Irish Tractor March 2016

€3.95 Stg£2.95

March 2016 Vol. 4 No. 3

Cooper Hill Farm Treepro Ltd.

Clonmel Covers

Clogher Valley Mart

Bourns Sports Horses/ Lisbeg Farms

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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: Email: contact@lynngroupmedia.com

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Quigley Agricultural Contractors A leader in its chosen area of expertise

Gardiner Farm Equipment Ltd Servicing the Northern Ireland market with grain handling and storage equipment

E Conroy Livestock Offering range of services to their customer base

Paddy Jerry Ltd Reputation that is second to none

Clyde Contracts

56 Electrical Dairy Services Ltd

Irish Cement’s on site dairy enterprise in Limerick

64 Gilbert’s Straw Sales

One of east Antrim’s leading agricultural contractors

12 Cooper Hill Farm

16 David Irwin (Redhouse Holsteins) 240 acre farm near Benburb, Co. Tyrone

20 Castlemine Farm

Wholly independent, family run enterprise producing and selling quality meat

24 Bourns Sport Horses/Lisbeg Farms

Developing premium quality sports horses, beef and sheep

29 Keohane Seafoods Ltd

Supplying fresh and frozen products

32 Clogher Valley Mart

Largest livestock market in Co. Tyrone

37 O’Connor Roofing Supplies

Providing farmers throughout the Munster and Leinster regions with a wide range of vital services Premium quality straw and hay

67 Simms Contracts

Providing first class silage contracting and agri business services

70 S&S Tree Services

Tree and hedge management services throughout the West of Ireland

77 PF Trailers

Specialists in the manufacturer of all types of agricultural trailers

84 Robin Talbot

Fourth generation of family to live and farm in Co. Laois

Providing for its large customer base since 1980

88 Markethill Livestock & Farm Sales

IFA Presidential candidate

91 Lappin Engineering Ltd

44 Flor McCarthy 48 Treepro Ltd

Ideal solution for all tree surgery needs

53 Clonmel Covers

A company that stands out from the rest

One of the most successful and long standing marts in Northern Ireland Steelwork specialist company celebrating 25 years in business

94 Mark McConnell Agricultural Consultant Built a solid reputation

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WANT TO SEE YOUR STORY FEATURED ON THESE PAGES? Then get in touch with us at contact@lynngroupmedia.com

€100m Glanbia Milkflex Fund launched to dairy farmers

Glanbia Co-operative Society, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, Rabobank and Finance Ireland announce the planned creation of a new €100 million ‘Glanbia MilkFlex Fund’. The Fund will offer flexible, competitively priced loans to Glanbia milk suppliers with loan repayments which can vary according to movements in milk price.

The first fund of its kind to offer Irish farmers access to finance through nontraditional lending structures, the purpose of the Glanbia MilkFlex Fund is to provide Glanbia milk suppliers in the Republic of Ireland with an innovative funding product that helps protect farm incomes from the impact of dairy market volatility.

A key feature of this innovative loan The launch of the Glanbia Milkflex fund product is that it will have inbuilt ‘flex triggers’ that can adjust the repayment terms in line with movements in Glanbia Ingredients Ireland’s (GII) manufacturing milk price, thereby providing farmers with cash flow relief when most needed.

Rabobank, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, Finance Ireland and Glanbia Co-Operative Society plan to invest in the Fund while Finance Ireland will also originate the loans and manage all aspects of the Fund. Subject to underwriting criteria, the interest rate charged on the loans will be a variable rate of 3.75% above the monthly Euribor cost of funds (with a Euribor floor of zero).

The loans will have a standard term of eight years, but may be extended by up to a maximum of a further two years when volatility triggers are enacted. The key features of the proposed loan product are: A temporary reduction in loan repayments, when the GII manufacturing milk price falls below 28 cent per litre (including VAT) for three consecutive months; A moratorium on loan repayments for a period, when the GII manufacturing milk price falls below 26 cent per litre for three consecutive months or when the outbreak of a notifiable disease reduces milk output materially on the previous year and; An increase in loan repayments, when the GII manufacturing price goes above 34 cent per litre for three consecutive months.

From a milk supplier perspective, other key features of the Glanbia MilkFlex Fund include: Loan repayments will be automatically deducted from the supplier’s milk receipts by GII. The profile of repayments will reflect the seasonal milk supply curve, with no loan repayments – interest or principal – during the low milk production months from November to February inclusive; Loans will be available for amounts of between €25,000 and €300,000; Loans will be unsecured however repayments will be made by as a priority deduction from milk payments; Loans can be drawn down for investment in on-farm productive assets to support an existing or growing dairy farm enterprise (including livestock, milking platform infrastructure and land improvement); Lending decisions will be based on the merit of a farmer’s business plan as opposed to the asset value of their farm, subject to meeting eligibility and underwriting criteria; There will be an amount set aside within the Fund for new entrants to dairy farming; In order to qualify for access to the Glanbia MilkFlex Fund, a supplier must maintain a valid Milk Supply Agreement (MSA) with GII for the term of the loan.

Subject to completion of the legal documentation, it is expected that the Fund will be made available to farmers from May 2016.

Finance Ireland will host a series of workshops in the GII catchment area in April to provide information to milk suppliers interested in making an application for funding from the Glanbia MilkFlex Fund.

Finance Ireland will manage the origination of loans from the Fund and will require a clear business case in order to justify the lending decision. Each applicant must meet eligibility and underwriting criteria. None of the other investors will be involved in lending decisions, or in the provision of advice or otherwise to individual suppliers in relation to participating in the Fund.

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

BRANDS YOU CAN TRUST Still leading the way IFI Pasture Sward and IFI Cut Sward, consistent performers on Irish dairy farms.

IFI Net Nitrate and IFI Super Net number one in Ireland on cereals and grassland.

IFI Leifi Start and IFI Leifi Boost and IFI Leifi Grass, leading the way on drystock farms

IFI_Brands.indd 1

01/02/2016 14:53

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New parts catalogue from John Deere

Everything from alternators and auger fingers to wheels and work lights can be found in John Deere’s first ever printed parts, service, equipment and supplies catalogue, mailed free by participating dealers.

Just published for spring 2016, the 96-page catalogue features around 1000 items covering the full range of John Deere agricultural parts, attachments and accessories, grouped by product. These include fast-moving and wearing parts for tractors and engines, combines, self-propelled foragers, sprayers, drills, balers and Gator utility vehicles, as well as FarmSight precision farming kits.

Other items include batteries, paints, chemicals, lubricants, camera systems, radios and other accessories for the farm workshop.

“Genuine John Deere parts are the first choice to maximise both your machine’s performance and the operator’s productivity,” says John Deere Limited aftermarket sales manager James Morley. “This new catalogue is designed to make customers more aware of the comprehensive range and value of parts available from their local dealer.”

The new 2016 parts catalogue complements the established

JDParts website atwww.jdparts.deere.com, which allows customers to register online with their local dealer, identify the parts required and check stock availability before ordering.

Fyffes showcases graduate management programme at Agri Careers Fair

Attended by some 7,000 students in search of their dream job in the agricultural industry, the recent Agri Careers Fair held at the RDS, Dublin was seen by banana importer Fyffes as the ideal showcase for its popular graduate management programme.

Described as a one-stop shop for those seeking to kick-start a career in the field of agriculture of horticulture, jobseekers visiting the Fyffes stand, manned by the Company’s senior management team, had the opportunity to discover first hand if they have what it takes to succeed in this exciting and challenging industry.

Talking to the Fyffes team, students learned about the Company’s placement scheme in the Central American countries of Belize, Costa Rica and Panama where, through on-the-ground training, graduates get to develop an in-depth knowledge of the tropical fruit supply chain.

Participating in a panel talk at the Agri Careers Fair, Ciaran Sweeney, general manager at Fyffes ripening and distribution centre in Swords, himself a graduate of the Company’s programmme, said: ‘Applicants who are accepted on our programme get the opportunity to experience all the challenges we face in bringing our products to the shelves in perfect condition, from soil preparation to seeding, production, harvesting, packaging, logistics, ripening, quality control and distribution.’

Further information on Fyffes Graduate Management Programme is available through the Company’s linkedin page

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Quadix Trooper 800 Diesel UTV ticks all the boxes for farmers

Farmers are currently demanding safer vehicles on their premises and that explains the huge sway in interest towards UTV vehicles at the moment.

There are quite a few models to choose from when considering such a vehicle but one that seems to tick all the boxes is the Road Legal Quadix Trooper 800 model.

Worth noting is the Trooper has T1 tractor classification so it can be taxed for the road cheaply.

With increased stability due to its low centre of gravity, this UTV helps keep the operator safe with the certified steel cage as extra protection.

Not only does it look the part, the Trooper 800 model comes packed with a host of extras as standard and at a price that compares very favourable to other UTVs and quads.

This model, being sold in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland by Wolfhound Vehicles based near Dungannon, is powered by a quiet Perkins three cylinder 800cc diesel engine.

The vehicle weighs 700kgs unladen and has plenty of pulling power with over 20 horsepower coming from the engine generating a top speed of 25 miles per hour.

This UTV is recommended to pull 800kgs and has a payload in the cargo box of 400kgs, plenty of room for those bales of hay.

With a ground clearance of 11 inches and 26 inch agri tyres this tough utility vehicle will go anywhere, especially as it has select four wheel drive and lockable front and rear differentials when the going gets really tough. If the operator gets stuck then there is always the 3000lbs winch to pull them out (including a remote control).

The CVT transmission is made by CVTech in Canada and is really straight forward to use, changing smoothly from low to high and to reverse when the engine is idle.

A test drive on the vehicle proved it is very steady on the road ® and handles corners with ease. The all around independent suspension makes for a comfortable ride and the hydraulic Features include... disc brakes perform well giving confidence. A turning circle of Corrosion resistant stainless 4.2m makes manoeuvres easy. steel feed measuring cylinder – The cargo box tips extremely easy by hand thanks to the delivers 0.5kg per ‘drop’. clever balanced engineering that connects the box to the Available as double (Type 50D) vehicle. Release levers are conveniently positioned on both or single (Type 50S) versions sides of the cargo bed. with right or left hand build to There is plenty of room in the cab for two and one special suit the parlour layout. attraction on this model is that it is right hand drive, something Range of pneumatic controllers very unusual within UTVs. and tubing boxes offering a A host of extras come standard on this vehicle including; a choice of control options. hard plastic roof (with in-built speakers), winch, bull bar, tow hitches front and rear, daytime running lights, and glass Solenoid box available to integrate with all types of windscreen with wiper. Power steering, a bench seat and a electronic panels. full cabin enclosure are available as options.

System can be tubed for dual control.

The only potentially negative feature of this machine was the ‘safety door’ which is fitted at the bottom of the entrance to ORBY dispensing mechanism provides for accurate, the vehicle. This is a small fold up/fold down door which is reliable and ‘pilfer-proof’ feeding. there really only to prevent the operators foot from sliding out Powered by compressed air for positive and responsive when driving. It is another safety feature nevertheless. operation.

A two year parts and labour warranty should convince Push-in fittings used throughout for easy and simple potential buyers to get their chequebooks out at a reasonable installation. price for the specification of £9,995 plus VAT (12,995 euro plus VAT).

For further information and prices contact your regular It really is worth having a chat with the guys at Wolfhound at Milking Machine Agent or direct to the Manufacturers.

126 Tamnamore Road, Dungannon on 07851 356487 or 07799 775778 to set up a demo or discuss where your nearest dealer is located. Alternatively visit the company 26 Seagoe Industrial Estate,Portadown.Co. Armagh BT63 5QD website at www.wolfhound.biz.

Model Feeder 50

Orby Engineering Ltd.

Tel:028-3833 9145 F:028-3835 0540 E:info@orbyengineering.co.uk

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

News Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 12:33 Page 4

Slurrykat tightens its grip on the slurry tanker market with new Panterra range

Co Armagh slurry equipment manufacturer SlurryKat has further stamped its mark on the agri equipment sector with a complete new range of budget slurry tankers.

The company is now seen as one of the main trend setters when it comes to slurry handling equipment. Traditionally recognised for supplying umbilical systems, the company first entered into the very competitive slurry tanker market almost 8 years ago in 2008and has went from strength to strength with new innovative designs that originally focused on tankers with spreading technology equipment on the rear, such as dribble bars and trailing shoe injectors to coincide with the EU nitrates directive 2007 and the various tranches of the northern Irelands Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme (METS). SlurryKat has won numerous awards for its innovative tanker designs and attachments and is seen as one of the market leaders for slurry tankers.

The new tanker range called Panterra demonstrates a more basic lower specification design and options list in comparison with its original “SlurryKat” flagship tankers that are much higher spec as standard and aimed more at the intensive farm contractor customer. SlurryKat’s CEO Garth Cairns commented “the vision behind the new Panterra range is to offer the market a more affordable tanker with less specification while still maintainingvital reputable build quality and reliability, something SlurryKat is strongly recognised for in the Agri industry”. Garth also went onto confirm that “the same high quality components and high tensile steels, Jurop Vacuum pumps, axles, wheels and valvesetc.go into the Panterra range as with our original

Premium tanker range and the Panterra’s are built on the same line by the same experienced engineers” so no cuts have been made to save costs using inferior cheap components that some other manufacturers use which can be unreliable.

The Panterra Range comes standard pre shot blasted and finished in high gloss 2 pack Black paint to give a long durable protection against corrosion and is also available in the company’s flagship colours of red and green if desired. Unique internal anti-surge baffle system and fully internally welded is also maintained in the range – traits seen in the premium SK tankers.

Sales orders and positive feedback on pre-production Panterra models have been very strong from customers and the range is now in full production at the company’s manufacturing facility in Waringstown Co Armagh.

Models available range from 1600 – 2750 on single axle and 2500 -3500 on tandem axles.

The Slurrykat Panterra IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Clyde Agri Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:26 Page 1

No job is too big or too small

S

A tradition of top-class contracting

ince he started cutting hedges as a determined 16-year-old over quarter of a century ago, Stephen Clyde has established an exceptional reputation as one of East Antrim’s leading agricultural contractors. We travelled to his base in Ballyclare to get an insight into the continued success of Clyde Contracts Ltd. and the range of services offered to a host of satisfied customers.

It would be fair to say that Stephen Clyde has known – and understood – agri all his life. Growing up on the family farm in Straid, Ballyclare, he developed a keen interest in machinery from a young age.

That was the era of the classic David Browns and Fords and Stephen was taught how to drive by his grandfather.

His father, Tom, represented Northern

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Ireland on four occasions at the World Ploughing Championships and Stephen himself also competed in match ploughing at national and international levels as a teenager before time restraints caused by his burgeoning hedge cutting and silage activities meant he had to give up competitive ploughing.

In the early days, the Clydes made their own hay and silage on the home farm and, as a schoolboy, Stephen used to help out his father who was doing bales for neighbours as well. He was only 16 when he started cutting hedges, using a Ford 6610 and Bomford Highwayman, which was replaced by a McConnell PA95 Hi-Power and then a McConnell PA550E. Using a Case 1394 with Kidd doublechop harvester and Ford 7610 with Niemeyer mower, the Antrim man started

to cut grass and mow for a neighbour in the 1980s. Almost three decades later, Clyde Contracts is recognised as one of the finest silage, slurry, fertiliser and sowing contractors in the region.

“My dad is 74 now and we are partners in the family business at home,” Stephen says. “I was hedge cutting when I left school and was doing a bit of silage using my dad’s machinery. He used to bale a lot of hay for the neighbours and I got

CONTACT DETAILS

Clyde Contracts, Straid, Ballyclare, County Antrim. www.facebook.com/clyde.contracts Email: clydecontracts@hotmail.co.uk IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Clyde Agri Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:26 Page 2

Workmanship of the highest calibre

involved in that.

“At one stage in the mid-1990s, I was doing 800 hours of hedge cutting a year but I’m not doing much hedges at all any more. A lot of farmers have bought their own hedge cutters now and they tend to look after that themselves.”

This has left Clyde Contracts free to focus on silage and whole crop harvesting, reseeding, slurry etc. With an outstanding fleet of machinery at his disposal, Stephen offers thoroughly professional, cost-effective and prompt solutions to a legion of customers, many

There’s never a dull day for Clyde Contracting

of whom have been on his books for a number of decades.

“For the slurry, we have two umbilical systems made by James O’Kane and Agquip Ltd. in Ballymoney, who give a brilliant service. He looks after you any time, day or night. We also run two 3,500 gallon Herron tankers, an NC Engineering 2,300 gallon tanker, an Agquip trailing shoe and a 2,000 gallon Hi-Tech tanker with sludgigator.

“Slurry is a big part of the business now and we also do a good bit of ploughing,

using a Horsch one pass drill for sowing – which is one of the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. We purchased that from Sam Moore in Ballymoney and we feel it should be cheaper to run. Horsch are better made and have cheaper spare parts, so it was a good investment. We’d plough a couple of hundred acres a year.”

Stephen had adapted his own fertiliser system which is used to apply fertiliser to spring cereal and operates a 5.8-metre grass seed sower.

Between the home farm and

Clyde Contracting has earned a reputation for excellence IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Clyde Agri Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:27 Page 3

Best Wishes To Clyde Contracts From

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Get the ‘Rite’ attachment for your needs!

156 Ballycorr Road, Ballyclare BT39 9DF

Phone: 07866 801 776 E: rite.engineering@gmail.com www.riteengineeringni.co.uk

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For Further details Telephone: 00 44 1387 750459 info@britmilk.co.uk

Continued success to Clyde Contracts, From

Continued Best Wishes To Clyde Contracts

Call 02821 505390 for a quote or pop in NFU Mutual, 114 Main St Larne, Co. Antrim BT40 1RG

GLENDALE FINANCE

Agricultural Asset Finance Hire Purchase Or Lease Repayments can be structured to suit cashflow Contact:

Raymond McIntyre: Chris McHenry:

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10

07789 686559 07885 316196

028 276 67395

www.irishtractor.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Clyde Agri Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:27 Page 4

contracting, the Clydes run a total of twelve tractors –a mix of New Holland, John Deere, Fendt and Massey Ferguson. “I have a Fendt 720 coming into its fourth season, which I only use for two specific jobs – the Kuhn butterfly mowers and sowing cereal with the one pass.”

Stephen also runs three New Holland T7200s which were bought new last year (with a set of double mowers on one of them), one 7210, one T650 and one TM130, which is on the main umbilical system in the spring and teds grass in the summer.

He uses a JCB telehandler for smaller silos. “I still appreciate the lad with 20-40 acres as much as the bigger customers,” he points out. Other machinery at Clyde Contracts’ disposal includes a Claas 1300T tedder, Claas 3500 four-loader rake, Claas 2900 30-foot rake and a Claas Jaguar 860 forager with direct disc whole crop cutter, which has been brought in new for this season.

There’s also a Volvo L70G loading shovel which is going into its third season and a number of Kane silage trailers.

The Clydes run a 269-acre dairy farm, rearing their own replacements. Employee Johnny looks after the farm, driving a John Deere 6125R. Since 1996, all milk produced has gone to Glanbia. “We’re hoping to put in a new parlour but can’t really afford to spend the money at the moment due to depressed milk prices,” Stephen confides.

In terms of catchment area, Clyde Contracts covers the greater Larne region – within a 15-mile radius for grass silage, but often further afield for maize. “We cut some maize in County Armagh for another contractor who doesn’t have a maize header and have other customers 30 miles from home.

For the slurry work, we travel up to 25 miles with the umbilical system.”

It’s now 26 years since Stephen started cutting hedges and silage as a fresh-faced 16-year-old. Things have gone extremely well for him in the meantime, but he is acutely aware of the threat being posed by low milk prices.

“My main concern is how long can farmers stay in business with milk prices the way they are,” he states. “Dairy farmers can’t continue to lose money at this rate. Supermarkets are ripping farmers off. As well as paying low prices, they also take three months’ credit – that has to change. Our parlour at home is 26 years old now but I’m not prepared to invest £200,000 in

It doesn’t get much tidier than this!

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Stephen Clyde has been contracting since he was 16

a new one while the farm isn’t making a profit.

“Agriculture is the core business in this country. Everybody in Northern Ireland is either a farmer or one or two generations down from one. My father, grandfather and great grandfather were all farmers before me. Our family came from Scotland originally in the 1800s and we’ve been farming here ever since.

It’s a great tradition and it’s worth protecting.

“Farmers are getting hit from every side. Meal and grain should be cheaper. Animal meal is too dear when barley and wheat are also at a low price. Fertilizer is also very expensive – the cost of fertilizer is a rip-off as oil hasn't been this cheap in years and we were told when oil was dear that was why fertilizer went up in price. Diesel usage also has to be carefully monitored – by farmers and contractors alike – because it is a substantial overhead.”

Despite the difficult times that prevail, Clyde Contracts will continue to provide an unrivalled level of service. At present, they generate gainful employment for two full –time employees in the contracting plus one on the farm. This can rise to seven or eight during peak season.

“I still have customers that I had when I was 16,” Stephen concludes. “I intend to look after them and hold onto them. Things are very tight. I’m getting through but it’s definitely coming in in one hand and out in the other.

“I take pride in my work and can honestly say that I couldn’t do it any better. I like a job done right. I run good equipment and provide a reliable service but unfortunately margins are very tight because the farmer isn’t getting a fair price for his produce.”

Nobody know what the future holds but one thing is certain: Clyde Contracts will continue to offer an exceptional level of agri contracting services to their loyal customer base in East Antrim and beyond.

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The team at Cooper Hill Farm (l/r): Lucasc Gortad, John and Niamh Holton, Frank Ryan, Adam Czyzak and Paul Stanley

A one-off dairy enterprise cemented in history O

wned by Irish Cement and located on the land surrounding the company’s factory on Castlemungret, County Limerick, Cooper Hill Farm is certainly a dairy enterprise with a difference. We caught up with farm manager John Holton to find out more about this unique enterprise.

With production facilities at Castlemungret, County Limerick and Platin, County Meath, Irish Cement which is rapidly approaching its 80th anniversary - has established itself as the leading supplier of cement in the country.

But this doesn’t even tell half of the story…

As well as producing a wide range of

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high-quality cements to the highest Irish and international standards, Irish Cement is also fully committed to sustainable development in all its business activities.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the long-term commitment to Cooper Hill Farm – an on-site dairy enterprise on the company’s land in Limerick that has been going strong since the middle of the last century.

The story of Cooper Hill Farm is a very interesting – and admirable – one. Farm manager for the past decade, John Holton was kind enough to give us some insight into the history of the operation as well as outlining daily activities and the future prospects of the business: “The farm was established here during the 1950s,” he explains. “Irish Cement

was formed in 1938 and they bought up to 1,700 acres in the area, primarily limestone, for the manufacture of cement.

As there are limestone reserves here for up to three hundred years, they set up three dairy farms to make use of the land in the meantime. In the 1990s, those three farms were amalgamated into one.

CONTACT DETAILS Cooper Hill Farm, Clarina, Castlemungret, County Limerick.

Tel: 086 8206624

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Cooperhill Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:30 Page 2

“We currently farm on 775 acres. There are also 600 acres of quarries here as well as a number of clay ponds. The farm is 100% owned by Irish Cement and is a completely self-sufficient operation which has to stand on its own two feet and turn a profit. While obviously these are difficult times for dairy farming due to depressed milk prices, Cooper Hill Farm always makes a profit over any given ten-year period. You have to take a long term approach and the dairy herd is definitely the best way to maximise the potential of this land.”

The award-wining Cooper Hill herd produces consistently high milk yields, thanks largely to the automated Fullwood rotary parlour which was installed at a significant cost in 2006/07. It was one of the most modern units in the country at the time and remains a superb parlour almost a decade later.

“A lot of money was invested back then and it was money well spent,” John confirms. “At that point, we put in the 50-unit Fullwood rotary parlour as well as accommodation for 350 cows. Those facilities still serve us extremely well today.”

While herd numbers remain well down from the peak levels of 850, Cooper Hill farm is currently enjoying a period of fresh growth. “We’ll milk 420 cows this summer, having expanded from 310 last year,” says John.

The herd is Holstein Friesian and all milk produced goes to Kerry Agribusiness.

Strategic changes are afoot at Cooper Hill Farm. “We’re currently calving one hundred in the autumn and two hundred in the spring but next year we are going to calve four hundred in the spring,” the farm manager reveals. “We will change our cow type and put in place a new management system because we need to produce milk with better solids.

“We’re averaging 7,500 litres with 530 kilos of solids at the moment and our aim is to produce 6,000 litres with 500 kilos of solids, and also to produce a lot more of it off grass as well. That transition is gradual and has been ongoing for a couple of years and it’s going to take us a couple

Spring-born heifer calves

Spring-born heifer calves IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Cooperhill Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:30 Page 3

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Cooper Hill Farm From

Crossagalla, Ballysimon Road, Limerick Tel:061-412122 Fax:061-414375 Email: midwestvets@eircom.net Large & Small Animal Clinic Full Clinical & Surgical Facilities Morning & Evening Clinic Monday - Saturday Or Telephone For Appointment Matthew J Ryan M.V.B., M.R.C.V.S Peadar Mulvihill M.V.B

Kenneth Boohan Agri Sales Ltd Wishing Continued Success To Cooper Hill Farm From Agent For MAJOR | STRAUTMAN | NUGENT CLAAS | QUICKE | HAUER | WATSON & JOURDAIN Importer for the Hauer range of Loaders & Cosnet/Lagee Cattle Handling Equipment and Equestrian Supplies.

We also import and stock a large range of Tractors and Agricultural Machinery.

Killenaughty, Croom, Co. Limerick |T:061-397414 M: 086-8655245E: kennethboohan@yahoo.ie | www.kboohanfarmmachinery.com

Derry White Agri Contracting Ltd Providing

Best Wishes To Cooper Hill Farm Thank you for your support & business and looking forward to many more

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Full Silage Harvesting Slurry Spreading Service

Land Drainage Service, All Drains Are Dug With A Laser Leveled Trenching Machine

See landdrainage.ie for more details and pictures

OPERATE IN COUNTY LIMERICK & CORK Broadford, Charleville, Co.Limerick Contact 063-84061 or 087-6292049 Continued Best Wishes To Cooper Hill farm IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Cooperhill Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:30 Page 4

more to get to where we want to be. Next winter will be the last one where there is a bonus for producing winter milk, so we need to do things differently.”

Cooper Hill Farm is as labour-intensive as any dairy enterprise anywhere on the island. John Holton is hands-on, seven days a week. “It’s a full-time job and we have four fulltime employees,” he reveals.

“The staff are an integral part of the enterprise. Frank Ryan is in charge of young stock, while Paul Stanley and Adam Czyzak look after feeding and milking. They are excellent, dependable staff and they make a massive contribution to the business.”

John has been involved in dairy farming all his working life.

He grew up on a dairy farm in Longwood, County Meath, which is now run by his brother Peter. He took over the management of Cooper Hill Farm ten years ago and is more than happy in his new environment in the Treaty County.

Despite the challenges currently facing the dairy sector, Irish Cement remains fully committed to Cooper Hill Farm.

“Historically, dairy farming is returning the best profit per hectare of any enterprise out there. It’s a very capital intensive business so you don’t take a short-term view. You have to commit yourself long term and that’s what Irish Cement has done.”

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

The abolition of quotas has led to an increase in herd size and further expansion is on the cards. “We have already gone from 310 to 420 and there is scope there to go from 420 to 500 on a 157-hectare grazing platform,” John notes. “There are about 2.54 cows per hectare at the moment so we can definitely go up another bit.

“There was also a beef enterprise here before and we converted some of the beef sheds into cubicles for cow accommodation and we are in the process of converting some more. You will always find somewhere that money needs to be invested in order to maximise your efficiencies.

“Two-thirds of the grazing platform is on top of limestone and is excellent grassland. The remainder is on blue mud on the banks of the Shannon and is fantastic in dry years but very challenging when it’s wet.”

Such are the variables of dairy farming. While Cooper Hill Farm is distinct from every other dairy farm in Ireland in that it is owned by the country’s largest cement producer, it is also a typical labour-intensive, high-quality milk production enterprise, exposed to factors and elements beyond its control.

Despite this, the farm has a great tradition and is currently undergoing a reinvention of sorts under John Holton’s guidance. One gets the distinct impression that this particular success story is set to run for many more decades!

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E

e perfect cow

very farmer strives to get the highest milk yield from their herd, but to achieve this, a lot of hard work; dedication and science must be applied.

Technology has become commonplace in the agricultural industry as revolutionary new machines have enhanced farming methods to give farmers every chance of reaching their ultimate goal, whether that be in dairy, beef, sheep, pigs, tillage or arable farming.

The new generation of farmers are not afraid of change and the work has certainly become more thought approached, than hands-on approached.

One family in Northern Ireland that is certainly willing to embrace science into their farming techniques are the Irwin’s (Redhouse Holsteins) who are located in the townland of Derrycreevy, near Benburb, Co Tyrone.

Father and son team of Alan and David have been running the farm for a number of years now. The Irwin family are dairy farmers who farm 240 acres of grass and cereals.

“A lot of the land that we have is too steep or wet for cutting silage, but we manage to cut about 120 acres over three cuts during the year,” said Alan.

“This is used to feed the 170 cows that we milk three times a day. We would also grow in the region of 50 acres of Spring Barley.”

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Alan revealed that they have built the farm up over the years having suffered a massive setback in the early seventies.

“We lost the herd of cows to brucellosis back in 1974. It was another five years before the present herd started. Since then, we have not bought any stock, but have built the herd up to what it is today by breeding all our own replacements.”

No contractors are needed by the Irwin family as they carry out all work themselves with the help of two full time employees.

Alan revealed that their main aim was to increase the milk yield per cubicle and not the number of cows that they are milking.

“We’re happy enough with the size of the herd, but the big thing for us is to get the most out of each cow and increase their yield.”

To achieve this goal, technology and science comes more into play and this is where David comes to the fore.

“With the land we have, we can’t really expand the herd anymore, so the focus is on producing top genetic cattle that will produce high yields, whilst also focusing on health traits,” said David.

Redhouse Holsteins have already achieved part of their goal as they once had the highest yielding cow in Northern Ireland with a 305 day lactation of 24016L totalling 1537kg of solids.

David revealed that a number of factors have to be put in place to achieve this with the likes of feed, animal welfare and

Genomics, which is an area within genetics that concerns the sequencing and analysis of an organism’s genome.

The genome is the entire DNA content that is present within one cell of an organism. Experts in genomics strive to determine complete DNA sequences and perform genetic mapping to help choose and breed replacement heifers with the best genetic potential. All heifers are now genotyped at Redhouse Holsteins.

“We have a nutritionist come in once a month to advise us on the correct TMR to give the cattle. They are fed on a home mixed ration with dry cows, and three groups of milking cows all on their own TMR, determined by yield.

“The amount of meal fed to cows is automatically changed daily depending on how much milk cows are producing, using in parlour feeders. The maximum change is 0.5kg per day so as to maintain

CONTACT DETAILS

David Irwin Address: 51 Drumflugh Rd, Benburb, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland, BT71 7QF

E: davidirwin1988@googlemail.com Phone: 02837 548799 Mobile: 07753856786 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Redhouse Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:19 Page 2

optimal rumen health.

“The cows are split into three groups, pre/post calving, mid yielding and high yielding with the high yielding group being fed more meal accordingly.”

The process of drying off cows, hoof trimming and udder health, as well as optimal cow comfort, are all parts of animal welfare that are essential to help maintain this standard.

Right from birth, calves are placed in a

Heidi Geddis

process that will help them become the best cow possible.

“Calves are taken from the cow at birth and fed with a stomach tube straight away with 4-6L of colostrum so as not to introduce infection from the cow. The calf never sees the cow; this is for the

Redhouse Holsteins picked up the ‘High Yield Herd Award’ at the Cream Awards 2014. David Irwin and his fiance Heide Geddis proudly show off the award

welfare of the calf, as the mother is a reservoir of disease for an animal that is born with no immunity.”

David revealed that the calves are put on a special diet also from the first week of their lives, while they are kept in individual pens to avoid any potential

Three generations of the family, l/r: David Irwin, his grandparents Ida and William, and his parents Alan and Sylvia IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Best Wishes To Redhouse Holsteins, From

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Best Wishes To Redhouse Holsteins, From

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Email: david@davidlyttle.co.uk www.davidlyttle.co.uk

Stinson Milking Systems

www.irishtractor.ie 18

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www.stinsonequipment.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Redhouse Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:19 Page 4

diseases. We have a mortality rate of less than 1%.

“Our ultimate goal is to have all our cows reach 100 tonnes of milk. Whether we can manage that or not remains to be seen, but I’d be confident, with continued genetic selection and a good level of cow management and high standard of welfare, that we can.”

The Irwins are a self-sufficient family and in 2011 they erected their own wind turbine on the farm.

“The main purpose of this is to offset ever rising energy costs, and reduce the farms carbon footprint. Currently it is meeting these demands and has been a worthwhile investment. We have recently added a second turbine to the farm to further maximise energy savings.”

Redhouse Holsteins has captured the imagination of many farmers and both David and Alan welcome farmers to their farm to show them their facilities and procedures. These farm visits are organised through different organisations. For further information search Redhouse Holsteins on facebook and visit www.redhouseholsteins.com

Alan Irwin with the wind turbine during its installation in 2011

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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The Allens farm 250 acres in total, including 40 acres of tillage

D

Premium meat, from farm to fork

irect selling since 2008, Castlemine Farm is a whollyindependent, family-run enterprise producing and selling supreme quality meat. We travelled to Roscommon and touched base with Derek Allen to find out more about this exceptional operation.

The lush grassland that is Castlemine Farm boasts a rich heritage in the heart of Roscommon. The Allen family have farmed the land here for the best part of two centuries, dating back to the 1820s.

From the original Walter ‘Wally’ Allen, the farm was passed down through the generations to Sean Allen, who took over during the 1950s. Today, the completely reinvented business is overseen by Sean’s sons, Derek and Brendan.

The firmly-held belief at Castlemine Farm has always been that grass-fed animals taste better, giving rise to the highest-quality, world-class beef, pork and lamb.

The recession proved to be a real watershed in the history of the business.

Eschewing the traditional path of rearing and selling meat to factories (and from there on to supermarkets), the Allen

20

brothers decided in 2008 to shorten the supply chain and open their own farm shop, thereby taking control of their entire distribution and retail operations. They derive tremendous pride and satisfaction from knowing that every animal raised on the farm is butchered by their team of skilled butchers and sold with full traceability and high quality guaranteed.

The award-winning Castlemine Farm produces hand-reared, pasture-fed, dryaged beef, lamb and free-range pork.

Livestock breeds such as Black Angus and Hereford beef, a variety of lamb breeds including Llyenn X Texel and Charolais and free-range pig breeds have been carefully selected for the quality of their meat.

Animal welfare and ethical values are at the heart of Castlemine’s principles.

Animals are allowed to grow and mature slowly, at nature’s pace, raised in a healthy and respectful environment that enables them to experience a good quality of life.

As well as being a one-stop shop for their own beef, pork, lamb and turkeys, Castlemine Farm Shop also prepares an excellent range of cooked meats and associated products (such as pies,

sausage rolls etc.) as well as offering a wide selection of Irish artisan products (handmade pasta sauces, seasonal chutneys, speciality chilli sauces, organic porridge oats, traditional condiments etc.), which are sourced locally and nationally.

Reflecting on how he and his brother came to take over – and transform – the business, Derek Allen notes: “I’ve been working on the farm since I left school at the age of 14. I’m a qualified carpenter and was working on the buildings and then farming part-time, while Brendan is a marine scientist. When work dried up for both of us during the recession, we decided to turn our full attention to the farm and to go down the road of direct selling.

CONTACT DETAILS

Castlemine Farm, Circular Road, Roscommon, County Roscommon.

Tel: 090 66 29886 Email: shop@castleminefarm.ie Web: castleminefarm.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Al

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again to larger premises, beside Roscommon Mart.”

The Allens farm 250 acres in total, including 40 acres of tillage – winter barley, spring barley and spring oats, which is used to feed their own animals, leading to a fullysustainable, self-sufficient system, which currently comprises 200 head of beef, 300 breeding ewes, an average of 100 pigs at any given time plus some 400 turkeys per year, which are reared between August and Christmas.

“Everything goes through Castlemine Farm Shop, which is open to the public,” says Derek. “To enhance the service, we built a kitchen at the back, where our chef does a full range of cooked foods including beef pies, prepared dinners, sausage rolls etc. We also cure and process all our own meats – sausages, hams, All the produce at Castlemine Farm is succulent and mouth-watering. black and white puddings etc.

Derek Allen is pictured here with a delectable cut “All our animals are grassfed, which is complemented by “We bought a refrigerated van and our own meal. We finish the Hereford started doing farmers markets in and Angus beef early, which leads to Moycullen, Galway, with a local abattoir high-quality meat. They are hung on the / butcher killing and packing the meat for bone and dry-aged the old-fashioned us. We also started doing turkeys at way, so you get better flavour and the Christmas. When we got into Galway city meat is tenderised naturally.” market, that was a big thing. We opened The quality of the end product is a small farm shop and built a processing beyond question, but how difficult is it to unit. After a-year-and-a-half at that, we operate the business as a viable moved into small premises in commercial operation, i.e. to make Roscommon town the year of the hard money? “There are a lot of overheads frost. About four years ago, we moved

Direct selling has transformed the business since ’08 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Brendan is the driving force behind the farm’s sales division

and a great deal of work involved, but when we went down this road at the beginning we wanted to focus on quality first and foremost so that our customers would come to us if they wanted quality meat.

“The emphasis has been very much on quality and that has led to steady growth since we started. It has been a success so far and you are always looking at ways to become more cost-efficient – without compromising on quality – while also keeping on top of promotional tools such as marketing, social media, public relations etc.”

A healthy regular clientele has been built up in the Roscommon / Galway region, while a substantial amount of meat is also sold online, t h r o u g h castleminefarm.ie, with next-day delivery in a temperature-controlled refrigerated unit to anywhere in Ireland.”

Between the farm and the shop as well as wholesale sales to restaurants (which are overseen by Brendan), there’s plenty of work to keep everybody going. In

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Tighe’s Agri Strokestown

Best Wishes To Castlemine Farm

Suppliers of

Animal Feeds | Fertiliser Fencing Equipment Animal Supplements Organic Feeds Agro Chemicals

Tel:086-8918883 Tel:071-9639040

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Castlemine Farm From

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Tel: 090-6626898 www.allcreatures.ie

Best Wishes To Castlemine Farm, From

Roscommon Co-operative Livestock Marts Ltd.

T: 090 6626352 | 090 6626149 | 090 6626099 F: 090 6625689 www.roscommonmart.ie | Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com

SALES DAYS

Fridays- Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows 11am Wednesday’s - Lambs & Cast Ewes 11am Tuesday Evenings- Spring | Autumn Suck Calves, Weanlings, Suckler Cows 5pm BREEDING SHEEP FROM AUGUST - OCTOBER

ROSCOMMON

www.irishtractor.ie

VeteRiNaRy SUPPLieS

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Castlemine Farm athlone Road, Co. Roscommon tel:090-66 25900 | email: vsr@eircom.net

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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total, gainful employment is provided to a team of nine – something to be proud of: “If you go back to the beginning, there were three of us and a farm – now we have a business that’s sustaining seven or eight families. When you look at it that way, it has definitely been a success,” Derek muses.

Everything – bar combine work, which is contracted – is done in-house, with an enthusiastic, hands-on approach to feeding, ploughing, silage etc., always with a mind towards producing high-quality meat. Derek works six days a week plus a half day on Sundays to keep the business moving and that commitment to efficiency and quality will continue unabated for years, nay decades to come.

“We’re buying an automatic feeder, which will make a big

Castlemine Farm bring their own meats to the public

Free-range pig breeds have been carefully selected for the quality of their meat

difference,” he concludes. “In the beef game, you have to keep things moving and weight gain is obviously very important. We’ve started rearing Hereford and Angus calves to bring to beef and overall we’re very happy with where the business is going.

“Going forward, I’d like to grow the cooked food range and also to one day open a second outlet either in Galway or Dublin.”

Whatever the future holds, Castlemine Farm will always be synonymous with quality beef, lamb, pork and turkeys.

Winners of the Roscommon Enterprise Award in summer, 2015 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Lisbeg Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 16:10 Page 1

An aerial view of Lisbeg South in Wellington, Florida

Lisbeg ewes and their lambs out for a graze

Premium sports horses, beef, sheep ...

I

n conjunction with Bourns Sports Horses, Lisbeg proprietor Richard Bourns via a transatlantic phone call to Farms in East Galway is an exceptional, self-sustaining find out more about this outstanding family business. mixed farming enterprise, which develops premium quality sports horses, beef and sheep. We caught up with Four generations of the Bourns family have contributed substantially to the extraordinary success story of Lisbeg Farms / Bourns Sports Horses. The genesis of the business as it exists today can be traced back to cattle exporter Harry Bourns, who grazed his heifers at Lisbeg but fattened them in Summerhill, County Meath before exporting to the port of Birkenhead, near Liverpool In 1974, Harry’s grandson, Richard took over. It was a disastrously wet year, so bad that a lesser man might have thrown in the towel. Richard persevered. The first slated cattle house went up in 1977; over the course of four decades, the Galway man oversaw the development of Lisbeg Farms into a globally-recognised, high-quality enterprise, producing premium beef cattle, sheep and show-jumping horses.

Lisbeg Farms comprises a massive 1,400 acres – all in one block, including some 700 acres of CONTACT DETAILS grassland (560 of tillage). Working Bourns Sport Horses / Lisbeg Farms, hand in hand with Lisbeg House, sons Christopher Eyrecourt, Ballinasloe, and Andrew, County Galway.

Richard and his Tel: 087 2558226 wife Deirdre are Email: richardbourns@gmail.com also involved in Web: bournssporthorses.com Andrew Bourns wins big on Cristobar at the World Cup qualifier in developing highToronto, Canada in August, 2015. Cristobar was produced at Lisbeg

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Chris

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Chris Bourns with his cattle. Lisbeg Farms produces 1,500 beef cattle per year

end show-jumpers.

Between all of these activities, it’s a vast, multifaceted operation that demands long hours of dedication, hard work and expertise from the Bourns family and their professional team. We interrupted Richard’s incredibly busy schedule (he spends his time between Ireland and the USA) to get an insight into the current state of play.

“I started Lisbeg Farms in 1974, having inherited a sizeable piece of land from my father. It was cattle, sheep tillage and horses at the time and that’s what I continued to farm,” Richard reflects. “Today, I farm in East Galway together with my son Christopher and wife Deirdre, while Andrew is based full time in Wellington, Florida.”

Each year, Lisbeg Farms / Bourns Sports Horses produces some 1,500 beef cattle, sells 2,500 lambs and exports 50 high-end show-jumping horses. With barns in Ireland and North America, they provide an international showcase for horses sourced in Ireland but produced on a global stage. The Roll of Honour includes successful horses such as Cristobar, Casper (now heading to Rio for New Zealand) Ballyquirke Tip Top, Roundthorn Madios, Lincourt Gino, Glencento, Good News II, Gowran Park, Gatsby , Madam Butterfly, Mark Q and Venadium R. “We mainly sell the horses into North America but also serve markets in South Africa, China, Sweden the UK and Europe,” Richard notes.

Beef is supplied to ABP Food Group; lambs predominantly go Keepak, Dawn or Kildare Chilling Company. Christopher takes care of the tillage – winter wheat, winter barley, spring barley, fodder beet, maize and oats, all gown as part of a selfsufficient farming model.

“Andrew moved to the US in 2007 and has established a significant farm in Florida, where he showcases and sells our horses into the North American market,” Richard continues.

Is it a bit of a lottery when it comes to unearthing the best-quality sports horses?

“I wouldn’t use the term lottery – there’s a bit more to it than that,” Richard points out. “You have to select the right horses and nurture them to be as good as they possibly can be. They are very IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

From left: Chris, Sarah, Deirdre and Richard Bourns

sensitive animals and you have to be cautious with them and take a very precise approach to maximise their potential. We buy foals and young horses up to five years old, sourcing as many as we can here in Ireland – up to 50% - and importing the rest from Holland, Germany, Belgium and Sweden.”

Before being relocated to Florida, each animal spends its formative years at Lisbeg Farms – an ideal training ground to bring the horses on to the next level and maximize their chances of competing at the highest level: “It’s good limestone land which is good for growth of bones to make them strong,” Richard confirms. “ We have invested heavily in facilities for

State of the art facilities

Lisbeg Farms is all about quality

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Kenny Civils & Plant Continued Best Wishes To Lisbeg Farm

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Tel:090-9685621 E:kennyplant@eircom.net Mobile: Brian 087-6328793 Mobile: Damien 087-6600248

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Wishing Continued Success To Bourns Family, From

TARPEY & ASSOCIATES

AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANTS

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Richard Bourns From

LOWVILLE FARM Gerry & Joan O’Neill

Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Mobile: 086-3924431

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Richard Bourns

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To Lisbeg Farm From

Ballyduff, Roscrea, Co.Tipperary Mobile: 086 3880010 Phone: 0505 21085 Email: kevin@dooleywool.ie www.dooleywool.ie 26

CURLEY

Wishing Continued Success To Lisbeg Farm From

Engineering Works Tel:087-2757737

Lawrencetown, Co. Galway

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Lisbeg Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 16:10 Page 4

Damien Haverty

Wishing Continued Success To Lisbeg Farm From Livestock Transport

Coolcarty, Eyrecourt Co. Galway

Mobile: 087-2673402 Best Wishes & Continued Success To Richard Bourns, From

Kevin McGuckin M.V.B, M.R.C.V.S Aideen Rigney D.V.M, M.R.C.V.S Lusmagh Rd., Banagher, Co. Offaly T: 057-9151376 M: 087-2530562 E: banagherveterinaryclinic@gmail.com

John Daly Agri

Casper, ridden here by Andrew Bourns, has been shortlisted for Rio on the New Zealand team and is typical of the quality of horse produced at Lisbeg

the training of our horses. World class arenas, both fiber -sand and grass have been installed. And we have two of the best riders in Ireland heading up our team. In the past year our horses won four showjumping competitions at the RDS, the Young Irelander in Millstreet and many more high-profile classes around Ireland.

The amount of experience the directors have accumulated over the years is another major plus: “My wife Deirdre and I have both been involved in the production of show-jumping horses for over 40 years and both of our families were involved as well, so there is a great tradition there. We’ve also built up

Proud to be associated with Lisbeg Farm Wishing the Bourns Family continued success in all their enterprises

Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Tel:087-2547768

Best Wishes & Continued Success To LISBEG FARMS From

JOHN AND KEVIN GREENE (Ahascragh) Limited.

LICENSED HAULIERS Collection Service For Animals, Offals & Fats Lowville, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe Tel:090-9688606 Fax:090-9688584 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Lisbeg rider Jenny Rankin won the 6 year old championship in Dublin in 2015

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significant contacts worldwide and we’re now selling horses to the children of people who bought from us in the 1980s and ‘90s.”

Between the sports horses, beef, lambs and tillage, a massive amount of work is invested into sustaining Lisbeg Farms. “Each of the enterprises is seven days a week,” says Richard.

“We’re fortunate to have a team of very young, enthusiastic and motivated staff, who all have a great love of animals. There aren’t many countries left in the world where you can find dedicated stock people and we are very lucky to have found people like that in the West of Ireland. Most of our staff who work in North America are also Irish.”

Gainful employment is currently generated for a team of 15.

“We are constantly in touch with the agricultural colleges and equestrian colleges looking for dedicated livestock people coming through their systems,” Richard adds. “For the past 30 years, we have also been taking on veterinary students and a lot of them have done their practical training on our farm.”

How challenging is it to run the overall operation as a viable commercial enterprise? “Each aspect of the business – sheep, cattle, horses in Ireland, horses in America and tillage – has to stand on its own two feet and justify its existence. We have a key person in each department making sure that this is the case. There are a lot of overheads and a lot of logistics and

variables, so you have to keep on top of everything and try to make each enterprise as profitable as possible.”

Looking to the future, Richard will continue to place a huge emphasis on quality: “I’m hoping to expand the beef production, but sheep are at the maximum our facilities can handle. We’ll continue to strive to produce better and better horses,” he concludes.

“Beef prices are back 10% from last year but you are totally committed to it with staff, machinery, cattle, tillage and your place in the market. You can’t jump in and out of it as you please. You have to hang in there and hope that prices in the stores will come down, which they will. When there’s a good year, extra people pile in and drive prices at the store rings up and when they sell the same cattle as beef, they depress beef prices. After a bad year, the opposite happens.

“A lot of beef farming is down to efficiency because you have very limited control over prices. This means you are constantly working on trying to improve your efficiencies and keep your costs down.”

Best Wishes & Continued Success To The Bourns Family,From

Miley Dunning Master Farrier

Sea Top Blue won the four year old RDS qualifier in 2015, ridden by Jenny Rankin

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Mobile:086-8397276

Carrick O’Brien, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Keohane Seafoods Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:02 Page 1

The Keohane family have built up a thriving business. Michael is pictured with his sons Brian and Colman

W

e rise and rise of Keohane Seafoods

ith facilities in Cork and Bantry, Keohane Seafoods Ltd is a renowned family business run by Michael Keohane and his sons Colman and Brian. Supplying both fresh and frozen products to the national and export markets, the company is continually striving to revolutionise the seafood industry by reducing preparation time and making fish more appealing to the Irish palate and eye.

Keohane Seafoods has enjoyed a meteoric rise since father-and-son Michael and Colman set up their innovative seafood retail product business in Cork in 2010. Eight years earlier, managing director and accountancy graduate Colman opened a retail business, which he expanded to a wholesale business before opening ‘The IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Fish Kitchen’ restaurant in his native Bantry, which is now run by his sister Anne-Marie.

Michael had been in the seafood business for 30 years and ran Bantry Bay Seafoods, with his sons working alongside him from an early age. When Michael retired from the business in 2007, he and his sons came together to develop a microwaveable meal solution for seafood whereby a consumer could cook a piece of seafood straight from the shelf without having to touch it or pierce the packaging. As well as being easy to handle, the packing process removes all the oxygen, which extends the shelf life of the seafood by a few days.

The Keohane’s “added-value microwaveable products” concept has proven to be a huge hit with Irish consumers, and is now making its mark

overseas also. The first company in Europe to produce a microwavable skinfilmed seafood range from frozen, it has grown to employ 85 people in both Cork and Bantry, and has scooped major awards, including the Overall SFA National Small Business Award 2014 and the Irish Quality Food and Drinks Award for its Lidl Inismara Hake Fillet with Bombay Curry Sauce brand in the Fresh Fish category 2015. Keohane’s Dunnes

CONTACT DETAILS

Keohane Seafoods Ltd Unit 28, Kinsale Road Industrial Estate, Kinsale Road, Cork.

Telephone: +353 (0)21 4322059 Email: colman@keohaneseafoods.ie

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A great selection of fresh fish from Keohane's

Keohane Seafoods' products are easy to prepare and delicious

Stores Simply Better Agean Sea Whole Sea Bass with Chilli and Lime Irish Hand Churned Butter, and Lidl Whole Salmon Fillet with Dill and Lemon products, were also Highly Recommended in the same category.

The Irish Quality Food and Drinks Awards, which were presented last September, 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.

“The awards are great recognition for what our whole team has done in creating concepts and flavour. To have one winner and two highly recommended at the Food and Drinks Awards was something we are very proud of,” says Colman, who created many of his recipes in ‘The Fish Kitchen’.

First listed by SuperValu and Dunnes Stores, Keohane Seafoods also supplies to Lidl and Tesco, local restaurants and hotels, while boasting a growing international market. Colman explains: “At the moment, export accounts for between 10 and 15 per cent of our overall business. If we’re to grow further, we need to push the export side more.

The Irish market is only so big…”

According to the affable managing director, the decision to first set up Cork’s Kinsale Road “made sense from a supply and selling point of view”. The 20,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility is BRC ‘A’ Grade accredited and has a capacity for 40,000 units per day. Last September, Keohane Seafoods opened a second and larger facility (40,000 sq. ft.) in Bantry, which had previously been a mussel factory.

“We have 65 staff in Cork and 20 in Bantry. The new site in Bantry gives us plenty of scope for expansion. We are constantly investing in our production facilities, marketing and R&D to ensure that our product offering satisfies our customers’ needs. Innovation and

30

Anthony O'Sullivan of AIB with Ciara Burke and Jacklyn O'Connor of Keohane Seafoods at the SFA Awards in 2014

creativity, combined with a young and vibrant staff, have been paramount to our success to date,” adds Colman.

The finest Irish seafood, sourced from reputable names such as Castletownbere Co-op, Union Hall and Ballycotton Seafood, go into making Keohane’s 40-plus range of microwaveable, fresh fillet and seasonal products, ensuring honest “tide-to-table” traceability.

The range of fresh, delicious fish fillets and accompanying flavoured butters and sauces are free of preservatives, additives, chemicals, flavourings,

stabilisers and GMO ingredients.

Keohane Seafoods is committed to changing the Irish public’s perception about fish, while making it easier than ever to prepare it.

“We are constantly researching and developing new ideas and concepts to make our products more attractive to customers,” says Colman.

“The microwaveable idea we came up with is still very much part of our business. But we’re always looking at what we can add to the retail industry, from packaging technology to where the consumer’s problems really are. A lot of

SFA director Patricia Callan with Jacklyn O'Connor, Michael Keohane and Ciara Burke from Keohane Seafoods after the company won the Food and Drink category and the Overall SFA National Small Business award in 2014 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Keohane Seafoods Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:02 Page 3

Michael Keohane

people avoid fish because of the bones, but that’s not acceptable anymore.

“Fish was traditionally only eaten on a Friday in Ireland, but by presenting and cooking it differently, and promoting the health benefits, the perception is gradually changing. We have brought products to the market which can be eaten at any time and cater for different people’s needs. We place a huge emphasis on quality, taste and convenience.”

Keohane Seafoods is the trusted seafood label providing an unrivalled dedication to quality, food safety and reliability. You don’t know what you’ve been missing if you haven’t tasted any of their delicious products and recipes yet!

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Keohane Seafoods From

Manufacturer & Supplier of Labels & Tags To Ireland’s Food Industry For 15 Years

Contact Ian Bowden 087-6593511 Email: Ian@hblabelprint.ie Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

31

Clogher Valley Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:14 Page 1

Harrison Boyd, one of the three Directors at Clogher Valley Mart

W

A bid of £400 comes in

Tyrone’s top mart

ith over 60,000 cattle and 40,000 sheep brought to be sold every year, the Clogher Valley Mart is the largest livestock market in Co Tyrone. Irish Tractor & Agri caught up with Harrison Boyd one of the mart’s three directors along with Bryan Barnett and his brother Edwin - to find out more.

well be an annual event for some, but for Harrison Boyd it’s something he has been involved in and at the core of all of his working life.

Born outside the village of Clogher in Co Tyrone, Harrison came into farming from a young age along with his brother Edwin through their father’s co-ownership of the local mart.

In 1965, Harrison became an auctioneer The selling and buying of livestock might at Clogher Valley Mart and his

CONTACT DETAILS Clogher Valley Mart Station Road Clogher Co. Tyrone T: 028-8554 8279

Clogher Valley Mart in Co Tyrone

32

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Clogher Valley Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:14 Page 2

19-year-old James McCarney who recently took up auctioneering

Mary Patterson, a part-time employee of the mart and a full time farmer

Part of the team who work at the mart

of work that he currently finds himself in and wouldn’t rather be in any other circumstance.

“I’m from just outside the village here and we would have all come from a farming background and our fathers were all directors here,” he explained.

“I would have been coming Best Wishes & Continued Success To here with my father from From back when I was a kid and enjoyed every minutes of it – I still do.”

I d e a l l y situated on the A4, the Gortindarragh, Roslea, Co. Fermanagh motorway which runs from Belfast to

involvement has evolved to the point where he now one of the three owners of the company, which is officially titled ‘Clogher Valley Livestock Producers Co Ltd’.

Given his family background, it’s fair to say that Harrison was born into the line

Lester Downey Clogher Valley Mart

LIVESTOCK HAULAGE

Tel:0044 7770850108 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Enniskillen, the historic village of Clogher boasts the biggest mart in Co Tyrone. It has extensive car parking facilities and a state of the art canteen, as well as a vibrant Animal Health retail unit within its complex.

The mart’s sales yard has six sale rings and pens for up to 2,000 cattle with ample loading/unloading bays on hand to make handling stock easier.

Those at Clogher Mart compliment their reputation for service and prompt payment by using a fully computerized sales administration that is available six days per week.

Saturday is the main sale of the week, as store cattle, dairy and suckler cows, dropped calves and weanlings and fat cows are brought and auctioned and sheep sales are on a Thursday evening.

It’s safe to say that the mart is the heartbeat of the farming community in

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Clogher Valley Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:14 Page 3

R.McBride Best Wishes To Clogher Valley Mart, From

LIVESTOCK HAULIER

23-25 Darling Street, Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh BT74 7DP

Tel: 028 6632 6110 Fax: 028 6632 8212

10 Glen Rd., Newtownhamilton, Newry Co. Down BT35 OEB Tel: 086-8760748

Continued Best Wishes To Clogher Valley Mart

Continued Best Wishes To Clogher Valley Mart, From

ADM Arkady Ireland Ltd.

Tel: 028-8284 1308 | Fax:028-8284 1703 Email: fairgreenvet@btconnect.com

10 Riverwalk, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24 D24 TX02

Monday to Friday 9am-9.30pm,5.00pm to 6.00pm Saturday 9am to 9.30am Please telephone for appointment 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

Colin Williamson LIVESTOCK HAULAGE Importers and Wholesalers of Bulk Animal Feeds

45A Derrycoose, Annaghmore, Portadown , Armagh

Tel:07703221852

E:cwilliamson45@btinternet.com

KVS Distribution Continued Best Wishes To Clogher Valley Mart

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Clogher Valley Mart 43 Bracken Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT78 5LN Tel:0044 2882244494 Email: ian@kvsdistribution.com 34

Email: info@cruddendolan.com www.cruddendolan.com Continued Best Wishes To Clogher Valley Mart

4 Fairgreen Road, Edenasop West, Fintona, Co. Tyrone BT78 2BG

SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY

KELLY GRAIN LTD. Hugh O’Brien MVB MRCVS | John Johnston MVB MRCVS John Fitzpatrick MVB MRCVS | Rachel O’Neill DVM MRCVS

Pepperstown, Ardee, Co. Louth

Wishing Clogher Valley Mart Continued Success In The Future Tel: 041-6856636 Mobile: 086-2579534 Fax: 041-6856164 Email: kellygrain@eircom.net

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

JM Livestock Care Clogher Valley Mart From

THE MART SHOP CLOGHER

Agent For Animal Nutrition Products & All Leading Brands Of Fluke & Worm Products For Cattle & Sheep

Tel:0044 7774943283 44 Station Road, Clogher, Co. Tyrone BT76 0UY

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Clogher Valley Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:14 Page 4

he could walk and is a driving force behind its success today, despite giving up auctioneering almost a decade ago “I started my auctioning career in 1965 but I haven’t done any auctioneering for the last seven or eight years. We have all younger men doing that now,” he explained.

One of those younger men is James McCarney, an enthusiastic 19-year-old who only recently got into the auctioneering game and is responsible for selling up to 250 animals on any given day he’s at Clogher Mart.

James says he’s glad to get the experience at Clogher Mart and feels he’s “learning more and more every week”.

It’s certainly a trade Interested buyers watching the auction worth learning too when you take into consideration the fact that close to £1m of stock changes hands in a day in the biggest mart in the county, with six auction rings which sees the animals organised by age and type.

Money like that changing hands brings its own pressures to someone like James as an up and coming auctioneer at the mart. However, he is one of many that are there to do their job and make sure things run smoothly on big sale days.

Another is the lady in charge of the canteen, Jean Maguire.

With

Clogher Valley, with farmers, dealers, handlers and their cattle all from all over Northern Ireland coming to town for it.

For Harrison Boyd, it’s his way of life. The Clogher village native has been coming to the mart since practically from when

Best wishes to all at Clogher Valley Mart IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

35

Clogher Valley Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:14 Page 5

dozens of men passing through her canteen every day, Jean is entrusted with the responsibility of making sure they’re all fed, watered and ready for another busy day of sales.

Harrison would tell you himself that Jean has an excellent memory for the names of all her customers in the mart and she does a fine job in making sure that none of them leave it hungry. She also does weddings and outside catering functions, with her cooking skills admired far and wide.

“I have to pay thanks to our faithful long standing staff who play a vital role,” added Harrison. “The office is managed by Julie and Linda and on a Saturday we have an excellent part time staff who come in to help with the business.”

Come the last week in July it’s very much all hands on deck, as Harrison and co gear up for the ‘Clogher Valley Show’, which has very much become renowned for its historic success.

Dubbed ‘Northern Ireland’s Best One Day Show’, last year saw the Clogher Valley Show celebrate its 97th year on July 29th and this summer will see its organisers at the mart gearing up for number 98, with a century of shows just around the corner.

The show covers approximately 60 acres in the scenic Clogher Valley and is eagerly looked forward to by thousands.

It is host to a number of Finals with exhibitors from all over Ireland proudly presenting their livestock in the judging rings. It also hosts Irish Shows Association Qualifiers and is the only show in Ireland to host a qualifier for the ‘Horse of the Year’ final, which is held at the NEC Arena in Birmingham.

“We have it on the last Wednesday in July and we’re getting close to 100 years now,” said Harrison.

“It was first founded in 1904 but there was a break during the war years, so we’ve actually done over 100 shows and today it’s the biggest show around.

“One year we had over 400 livestock at the show and every county in Northern Ireland would be represented as we have it on a Wednesday which is a very suitable day for farmers.”

Indeed Clogher Valley Mart represents the free market at its best and if you were ask one of its owners about what he sees

Mary Patterson busy labelling calves

Jack Maguire in his farming supply shop at the mart

for it down the line; you’ll draw plenty of encouragement from him.

“People have talked about the demise of the markets,” said Harrison. “I remember 25 years ago a man saying to me ‘you’ll not be here in five years’ time’.

“We’re still here and hopefully will be in another 25 years and more.”

Great to hear, Harrison.

Best Wishes To Clogher Valley Mart From

Linden Foods: 028 87728477 Wilson Griffin: 07736885402 David Lyons: 07850341977 Brian Lynn: 07831296834

A calf before auction

36

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

O'Connorn Roofing designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:42 Page 1

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 materials 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

37

O'Connorn Roofing designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:42 Page 2

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 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 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

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 38

The company is based in Co Louth IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

O'Connorn Roofing designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:42 Page 3

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 offer a wide range of products 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 hold some stock in our yard but we specialise in a cut-to-measure service. We have a quick turnaround time with all items cut to the appropirate size, reducing waste. With the help of our highly experienced and committed team we can answer any questions you may have

All materials are cut to size on site

regarding our products. The sheets are dispatched on a dialy basis and by supplying the appropriate sizes, this makes fitting easier for our customers.”

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

39

Quigley Agri Designed_Layout 1 22/03/2016 10:38 Page 1

Some of the typical work that goes on at Quigley Agri Contractors

Kildare’s agri specialists

S

ince its inception, Quigley Agricultural Contractors has grown to become a leader in its chosen areas of expertise. Irish Tractor & Agri caught up with Francis Quigley to find out what the Kildarebased Contractors have been up to lately.

Agri Contracting is one of those businesses which would tend to run in the family, particularly in Ireland, and for Francis Quigley, it is a line of work that he has been involved in since his youth.

“We are based here at New Road, Kildangan in Co Kildare,” explained Francis.

“I started working with my father back at a very early age. We did a lot of mowing, baling and corn cutting back then. At that time we had a Claas Super Junior

40

Combine, bought in J.R. Perry's, Athy. As things got busier we changed from the trailed machine to a Self Propelled Senator 80. This was a huge upgrade.

“In the late 1960's we started cutting silage with a Kidd double chop machine driven by a Massey 175 tractor. Looking back on this today, it was a very slow process and purchasing the new Ford 7000, which had only come on the market made a massive difference to output then.

“As work progressed we advanced to a Self Propelled Harvester in 1976, buying our first new Claas Self Propelled machine, the SF 80 from Mr.John Perry in J.R. Perry's Athy. This machine gave good service but unfortunately was destroyed by fire in July 1979. We changed to New Holland for a number of years but have Claas machines for over 20 years now.”

Today Quigley Agricultural Contractors is very much a family run concern.

Francis and his two sons, Michael and John have developed the contracting over the years and Francis wife, Marie looks after the accounts.

Michael is largely responsible for looking after most customers and John gets very involved during the Silage and Harvest

CONTACT DETAILS Quigley Agricultural Contractors Kildangan, Co. Kildare Tel: 087-8107268 Email: mqacquig@gmail.com

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Quigley Agri Designed_Layout 1 22/03/2016 10:38 Page 2

The company has an impressive fleet

time.

So what exactly is it that Quigley Agricultural Contractors do?

Francis filled us in: “We grow wheat and barely and oats here. Oats is grown on contract for Glanbia, Portlaoise. We give a complete stubble to stubble cultivation service which includes ploughing, one-pass sowing, fertiliser spreading, spraying, harvesting and baling.

“We do pit silage, mowing the grass to finishing off the pit. Whole crop acres have increased in recent years. The Silage Harvester has a much longer working season nowadays, beginning with the harvesting of Miscanthus in Spring time to maize cutting in October /November.

“Planting maize under plastic is also becoming more popular nowadays.”

While summer tends to the busiest time of year, Francis explained that an extensive variety of different work that he and his sons do, keeps them busy all year round.

Admittedly, this time of year would be

Francis has invested heavily in his fleet

quiet for Francis and co, but they’re already gearing up for the year ahead.

“Business is tight enough at the moment,” he said. “You have to keep reinvesting in your machinery and of course that can be costly but you have to do it – there’s no way around it.

“Thankfully, a lot of the customers we work for are with us for a long number of

Francis Quigley first started working with his father in the 1960s IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

One of the Volvo’s of the fleet

years. We cover a large area of Kildare, Laois , parts of Offaly and Wicklow. Our customers are very loyal to us and we greatly appreciate their commitment and support.”

Ask Francis why he thinks they choose him first and he answers plainly: “We try and give them a good service and be there for them when they want us,” he stated.

“In this line of work, you can’t be a few days late anymore. You have to be there for your customer when they ask you to be there and have good machinery to provide a top service.

“Also we are very lucky with our drivers who are very reliable and careful, working with us for a long time.”

The fleet of machinery Quigley's operate is largely made up of John Deere and New Holland tractors supplied by TFM, Emo and W.R. Shaw, Tullamore.

The Harvesting equipment includes a Claas Combine and Forager supplied by Kelly's of Borris, Smyth trailers from Clive and Sam Smyth and a Volvo loader from Pat O'Donnell purchased last year.

Other suppliers who give them very

41

Quigley Agri Designed_Layout 1 22/03/2016 10:39 Page 3

Roger Perry AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTOR

Best Wishes To Quigley Agri Contractors

IT’S 2016

BE RSA READY. Ardskull House, Athy, Co. Kildare Tel:059-8626116 | Mobile: 087-2572421 Best Wishes To Quigley Agri Contracting

YOUNGS GARAGE P O R T A R L I N G T O N

Continued Best Wishes To Quigley Agri Contracting From

Specialising In Sales & Service Of All Leading Brands

Bracklone St., Portarlington, Co. Laois Tel:057-8623177

J.S.& J. Harris Transport Ltd

Continued Best Wishes To Quigley Agri Contractors, From

General Haulage & Agricultural Transport Specialists

Churchtown, Athy, Co. Kildare Tel:086-8192434 or 086-2545080 www.harristransport.ie

LEINSTER

Best Wishes To Quigley Agri Contractors From

PLANT & PEAT

Specialising In Turf Cutting, Peat Moss & Plant Hire

Tel:087-2594937

Killeen, Kildangan, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare

42

SMYTH TRAILERS (IRL) LTD, Shean, Garryhill, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow 059-9157652 sales@smythtrailers.com www.smythtrailers.com

Continued Best Wishes To Quigley Agri Contracting From

Brannockstown, Naas, Co. Kildare Contact Norman 086-2580074 Contact Mark 087-2608415 Email: office@ttlcontractingltd.ie

DIESEL KEROSENE GAS OIL LUBE

Oil Boiler Servicing

Portarlington, Co. Laois

Best Wishes To Quigley Agri Contractors

!

le Now Availab

Tel:057-8623142 Mobile: 087-2626008

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

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

Quigley Agri Designed_Layout 1 22/03/2016 10:39 Page 4

Quigley Agri Contractors are based in Kildangan, Co Kildare

good service too are Youngs, Portarlington, J.H. Fitzpatrick, Monasterevin, Perry's, Athy along with many others An extensive fleet is required given the range of work the Quigley's carry out.

“We bale our own straw and buy in straw to supply the mushroom trade all year round,” Francis pointed out.

As for what the future holds, Francis stated: “This is a business that you have to creep before you walk. You can’t just go out and buy a whole new fleet and expect it to take off for you.

“The cost of machinery alone is tough to keep up with and you need the experience and have a love for what you’re doing as well.

“I started with my father and went out on my own then in 1974 when we only had a couple of tractors. I had to build up from there and we have eventually built up to the point where we have decent machinery here now for our work but every year something needs replacing.

“We had a few disappointments in the past with fires and different things, but you just have to keep going.”

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

QUIGLEY AGRI CONTRACTING

Quigley Agri Contractors cover a large area of Kildare, Laois, parts of Offaly and Wicklow

From

12 South Main St., Naas, Co. Kildare 045-846820 www.campioninsurance.ie

Quigley Agri Contractors operate John Deere and New Holland tractors IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Campion Insurances Ltd trading as Campion Insurance, Bestquote.ie, ISME Insurance Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

43

Flor McCarthy Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:48 Page 1

Flor addressing the media in Brussels about farm incomes

I

If elected president, Flor McCarthy would give IFA members a strong voice at the top table

Of the farm, by the farm, for the farm

FA presidential candidate Flor McCarthy is a man with a deep appreciation of the various challenges facing farmers on a daily basis. As a genuine farmer’s man, with an innate understanding of policy, he is the ideal candidate to give members a strong voice at the Association’s top table. We travelled to Kenmare in South Kerry for a chat with the highlyaccomplished suckler, beef and sheep farmer.

has been involved in the IFA for many years. Previously chairman of the Kerry Executive, he has represented his county on the Livestock Committee and is now bidding to become the Kingdom’s firstever IFA president.

Married with four children, Flor is a member of the EU Advisory Committee on Rural Development and is th IFA’s representative on the Copa Rural Development Working Group. He represents the IFA on the Teagasc education forum and has been deeply involved in Rural Development matters in Current chairman of the Rural South Kerry through the local Development Committee, Flor McCarthy Leader/Partnership Company.

The election to succeed Eddie Downey as president takes place in April, 2016.

The Kerry man handed his nomination papers in to IFA headquarters on January 6th, having secured the backing of IFA County Executives in Kerry, Clare, South Tipperary, Waterford, Meath Flor with daughter Philomena and son Flor

44

and Louth. If he is to succeed in his bid to become IFA president, Flor – who has the capacity to bring the Association close together as a voice of the membership will have to overcome competition from Henry Burns (Laois) and Joe Healy (Galway).

Clearly, Flor has what it takes to bring the Association back to the people, where it rightfully belongs, and drive it forward with united and common goals. His ability to get things done is beyond doubt, as are his lobbying and leadership credentials: as Rural Development chair, he was instrumental in delivering the new GLAS and TAMS schemes (with low-emission slurry spreading equipment among the items now eligible for grant aid under TAMS II) as well as the increased ANC payment (formerly Disadvantaged Areas payment). He will aim to improve on these as the economy picks up and also wants to generate investment in beef, dairy, sheep and tillage.

The Kenmare man is adamant that dairy and beef prices need to be restored to a sustainable level. As a farmer – part of whose farm is on commonage ground – he was greatly angered by the disappearance of the grassland payment for sheep farmers and will push for €20 per ewe. He also promises to provide stronger representation for farmers from peripheral areas, to introduce better IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Kenmare

Flor McCarthy Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:48 Page 2

Kenmare suckler, beef and sheep farmer could become Kerry’s first-ever IFA president

inspection systems for eligible ground and is a strong advocate of the importance of land mobility for younger farmers.

It would be fair to say farming is in Flor McCarthy’s blood. It goes back at least six or seven generations of his family, probably more. He learned the ropes from his late father, Flor Snr., who passed away sixteen years ago. “My mother, Breda, died from breast cancer when I was young,” he reveals. “Myself and my brother, Sean, grew up on the family farm with Dad. It was a small farm. My father would have done milk initially and he transferred to sucklers when I was twelve.”

When he started farming seriously himself, Flor began renting, first on eleven-month spaces; thirteen year ago, he started taking up six-year leases in County Cork. “I left school when I was 18 and took over ownership of the farm when I was 21, which was very young,” he recalls. “Sean is younger than me – he’s a fish farmer now in the local harbour,

Florence McCarthy Snr., circa 1941

Flor with son John IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Flor McCarthy’s son Gerard

A view of the farm looking out to Kenmare Bay

Some of Flor’s scotch sheep

Some of the Charolais stock on Flor’s farm

Kilmacalogue.”

With the responsibility of running the farm thrust upon him at such a young age, Flor had to sink or swim.

“There were ten or twelve sucklers at that stage and I went up to 90 at the peak before coming back to 56. I also expanded into sheep, buying a sheep farm with 400 Scotch ewes seven years ago.

“I’ve also increased the leases from six years to seven, then twelve and I’m now up to an 18-year lease of a farm I have outside Cork city. It’s that farm that made me in farming and it has made me very aware of the importance of long-term leasing to young and middle-aged farmers.

“Farming has gone well for me all my life,” says Flor, who has purchased and leases other land in addition to the 40-acre home farm. “It has been good to me and I feel I can deliver on behalf of farming because I

Flor understands that “the sheep sector is feeling aggrieved”

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Flor McCarthy Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:48 Page 3

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Flor McCarthy From

Randles Bros PLANT & AGRI HIRE Kilgarvan

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Wishing Continued Success To Flor McCarthy, From

Waste Products Ltd

Specialise In The Collection Of Fallen Animals, General Haulage & Skip Hire Tournafulla, Co. Limerick T: 069-81086 | F: 069-81254 Mobile Petie 087-2710928 | Mobile Johnie 087-2682381

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www.irishtractor.ie

Ballydesmond, Mallow, Co. Cork Tel:064-7751481 Email:

williamsheehan04@eircom.net

Continued Best Wishes To Flor McCarthy

46

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Flor McCarthy Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:48 Page 4

understand the schemes and how they work and that is what brought me to where I am today.”

Flor represented Kerry on the Livestock Committee from 1997 until 2004 and was county chairman from 2000 until ’04.

“After a break, I came back as Rural Development chairman in 2012, which was a major decision, and I’ve been doing that until the present day.”

As Rural Development chairman, Flor spearheaded a major lobbying campaign for national Government co-financing in December, 2013, which secured 46% co-funding and an overall Rural Development fund of over €4bn over the seven-year period up to 2020 – this at a time when the Troika were in the country!

One of Flor’s great strengths is his tremendous grasp of lobbying and campaigning, combined with an innate understanding of how farming works..

“We need men and women who understand farming on the ground. I bring the farmer’s perspective to IFA policy and I am a strong lobbyist by nature of buying and selling cattle and products all my life.”

Practical experience counts for a lot and Flor McCarthy is clearly a very capable man. He and his wife Mary are raising four children. “One is at thirdlevel, one is doing the Leaving Cert this year and two are at primary school,” he states. “So I would imagine I am a typical farmer who understands the pressures of raising a family and the cost of college and all the things that everyday farmers have to deal with.”

Scotch rams for breeding IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

If Flor is e l e c t e d president, the IFA will certainly have ‘one of their own’ at the helm.

“We need a strong, u n i t e d , transparent f a r m i n g organisation Meeting with DVB in Berlin to address common interests on disadvantage review in CAP m o v i n g forward,” the f o r m e r Kenmare g a e l i c footballer concludes. “I want to see the gap between beef prices in Ireland and E n g l a n d narrow and for us to move up the European Pictured here with Eddie Downey, Flor has always been a great man to lobby and get the voice of the farmer heard beef league table from No.7 to at least No.2.

There are only three big buyers of beef in Ireland and m o r e pressure Flor McCarthy aims to drive the Association forward needs to be with common and united goals put on payment was absorbed into the single them. payment and I want to push that and get “Margins are very small and we them a payment per ewe. are dependent on direct payments “We also need a yellow-card system or for our survival. I would be a pre-inspection system to make things confident that the EU schemes will more farmer-friendly instead of remain and that we will also get penalising farmers. We have to address more exchequer funding into them. and deal properly with the situation We have seen major cuts in recent where farmers dread inspections. budgets and those need to be Farmers shouldn’t have that hanging restored. over them.”

“The dairy farmer has to get a If Flor McCarthy is elected president of fairer price. With the price currently the IFA, the oftentimes unbearable at 25c per litre – below the cost of weight on farmers’ shoulders would production – it is unsustainable. undoubtedly lighten. With one of their Dairy farmers must get a better own leading the way, everybody would price for the product they are have a voice. That’s how the Association producing. was always meant to function, so it “The sheep sector is feeling would be a natural fit. aggrieved that the grassland

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tree pro designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:31 Page 1

Keeping it local

Treepro trim approximately 14,700 trees each year

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

tree pro designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:31 Page 2

T

reepro Ltd of Bandon, Co Cork have positioned themselves as the ideal solution for all tree surgery needs. Managing Director Francis O'Driscoll and his highly skilled team pride themselves on being professional, efficient and always meeting deadlines.

Treepro Ltd are experienced, professional, highly technical and customer focused tree surgeons, with an in depth understanding and appreciation of trees.

Throughout their 25 year history they have maintained a genuine passion for what they do. This passion and commitment to excel in their field, to continuously develop their skills and enhance their knowledge ensures they maintain and build upon their exceptional service for all their customers.

The wide range of services provided by the County Cork company includes tree surgery, tree felling, power line tree trimming & management, emergency tree care, hedge cutting, site clearance, stump grinding, hoist work and tree survey & assessments.

“We're a company that is built on solid foundations,” explained Managing Director Francis O'Driscoll. “We have 25 highly skilled employees and we place a huge emphasis on employing local lads, supporting Irish jobs and supporting local businesses.

“We always try to do best for our own area and the success of the company is built on the staff. We're lucky to have an outstanding crew of lads, some of whom have been with us since the start because we don't tend to have a high turnover of employees. Once they

reach the required standard of skill set they don't tend to move.”

Whatever the tree, whatever the process, Treepro will find the best solution for you.

At Treepro they have specialist knowledge, training and qualifications in a wide range of services for governmental, commercial, industrial and domestic sectors.

Their systems, procedures, focus and training is specifically geared towards government organisations, public sectors and large scale commercial and industrial requirements.

They possess the skills, experience and technical expertise to offer a large variety of services to customers of all sizes.

Treepro trim approximately 14,700 trees annually.

That is almost 367,500 trees trimmed to the highest professional standard in their 26 year history.

They have the experience, knowledge and track record of performance to get the job done.

They have a specialised fleet and equipment designed to optimise performance and serve their clients in the most efficient, effective and safety focused way possible. All equipment maintenance is carried out on site by highly qualified staff ensuring all their services are conducted to the highest industry standards.

With a background in agriculture and a horticulture qualification, Francis sowed the seeds for Treepro way back in 1989 and started off with just one part-time employee on the payroll.

CONTACT DETAILS Treepro Ltd

Crossmahon Bandon Co. Cork Office: 023 8843555 Emergency: 087 276 6216 Website: www.treepro.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

The Treepro team

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tree pro designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:32 Page 3

Continued Best Wishes To Treepro From Susan Griffin & All At

Building 6500, Avenue 6000, Airport Business Park, Cork.

Tel: 00353 21 4299002 โ ข Fax: 00 353 21 4299012 www.insightrm.ie IBA Member and Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Victor Beamish MOTORS

We would like to wish Treepro All The Best In The Future

Repairs & Servicing To Cars, Jeeps & Commercials

FULL PRE NCT OR DOE CHECKS

Kildarra, Bandon, Co. Cork

Shamrock Fast Fit Tyre Service

T:021-4775059/ 087-2656084

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Treepro From

023-8844166 086-2547494

Station Rd., Bandon, Co. Cork

Car | Van | Truck | Tractor Tyres Available BREAKDOWN SERVICE AVAILABLE

Best wishes & continued success to Francis and Treepro from all at

Wishing Continued Success To Treepro, From

17 Main Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel:021-4700588 Email: accounts@bamburyfitzgerald.com Tomรกs Bambury CPA BCL

Regulated to conduct Audit Work by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Treepro From

We offer a wide range of arboriculture services with free site visits to assess the trees and decide on the best way forward.

David Law Tree Care & Training Dromada Beg, Ladysbridge, Co. Cork, M: 086 820 6811 P: +353 (0)21 466 7687 E: david@dltreecare.com www.davidlaw.ie

Best Wishes To Treepro From

Servicing your general insurance needs nationwide for over 30 years 36 South Mall, Cork T12 PNC0 Tel: 021-4275347 | www.mbcinsurance.com McAuliffe Barry & Collins Ltd t/a MBC Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

tree pro designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:32 Page 4

Dealing with storm damage over Christmas 2015

Treepro are customer focused tree surgeons

An energency call out IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

“We're a straight forward company and that's an honest appraisal,” he added. “We're not claiming to be the best or the worst. All we are claiming is that we are a viable

company, employing lads and giving them a viable wage.

There's companies out there at the minute who use and abuse lads but we're trying to be sustainable looking ahead to the future and grow what we have here.”

When asked to elaborate on that point, Francis replied: “At the end of the day, it's frustrating for fellas like myself who have invested a huge amount of money in training and health and safety. In this country, if you're a legit company you don't always get the rewards.

“I understand this business, I understand the resources and equipment that is required to complete any given job. I price jobs accordingly but there are some contractors out there who are working under the radar and that is frustrating.”

All of Treepro's staff are trained and NPTC certified to the highest standard. Each

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tree pro designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:32 Page 5

Wishing Continued Success To Treepro

Farm Safety Training

• Tractor Driving Safety Awareness • PTO Safety Awareness • Tractor and Trailer Safety Inspection Awareness • Contractors Safety Awareness and Certification • Farm Safety Information All Safety Assessment

Ballinvosk East, Mallow, Co. Cork T: 022 29447 M: 087 911 9769 E: info@allsafetyassessment.ie www.allsafetyassessment.co.uk

FERGAL R YA N O I L

Kilbrittain

Mobile: 086-0686276 Tel:023-8849540

For All Your Oil Needs Heating Oil | Agri Diesel Marine Diesel | Road Diesel Continued Best Wishes To Treepro

operator is specifically trained to perform their certified task to the highest industry standard, following best working practices.

Looking ahead to the future, the experience of the team at Treepro leaves the company ideally placed to provide practical solutions for their customers, whatever their needs.

“I would be optimistic about the future,” Francies outlined.

“It's a good business to be in and there is room for this business to be developed big time in this country. There's a cross section of contractors out there, some good, some not so good, but the industry hasn't really found its legs in

52

this country yet.”

In 26 years Treepro Ltd's philosophy hasn't changed and is still based on a passion and commitment to ensure that they operate at the highest technical and professional level.

They are rightly regarded as industry leading professional tree surgeons committed to providing the full range of tree management service and they have have 16,400 satisfied customers to prove it!

Not sure on the cost of tree surgery, tree felling. tree pruning or the cost of tree removal Contact Francis and the team at today for expert advice and a free quotation.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Clonmel Covers Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:42 Page 1

Heavy duty roller covers placed on a trailer

T

The EasyFit Windbreaker has proven very popular

At Clonmel Covers their motto is “we supply solutions to problems”

Based in Co Tipperary, this business he adverse weather conditions in Ireland mean that we have to was established by Seamus Phelan in deal with all sorts throughout 1990 and they have gone from strength the year, but wind and rain are a to strength ever since.

Seamus had a background in the common feature on this island. transport industry when he saw a niche in Ireland has had more than its fair share the market to provide waterproof covers of rain over the last few months, which for trailers and other accessories in the has played havoc with the farming haulage industry.

He soon started to look at other sectors community as not only has land been and these days his products are supplied flooded, but sheds and outhouses too.

There is not a lot that can be done to to a wide range of industries including prevent this type of thing occurring farming, leisure, construction, transport unfortunately, although when it comes to and pharmaceutical.

“We are quite busy at the moment, we protecting sheds, livestock and machinery, one company stands out from manufacture a wide range of products for a number of industries and we are always the rest and that is Clonmel Covers.

looking at bringing out new products, which is often generated by a customer coming to us with a particular problem and we manufacture a product to solve it” said Seamus.

“One of our most popular products for the farming community is our EasyFit Windbreaker, which alleviates the problem of keeping hay and straw dry, while it also helps keep livestock healthy.

“Unlike sheeting, which restricts access, sunlight and air circulation, our EasyFit Windbreaker helps reduce wind by 75%, allows light to enter the building, greatly reduces rain penetration and is easy to fit and remove.”

Clonmel Covers customer base

CONTACT DETAILS

Clonmel Covers Scotch Road, Lisronagh, Clonmel, Co Tipperary,

Tel: 00353-52-6124881 Fax: 00353-52-6129695 Email: info@clonmelcovers.ie

Covers for disc movers are safe and convenient to use IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Opening Hours: Mon-Friday 9am-5.00pm, Closed for lunch 1pm-2pm For Sales Contact: Eugene, Austin or Seamus

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stretches across the whole country both north and south and their products are made to order and delivery is nationwide.

Seamus and his team attended the National Ploughing championships in Co Laois last year and he revealed that they received a very positive feedback from potential customers who were impressed by the products on display.

“We had a very good reaction from the ploughing championships and we got a lot of business from that and in particular for our EasyFit Windbreaker.

“It is a quality product and is very good value for money.

It is our own design and we’re very happy with what we have achieved to date.”

Other covers produced by the company for the farming industry include rotary mower covers, fertiliser spreader covers and waterproof covers.

“We have a wide range of products for the farming industry and these also cover the equestrian sector where we have provided wall padding and our EasyFit Windbreakers to many stud farms including some who are recognised worldwide.”

Seamus added that he has worked closely with Aqua Equine Treadmill founder and CEO Rory Deane the designer and producer of a revolutionary treadmill which offers the benefits of hydrotherapy for horses in a natural exercise programme without a rider at controlled speeds and gradually introduces water in order for the horse to recover faster from certain muscle/joint injuries over a series of sessions.

“We designed and manufacture the padding for around the top of the treadmill as the protection of horses from accidental injury whilst entering or exiting the treadmill was paramount” Clonmel Covers also provide their products to the recycling industry as covers are used for skips and containment areas, while in the meat processing industry,

Covers are manufactured for a range of purposes

The EasyFit Windbreaker allows daylight through

Visit the EasyFit Windbreakers stand at the 2016 National Ploughing Championships

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Clonmel Covers Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:42 Page 3

covers are used for individual machines and computers helping to avoid costly down times.

The company also has some pharmaceutical businesses on their client list and they provide covers for machines where health and safety is paramount.

“We have worked for a wide variety of companies, businesses, schools and crèches. We have expanded our plant in Clonmel by 4,000sq ft in 2015 and a further 5,000sq ft is being added in 2016.”

All materials that are used are of the highest quality and Seamus stressed that producing a quality product is essential.

Manufacturers of Agricultural and Industrial buildings.

Projects carried out include:

Slatted Units | Cubicle Houses | Equestrian Arenas & Stables Kit Form Buildings | Grain Stores | Straw Stores Industrial & Commercial Units | Competitive Prices Fully Insured | C2 Registered Please contact us for a free quotation

Contact Frank 087-6784690 / Jason 087-8044536 P: 052-613 8145 F:052-613 8953 Email: loughryanengineering@eircom.net Best Wishes & Continued Success To Clonmel Covers

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Clonmel Covers From

51 Queen St., Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Telephone: 052-6139637 www.ensuir.ie Continued Best Wishes To Clonmel Covers

Ballinadee Engineering Ltd IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

The EasyFit Windbreaker is made to order

“You have to be able to provide a top quality product. We source our materials abroad and manufacture everything here at our plant and that together with our commitment to strict delivery schedules makes for a satisfied customer who come back again and again.”

We are grateful to all the customers that have supported us over many years and are looking forward to doing business with them in the future.

Seamus admitted that the success of the business would not have been achieved without our loyal customers, which we put a very high value on and the hard work and dedication of his employees.

“I started off the business on my own and there are ten working here now, many of who have been with me for a good few years. It is a real team effort and they deserve great credit for the work that they do, without them none of this would have been possible.

“We are an innovative company who are always looking at new products and improving our customer base and as our motto says “We don’t just supply covers, we supply solutions to problems.”

The Aqua Equine Treadmill

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EDS Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:27 Page 1

A host of vital services is provided to farmers across Munster and Leinster

B

Milking machines and a whole lot more

etween sister companies Electrical Dairy Services Ltd. and Electrical Generator & Pump Services Ltd., Tipperary man Gerard Cantwell has been providing farmers throughout the Munster and Leinster regions with a wide range of vital services for the best part of three decades. We visited his busy base in Thurles to find out more.

Electrical Dairy Services Ltd. (EDS) is a respected provider and installer of milking machines, water pumps, power washers and yard scraper units. They only supply high-quality products sourced from trusted manufacturers at competitive prices and these are available to purchase or to hire, for either domestic or industrial use.

As a member of the RECI, EDS’s reputation for quality products and excellent service is second to none, with a dedicated team of specialists on hand to provide expert guidance in terms of

56

what constitutes the best equipment suited to each particular job.

As well as installation, a 24/7 emergency service is also offered as well as expert aftersales servicing and parts.

Meanwhile, Electrical Generator & Pump Services Ltd. (EGPS) is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of diesel generator sets and water pumps, with coverage extending nationwide. EGPS specialises in the supply and service of internationally-accepted leading brands of diesel and petrol generators, sludge pumps, PTO generators, diesel engines, spare parts, manual handling equipment and associated equipment.

The company HQ in Thurles incorporates 90,000 sq. ft. of office and storage space, accommodating an extensive range of generators, water pumps, power washers, etc. as well as genuine parts and spares.

All products comply with the highest international quality standards and the companies have achieved accreditation

to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.

Brand-name generators offered include SDMO, Gesan, and Pramac with John Deere, Perkins, Volvo, Yanmar, Honda, Lister or Hatz engines. Some of the alternator brands available include Leroy Somer, Marelli, Newage Stamford and Mecc Alte, with generator output ranging from the small portable 2 kVA unit to larger standby sets up to 2,000 kVA. All products are covered by a twelve-month warranty.

Generators can be supplied with or

CONTACT DETAILS

Electrical Dairy Services Ltd., Thurles, County Tipperary.

Tel: 0504 44437 Email: info@edairyservices.ie Web: edairyservices.ie

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

EDS Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:27 Page 2

without weatherproof and soundproof canopies, featuring full electrical protection by way of circuit breakers.

Reflecting on the genesis of these successful businesses, which between them provide a range of complementary products and services to farmers, secretary Mary Cantwell notes: “Gerard set up EDS 27 years ago to offer a range of products including milking machines and then established EGPS shortly afterwards, diversifying into generators and sludge pumps.”

The two businesses work hand in hand and would generally be appealing to the same customer base – a farmer who is interested in installing a new milking parlour might also be in the market for a generator.

The founder / proprietor comes from a farming background himself and also brings a wealth of engineering expertise to the table.

Generally speaking, the vast catchment area catered for includes

all of Munster and many parts of Leinster.

On the milking machines front, EDS is an agent for Gascoigne Melotte and is also an authorised fitter of Dairymaster systems. Services and repairs are offered on all makes of milking equipment.

“The maintenance and back-up service is vitally important,” Mary continues.

“There are eight people here in total between the two companies, and six of those are out on the road providing around-the-clock customer support. We provide a 24/7 emergency call-out service and one of our technicians is always available. Gerard himself is hands-on; he’s out in the field meeting with customers and dealing with their queries and making sure that everything is going smoothly.”

The two biggest developments in the dairy sector of late have brought contrasting fortunes for farmers – the abolition of quotas is good news, while depressed milk prices are placing

enormous strain on livelihoods nationwide. On the positive side, the removal of quotas allied to the availability of grants has had a positive impact on business, as Mary confirms: “Sales have come back in the last couple of years. We used to do a lot of extensions and refurbishments on existing parlours but there has been a trend towards more and more new units.

We’ve done quite a few larger new milking parlours because the grants are very good now. Whereas in the past, tenand twelve-unit parlours were popular, we’ve been asked to do a significant number of 22-26-unit parlours.”

Gerard’s reputation for quality products, service and expertise precedes him and the unrivalled service levels offered result in a high volume of repeat business. “We have a lot of steady customers who come back to us year after year and you’re always picking up some new business as well,” says Mary. “Indeed, in some cases, we are dealing with people today who are sons

Alternative water supplies can be delivered nationwide IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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EDS Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:27 Page 3

Specialising In site clearing, demolition, drainage, pipe laying, football pitch construction and rock crushing.

Two Mile Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

T: 0504-44709 | E:info@tmbplanthire.ie | www.tmbplanthire.ie

WISHING CONTINUED SUCCESS TO EDS/ EGPS

Best Wishes & Continued Success To EDS/ EGPS, From

Scallywags Pre-School

Two Mile Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Tel:0504-44709

Kyle International Transport Ltd. Continued Best Wishes To EDS/EGPS, From

The Turnpike, Two mile borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel: 00353 504-44744 (4 Lines) Fax:00353 504-44714 Mobile: 035386-2449395 Email: kitl@eircom.net

Best Wishes & Continued Success To EGPS From

Diesel Generators

BouMatic Gascoigne Melotte

Barrowhouse, Athy, Co. Kildare Quality Milking Equipment to suit your budget Servicing Irish farmers since 1935

• Direct to line Machines • Automatic Cluster Removers • Milk Yield Indicators • Milk Meter Recording Systems • Variable Speed Vacuum Pumps • Electronic Pulsation Milk Liners - Gascoigne and Milk-Rite ranges No job too big or too small To find your local dealer contact Richard Kingston on 059-8625728/8625729 Donal Kingston 085-7189844 Francis Duffy 086-8544900 Continued Best Wishes To Electrical Dairy Services

www.irishtractor.ie

Baldonnell Business Park, Baldonnell, Dublin 22.

Contact 01-4034118 58

www.depower.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

EDS Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:27 Page 4

and daughters of the people Gerard started working for in the late 1980s.”

While the agricultural sector accounts for a large percentage of business, Gerard’s customer base isn’t comprised exclusively of farmers. “A lot of the generators would go into the construction sector, mining, quarries, building sites etc. Because of all the storms this winter and the increased likelihood of power cuts, we’ve also sold a lot of PTO and diesel generators to farmers as well, where they purchase them for the farm and then make sure to also have enough to power their dwellings.

“In the last few years, four-inch and six-inch sludge pumps are also in big demand. We sell and EDS supplies, installs, services and repairs top-quality milking parlours hire those and there has been huge demand lately, consolidation is the aim: “We’ll keep things as they are and try with all of our own generators and sludge pumps out over to grow each of the three businesses,” Mary concludes. “At the Christmas and right up into February.” moment, there’s no talk of adding anything new. Demand for Between the two companies, Gerard and his team are kept sludge pumps was huge this year, so we will probably add busy and the addition of a third sister company will ensure that some more of those. Outside of that, our goal is to continue to there’s never a dull moment at the Thurles HQ. Cantwell provide all of our customers with the high levels of service for Quality Water Services Ltd. (QWS) supplies portable drinking which EDS, EGPS and QWS are renowned.” water to both the public and private sectors in response to any emergency water outage.

They can also provide a complete water supply for festivals, concerts, sporting events and private corporations.

Using a wide range of drinking water equipment such as articulated water tankers, water storage containers, water bowsers and pumping equipment, QWS can provide alternative water supplies wherever required.

Tankers are doubleskinned to ensure the highest quality drinking water is delivered from source to destination.

These services can be planned as regular deliveries or ordered on an ad-hoc basis in the case of emergencies.

Going forward, “There has been a trend towards more and more new units.”

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Gardiner Farm Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:48 Page 1

Exceptional products are complemented by unrivalled design, supply, installation, servicing and repair services

No. 1 in NI for farm equipment F

rom its County Antrim base, Gardiner Farm Equipment has been servicing the Northern Ireland market with grain handling and storage equipment – and a whole lot more! - for over 30 years. We visited their base on Lisburn’s Moira Road and caught up with founder / proprietor Humphrey Gardiner to find out more about this exceptional family-run operation.

Gardiner Farm Equipment has been supplying the farming industry with topquality agricultural equipment and spare parts for more than three decades. A

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strong family-run, customer-focused business with an excellent reputation throughout the agri sector, they design, supply, install, service and repair a comprehensive range of farming equipment including grain handling systems, mixing plants, livestock feeding systems and grain and meal storage solutions, as well as stocking wood pellet storage silos and wood pellet conveyers.

The full range of products / services provided comprises: livestock feeding systems; home milling and mixing plants; grain drying; grain storage and handling equipment; wood pellet storage silos and conveyers; grain and meal augers; belt

CONTACT DETAILS Gardiner Farm Equipment Ltd., 223 Moira Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT28 2ST. Tel: 028 92621630 Fax: 028 92622293 Mobile: 077 0343 6707

Email: gardinerfarm@btconnect.com Web: gardinerfarmequipment-lisburn.co.uk/

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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and bucket elevators; chain and flight conveyers; moisture meters; crop control instruments; and electric and PTO roller mills, with parts available for all makes of equipment and machinery including Skiold, ABS Fabric Silos, Silofabrik, Q MAC, Roblew, Wakely, Astwell, Kongsklide, Collinson, Alvan Blanch, Protometers, etc.

Owner Humphrey Gardiner has been involved in the farm equipment sector all his working life. “I used to work for Simplex Ireland, who manufactured grain stores and did milking parlours etc.,” he reflects. “I cut my teeth with them in the 1960s. They had an office in Antrim and I covered the 32 counties doing service work and supervising installations.”

The experience garnered left Humphrey ideally placed to establish his own business.

“When they folded, I started up on my own, in a small way at first,” he continues. “I built it up gradually over the years and brought my son [Trevor] and daughter [Gillian Musgrave] into what is now a family-run business.”

Customers of Gardiner Farm Equipment get to work with one of the province’s premier authorities on grain handling and storage equipment, which was the original specialist area IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

These service vans ensure 24/7 customer care

covered by Humphrey. “I’ve always been involved in erecting grain silos and installing augers and conveyors for handling grain. We’d be renowned for our expertise in this area – everything to do with the grain handling and storage business. The equipment all comes in from England and is installed all over the six counties as well as parts of Donegal.

I’ve also expanded into livestock feeding equipment, the bulk of which I source from Collinson PLC, as well as home milling and mixing plants.”

Other equipment is sourced from leading manufacturers on the continent.

“From Italy, we bring in Agritech tubular

screw conveyors and AZA chain and disc feeding systems. We are exclusive agents for Northern Ireland for AZA livestock feeding equipment.

“Home milling and mixing plants are a big part of the business. Skiold in Denmark are our main suppliers of hammer mills and mixers, while Guttridge Limited in England supply bucket elevators, conveyors and a range of equipment for handling grain, powders, meal, granules etc.”

As well as sourcing and installing, Gardiner Farm Equipment can also design silos and mill plants etc. “We supply bulk meal silos in conjunction with

Only the finest equipment is sourced and supplied from renowned manufacturers Europe-wide

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Gardiner Farm Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:48 Page 3

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Best Wishes To Gardiner Farm Equipment, From

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Best Wishes To Gardiner Farm Equipment

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Gardiner Farm Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:48 Page 4

Gardiner Farm Equipment has been going strong for over 30 years

Lewis & Robinson Engineering Ltd. (RobLew) in Ballygawley and Q Mac Silos in Stewardstown, County Tyrone. They are the two main manufacturers of bulk meal silos in Northern Ireland and we act as an agent on their behalf, which complements the work we are doing.”

When prices being paid to farmers for their produce drop – as is currently the case – it places everybody involved in the agri sector under pressure. “The home milling and mixing plants, which farmers use to produce their own meal, were going really well until prices became depressed and that has slowed things down a bit,” Humphrey notes. “There are big savings to be made using those plants, although there is also a large capital outlay. Having said that, they offer the quickest payback of any farm machinery. But the bottom line is that when farmers aren’t getting a good price for their milk or pigs, they can’t afford to spend any money.

“We also design and install a range of indoor and outdoor wood pellet storage hoppers, predominantly for the farming

community, for chicken sheds and mushroom houses etc.”

In keeping with the high quality of the equipment supplied, an excellent back-up service is also provided, with two service vans on the road and an around-the-clock call-out service available. “If the equipment is looked after properly, it will need very little servicing,” says Humphrey. “Damage is mostly caused by neglect and carelessness but, outside of that, none of this equipment is going to give much trouble. In most cases, farmers will be able to do their own work on wearing parts etc. We carry a huge stock of spare parts, which are exclusive to us for the Northern Ireland market. There’s a lot of money tied up in that but you have to have the parts here in order to offer the best possible back-up service.”

Direct gainful employment is generated for a team of six, while subcontractors are brought in to assist with some of the larger jobs. A prompt service is guaranteed. “We try to get to people as quickly as possible. Obviously, a bulk silo is going to take a bit longer but generally we will get the equipment installed within two or three weeks, or often less.”

Looking to the future, like the rest of us, Humphrey is hoping for an increase in milk prices sooner rather than later: “Business has slowed down compared to last year but it’s not too bad and there are signs that things are picking up again,” he concludes. “Low milk and pig prices are having a drastic effect not just on the farmers but also on service industries like ourselves.

“We also work closely with companies who supply robot milking systems, where we bring feed lines in to feed the cows in the milker. We work in conjunction with all the major milking machine companies on that – Lely, DeLaval, Fullwood, etc. – so rising milk prices would definitely work in our favour.”

Regardless of what the future brings, it seems certain that Gardiner Farm Equipment Ltd. will continue to provide its everexpanding customer base with an unrivalled level of products and services.

Humphrey Gardiner has been working in the agri equipment sector since the 1960s IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Gilbert Straw Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:23 Page 1

Alan Gilbert hard at work

Making hay while the sun shines 64

CONTACT DETAILS Gilbert's Straw Sales Gilberts' Orchard Quinagh Co Carlow Mob: 086 859 8940

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Gilbert Straw Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:23 Page 2

O

perating out of Quinagh, Co Carlow, Gilbert Straw Sales services the west of the country.

We met up with proprietor Alan Gilbert to take a closer look at this growing operation and found out that quality of product is paramount to him.

Looking for premium quality straw and hay? Look no further than Gilbert Straw Sales.

A one man, one truck operation, Carlowbased Alan Gilbert has been supplying his growing customer base with straw and hay bales in all popular sizes for six years now.

Delivering direct to farms, Alan prides himself on the quality of his products and he is dedicated to customer service and satisfaction. His many loyal customers can attest to his prompt, reliable, and professional service.

“I didn't realise there was as much business in it when I first started out really,” he admitted to Irish Tractor & Agri Magazine.

“I soon discovered that farmers were interested in what I had to sell and that the demand was out there for someone who could target the right type of straw and, most importantly, someone who could be relied upon to pick up and deliver good straw.”

He continued: “I also realised very quickly

Gilbert Straw Sales delivers direct to farms IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Gilbert Straw Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:23 Page 3

that you have to work around peoples days. I worked for years in road haulage and was well used to JIT ('Just in Time'). And the same thing applies here, you have to try to make sure that the delivery and times suits the farmers.”

Hay is the cheapest source of feed for any livestock enterprise.

Ruminant animals depend on grass as a major source of energy and protein as well as vitamins and minerals.

The colour, smell and absence of dust defines a good crop of hay. It should be bright green or yellow and have a sweet smell with no dust.

Straw is normally used for a bedding material and Alan ensures maximum care and attention is given to the straw and hay to ensure that it reaches his customers in perfect condition.

As both are highly individual and specific products, no stone is left unturned to ensure his customers are happy with the end product.

“I get my hay and straw from a number of sources, from north Wexford up to Kildare, and I am able to supply a variety of different straw and bales.

“I think my customers appreciate that I'm trustworthy. I always give an accurate description of the straw, the moisture content and quality. I leave very little to chance and they can be confident of what they get when it's delivered. There's no such thing as horse trading on the side of the road.

“I also keep a full invoicing system for farmers and a traceable record of all the straw I supply so they can tell where it came from.”

Distance is no object to Alan when it comes to servicing his clients' needs and he can distribute nationwide if required.

“I do most of my business in the mid-west, anywhere from Limerick to Galway to Sligo, and also do a little in Cavan and Monaghan. During the fodder crisis in 2013, I was going as far away as Kerry and Cork. I occasionally go up to northern Ireland but it's hard to break into the trade up there.”

Sales haven't been as high as Alan would have liked in recent years but he's adamant that there will always been a demand for his services.

“The last two years have been quiet due to a combination of things. There has been a good crop of hay the last two years so demand hasn't been as high as I would have liked but I'd be optimistic about the future as I think there will always will be a demand for straw.

“There should be a demand for specialised straw dealers,

66

with specialised trucks and equipment like myself, and the IFA and the whole farming community should be encouraging that.”

Give Alan a call to find out more, he will endeavour to help you in any way he can. Whatever your budget may be, he will do his utmost to provide you with your solution. His large selection and competitive prices are hard to be beat He is always on hand to ensure his hay and straw is of the highest quality available.

Best Wishes To Gilbert’s Straw Sales, From

O’BRIEN ROAD, CARLOW

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

SIMMS Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:21 Page 1

Claas acts!

No. 1 in Armagh for silage and agri building contracting S

imms Contracts is a County Armagh based family business which provides first-class silage contracting and agri building services. We travelled to Poyntzpass and caught up with Colin Simms to find out more about this exceptional operation.

For over three decades, Simms Contracts has become synonymous with providing outstanding silage contracting solutions at a keen price. A range of other agri contracting services is also provided, and the Simms family also specialise in the construction of farm buildings, making them the first port of call for farmers from across County Armagh and beyond.

Reflecting on the genesis of the longstanding business, Colin Simms notes: “My father Alan started doing silage over 30 years ago and it has just grown since then. He used to have pigs and calves and he did that in the mornings before drawing grass for his uncle in the evenings. He worked for his uncle for a few years before taking that business over himself.”

The rest, as they say, is history. Alan developed an unrivalled reputation for excellence over the ensuing years and decades; today himself and Colin are partners in the family business and IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Simms Contracts has become a veritable byword for excellence in everything they do.

“He bought a Fiat 11090 and gradually built it up to five Fiat 11090s,” Colin continues. Today there is a varied and flexible fleet of tractors. “We do a lot of silage throughout the summer as well as a lot of slurry.”

Included in the impressive fleet are five Redrock slurry tankers and the Simms’ have just recently taken possession of a new SlurryKat umbilical pumping system.

Tractor-wise, Alan and Colin run six Claas units – four 640s and two 697s – as well as a New Holland P6080 and two of the aforementioned blue Fiat 11090s.

Some of the other items of machinery on hand include dump trailers, front and back mowers, a Claas trail mower, a Claas 890 Speedstar harvester, a JCB 531-70, a loading shovel and a Claas 2900 rake.

Simms Contracts uses only the best machinery that money can buy and every piece of equipment is maintained in premium condition at all times. When it comes to sourcing new machinery, it’s hard to beat the service provided by nearby Claas agent Ashfield & Wilson in Dungannon. “We do most of our dealings with them and they give a good warranty as well as a great service. In fairness, the Claas gear won’t give you much bother,”

says Colin.

Keeping the fleet fresh and trouble-free is paramount when it comes to offering customers optimal levels of service. “We change them often enough,” Colin confirms, “We purchased some new tractors last year and we’re currently pricing a new Ford P7210 tractor for the summer time.”

Between silage in the summer, slurry in the winter and some building work, Simms Contracts keep themselves busy all year around. “The slurry keeps us busy for most of the winter and we’re then kept busy with the sheds until the silage starts again,” Colin notes. “We also do some of our own repairs and machinery work, so you are always going.”

Regarding the exact nature of the building contracting work, the Armagh man adds: “It’s mostly work for local lads – sheds, re-roofing, replacing timbers,

CONTACT DETAILS

Simms Contracts, 51 Ballydougherty Road, Poyntzpass, County Armagh BT356SA. Tel: 07540555886

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SIMMS Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:21 Page 2

Simms Contracts provides a wide range of services

building walls, etc. The shovel comes in useful as it has a ninemetre reach. The work finds us – we don’t have to advertise.

Our reputation just spreads through word of mouth from previous jobs we have done and there’s generally always somebody looking to have something done.”

Working within a 10-15-mile radius of Poyntzpass, between Newry and Armagh, Simm Contracts does some 4,000 acres of grass silage per year. “We don’t do any maize or whole crop silage at all,” Colin points out.

By providing high-quality, prompt and cost-effective solutions with a minimum of fuss, Simms Contracts enjoys a stellar reputation for achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction. For this reason, they benefit from a substantial amount of repeat custom, including strong relationships with many families going back three decades and more.

Regarding the absolute insistence on high quality, Colin notes: “If you can’t do the job right, then there’s no point doing it at all. You also have to give your customers value for money and we do our best to keep them happy every way you can.

Farmers are looking for quality work at a fair price and that’s what you have to deliver.”

Alan Simms started doing silage over 30 years ago.

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Through positive word of mouth, Simms’ agri building service is in big demand

The hard-working fleet taking a deserved breather

A keen agri building service perfectly compliments the contracting IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

g demand

ting

SIMMS Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 09:21 Page 3

As well as Alan and Colin, full-time employment is generated for two others. “We also have a crew of drivers that we can call upon whenever required. They are all local farmers and when the silage starts, they are just a phone call away.”

Looking to the future, the plan is to consolidate the popular contracting business and hold onto existing customers by continuing to offer a premium service at the right price. “We’ll continue to try our best,” Colin concludes. “We’re not going to get too excited because money is hard to get in. Dairy farmers are under intense pressure and they haven’t got much money at the moment, which is falling back on the contractors. It’s tough at the minute, so we will proceed with caution.”

Going forward, Simms Contracts boasts the experience, expertise and diligence to continue providing top-quality contracting solutions to its legion of satisfied customers. The prognosis for the future is bright, indeed.

Simms’ slurry contracting service is second to none

“If you don’t do the job right, then there’s no point doing it at all.”

King Bros. Quarry Continued Best Wishes To SIMMS CONTRACTS, From

87 Killycopple Road, Collone, Armagh

QUALITY QUARRY PRODUCTS The best machines guarantee the best work

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S&S Tree Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:58 Page 1

Hoists are used to get to difficult areas

I

Maintaining the landscape

reland is known for its greenery whether it be grass or trees, the colour green is synonymous with this country.

The beautiful emerald isle as many tourists describe can be seen in all its splendour throughout the 12 months of the year.

However, as we all know, trees can grow in the most awkward of places and in some cases can become a danger to society. High winds in Ireland have seen many trees fall on roads or break powerlines or indeed they can just grow and block sunlight into a domestic dwelling.

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Tree and hedge management is a specialised area that involves working across such industries as commercial and agricultural, while there is also a lot of domestic work involved also.

Carrying out this specific skillset are a specialised set of companies located across the country and for this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we profile a business which caters for the tree and hedge management service for counties such as Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo and more.

S&S Tree Services is based in Claremorris, Co Mayo and it was established by Shane Morley and Sean

CONTACT DETAILS S&S Tree Services Claremorris, Co Mayo

Mayo Office - 094 9505066 Galway Office - 091 423681 Sligo Office - 071 9314192 Shane - 087 631 9313 Sean - 087 964 0902

Email: sstreeservicesltd@gmail.com Website www.sandstreeservice.ie

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

S&S Tree Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:58 Page 2

Regan in 2013. Despite being only in its third year of existence, both men brought a wealth of experience to the business.

Services provided include dangerous tree removal, overgrown hedging, site clearance, tree felling, tree surveys, organic waste shredding, stump removal, palm trees and pruned site maintenance.

“We both would have a background in tree and hedge management, having worked in the industry for many years. In 2013, we decided to set up our own business and we’re delighted with the way things have been going since,” said Shane.

As stated, the company specialise in tree and hedge management and this sees them involved in numerous jobs throughout their catchment area.

Such is the reputation of the company, the ESB have put their faith in us to look after all their work in the counties mentioned above, while we also IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

S&S have invested heavily into the business

work for the likes of Leitrim County Council.

“S&S have an ongoing contract with the ESB mainly working in the Connaught region clearing vegetation around powerlines. We also provide an emergency call out service in the event of storm damage which has been a regular occurrence this winter.

S&S also do lot of work for domestic and agricultural customers.

“We employ a highly skilled and dedicated workforce. We would have a crew working on domestic and agricultural work all the time, while the other crews would look after the ESB and councils.

“Our job mainly entails tree and hedge

A wood chipper reduces waste

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S&S Tree Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:58 Page 3

Best Wishes To S&S Tree Services 18 Clooney Terrace, Derry, BT47 6AR (086) 405-3147 E: info@dynamicsafetysolutions.eu High Street, Kilkelly, Co. Mayo (086) 405-3147

www.dynamicsafetysolutions.eu

Best Wishes & Continued Success To S&S Tree Services From

KILLEEN’S LAWNMOWER & SAW CENTRE Market Square, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

Tel:096-22186 Fax:096-72312

PAUL CUFFE AUTO REPAIRS Best Wishes To S&S Tree Services From

Currabawn, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Tel: 086-3685282 Repairs To All Cars & Light Commercial Vehicles.

N.C.T & D.O.E Preparation Specialising In All Types of Timing Belt Replacement With Over 30 Years Experience

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www.irishtractor.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

S&S Tree Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:58 Page 4

Health & Safety is paramount when carrying out any job

management and we can remove or trim overgrown trees and hedges. We provide a service that is both cost effective and efficient.”

S&S stated that health and safety is top priority and is an important part of the business and something that they don’t take lightly.

“The work is rarely the same as we could be out in a field one day and on the side of the road the next. Health and safety is paramount. A safety manager comes into us a couple of times

The company carry out a lot of work for the ESB IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

a week and it is up to us to have everything up to date and in order. Operating chainsaws can be a dangerous occupation but thankfully we’ve never had an accident and that is something that we intend to maintain. We are also NPTCcertified, trained in manual handling, first aid, CSCS traffic management and anyone that we take on has to have this course done or be fully trained by S&S and be competent to do their job.”

Many may think that to operate in this business all that’s needed is a chainsaw and a ladder but nothing could be further from the truth as S&S Tree Services have put a major investment into the business.

“This is a skilled trade and you need the proper machinery to carry out the work and that involves far more than just a chainsaw.

“We have a wide variety of machinery which include wood chippers, hoist’s, hedge cutters, stump grinders, excavator with timber grab and other tools necessary to carry out all aspects of tree services. No one is allowed up a tree or MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) without having completed NPTC CS38, CS39, CS40, CS41 and CS47 courses and a safety harness must be worn at all times while climbing or while operating a MEWP.A grounds man is also required with an aerial rescue course while observing the climb. The majority of the wood we cut is either left to the customer for firewood or put through the chipper and sent for recycling.

S&S revealed that when it comes to chainsaws there is only one brand that they will use and that is the renowned Stihl saw.

“There is no other saw on the market that comes close to the Stihl, it is the most endurable and reliable saw that there is and we wouldn’t use anything else. You certainly get value for money with them.”

Since being established S&S Tree Services has forged a stellar reputation in its specialist field of tree management and S&S concluded that they are actively seeking new customers as the business continues to grow.

“Business is going well and we have got a lot of work through word of mouth, which is probably the best form of advertisement there is. We intend to expand this year and hopefully we will be taking on more staff during the year.”

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our hard working staff and loyal customers.

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E. Conroy Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:39 Page 1

“King of the Road” H

auliers take great care in the appearance of their fleet of trucks as they are not only vehicles, but they can be many drivers ‘homes’ for a long period of time.

Attention to detail is something that many truckers pride themselves on and to say that some trucks are eye-catching would be an understatement.

Great expense goes into giving a truck that personal touch and ensuring that passers-by know who that lorry belongs too.

Trucks shows are a sight to behold as they showcase these vehicles, but they are also a great source of advertisement for these businesses as their vehicles are easily identified.

One company based in Moy, Co Tyrone who takes great pride in their vehicles is

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E. Conroy Livestock, which is a family run business that has been providing a wide range of services to their customer base since Eugene Conroy first established the business in 1960.

Eugene is still involved in the business to this day, but it is his sons Eoin and Eamonn that look after the day to day running of the business.

Irish Tractor spoke to Eoin about the success of the business for this month's edition of the magazine, but first we take a more in-depth look at the history of the business.

When Eugene first established the business 56 years ago, his main focus was driving a livestock lorry, something that he continues to do to this day.

Eugene built up an extensive customer base in the local area and was a regular sight at sales and marts throughout the

province.

“My father would have built up a big customer base over the years, and he still carries out work for some locals and ourselves. We would have two small livestock trucks on the roads, while Dad still buys calves here for exports to Spain,” said Eoin.

“We more or less diversified away from the livestock a few years back and

CONTACT DETAILS E. Conroy Livestock 110 Mullybrannon Rd, Dungannon BT71 7ES, United Kingdom Phone:+44 28 3754 8735

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

E. Conroy Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:39 Page 2

although we still do a bit, the main focus would be on refrigerated haulage now.

“Nowadays, a lot of our work is done for Sawyer Transport which sees us haul chilled and ambient goods generally across to the mainland U.K.” Eoin revealed that the work they do sees their trucks on the road seven days a week and for this to occur they need a well maintained and operational fleet.

“There are six trucks on the road, four of which are Scania and we put in a big effort not only to have them well maintained, but to have them looking well. We take great pride in the fleet and have the ‘King of the Road’ logo on the front windscreen of all our trucks.

“People recognise us more and it makes us stand out that bit more, while it is an extra bit of advertising, but the most important thing is to ensure that they trucks are always well maintained and in good working order.

“We would upgrade on a regular enough basis and we would do some maintenance ourselves, while Walter McCann would do a lot for us as well.”

The Conroy family extends well and truly beyond blood relatives as the staff are treated as family.

“The drivers we have are excellent and they take great care in the trucks and treat them as if they were their own. A few of the lads are with us a good few years and they are very experience at what they do.

“There are huge time constraints in this industry and it is essential to get deliveries done on time and to make sure that happens, you need reliable drivers

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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E. Conroy Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 08:39 Page 3

and fortunately we have that.”

E. Conroy Livestock also focus on some general haulage and they have lowloader and flat trailers allowing to haul a wide range of goods and plant.

“We are looking to expand a bit more around home in general haulage. During the summer, we would draw a lot of straw, while the lowloader is also kept going.”

There are many overheads in the haulage industry and Eoin stressed that this was just part and parcel of the business.

Best Wishes To E.Conroy Livestock,From

“The diesel bill would still be the biggest issue, even though it has come down a good bit. We deal with CPI Insurance for insuring the trucks and trailers and we find them to be very good and are always there to help us in anyway.”

The success of the business is not just down to the men in the Conroy family as Eoin’s wife Lynn plays a big part too as she looks after the administration side of the business, while his mother Patricia has done her fair share for developing the company down through the years.

“This is very much a family run business. We have been going a long time now, so we must be doing something right,” smiled Eoin.

“If we can keep going the way we are and expand a bit at home, that would be our main focus for the coming year.”

Best Wishes & Continued Success To E.Conroy Livestock

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

PF Trailers Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:32 Page 1

A new 10-tonne low loader delivered to Beachgrove Farm, Killeigh, Tullamore

T

PF Trailers: built to last

railers are the unsung heroes of any industry that they are involved in. All credit usually goes to the vehicle that is pulling them, but one cannot fulfil its role without the other.

Manufacturers have realised this and there are more durable and technically advanced trailers in every aspect of business, farming or commercial use.

There are numerous trailer manufacturers across Ireland, but just three years ago a new manufacturer entered the market and has been making huge strides ever since.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

PF Trailers was established in 2013 and it is a subsidiary of engineering firm Prefab Group which is established as Prefab Engineering in 1995 by Edmond Corry and Pearse McCloskey.

Prefab Engineering specialises in manufacturing quarry plant, structural steel and fabrication businesses and is a leader in its field of expertise.

However, not content with dominating their chosen market, Edmond and Pearse made the decision to establish a trailer manufacturing business at their plant in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

One of the first things that they did was to hire a general manager with experience

CONTACT DETAILS

PF Trailers 27 Mullaghrodden, Carland, Dungannon, Co.Tyrone, BT70 3LU, N. Ireland

General Info: +44 (0) 28 8776 7410 Ireland/Europe: +44 (0) 77 1233 1131 UK Sales: +44 (0) 77 1233 1131 prefab.engineering@virgin.net

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PF Trailers Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:32 Page 2

The Prefab Engineering facility in Dungannon

we supply our products to a network of “The facility here just outside in this sector and they turned to Sean McCann who is employed as Sales dealerships both here in Ireland, the U.K Dungannon houses the best of Manager of PF Trailers. and mainland Europe to countries such machinery and we have six fabrication “I had 16 years’ experience in trailer as Finland and Sweden, while we have bays throughout the premises which are manufacturing before I came here. sold to a trailer to South America.

175,000sq ft in total.”

Already there was an experienced team “Our experienced team of which there Sean pointed out that no subhere and even though it took a huge are about 35 have the knowledge and contractors were used for any part of effort to get up and running, we are knowhow to produce the highest quality their work and that it was 100% carried delighted with the progress that we have trailers, all of which are manufactured out in-house. made in the last few years,” said Sean. with the best of materials.

“We do everything ourselves that way “A lot of thought had gone into setting up this end of the business. Edmund and Pearse had initially thought of the idea, fifteen years earlier!”

At present, PF Trailers specialise in the manufacture of agricultural trailers which includes dump trailers, multipurpose trailers, lowloaders, bales/flatbed trailers, grain/silage trailers and scaffolding/timber trailers.

“The trailers are produced to a very high quality and that is something that we have aimed for since the business was first established. Year on year sales Two 14-tonne grain trailers with c/w hydraulic backdoor and rollover sheet as standard heading to a dealership in Hampshire, while they are also available in 16 and 18-tonne agri and commercial specs have grown considerably and

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

PF Trailers Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:32 Page 3

we know what we are manufacturing and we are sure that things will be done the way we want them.”

Ninety percent of their trailers are sold through dealerships, but on occasion they have been known to manufacture a bespoke trailer for a customer direct.

“We are happy to manufacture trailers for end users as well as our dealers. We will work to give the customer what they want.”

New regulations brought in by the RSA in January state that trailer manufacturers must be compliant with all legislation that has been introduced and Sean stated that they are delighted to see these regulations come into effect.

“The new regulations tighten up the industry and manufacturers have to put out a trailer of a certain quality now. I’ve no doubt that this is for the better.

“Quality is key for us and our trailers are competitively priced, our customers know that they are buying a trailer that is not only durable, but built to last also.”

Sean revealed that they are keen to promote the business now south and will be focusing on developing that part of the business this year.

“We have put a rep on the road down south. We have a dealership in Mayo and one in the midlands, but we would like to expand on that. The majority of our trailers are being sold in the U.K at the moment and we want to expand on that.”

Not satisfied with making their mark in the manufacture of agricultural trailers, Sean revealed that the company are about to start manufacturing trailers for the commercial industry.

“This is something that we will definitely be branching

Two off three, 27 tonne triaxle low loaders being loaded for export to their dealer in France

A John Deere dealer in the UK took delivery of a 14-tonne dump trailer and a 19-tonne loader

Testing is a crucial stage of manufacture as a 14-tonne dump trailer is put through its pace

into this year. We are confident that we can produce trailers in this sector that will reach the top end of the market.

“A prototype is being constructed and that has to be tested, but once we get the go-ahead, we will begin production. We have all the facilities we need to cope with the extra workload and it is a new era for the business.

“We produce a stronger built trailer for the agricultural industry and the aim will be to do the same for the commercial sector.

The company is going well as a whole at the moment and the aim is to push it on to the next level.” prefab.engineering@virgin.net

Best Wishes To Prefab Engineering

www.therampcompany.clickforward.com

53 Armagh Road, Moy, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.

T:028-37549988 Telephone from Ireland 048 37549988 F: 028 3754 9154 M: 07977 988901 Mobile from Ireland: 0044 (0) 7977 988901 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

33 Killeeshil Road, Cabragh, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT70 ITS Email: traffic@coolhillheavyhaulageltd.com

Continued Best Wishes To Prefab Engineering

Tel:02887761790 Alex’s mobile 07979022751

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Paddy Ryan Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 11:49 Page 1

Paddy Jerry Ltd have a reputation second to none

A top class contracting service 80

CONTACT DETAILS

Paddy Jerry Ltd Shervy, Upperchurch, Thurles Co. Tipperary Tel: (0504) 60618 Mobile: 086 2683508 Email: paddyjerry92@hotmail.com

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Paddy Ryan Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 11:49 Page 2

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t takes a lot of hard work, commitment and dedication to run a successful agricultural contracting business. Thurlesbased Paddy Ryan of Paddy Jerry Ltd Agricultural Contractors revealed to Irish Tractor & Agri magazine how they have established a reputation which is second to none.

Artificial Christmas trees are all well and good but you can't beat the scent of a real Christmas tree in a house.

The smell of a Christmas tree in the house was the number one reason why the majority of Irish consumers bought a real tree, while tradition and the experience of picking out the tree also rates highly.

550,000 Christmas trees were harvested and up to 350,000 trees were sold throughout Ireland before Christmas day. A further 200,000 trees were exported to European markets, such as the UK, Germany and France.

The most popular Christmas trees are the Nordmann Fir and Noble Fir and the total value of the Christmas tree industry to the Irish economy is estimated to be €21m.

Growing conditions were good last year so it was a very good crop for 2015.

Forest Fresh specialise in growing top quality Noble Fir and Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees in a variety of sizes and grades to satisfy all market requirements. They are directly responsible for growing, marketing and selling all of our trees thus ensuring complete customer satisfaction.

And they employ the reliable services of Tipperary-based

Harvesting Christmas trees IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Paddy Ryan Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 11:49 Page 3

O.R. PLANT HIRE Ltd. Best Wishes To Paddy Jerry Ltd., From

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Christmas Tree Farms From The Heart Of Ireland 185 Rathmines Rd Lower, Dublin Tel:086-2544364 www.forestfresh.ie

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Best Wishes To Paddy Jerry Ltd.

Irish Tractor & Agri Magazine

Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 82

Wishing Continued Success To Paddy Jerry Ltd. LEGAL SERVICES Property | Probate | Personal Injury/Accident Claims Employment | Family Law | Bloodstock / Equestrian Claims / Transactions Liberty Square, Thurles, Co.Tipperary Tel +353(0504) 22333 Fax +353(0504) 23054 email@pjom.ie www.patrickjomeara.com In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage of any award or settlement

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Paddy Ryan Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 11:49 Page 4

agricultural contractor Paddy Ryan of Paddy Jerry Ltd. At the time of talking to Irish Tractor & Agri magazine, he and his 15 employees were “flat out” harvesting 30,000 Christmas trees.

“We harvested 20,000 trees for Forest Fresh and 10,000 for Coillte,” Paddy revealed.

Established in 1986, the continued success of Paddy Jerry Ltd Agricultural Contractors has been built on providing a trustworthy and professional service.

Very much a family affair, they provide the full range of agricultural contracting services and Paddy is assisted in the day-to-day running of the business by his wife Maura, brother Jimmy, daughters Samantha and Aisling and son John.

They pride themselves in taking the time to ensure that the end result is high quality forage for their clients and they will celebrate reaching the milestone of 30 years in business in 2016.

The strength of the relationships that the Ryan family has built with their customers over the past three decades is a key ingredient of their successful formula. Paddy is approachable and ensures his customers receive personal attention regularly and, as a result, they boast a loyal customer base which is also testimony to the quality of their work.

Renowned for their diligence and reliability, no job is too big or small.

“We have 30 years of experience in the agricultural industry and carry out a wide range of agricultural services, including silage, slurry, reseeding and fencing to name but a few.

“Thankfully, we were kept very busy throughout 2015 because it was a good year weather wise. We cover a 15 mile radius around the Thurles area and we've many loyal customers who have been with us for the last 30 years.”

Paddy developed the business from modest beginnings and gradually built up an extensive fleet which today consists of eight Valtra tractors as well as associated machinery.

“The most expensive piece of equipment we have is a Claas Forage harvester,” he revealed, “we do a lot of work on difficult terrain.”

On a negative note, he added: “Machinery repair costs are massive nowadays and that makes things very hard. I certainly wouldn't like to be starting out again.

“Another complaint I'd have is that it's very difficult to employ anybody on a short term basis at the minute. There's a lot of paperwork that needs to be done, transferring tax credits and so on. We're harvesting Christmas trees and by the time you get employees registered you have to let them go again. It's ridiculous and there should be some concession there because Christmas Day won't wait for us.

“Overall, though, we'd be happy with how things are going at the minute. Thankfully, the price of diesel has come down because it was a lot more difficult a few years ago when diesel peaked.”

By using Paddy Jerry Ltd Agricultural Contractors, farmers free up more time to concentrate on their livestock and eliminate the need to invest large sums of money in equipment that they may only need a few times in a year.

Paddy & Co appreciate the fact that their customers have very demanding work schedules and that working with weather cycles can be difficult. Therefore, when you call Paddy he gets to work immediately scheduling specific machines with experienced operators and delivering them on time.

If you require quality agricultural services in the Thurles region then contact Paddy today.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Robin Talbot Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 11:42 Page 1

Robin and Ann Talbot with their daughters Sarah and Ruth

“e key is not to make the same mistake twice!”

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took on the rent of 160 acres from the Right Hon John Fitzpatrick, 1st Baron of Upper Ossory.

Fast forward 146 years and Robin is maintaining the family's proud legacy.

Steeped in traditional values, he farms in partnership with his mother Pam and wife Ann and they work long hours throughout the day to give their animals the best of Benjamin Talbot, Robin’s great care. grandfather, was the first Talbot to live in “I did my Inter Cert in 1972 and have Coole, arriving around 1870, when he worked full-time on the farm since 1973,”

obin Talbot is the fourth generation of his family to live and farm in Coole, Ballacolla, Co Laois. A commercial beef and suckler farmer, he produces quality cattle for the Irish and European markets.

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CONTACT DETAILS

Robin Talbot Beef Farmer , Coole, Ballacolla Co. Laois Mobile: 086 2693164 Email: cooleballacolla@gmail.com Website: www.talbotsofcoolefarm.com

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Robin Talbot Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 11:42 Page 2

he recalled when speaking to Irish Tractor & Agri magazine. “My father (Bob) died when I was young and my mother Pam took over.

She is still hale and hearty and takes and takes an active interest in the farm.

“Like a lot of young lads, at the time I thought I knew everything but I made lots of mistakes along the way. The key is not to make the same mistake twice!”

He continued: “We were typical of a lot of farms at that stage, into sheep, tillage, sugar beet, beef cattle. Traditionally, in my fathers and grandfathers time, they were buying cattle from the south and the west and bringing them home to finish.

“The turning point came when we went the suckler cow route.

“I myself spent a number of years going to marts buying mostly steers for finishing. Then hormones were made illegal. This took a while to filter through the system but we stopped using them immediately and it became obvious fairly quickly that this system was no longer sustainable financially. After considering our options, we decided to focus on sucking and built up from there.

“We've currently 220 autumn calving cows and the farm is 600 acres in size. We employ one man. Joe Hyland, who has been with us for the past nine years, while we use contractors for the silage and tillage work and spread manure and slurry ourselves.”

Robin is married to Ann (nee Fitzgerald) who has worked as an agricultural print journalist for almost twenty years, including seven years as Livestock Editor with the Farming Independent.

Since 2004, along with looking after the farm's paperwork, she has primarily been a homemaker but has resumed some journalistic work since 2012. They have two daughters, Sarah and Ruth.

The Talbot farm uses Belgian Blue and Limousin stock bulls while the cows are Limousin cross. Their progeny are aimed at the high end of the quality market with the majority finished at under 20 months.

There is a big focus on maximising weight gain from grass and their cattle are 100% grass fed so they can guarantee the highest quality natural produce.

“We are always keeping an eye on what local processors are looking for and try to produce beef to spec.

“We take a lot of pride in the quality of the beef we produce. To that end, we get a lot of grass into our stock. There is very little concentrate brought on to the farm and we try to grow as much as we can. We tick a lot of the boxes when it comes to environmental, welfare and traceability issues.

“We're currently in the process of researching what we need to do to produce carbon neutral beef. That's a work in progress.”

Robin and the Talbot family also host regular farm visits; mainly by other farmers and agricultural students but also by others from the broader agri sector and will always try to facilitate anybody wishing to visit. In order for farming to survive, he believes

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Robin Talbot takes great pride in being a commercial beef and suckler farmer

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Best Wishes To Talbots Of Coole Farm, From

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www.irishtractor.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Robin Talbot Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 11:43 Page 4

it is critical that farmers help each other by sharing their experiences and information.

“We've had plenty of visitors, individuals and groups, to the farm,” he added. “The visits are something I enjoy. Farming can be a solitary occupation so it's good to meet others here on our home turf and we have plenty of debates!”

Robin and Ann put their experiences down in writing in their

2013 published book 'A Year on Our Farm'. A 120 page full colour A4 book, it chronicles events on their well-known farm.

The Talbots feel that farming and particularly beef farming rarely attracts positive consumer interest and they wanted to tell the story of what really happens on an Irish livestock farm on a day-to-day basis; to show a side to Irish agriculture that is positive, progressive and wholesome.

What advice would Robin give to any aspiring farmers thinking of going down the beef route?

“First of all, they have to have a love of farming, they have to make sure they love what they do because job satisfaction is vitally important. Basically, a system of farming is secondary, how well you do it is what counts and you have to have confidence in what you do.”

Robin concluded: “Beef is a good, safe and healthy food. The world population is growing as is the demand for red meat. Beef is one of our most important exports. If the political will is there to allow us, this sector can generate a lot of wealth inside our shores and feed an awful of people outside them.”

Best Wishes To Talbots of Coole Farm

The Talbot family on the farm in Coole, Ballacolla

EV Condell Ltd.

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Talbots of Coole Farm IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

MAIN MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Phone: +353 (0)57 86 21218 Fax: +353 (0)57 86 22213 Email: info@evcondell.ie Sales: David: +353 (0)87 2586950 William: +353 (0)87 2761750

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Markethill Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 12:15 Page 1

The calm before the storm as employees get ready for another sales

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Markethill - the farming hub

ivestock marts have been part of our history for well over a century or more and they have grown into so much more than just a place for farmers to sell their cattle, sheep and pigs.

Marts bring the farming community together as many a tale of the previous week’s going-ons have been told time and time again. It is a place for farmers to bounce ideas off each other, while doing their business.

These days marts offer so much more than just sales as the have become hubs where many services are provided.

One of the most successful and long stand marts in Northern Ireland is the Armagh based Markethill Livestock & Farm Sales, which is located on the Cladymilltown Road in Markethill.

The history of Markethill is an intriguing

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as it first opened its doors as a certification centre after the war, which it continued to do so until 1953 when it moved to a new premise and the livestock mart.

Since then Markethill Livestock & Farm Sales Ltd has been serving the community within a large area of County Armagh, Down, Tyrone and Fermanagh.

Sales have been operating in Markethill for over 65 years and two years ago, they moved to a new purpose built facility on the outskirts of the town.

This 15 acre site is continuing to be developed, but already, not only does it comprise of a livestock mart, but also a property sales and management company as well as Fane Valley Stores outlet. The store located within the premises of Markethill Livestock & Farm Sales on the Cladymilltown Road, Markethill offers an extensive range of

products to farmers and the wider rural community. The store provides 2,000sq ft of retail floor space stocking thousands of products. A 'while you wait' tag printing service is also available on site.

Markethill Livestock & Farm Sales Ltd Director Hampton Hewitt spoke to Irish Tractor & Agri about the progress the business has made over the years and he also reveals their plans for the future.

CONTACT DETAILS Markethill Livestock & Farm Sales 12 Cladymilltown Road, Markethill County Armagh BT60 1RB Tel: 02837 551 265 Fax: 02837 551 545

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Markethill Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 12:15 Page 2

“We moved to the new premises after the Newtownhamilton Mart closed and this became an amalgamation of them both in a sense,” said Hampton.

“The new site is open two years now and we are delighted with the progress that we have made during that time. Our sales are always fairly busy, but obviously our peak times would be from October onwards when anywhere between 14001700 cattle would be sold in a week.”

The mart has also obtained numerous certificates including the Northern Ireland Food Chain Certificate which following a market inspection, the report is reviewed by a certification officer at NIFCC to ensure that the market meets the required standards for the ABM Livestock Market Scheme.

If the market is a new applicant, they must be fully compliant with the scheme standard prior to their acceptance within the scheme.

Each market is informed in writing of the outcome of their inspection. If non-conformances exist, a time-scale for rectification will be set to allow the market sufficient time to carry out the remedial action and one of the first marts to be approved into

Bidding begins on this fine animal

Large crowds attend Markethill Mart

The sales pen can be viewed from all angles

The purpose built facility was built two years ago IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

the scheme was Markethill Livestock and Farm Sales.

Like all marts, Markethill has its set days for the sales, which means farmers know when the animal they want to sell or buy should be there.

“We have dairy cows, cull cows and dropped calves on a Tuesday. Wednesday is sheep sales and on Saturday, we sell store cattle, weaklings and suckler cows. We would have about

Many Livestock hauliers earn a living from Markethill

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Sheep sales are a massive part of the business

40 here working on a full time and part time basis and every plays their part in making the business the success it is.”

Hampton revealed that in general the 2015 cattle prices were very good apart from a downturn pre-Christmas.

“Prices throughout 2015 were very good, but the last two months were not great. However, lamb prices have improved significantly in recent months with much of the stock been sold down south.”

The mart generates a lot of business around the Markethill area as shops and eateries provide farmers with all they need for a day at the sales.

Not only that but livestock hauliers make a living from attending the mart for each sale with many having a close working relationship with the company.

“The same number of hauliers would generally be here all the time and they would not only know us well, but farmers tend to stick with the same haulier when purchasing or selling their livestock.”

Hampton admitted that the last couple of years had been about getting the new premises up and running and he feels they have achieved that and now the aim is to push on.

“We have room for more development so we will be looking into that, while on the sales end of the business, it is just a matter of continuing to provide the service that we have been providing and working on ways of improving that.”

Markethill is now a state of the art premises

Best wishes to all at Markethill Livestock & Farm Sales

Best wishes to all at Markethill Livestock & Farm Sales

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Lappin Engineering Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 12:07 Page 1

Brian and Simon Lappin are the company’s directors

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25 years of success

elebrating 25 years in business, Lappin Engineering Limited continues to be a steelwork specialist company offering bespoke structural steel solutions. Irish Tractor & Agri spoke with Managing Director Brian Lappin to find out more about the Armaghbased company.

Family run businesses can often be the most successful and best to be a part of and for Brian Lappin the success of his company has now spanned 25 years.

Based along the Cornascriebe Road in Portadown, Co Armagh, Lappin Engineering Ltd has earned itself a glowing reputation as specialists in structural steel since setting up shop back in 1991.

Brian and his son IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Simon are now running the company together and experiencing busy times at present, which is a result of Lappin Engineering’s reputation as a reliable outfit which continues to carry out a professional service for its customers, according to Brian.

Lappin’s founder and director has built the company on the idea that the customer comes first and that utter reliability must be associated with his name. So far things have been going well whilst working with that philosophy.

“We’re here in Portadown and are established 25 years now,” said Brian. “We have five staff in total. Myself and my son Simon are the directors of the company and I’m happy to report that we’re quite busy here at the moment.”

Busy times have been hard to come by in recent years for many Irish companies

in the same industry but Lappin Engineering Ltd “were kept ticking over” during the economic downturn, according to Brian, and are now making the most of the recovery. Repeat business from satisfied customers make it all the easier as well.

So what is it that Lappin

CONTACT DETAILS Lappin Engineering Ltd Address: 91 Cornascriebe Road, Portadown, Co Armagh Tel: 028 3884 9040

E-mail: admin@lappinengineering.uk Web: lappinengineering.uk

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Lappin Engineering Ltd is celebrating 25 years in business

Engineering Ltd actually does?

As aforementioned, they are an established family company working in the steelwork industry offering bespoke structural steel solutions.

Over the last 25 years they have completed projects throughout the UK and Ireland and are proud to have earned a reputation as specialists in structural steel.

Lappin Engineering are committed to providing its clients with high quality products and services, whether it’s a reliable source for structural steel supply or a total bespoke steel solution package. They can deliver steelwork manufactured to Execution Class 2 in accordance with BS EN 1090-1 CE Marking regulations.

“We cover all aspects of steel work and 70 per cent of what we do would be industrial work,” explained Brian.

“We’ve been as far as Scotland and London for some of the work that we’ve done. Our agri work has been a bit slower but we do everything from feeding gates, pens to crushers.”

Indeed the company specialise in providing a complete bespoke structural steelwork package for commercial, industrial, agricultural and retail industries.

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The services provided include; estimating, design, manufacture and fabrication, painting and finishing, project management and site installation.

The company’s highly experienced site staff provide efficient and accurate erection of a wide range of steel structures which can also include ancillary items such as roofing and cladding.

“We have been very busy so far in 2016 and that’s continuing on from last year as well,” he said.

“Along with the people we employ here we’d keep a couple of site subcontractor outfits for when we’re busy and we’d be using them at the moment. We were quite lucky during the downturn in that we were kept ticking over and now things are starting to get

busy for us again, so we can’t really complain.”

Fortunately, the recession didn’t have the same effect on Brian’s business as others, which saw several companies in the industry closing down for good.

“We managed to stay the same,” he outlined. “When the tiger was roaring we didn’t feel it the same way others did.

We’re still working away now and we’re quite lucky compared to some others.

For now though, Brian is focused on the jobs he has on hand and keeping his customers satisfied.

Even 25 years on, he still sees repeat business from clients as being central to the company’s success.

“That’s the core of our business. They say the customer’s always right and we try to do as professional a job as

Lappin Engineering is based in Portadown, Co Armagh IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Lappin Engineering Designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 12:07 Page 3

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possible. I think that’s why our customers tend to come back to us,” said Brian.

“Reliability is a big thing as well. We use quality materials here and from my experience, those are the kind of things that customers like and you’ll find that those are the things that they appreciate.”

Last April saw Lappin Engineering Ltd win at the RIDBA FAB - Farming and Agricultural Building Awards Non-Member Commended for Markethill Livestock Sales, a project for Hampton Hewitt.

“We won an award over in England...it was a fairly big honour for us,” explained Brian.

“The ceremony was over in York and it was a great clap on the back for the company. We were up against a few big English firms like Shuttle Bottom and Robinsons in Scotland – both companies are large, well established outfits, so it was a great honour.”

In keeping with their commitment to quality Lappin Engineering Limited have been CE Marked since June 2014, using consultancy company BNL Training Limited to help set up and install their management and quality systems and perform the non-destructive testing for welder coding certification.

Lappin Engineering Limited is committed to supplying the highest quality to their customers and only use CE approved suppliers. They are proud to have also had their own systems and processes accredited to Execution Class 2 for CE Marking.

Congratulations to Lappin Engineering on 25 years in business Best wishes and continued success

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mark mcconnell designed_Layout 1 21/03/2016 12:18 Page 1

Mark McConnell Agricultural Consultants was set-up in 2001

A top Agri Consultant

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oming up on 15 years since first starting his agricultural consultancy firm, Mark McConnell has built a solid reputation amongst his clients. Irish Tractor & Agri caught up with the Donegal man to learn more.

Gaining repeat business from your customers is often the key ingredient to a successful venture and Mark McConnell is happy to report the sizeable client base he has built up since 2001.

A part-time beef and sheep farmer who has been working in Rural Environmental Protection Schemes (REPS) since 1998, he has been running Mark McConnell Agricultural Consultants since for 15 years now. Mark is a member of the Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA) and his company holds current Professional Indemnity Insurance cover.

“We’re based in The Glebe, Stranorlar in Co Donegal and we employ two-full time here,” Mark explained.

“Our main business would be agri consultancy work and we do all types of schemes from grant applications to scheme forms to general advisory on sheep and cattle. We also started

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Consultancy also deals with other schemes like Single Farm Payments, Grant Applications, Installation Aid, Early Retirement and Farm Waste Management.

The company boasts a long service list, which sees its customers able to choose from a range of options when it comes to agri consultancy.

Mark McConnell Consultancy is an approved agency for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to help consult farmers and assist in increasing Mark McConnell productivity.

Delve in the list of services auctioneering work around five years and you will see that they provide a Single ago.”

Originally from Castlefin, Mark received his early education in Castlefin National CONTACT DETAILS School and St Columba's College, Stranorlar. He then spent four years in University College Dublin studying Mark McConnell agriculture and was awarded a BAg.Sc Agricultural Consultant Degree in Agriculture.

After that he was on his travels and Address: spent a year working across the other The Glebe, Stranorlar. Co Donegal end of the globe on farms in New Zealand, where he learned a great deal, Phone: 074 9130772 before returning home to work in REPS. Fax: 074 9130772 Mark has built up a large client base all Mobile: 087 2288091 over Co Donegal in the 15 years of opening his own consultancy and covers Web: www.agriculturalconsultant.net the whole county.

Email: info@agriculturalconsultant.net As well as REPS, Mark McConnell IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Payment Scheme, which is applicable to farmers who actively farmed during all or any of the three reference years 2000, 2001, and 2002, who were paid Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid payment.

In order to receive payments under the Single Payment Scheme you must follow a variety of regulations on the environment, public health, animal health, plant health, animal welfare and land maintenance.

Another aspect of the company is in soil and silage sampling, which Mark McConnell Consultancy provides both professionally and promptly through a soil analysis facility. Soil analysis will tailor fertiliser application to match crop requirement ensuring optimum crop production, by reducing nutrient loss to the environment and growing farm profitability.

The Bord Bia quality assurance scheme falls under their services as well, leaving them fully qualified to look after all the requirements, including supplying signage for farmers on this scheme.

They also organise farm discussion groups for dairy, beef, sheep and tillage farmers.

“We do expert witness work here too,” explained Mark, “and we would have started auctioneering work around five years ago so. It has been going well enough for us and the housing market is starting to turn around now a bit, so we’re excited for the future.”

Residential, Commercial and Farm & Sites all fall under the auctioneering services which Mark’s company provides. They also provide a complete farm accounts service to all large, small and part-time farmers in Donegal, in conjunction with Kelly Accountants.

Their Nutrient Management Planning is an essential service which Mark and his staff provide to anyone wishing to dispose waste by way of land spreading

The company premises

in an efficient, environmentally friendly way. They provide a comprehensive service including soil analysis, waste analysis, waste catchment and storage etc.

An approved agency for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Mark McConnell Agricultural Consultants’ existing REPS farmers are provided an annual consultancy service, updating plans as required, keeping records and assisting any farmer to comply with the terms and conditions of the scheme.

Mark himself is a Commissioner for Oaths, meaning he is officially authorised to verify affidavits, which are statements in writing and on oath, and other legal documents.

His expertise in Legal Witness, means his services in this particular field are usually required for legal disputes, compulsory purchase order assessments and insurance claims.

Mark is a member of the ACA, along with the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV), and he also writes a monthly farming blog for the well-known site DoneDeal.ie. Other forms of media in which he’s involved

Russell Bros Farm

sees him hosting a local radio show on different agricultural topics.

His farm shop trades under the name ‘McConnell Seeds and Sprays Ltd’ and supplies quality products directly to farms throughout Ireland, with a guaranteed next day delivery service.

They also welcome telephone orders, so if you prefer to order any of their products over the phone they’re open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.

McConnell Seeds and Sprays Ltd have been main agents for Goldcrop Ltd in Co Cork for the last five years now and their continued working relationship is a testament to the endeavours of both companies in testing economic times.

Indeed Mark has stayed patient throughout the downturn, audaciously starting up his own auctioneering service in the meantime, and he is now looking forward to what the future holds for his company – and how it can continue to improve and broaden its wide range of services.

So if you’re looking for agri consultancy, look no further than Mark McConnell Agricultural Consultants in Stranorlar in Co Donegal.

Wishing Continued Success To Mark McConnell From

Cavan Upper, Killygoden, Co. Donegal Tel:087-2649163 Email: vindrons@gmail.com

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Mark McConnell Agricultural Consultants deal with Single Farm Payments and Grant Applications

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