 35 44 Email: info@treecareireland.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Paul Spooner (Safety Officer).

Over the years the school has trained many students in all aspects of forestry and tree surgery activities from safe use of chainsaws, tree climbing and aerial rescue techiques, to the use of woodchippers and MEWP’s.

Last year saw the company run their annual safety event at the Citywest Hotel Conference & Event Centre, with the chief objective being to obtain fresh safety ideas from its staff, introduce new procedures and carry out refresher training.

This same event is scheduled again for 2016 – a year which Conal is excited for whats to come. A new year brings new oportunities for an ever growing business like Conal’s Tree Services Ltd. “Business is good at the moment” although he says the activities on site “slow down when the weather conditions are as tough as they have been lately. Land all over the country is still heavily saturated after weeks of continuous rain that we have had” he said.

“February and March will hopefully bring better weather and allow us to get back to full production again and we’re looking at investing in new machinery and few different things, so we’ll definitely have our hands full” So what has been the secret to success for Conal?

He puts it largely down to the way he and his employees have looked after the customers down through the years, earning a glowing reputation for the company whilst gaining repeat business at the same time.

“When we start a project we always endevour to ensure that our customers are satisfied and our staff all arrive home to their families safe” he said.

“The way we see it, we’re only as good as our last job.

People see our vehicles and associate them with our overall presentation as a

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Conal Thomas set up the company in 2007

company and our hard working and professional staff. Conal’s Tree Services Ltd is associated with a safety culture that we promote on all our sites and the knowledge that your trees needs are being managed by a family run business. This is what makes us a cut above the rest” There’s a ‘no project we won’t under take’ policy with this company, so whether it’s tree surveys and detailed inspection, tree pruning, dangerous tree removal, hedge maintenance, training services or a 24hr emergency service that you require, look no further than Conal’s Tree Services Ltd.

Safety is paramount for Conal’s employees

Some national coverage for Conal’s Tree Services IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Philip O’Dwyer Agri Consultants is based in Causeway, Co Kerry

Philip O’Dwyer set up his consultancy agency in 1995

Improving standards

F

Philip O’Dwyer

or 20 years now, Philip O’Dwyer Agri Consultants has been administering good quality professional advice to the farming community. Irish Tractor & Agri spoke with the man himself to find out about his Kerry-based business along with his role in the Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA) and the Irish Farm Buildings Association (IFBA).

Keeping your company a success through decades is no easy feat, particularly in the agricultural industry, but since 1995 Philip O’Dwyer in Causeway, Co Kerry has managed to make it work.

A Kilkenny native, Philip has been involved in farming all his life and settled into life in the Kingdom after marrying his wife and starting a family, having set up his own agri consultancy firm in Foxfort, Causeway, in the meantime.

Down through the years, the company has earned its stellar reputation by liaising IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

between the relevant stakeholders, the various departments and farmers to improve the standard of living, income and quality of the environment in the south west of Ireland.

While Philip predominantly works for farmers in North Kerry, Listowel and Tralee, his work has brought him outside Kerry’s borders on occasions and his name is a trusted one all over the south west of the country.

“We’re based in Causeway in Co Kerry and we’re established since 1995,” explained Philip.

“We’ve two working here and basically what we do is deal with all kinds of farm advisory and consultancy work, farm yard design, lay out, planning permissions and farm buildings.

“We help with all kinds of issues relating to farming, audits, Nitrate Derogations, Compliance Reports, mapping out and area calculations as well and our mission here has always been to bring quality professional advice to the farming community.”

Philip’s origins in the industry date back to his youth. “I’m originally from south Kilkenny and grew up on a mixed dairy farm and we grew a lot vegetables, tomatoes and apples there,” he outlined.

While growing up on a typical Irish farm was hardly an admission into the agri consultancy trade, he always maintained a love for farming and went on to study in UCC, UCD and U.L. Limerick. . I got my first job in Kerry and met my wife here, worked in Longford for a few years and settled down then to start up the business that I’m still in today in Kerry.”

He received his Agricultural Science Degree in UCD, worked for a few years and went and for an MBA in the University of Limerick – and I’ve kind of been doing consultancy work ever since then

Arriving into the Kingdom from a hurling stronghold may have made things tricky at the start for Philip to build up his clientele, but word of his efficient and reliable service soon spread and to this day he has a large chunk of the loyal customers that first started with him back in 1995.

Since then that customer base has grown for Philip O’Dwyer Agri Consultants and he is glad to report that they are experiencing positive growth, when it could be argued that things were at an all-time low given the economic downturn which encouraged many young farmers to look at their own farms rather than to the construction industry.

“The past couple of years have been extremely busy,” he stated. “North Kerry in particular, is an area that would have a high percentage of dairy farmers and many of them have been building new buildings or adding extensions to cattle houses, silage bases, milking parlours and larger bulk tanks recently.”

Needless to say the customers are, and always have been, Philip’s priority since setting up his firm and the busy times that he’s still experiencing reflects after 20 years reflects the hard work he’s put in, along with the success of the business.

CONTACT DETAILS

Philip O’Dwyer Agricultural Consultants

Member of the Agricultural Consultants Association.

Foxfort, Causeway, Co Kerry Tel: 066 713 1952 Web: philipodwyer.ie E-mail: odwyerphilip@eircom.net

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Mossie Lane Best Wishes To

Philip O’Dwyer Agri Consultants From

Fabricators & Erectors of Farm & Industrial Buildings

Caherlane, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick

P: 068-31986 M: 087-260 2386

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Leahy Agri Best Wishes To Philip O’Dwyer Agri Consultants From

Business Ltd

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Ready for some livestock

“Most of the farmers he deals with have met him just through word of mouth,” he said.

“We try and do the best possible job we can for the people that are seeking a little advice and that means trying to reduce risk, make work more efficient and increase their income as well. 99 per cent of our planning applications are successful and in most case this is followed by an application for grant aid in TAMS II for 40 % or 60% in the case of young farmers.”

“We do the best job we can for our farmers in the agricultural sector,” he added. “There’s no magic formula or anything just correct common sense advice. Price generally doesn’t come into it when you do a good job.”

A look at some of the cattle on show

IFBA committee members Philip O’Dwyer (secretary) and TJ Broderick (president) IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

His connections with the Agricultural Consultants Association over the past two decades have opened up a network of private agricultural consultants and advisors all over the country.

“When I started in 1995, I was completing various Agricultural Scheme applications with the local Department of Agriculture. This was of crucial importance in setting the compass in the right direction for many farmers” Philip explained.

“I’ve been on several trips and tours ever since and I have to say that they’ve been a great experience.

“I was proposed to go on the Council from there and I went from Treasurer to President and then Secretary as well - Damien Donovan was elected President in November 2015.”

Having held all positions at the top table at one stage or another, Philip and his colleague on the Council of the IFBA, have come in contact with farmers at both at home and abroad and he’s picked up new ideas and experiences on every single study tour that has taken place to date.

“We hold events and conferences during the year and every second year we venture abroad,” he explained.

“We’d be exchanging ideas and it varies the numbers that come back and forth. We’d have visits abroad and through them you can make brilliant networking contacts. We were in Italy, Holland, Sweden, Wales, Scotland and Germany. In Holland, we visited universities and several other progressive high tech farms and got great feedback, it was a very enjoyable and educational trip for the members of the IFBA who travelled.”

“The most recent trip in Ireland was in Donegal and the prior trip was in Hillsborough, where we visited farms and looked at different anaerobic digesters and zoned in on different aspects of farming and always searching for new ways of doing things.”

As for 2016 as a whole, it will be about more efficiency, attention to detail and correct financial planning where return on investment is carefully considered , according to Philip. Many new young farmers will be moving up a gear and older single farmers possibly moving back a gear or two.

“Hopefully we can keep all of our customers happy for the New Year and that the good times can comeback for all of them,” he said.

“We wish them good health for them New Year, which is more important than any material things that we get worked up over. Your health is your wealth at the end of the day.”

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Ronnie Killen Agricultural Contractors in Derry

A family service 88

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CONTACT DETAILS Ronnie Killen & Sons Newbuildings, Co Derry.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Ready for action

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F

or agricultural contractors this is a quiet time of the year ahead of the madness that the summer usually brings.

The winter months bring about the opportunity for contractors to carry out any maintenance work necessary as they get set for the busy period ahead.

However, there are some contractors who are kept busy all year round, given the wide range of services that they provide to their customers.

For this month’s edition of Irish Tractor, we profile one such family run business as Ronnie Killen & Sons Agricultural Contractors is in the spotlight.

Based in Newbuildings, Co Derry, this family run business offers a wide range of services to an ever-increasing customer base.

Ronnie established the business over 30 years ago and over the years, he has been joined by his sons Richard, Geoffrey, Graham and Stuart.

The latter spoke to us about what it takes to run such a successful business and the workload entailed to keep everyone happy.

“We are dairy, sheep and pig farmers and we milk in the region of 430 cows, so we are kept busy all year round,” said Stuart. “We farm in the region of 900 acres and we have recently purchased a farm of land consisting of about 120 acres.”

Hailing from a dairy background, Stuart feels that they know better than anyone what they’re customers want.

“We provide a wide range of services including slurry, both tanker and umbilical, maize, barley, reseeding, baling and wrapping as well as silage.

“Our customer base would be in the region of about 1800, many of who have been with us since my father first set up the business all those years ago. We would get through around 6,000 acres of silage during the summer months between the first and second cuts.

Sometimes, we would have two

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The family business cuts over 6,000 acres of silage in a summer

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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N.I. LTD

Head Office: Green Pastures (Donegal) Creamery Road, Convoy, Co. Donegal www.greenpasturesdonegal.com Tel:00353(0)749147193

Delighted to be purchasers of Killen Agri’s Milk

From all the team we would like to wish them continued success NEW SUPPLIERS WELCOME!

ronnie killen designed_Layout 1 10/02/2016 14:56 Page 5

John Fahy & Co. SOLICITORS

Best Wishes & Continued Success To RonnIE KILLEn & SonS

We provide advice on UK, ROI and cross border taxation

3 Limavady Road, Londonderry BT47 6JU Tel:028-7134 9138 101 Irish Green Street, Limavady BT49 9AA Tel:028-7772 2758 Email: info@dt-accountants.com

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AGRI

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crews going depending on how busy we are, but generally it is just the one.

Another good thing about the customer base is that it would be within a 15 mile radius of our home place here. We are in a good location and take in a couple of other counties apart from Derry.”

Of the tractors used by the family, Case and New Holland are the preferred choice and they are upgraded on a regular basis.

“The tractors are bought from Cowan Brothers in Derry city. We would be dealing with them for many years now and find them very helpful. The tractors are generally upgraded every few years, while we would also have a wide range of machinery for all the different work we do.”

With such an extensive range of machinery at their disposal, Stuart admits that maintenance is a big part of their workload.

“A lot of the maintenance would be carried out during the winter months.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

The fleet has to be in pristine condition during the summer Spring and Summer as these are our busy periods and the last thing you want is for breakdowns to be occurring.”

Despite the contracting work taking over during the summer, milking still has to be done twice daily, a job that can take up to three hours at peak times.

“We use a Pearson milking machine which we find very useful, and generally one of us would be at home working the farm, while the rest go contracting.”

For combining, Ronnie and his sons use two Claas harvesters, an 870 and 890, while of the tractors, New Holland 6070s and 6030s are the preferred choice.

A Vicon 235 baler gets through a mammoth amount of work during the summer period. “The Vicon is a very good baler we find, we do a lot of baling and wrapping and this has proven to be very beneficial to us.”

Stuart admits that they are happy with the workload that they have on at the moment and there are no real plans to expand the contracting.

“We will probably expand the dairy end of the farming. We’re happy with the workload in the contracting. The majority of our customers are there years and we will continue to look after them. During the busy period, we would take on about five lads on a part time basis to give us a hand get through the workload.

“You are basically going 24/7 during the summer. With the weather in this country, you have to try and get as much done as possible during any dry spells that we have, which at times are scarce.

“We were fortunate enough last year as it was a dry enough summer and hopefully we can have more of the same this year. The last month or so has been really wet and a lot of land is still under water, but hopefully we will get out to do some slurry work in the coming weeks.”

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Graham McIlroy

M

From farm to fork

cIlroy’s Chickens in Coleraine, Co Derry produces 600,000 broilers annually for Moy Park and Marks & Spencer. It was also the first poultry farm in Northern Ireland to become completely carbon neutral, so we spoke to Graham McIlroy to find out more.

In the short space of seven years, Graham McIlroy has opened up three poultry houses – all of which are carbon neutral - at his family’s farm in Coleraine in order to keep up with the huge demand from his clientele.

The decision to switch from a farm that was primarily beef and sheep to concentrate on the poultry industry was made when the now 27-year-old Graham entered into the family business.

Prior to that he had never stood in a stood in a chicken shed before but by 2009 his new poultry house had taken in its first crop of bird and the rest, as they day, is history.

“We’re based here in Coleraine and we’d be established seven years in total,” explained Graham.

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“Most of the farm is chickens and we’d also keep broilers up in the main yard.

We’ve only a few cattle here.

“We’ve three poultry houses which are all carbon neutral and the first one would have been built in 2009.”

Having a carbon neutral poultry house was always a primary goal of Graham’s once he decided to go down this current route and he had since multiplied the count by three.

Now Graham is proud to say that McIlroy’s Chickens is the first completely carbon neutral poultry farm in Northern Ireland.

A Coleraine native, Graham’s background had always been in farming, according to the man himself, although chickens wouldn’t have been part of the day-to-day work for the family until he brought his own incentive into the business after finishing college.

Since that time, things have been moving fast for Graham – and it certainly shows once you crunch the numbers.

Producing 600,000 broilers annually for your clients is no easy feat and it goes a long way towards explaining why three state-of-the-art chicken houses have

been erected in the space of four years.

“I grew up on a farm and would have working on it from a young enough age,” he stated.

“I’ve a National Diploma in Agriculture and had done work with a dairy farmer.

After a while working with him someone asked me did I ever look into working with chickens and I suppose that’s where it would’ve started for me.

“I started working in my first poultry house in 2009 and my second then in 2012. The third was opened then in 2013, so it has been going well here for us.

“Chickens are going alright at the minute, so it has been going well and

CONTACT DETAILS McIlroy’s Chickens

65 Moneybrannon Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine Co. Derry BT51 3SJ

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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we’re looking forward to 2016 now.”

2015 was another progressive year for McIlroy’s Chickens, to say the least, and June 13th and 14th saw it host an Open Weekend at the farm, which is addressed at 65 Moneybrannon Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine, Co Derry, BT51 3SJ. Activities for the weekend included tours of their chicken houses, where you could see how their chickens live from the viewing gallery. They also had some tasty food to sample from Moy Park and you were able to learn all about the farm to fork story behind their produce.

The McIlroy farm was one of 20 in Northern Ireland to open up its gates to the general public and schools for Open Farm Day, which took place throughout the six counties.

“I took great joy in the opportunity to share and teach people about what I do here on my farm with the chickens and the renewable energy,”

Moy Park’s David Mark (left) with Graham McIlroy

Graham stated to media on the event.

“I am continually researching ways to become more sustainable through my business, as this not only increases margins, but more importantly leaves a better world for future generations. I believe that sustainability is key to success in farming and the future of farming.”

It’s that kind of innovation which has seen Graham become a multiple award

Best Wishes To McIlroy’s Chickens, From

Services Available VAT & Book Keeping Services | New Business Advice Accounts Preparation | Tax Returns | Payroll Company Secretarial | Other Services Coleraine Office 49 Managher Road Aghadowey, Coleraine BT51 4DE Phone +44 (0)28 7086 8577 Email info@jascco.com

Maghera Office 8 Main Street, Maghera BT46 5AD Phone +44 (0)28 7964 3666 Email info@jascco.com

www.jascco.co.uk

Best Wishes To McIlroy’s Chickens

Left to right: Jeremy Vine (BBC), Graham McIlroy and Paul Pomroy (Senior Vice President, CFO, McDonalds)

Best Wishes To McIlroy’s Chickens, From

Sales Tel:07706-845 097 Fuel Supplies Tel:028-8774 0379 Email: info@heganbiomass.com www.heganbiomass.co.uk

29A Lurgy Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 4DF

PORTLAOISE T: 057-8621224 F: 057-8620723 Sales:Peter Tallon 0044-7747898224 Email: info@ids.ie www.ids.ie

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To McIlroy’s Chickens IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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winner since starting up McIlroy’s Chickens.

Graham picked up the prestigious award for 'Young Farmer of the Year' at the 2013 Farm Business 'Food and Farming Industry’ awards.

The awards, which were held in the House of Commons in London that December, were a celebration of the best of the UK food and farming industry.

Commenting on the calibre of Graham's submission the judging panel said: "What a highly innovative young farmer Graham is - he knocked our socks off!

“By embracing environmental improvements to the benefit of the business at every stage and using Graham picks up his M&S Farming for the Future award from both solar and biomass generated Sue Bell (M&S Technical Executive) energy, it would be hard to think of a more worthy winner than Graham. His farm is superbly run, with very well laid plans to expand his impressive poultry business in the future."

Graham also scooped the Marks & Spencer 'Farming for the Future' Award in May of the same year for the commitment to renewable energy and long-term sustainability on his farm as demonstrated by providing his animals with the best possible living conditions, reducing the farm’s carbon footprint and a commitment to good farming practices.

On the night, Graham stated: "It is a privilege to receive this award recognising the vision we have to become more environmentally friendly and in doing so, help to Moy Park grower Graham McIlroy receiving his Progressive Farmer of the Year make a better world for future generations.”

“In the FBD Awards, I was a runner -up for Farm of the Year While the awards were a plenty in 2013, Graham recognises – that was two months ago. I was honoured to win the awards the following year as being his best when it comes to gong and be nominated for the others as it is good farming practice.” honours.

As for 2016, Graham will be hoping for more of the same with “I was one the finalists in the Sustainable Farm of the Year some new expansion perhaps on the horizon. awards but 2014 would have been our best year awards-wise,” “Next year I’ll be looking out for new technology and new he said. things on the horizon. Hopefully next year will bring more good “I won Progressive Farmer of the Year in 2014 and was also up for the Poultry Farmer of the Year and M&S Farmer of the news and you never know what will come along,” he Year. concluded.

St David’s Poultry Team Ltd is one of the largest poultry practices, with 13 branches in both the UK and Ireland. We are a team of 18 dedicated poultry vets and staff, offering the highest standard of poultry care throughout the industry. We provide veterinary care to a large proportion of the UK’s broiler industry and vast majority of broilers in Northern Ireland are under our care. We work in close partnership with Moy Park as dedicated veterinary consultants in the NI farm base aiming to safeguard poultry health and welfare. We focus on preventative measures and strategic health planning with regular site visits and routine monitoring where required. We have recently developed the ABC (Applied Bacterial Control) concept to provide a holistic set of solutions that are tailored to individual farms. Our research into alternatives to antimicrobials has allowed us to provide our client base with a range of interventions such us essential oils, probiotics and organic acids aimed at further improving bird health. Graham’s farm was the first within a group of 20 pilot Moy Park broiler farms where our ABC protocol was implemented last September and so far the preliminary results have been very encouraging for the future.

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Materials are delivered nationwide

F

A top service

arm buildings have become an integral part of any farm and high standards have to be met in order to meet the regulations that are in place.

That is why when farmers are constructing buildings on their premises; they want quality products at competitive prices.

Each year, millions of euro are invested in farm buildings. This year is expected to be no different, and with grant aid available spend could be higher. Dairy farms account for 60 per cent of the planned spend on buildings and facilities..

Any farm building is a major investment.

It needs to be well designed, comply with planning requirements and be built to a good specification.

If farmers are building a new outhouse or other farm building, there are various specifications that they need to follow. By doing so, they can then be sure their new IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

building complies with all relevant planning and environmental regulations.

When it comes to roofing supplies for farm buildings, then there is few companies in Ireland that can compete with the renowned O’Connor Roofing Supplies Ltd. Located in Rampark, Jenkinstown, Dundalk, Co Louth, this roofing supplies company has been providing its large customer base since it first opened its doors in 1980.

Established by Brian and Mary O’Connor, the business’ primary focus was on the agricultural sector, but over the years, not only do they focus supplying roofing materials, supplies, cladding and much more to the commercial and Industrial sector as well as domestic dwellings in Ireland. The company has supplied to some large projects as well as smaller developments and every customer is treated the same by the efficient and friendly staff.

For this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we profile the Cooley Peninsula based company and speak to assistant manager Antoin Watters about the services that they provide.

O’Connor Roofing Supplies Ltd supplies all Department of Agriculture approved and they use all the regulated materials in order to maintain the standards put in place.

CONTACT DETAILS

O'Connor Roofing Supplies

Rampark, Jenkinstown Dundalk Co. Louth Ireland Telephone: (+353) 42 93 76314 Fax: (+353) 42 93 76113

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The company had the ISO 9001:2008 implemented in 1996 and ISO Certified in November 2014.

We here at O’Connor Roofing Supplies Ltd have met the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 in Quality Management and are focused on meeting customer expectations and delivering customer satisfaction,” said Antoin.

“We would have all the necessary certificates to supply our products from the

department spec S101 standard to the E.U and C.E traceability markings that are coming into the industry.

We aim to become an essential preferred supplier and are committed to providing customers with the highest quality of product and service. Through our specialist knowledge and our many years of experience, we work with customers to find the best solution that suits the customer.

“There is a lot more

S H E E LT R A N S

O’Connor Roofing supplies materials for a wide range of industries

Best Wishes To O’Connor Roofing Supplies From

Bulk Transport Specialist

Ballynamaghery, Riverstown, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel:086-6676 888 Fax:042-9376374 Email: sheeltrans@gmail.com

A load sets off for its destination

Continued Best Wishes to O’CONNOR ROOFING SUPPLIES From

17 Cottage Road, Killean, Newry, Co Armagh

NI 028 30849994 ROI 048 30849994

Insulation is a speciality of O’Connor Roofing

Email – damian@flagstafffarmsupplies.com

Best Wishes & Continued Success To O’Connor Roofing Supplies, From

SPECIALISTS IN FIXINGS AND FASTENERS Coes Road Industrial Estate West, Coes Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

T:00353 (0)42 935 3276 F:00353 (0)42 935 3277 Email: info@cmtsupplies.ie 98

The company is based in Co Louth IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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paperwork these days, but it is for the benefit of the industry and we have met all the requirements asked of us,” he added.

O’Connor’s have used the same reputable suppliers for many years, as they supply a wide of products.

"We source all of our materials from long established, quality suppliers and can offer lengthy warranties to all our customers.

“The housing of livestock, dairy, beef, poultry and pigs would be where we do about 40% of our work, but we have completed some big projects in other industries as well.”

O’Connor’s wide range of products are kept in stock at their premises and nationwide delivery is available to their customers, many of who are located all over the country.

“We would have a lot of repeat custom, while we would deal with many of the contractors constructing the buildings and this always helps us find the best product suitable for the job.”

“Our Products come in various sizes and colours, we have a large stock of materials at our premises ready to be dispatched on a daily basis, and with the help of our highly experienced and committed team we can answer any questions you may have regarding our products. We provide a very fast and

All materials are cut to size on site

efficient turnaround service on all our products. There is a quick turnaround time on our products, all products are cut and fitted on site, which saves time and money for the customer, while the waste is also cut down.

Ten people are employed at the company and their motto tells its own tale “A family run business that is small enough to know you but big enough to serve you.”

“We work very closely with our customers in order to ensure that they get the right product that they need. It’s important to us that they get the proper supplies as they don’t want to be holding up a job because of us.”

Antoin revealed that the last four or five years have seen an improvement in the market and they are hoping to build on that in 2016.

“Business has been good for the last few years and the aim for this year would be to try and improve on that. There are grants available this year and farmers are availing of them, so we have already had a lot of enquiries.”

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

O’Connor Roofing Supplies From

A completed shed with materials from O’Connor Roofing

Industrial Buildings | Agricultural Buildings Structural Steel | Sheeting & Cladding Formwork & Steel Fixing Foundations & Groundworks | Plant Hire Structural Concrete

Best Wishes To O’Connor Roofing Supplies Contact Stephen Fitzpatrick

Clonsast, Rathangan, Co.Kildare Tel:086-1091703 Email: steve@f-con.ie

www.f-con.ie

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Irish Rollforming has made great strides since its inception six years ago

P

Rapid manufacturing and delivery are guaranteed at competitive prices.

On a roll

roviding universal cladding solutions to the agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors, Irish Rollforming Ltd. has made tremendous strides since its inception in January, 2010. We took a trip to the Cork company’s state-of-the-art, fully-certified manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Mallow to get an insight into day-to-day operations from sales & marketing manager Barry O’Neill.

Irish Rollforming Ltd. is a wholly Irishowned company which manufactures and supplies Department of Agriculture and CE-approved roofing & cladding, sheeting and purlins nationwide, as well as flashings and gutters.

Guaranteeing a rapid manufacturing and delivery service at competitive prices, the vastly-experienced team cuts each individual order precisely in accordance with exact customer requirements. In the space of six years, the County Cork based operation has established an excellent reputation supplying grant-approved raw materials used in the construction of farm sheds and agri buildings, whilst also servicing the commercial and light industrial sectors.

Having previously fronted Liam O’Sullivan Engineering, directors Liam and Dolores O’Sullivan realised in ’09 that, due to the impact of the economic downturn, they would need to diversify. They identified a niche in the market for a cladding manufacturer that could supply sheets cut to order at a reasonable price

100

Barry O’Neill (sales and marketing manager) and Maurice Lenihan (quality manager) of Irish Rollforming receive the NSAI Cert from NSAI chairperson Julie O’Neill

as well as delivering these at short notice.

Irish Rollforming Ltd. was born, specialising in the production of highquality box and corrugated sheeting.

Liam and Dolores believe the Irish farming community deserves a company that can give 100% at all times and have shaped Irish Rollforming accordingly. To complement existing products, they soon started manufacturing gutters, flashings and purlins along with other accessories.

Thus, all elements of a single skin building’s envelope, excluding structural steel, can be purchased in one transaction, with Irish Rollforming Ltd. having established itself as a genuine onestop shop.

All sheeting is stamped to ensure full traceability. Last year, in keeping with its total commitment to absolute quality and customer service, Irish Rollforming

achieved CE certification and ISO 9001:2008 accreditation. Turnaround time is two days for sheeting, while a same-day service is available for flashings. From a purpose-built, 15,000 sq ft premises in Bweeng, an affordable nationwide delivery service is offered.

Reflecting on the genesis of the business, sales & marketing manager

CONTACT DETAILS Irish Rollforming Ltd., Bweenglacht Bweeng, Mallow, County Cork.

Tel: 21-7333987 Email: info@irishrollforming.ie www.irishrollforming.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

es.

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employment is currently generated for a team of 24 speaks for itself!

Regarding the product range, Barry adds: “We manufacture roof cladding materials, flashings, guttering and galvanised steel purlins. Our primary customer base comprises contractors and some agri merchants / Irish Rollforming manufactures roofing & cladding, distributors, while we sheeting and purlins also sell a small amount directly to farmers.

“We don’t supply the frame, but everything that is required for the skin of the building.

We also supply accessories on a wholesale basis to ensure that the builder has everything that’s required.”

As for the age-old challenge of striking the optimum balance Gainful employment is provided for a team of 24 between quality and price, Irish Rollforming Barry O’Neill notes: “Liam comes from a leaves no stone unturned in ensuring that strong engineering background, having the quality of its products cannot be constructed farm sheds and agri buildings surpassed. “Obviously, value and quality as well as other products for up to 20 are both important,” Barry accepts. years. The gap he spotted in the market “That’s what customers demand. Since was specifically for a very service-based the beginning, we have placed a major manufacturer. Service levels are very emphasis on quality. Because of the strong here and we also have a very short systems we have in place, with full lead time from when an order comes in certification and traceability of the until the products are delivered.” products back to our suppliers, as well as The fact that Liam and Dolores have various other structures and procedures grown the business – largely through a across the company, we can ensure the recession – to the point where gainful

highest quality.

“We also have competitive pricing, but our focus is definitely on product quality and customer service. Unlike our larger competitors, we take orders over the phone, by email or by fax. We have an experienced customer service team and we do everything possible to accommodate our customers in every way possible.” Little wonder the Corkbased manufacturer has already secured orders from every corner of the island!

Seeing as it’s now firmly established as Ireland’s leading cladding manufacturer, it’s hard to believe that Irish Rollforming Ltd. is a relatively young company that started life during very difficult times economically. Looking to potential growth in the medium term, Barry states: “Primarily, our key market is agriculture, but we’re hoping to expand more into commercial and light industrial. We’ve already done some work in these sectors and we feel there could be more openings there. Having CE-certification will enable us to go into that market in a bigger way. We’re also currently looking at adding some new products to the product line.

“Obviously, we will do that without neglecting our agri customers. Repeat business has been a critical factor behind our growth and we will continue to give agriculture our utmost attention. Not only are all the products manufactured to the customer’s exact needs but we also offer advice with regards to best practice and are completely flexible in everything we do, including delivery.

“We stand over all of our products and we make sure that every customer is a happy customer.”

It’s certainly been a winning formula thus far – and one gets the distinct impression that Irish Rollforming is only getting warmed up!

Continued Success To Irish Rollforming, From

LEADING SUPPLIER OF FASTENERS AND FIXINGS

Link Road, Poulavone, Ballincollig, Co.Cork Tel:021-4875878 Fax:021-4875882 Email: info@gwscork.ie www.gwscork.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

The Cork-based company is already established as Ireland’s leading cladding manufacturer

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Knowledge is key in agri supplies game A

lthough still in its infancy, Farmstrong Agri & Domestic Supplies is carving a niche for itself as one of Northern Ireland's leading farming supplies companies. They provide quality products that offer their customers excellent value for money.

with a similar company helped broaden his knowledge of what the customer wants and gave him a head start when it came to starting up his own business in terms of a strong network of suppliers and customers.

Farmstrong Agri & Domestic Supplies will always try to deliver products and farming supplies on time and to the customer's Under the direction of Neil suitability.

Armstrong, the Tyrone-based “I established the company in company has secured a strong October 2014,� answered Neil foothold in the local agricultural and domestic supplies market and there are ambitions to CONTACT DETAILS expand its reach throughout the north and further afield.

Neil took the decision to go Neil Armstrong out on his own just over 12 Farmstrong Agri & months ago and it has been Domestic Supplies very much a case of so far, so good. One of the main 80 Ballyard Road differences is that the owner of Trillick, Omagh, Co Tyrone the company is from an BT78 3PE agricultural background and understands what farmers NI: 07713886853 need and when agricultural ROI: 00447713886853 supplies are needed.

In addition, 15 years Neil Email: farmstrongagri@gmail.com spent in a management role

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when asked to reflect on the company's roots.

“My father (Desmond Armstrong) hit retirement age and I decided the time was right to go out on my own. I was reared on a dairy farm in Trillick, Co Tyrone, milking 80 cows on 120 acres, and I noticed a gap in the market.

“One of the strengths of the business is my background in dairy farming. Also I possess a strong local knowledge, I know the customers and I know the local area.”

Farmstrong Agri & Domestic

Farmstrong Agri & Domestic Supplies was set up in 2014

Supplies comprehensive range of products covers cow cubicles, mats and mattresses; feed barriers/gates/drinkers; dairy hygienc/equipment and machinery; animal medicine/health/minerals; animal tags/Antibiotic testing kits; agri sprays; fertiliser and farm feeds; silage wrap/bale net; calf milk; cubicle lime/bedding and coal.

“I specialise in several different products including the complete live stock house solutions supply and fit.

Conor Barrett CONTRACTS

Best Wishes To Farmstrong Agri & Domestic Supplies, From

SPECIALISING IN - cubicle & mattress fitting - preparation for robotic milking housing - general farm improvements and construction Dromore, Co. Tyrone Tel:004477 60220806 E:c433barrett@btinternet.com

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

THE ALL-NEW AWARD WINNING NISSAN NAVARA Winner of the International Pick-Up Award 2016

PAT KIRK NISSAN Omagh, Co. Tyrone Tel: 048 8225 1515

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CONTINUED SUCCESS TO ALL AT FARMSTRONG

A.D. Pottie & Co Ltd CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

1 Church Street, Fintona, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT78 2BR Tel:028-8284 0162 E:info@adpottie.co.uk Continued Best Wishes To Farmstrong Agri & Domestic Supplies 103

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“Thankfully, business has gone very well so far. My customer base is mainly west Tyrone, Omagh and Enniskillen but I cover all of Northern Ireland as required.

Distance is no object and I have done business in Antrim, Armagh and Derry in the past year.”

Customer service is a cornerstone of Neil's approach to the business. He believes in the personal touch when it comes to dealing with his customers and, above all else, he tries to ensure that every customer he deals with is 100% satisfied.

If there is any problem, large or small, he will always try to resolve it to the best of his ability to the customer’s satisfaction.

Farmstrong's prices are consistently monitored to ensure that their customers have the confidence in knowing that they are one of the most competitive suppliers in the industry.

“The dairy sector is going through a tough time, milk prices aren't great and business is tough but there's a lot of good customers out there who have been very decent to me since I set up the business.

“I'm a one-man operation but I like it that way because then I have only myself to blame if anything goes wrong!” he quipped.

“The business demands a lot of commitment and hard work. Normally, I'm on the go from 6am in the morning to 10pm, 11pm at night and I have to fit in milking cows twice a day too!

“I'm flat out at minute but, in my experience, the hard work is worth it because if the price is right, the product is

good and you provide a good service, customers will keep coming back to you.”

Looking to the future, Neil has plans in the pipeline which he hopes will help the fledgling company spread its wings in the coming years.

“At the minute I'm in the process of developing a website which I hope to have up and running in soon. That's the way forward for the business and our customers will be able to shop online for smaller products.”

Looking for quality agricultural and domestic supplies at reasonable prices?

Look no further than Farmstrong Agri & Domestic Supplies. With a delivery service available, feel free to contact Neil to find out more about his wide range of products and services.

Offering free quotes, he looks forward to hearing from you and will be pleased to offer you unrivalled advice on your particular requirements.

www.mclaughlinscoal.ie Best Wishes To Farmstrong Agri & Domestic Supplies 104

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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