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November 2015 Vol. 3 No. 10
Ryalls
Broomfield Pig Farm
MCM Peake Dairy Services
Kerry Tractors
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TA R G E T
FERTILISERS
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2 Agri News
Contents
Irish Tractor & Agri is published by DG Press, Kells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath Telephone: (046) 9241923 Fax: (046) 9241926 e mail:
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Sloan Transport Suppliers of agricultural bedding products
Culmore Organic Farm One of Northern Ireland’s best-known organic farms
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Coolcroo Farm Renowned for the quality of their products
G McFadden & Sons
Three generations of wool merchants
10 Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society We speak to Ray Doyle, Secretary of the National Marts Committee of the ICOS
13 Ballinadee Engineering
Email: contact@lynngroupmedia.com
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United Feeds Maximising ruminant performance
experience of producing quality feeds
44 Monbeg Stables
We talk to point-to-point trainer Donnchadh Doyle
48 Jackie Leonard & Sons
Offering an excellent service for 123 years
Total dedication to innovation, excellence and quality
52 Broomfield Pig Farm
An excellent reputation for sales, repair and servicing of agricultural machinery
58 Lough Conn Milling Company Ltd
Providing a reliable and loyal service
71 Brockera Farm
A fourth generation farm
77 Ryall’s Farm & Industrial Equipment
Ireland’s leading maize seed, sprays and film supplier
80 Peake Dairy Services
A market leader with their quality products
86 Leahy Agri Business Ltd
20 Tullyallen Agri Services 24 Kerry Tractors
28 Russell Bros Farm 32 Maizetech
36 MCM Sheds Ltd
41 Strabane Mills Ltd
A well established family business with 90 years
Jonathan Marry is the 2015 FBD Young Farmer of the Year A family run business operating since 1928
We talk to progressive young farmer Joe Maher A top-class family enterprise in Watergrasshill, Cork Offering a comprehensive range of products & services Providing a complete agricultural contracting service in North Kerry
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New generation R Series front loaders from John Deere
Featuring higher payloads and increased versatility, John Deere’s new generation R Series front loaders are easy to attach and remove and provide smooth, fast and precise handling. This new line of front loaders has been specifically designed for John Deere Stage IV tractors, but will still be compatible with older Stage IIIA and Stage IIIB tractor ranges. Particularly aimed at livestock customers, the loaders will replace the current H Series models for use with mid-size tractors. John Deere’s loader model numbering system is also changing, to align with the latest tractor model designations. The first of three digits reflects the loader’s tractor series compatibility, and is followed by two digits indicating loader size plus a letter which reflects the The John Deere R Series specification level. Thus, a 623R loader is compatible with a 6M or 6R Series tractor in the mid-horsepower range, with premium specifications. Adopting the advanced styling of John Deere’s new 6R and 6M Stage IV tractors, the R Series front loaders feature curved booms and enhanced side and front visibility, including optimal positioning of the loader lights for better integration with the tractor design. The new loaders are also engineered to cope with full front axle oscillation, maximum steering angles, fenders and large wheels. Available from November 2015, the R Series loaders feature a new Z-Kinematic design with relocated pivoting points on the boom, new bushes and an increased roll-back angle to provide up to 10 per cent higher lift capacity. They will be delivered as standard with new mounting frames and an automatic mast latch which allows the front loader to connect to the tractor with a fast, easy ‘click & go’ action. Buckets and tools can be just as easily attached from the tractor cab using the implement latch. There is a choice of levelling options from a non self-levelling version to a mechanical or hydraulic self-levelling system, to meet individual customer needs. As an extra option, John Deere’s unique RTP Plus return-to-position technology represents state-of-the-art levelling accuracy for all types of implement.
Stertil Koni introduces agricultural vehicle lifting system
Stertil Koni, the UK’s leading commercial vehicle lift supplier, has introduced a specially-designed solution for the lifting of agricultural vehicles and machinery. The new agricultural vehicle lifting system has been developed around Stertil Koni’s acclaimed range of wireless mobile column lifts and incorporates a number of special adapters and accessories to simplify maintenance, repair and servicing operations. These include adjustable wheel clamps and wider cross beams plus ‘pin and ball’ tow hitches. Depending on the size and weight of vehicles to be lifted, which may include tractors, excavators, combine harvesters and trailers, multiple column lifts may be used in any configuration to achieve the required total lifting capacity and optimum weight distribution. Safe and efficient lifting is controlled by a workshop engineer using 7 full colour touch screens mounted on the mobile lifts. Importantly, simultaneous lifting and lowering of all wireless lifts within the set is controlled from any one of the touch screens. The Stertil Koni agricultural vehicle lifting system has been designed for lifting on vehicles’ axles or tyres to provide excellent flexibility and versatility. Also, by incorporating the use of wireless, mobile column lifts, trailing cables are eliminated thereby removing the risk of tripping. “Our new agricultural vehicle lifting system means that mechanics and service engineers no longer have to rely on cranes and hoists or even lie on their backs to access the underside of vehicles and trailers,” says Tony Edge, Stertil Koni’s general manager. “Whilst specialist vehicle lifting equipment is now commonplace in most workshops, the agricultural industry has tended to lag behind in the use of such technology. We are confident that our new lifting system will prove to be invaluable as more and more engineers become aware of its many advantages and benefits.” Stertil Koni agri lifting mahinery
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Modern advances in farming see growing numbers applying for Agricultural Courses
Recent agricultural development has enhanced the appeal of farming to young people across Ireland, leading to rising CAO Applications in Agriculture and Horticulture courses. “There are 56 agricultural classes and courses in Ireland, offering a plethora of cutting-edge contemporary technology and approaches to modern farming in Ireland.” Union of Students in Ireland president Kevin Donoghue said, “Ireland’s agri-food sector is an economically thriving area which continues to grow, thanks to scientific developments which have hugely increased the appeal of farming as a profession and academic Time for study area.” In 2003, 1821 students applied for agriculture/horticulture courses. In 2004, 1632 applied, and in 2005, 1772 applied for the same courses. Ten years later, in 2013 2,690 students applied, in 2014 2,858 applied and in 2015 2,651 applied for agriculture/horticulture courses according to the CAO office. The agri-food sector in Ireland contributes a value of €24 billion to the national economy, generates 6.3% of gross value added, amounts to almost 10% of Ireland’s exports and provides 7.7% of national employment, according to Teagasc. “Modern advances have changed the mechanics of farming,” USI president Kevin Donoghue said “Such as new technologies to enhance data precision for and automation of grazing management, controlled timing of parturition in beef cattle, evaluating byproducts for inclusion in ruminant and monogastric diets; and an advancement in fertiliser technologies for improved efficiency and reduced gaseous emissions. Irish farming is at the forefront of all of these modernisations so it’s no wonder there’s been an increase in the amount of young people applying for agriculture and horticulture courses over the past ten years.”
New John Deere machines to make debut at AgriScot
John Deere’s new top-of-the-range 8800 self-propelled forage harvester, 6R Series tractors and R Series front loader make their UK public show debut at AgriScot 2015 next month, alongside a smaller 5E Series tractor, HPX Gator utility vehicle and F440R fixed chamber round baler. Three new models have been added to the 8000 Series range of selfpropelled forage harvesters, which utilise advanced technology to reduce crop losses and boost performance, including new Active Fill Control (AFC) for automated filling of trailers. The machines are designed to provide customers with up to 15 per cent more productivity, increased uptime, lower operating costs and faster, easier maintenance. John Deere 6R Series As well as the 845hp 8800, the range now includes the 490hp 8300 and 761hp 8700 models. Other advanced features on these machines include a GreenStar 2630 with touchscreen display and all functions conveniently located in the CommandARM, Remote Display Access (RDA) and AutoTrac automatic steering with RowSense. Each model can also be equipped with HarvestLab, an advanced crop analysis and documentation system that uses constituent sensing to improve forage quality. Headers include John Deere’s new 9 Series grass pick-ups and Kemper 300 or 400 Series row-independent rotary drum harvesting units. All John Deere headers are automatically speed matched to the selected length of cut. Additional operator friendly features include a DuraDrum cutterhead with reverse knife sharpening and a ProTouch function for increasing road or harvest speed during field changes. The John Deere 6130R – which will be on display equipped with a new R John Deere 8800 self propelled forage harvester Series front loader – and 6155R tractors are also on show for the first time at AgriScot. Available from dealers in November, the new mid-size 6R Series models feature new Stage IV engines rated from 110 to 155hp, improved manoeuvrability, enhanced operator comfort and a wide range of transmission options. All these latest tractors are equipped with John Deere’s intelligent power management system (IPM), which adds 20 to 30hp on the four-cylinder models and 40hp on the six-cylinder versions. The tractors feature CommandARM controls and a Generation 4 CommandCenter touch screen monitor with swipe function display, while the redesigned TLS+ front axle suspension provides improved steering and driving on the road. An electrical loader-ready joystick is also available, for use with John Deere’s latest R Series front loaders. The new 6R Series tractors have been specifically designed to accommodate these versatile loaders, which feature new mounting frames and hood guards and are easy to attach and operate.
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A New Generation of Premium Steel Fuel Tanks
Farmers and estate managers looking for robust, versatile, safe and smart storage for their fuel, need look no further. Kingspan Titan, the global-leading specialist in the design and manufacture of fuel storage solutions, has launched a range of premium steel tanks for the secure containment of diesel, kerosene, gas oil and lubricants.
The New Steel DieselPRO Tank The new DieselPRO bunded dispensing tank is a high-quality, adaptable storage solution for fuel. The tanks are available in a wide variety of sizes from 5,000 to 62,000 litres, either as sleek cylinders or in a rectangular design with dispensing or storage functionality. Each has been designed to surpass all current oil storage regulations for guaranteed environmental safety. Commenting on the launch, Tony Strutton, Kingspan Titan DieselPRO Commercial Manager says, “DieselPRO represents a new generation of steel tanks. They have been manufactured to give users total reliability, flexibility and control, for absolute peace of mind. “Because of this, and their suitability to virtually every application from farms to transport depots, industry and commerce, we’re getting a lot of interest, not surprisingly!” What’s more, if the standard DieselPRO range doesn't meet a specific requirement then Kingspan Titan also offers a bespoke tank build and design service.
Advanced Fuel Management Every DieselPRO tank is double-skinned with an integrated bund capacity of 110% in accordance with PPG2, and comes with a guarantee of 15 years and a designed life of 20 years. The dispensing tanks are fitted with full-height roller shutter doors for maximum security, likewise DieselPRO storage tanks are supplied with a robust lockable cabinet as standard which houses a fill point and offers secure positioning for optional ancillary equipment. The DieselPRO fuel dispensing systems range from entry level through to the advanced fuel management system servicing up to 2000 vehicles and drivers. There is data storage capacity for up to 10,000 individual fuel transactions with USB, LAN, WLAN and GPRS interfaces available. Fuel Monitoring as Standard All DieselPRO tanks incorporate world-leading Kingspan Sensor TMS monitoring systems as standard offering functionality such as high and low level alerts, bund alarm and tank content data. The major benefits of having the Sensor TMS monitoring system include: Significantly improved security No need for manual measurement of fuel levels in the tank by staff The receipt of timely and accurate data for efficient fuel purchases in conjunction with the TMS modem and connect Sensor
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The DieselPRO tank from Kingspan Titan
DieselPRO Tanks – Key Standard Features
DieselPRO Storage Tank - Minimum 110% Bund Capacity - Lifting Eyes - Tethering Points - Emergency Isolating Valve - Secure Fill Point Cabinet - Integral Drip Tray - Raised Bolted Inspection and Maintenance Access Point - Kingspan Sensor TMS 200 Tank Monitoring System DieselPRO Dispensing Tank - Lifting Eyes - Tethering Points - Fixed Outlet Isolating Valve - Raised Bolted Inspection and Maintenance Access Point - Pre-wired Bulkhead Light - Security Roller Shutter Doors - Three Pumping Specification Options - Dispensing Equipment Upgrade Options - TMS EKO Tank Monitoring Kingspan’s World-Leading Tank Expertise Kingspan Titan is internationally renowned for its product innovation and forward thinking. It pioneered the world’s first bunded (environmentally responsible) oil tank – leading change in the sector and setting industry standards around the world. The company continues to invest heavily in research and development and has created a diverse range of innovative, environmentally-friendly and reliable oil, diesel and Adblue storage solutions with the potential to give rapid return on investment. Customer comment: "What a great quality tank, the build quality truly is superb. “Having the option to upgrade the dispensing pump to 80 litres per minute is ideal for fast efficient refuelling of our large farm machinery at the busy times of year. “Oh, and the 10 metre retractable hose reel is great, keeps the hose neat and tidy!" For more information call 1890 201690 or visit www.commercialtanksonline.com.
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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McHale Plant Sales adds to awards tally
A major European sales award from Komatsu and two Innovation Awards in its farm machinery division have seen McHale Plant Sales add to the tally of awards presented to it over the past two years. For the second successive year, managing director Michael McHale and his team recently returned from a major Komatsu European distributors conference at which they were honoured with an award that recognises their achievement in the area of extended warranty sales. Specifically, the Birdhill-based company was acclaimed for having encouraged some 77% of its customers to avail of the support that Komatsu’s Extended Warranty scheme provides – up from the 70% level that won them the award last year. The Zetor Crystal from McHale Plant At the National Ploughing Championships, the company was presented with two awards, both sponsored by the Irish Farmers Journal. One went to the all-new Zetor Crystal, judged Best New Tractor in the 150hp plus category. The second went to the Merlo Medium Duty TurboFarmer, which was judged Best New Telehandler.
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A load of wool which has been collected from farms and is re
Top quality wool 6
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d from farms and is ready to go to the wool store for grading
undreds of thousands of people in Ireland make a living from farming and not all of those own land, have livestock or are agricultural contractors. Dairy, beef, sheep and pig farming all extend much further than from the fields IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
that they are raised in. For this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we took a closer look at where sheep’s wool goes to. Sheep shearing is the process by which the woollen fleece of a sheep is cut off. After shearing, the wool is separated into four main categories: fleece (which makes up the vast bulk),
CONTACT DETAILS G McFadden & Sons Breenagh, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Tel: (074)9137009
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Inside the wool store with some wool bales ready for export and odd wool grades in wool bags to be graded
broken, bellies, and locks. The quality of fleeces is determined by a technique known as wool classing, whereby a qualified person called a wool grader, groups wools of similar gradings together to maximize the return for the farmer or sheep owner. The wool is then bought by wool merchants who sell it on to
various industries where it can be used in clothing, blankets, horse rugs, saddle cloths, carpeting, felt, wool insulation and upholstery. As an animal protein, it can be used as a soil fertilizer, being a slow-release source of nitrogen.
A lorry load of wool being unloaded for grading in the Department approved wool store at McFadden’s yard in Breenagh
Best Wishes & Continued Success To G McFadden & Sons From
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Global wool production is about 1.3 million tonnes per year, of which 60% goes into apparel. Australia is the leading producer of wool which is mostly from Merino sheep. New Zealand is the second-largest producer of wool, and the largest producer of crossbred wool. China is the third-largest producer of wool. Breeds such as Lincoln, Romney, Drysdale, and Elliotdale produce coarser fibres, and wool from these sheep is usually used for making carpets. One of Ireland’s longest serving wool merchants is G McFadden & Sons in Breenagh, Letterkenny, Co Donegal. This family run business was established in 1939 by Gerard McFadden who sole purpose was the buying and exporting of wool to the UK initially and then to places like Italy and France Gerard was a hard worker and a real innovator as he added grocery and hardware store to the list of services provided. Around 1960 Gerard became unwell and after a short illness passed away at just 43-years-of-age. His son Raymond left school at 14 to come on board and he has been running the business ever since. “My father was probably ahead of his time. He wasn’t afraid to give something a go and he worked really hard to make a success of the business,” said Raymond. “In the mid-sixties, we gave up the grocery and a few years later became wines, spirits, soft drinks and beers wholesalers as well as being wool merchants, which was an unusual mixed business. We also worked as potato merchants in the past.” Their experience in the textile industry
has been sought after, by buyers and sellers alike. This experience has introduced customers from a variety of countries with which they now trade, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Irish wools have always been renowned for their unique properties, which allow them to be used in carpet, clothing and construction materials alike. G McFadden & Sons is part of a group of companies specialising in products where wool is the inspirational material. Wool's scaling and crimp make it easier to spin the fleece by helping the individual fibres attach to each other, so they stay A picture from 1962 showing wool being loaded onto a flatbed together. Because of the from Anglo Irish Shipping which will be hauled by Lough Swilly Railway Company to Derry Port crimp, wool fabrics have greater bulk than other from the numerous recessions that we textiles, and they hold air, which causes have come through.” the fabric to retain heat. G McFadden & Sons is very much a “We were dealing with a lot of local family run business as Raymond and his farmers with regards to the wool and we wife Shelia, who looks after the have built up that customer base over administration side of the business, are the years. An awful lot of our customers joined in the company by their three sons have been with us many years now and Gerard, Joseph and Fergal. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank “We still supply wholesale drinks, while them for their continued support.” we also have a haulage licence and we Raymond revealed that they still export have rigid and tractor units operating all of their wool. “We would send all of here. We sell fertiliser, while we also do our wool to the UK and China where is some general haulage as well. used in a number of industries, but “Like I said, we’re kept going and mainly for processing carpets. business is going well. We would have “It can be a very topsy turvy no real plans to expand at the moment, market, but we’re happy enough I’ll leave that up to the lads, they are the with the way business is going. We next generation of the family coming never got too big and have learned along,” smiled Raymond.
Continued Good Wishes To All At G McFadden & Sons
A picture from the early 1990’s of a 22,000kg load of wool being loaded at McFadden’s yard for export on the ferry out of Larne Port. The load of wool was four bales high on a flatbed trailer and had to be built, tied down with rope and sheeted with cover. It was a slow process compared to today when loads go by closed curtainside lorries or containers IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Ray Doyle, Secretary of the National Marts Committee of the ICOS
At the mart of the matter 10
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L
ivestock marts have made a vital contribution to the economy in towns all around Ireland for over half a century. We caught up with Ray Doyle, secretary of the National Marts Committee of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) to discuss the ongoing battle to ensure that these marts remain open and continue to serve not just farmers but the wider community.
The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) – which was formed in 1894, one year after legislation governing co-ops in Ireland was enacted into law - is a co-operative umbrella organisation that serves and promotes commercial cooperative businesses and enterprise across multiple sections of the Irish economy. ICOS member co-operatives and their associated companies collectively boast over 150,000 individual members, employ in excess of 12,000 people in Ireland (plus a further 24,000 abroad) and have a combined turnover of €10 billion. Starting from agriculture co-op roots, following the vision founding President Sir Horace Plunkett, ICOS has evolved to serve the co-operative sector in seven core categories: multipurpose dairy co-ops; livestock sector co-ops; store, trade and wholesale co-ops; service-related co-ops; community-oriented, culture and leisure coops; food, fishing and beverage co-ops; and advisory and education-related co-ops. Ireland’s livestock mart sector today consists of over 60 co-operative mart centres across the country. Marts provide many services to farmer shareholders in addition to the primary function of a transparent method of selling and guaranteeing payment for livestock. Several marts have diversified their service offers into property sales, SFP entitlement trading, valuations, NCT centres and retail centres etc. Together with livestock co-operative marts, there are over 40 Breed Societies covering cattle, sheep and horses. Such societies help promote their breeds, safeguard their long-term development efforts and educate the buying public on the economic and social attributes of their breed. In total, there are over 100 livestockrelated co-ops in Ireland, covering many aspects of the supply chain, e.g. breeding and genetics, animal health, livestock sales and livestock marketing. Over one million cattle are sold in Ireland every year in cooperative livestock marts, with 90% of Irish beef exported to more than 50 countries worldwide. 70% of Irish sheep meat is also exported, the main export markets being the IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
UK and France. ICOS plays an inherent role in Ireland’s agricultural and commercial life. It is the leading organisation for registering new coops in Ireland and the foremost authority on co-op rules and governance, with members and their associated companies generating €12 billion in sales per annum. Ray Doyle - who doubles up as a tillage and cattle farmer in Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare (having purchased land there in 1994) - has been secretary of ICOS’ twelve-strong National Marts Committee for the past eight years. “Livestock marts and dairy co-ops make up the bulk of our members,” he notes. “We have 130 members at present, representing all the co-ops from Glanbia and Kerry Co-op to small group water schemes.” There are a number of challenges facing Irish livestock marts today. One of the most harmful conditions currently prevalent is QPS bonus which is not paid to farmers if their animals have been traded within the last 70 days or have more than 4 farm residencies in total. There is no scientifically-based animal welfare or meat quality rationale for the imposition of this movement restriction, which has the effect of distorting free trade; it is 100% anti-mart and something that needs to be addressed. Unguaranteed and unprotected internet sales represent another major threat. “DoneDeal is having an effect on the marts, which are being bypassed with certain category types and this is a challenge for us,” Ray agrees. “We are currently trying to develop internet sales based platform
around the livestock marts, which offer the only true way of gauging animal value as there is a transparent auction process. “The biggest advantage for farmers in dealing with their local co-operative livestock mart is that we are regulated by the Property Services Regulatory Authority and you are guaranteed payment for your livestock. Also farmers buying livestock can rely on the conditions of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act which ensures animals must be fit for purpose. The classic example is the in-calf heifer – the seller has to refund the buyer if an animal subsequently turns up in calf because the farmer wanted to slaughter this animal not breed from it. Getting a refund if you’ve bought using internet sales platforms can be very difficult. While numbers aren’t down, potential growth had been stymied. Over the past ten-twelve years, cattle throughput at livestock marts has fluctuated within a couple of percentage points of 1.7m; meanwhile, the amount of cattle traded privately has doubled from 500,000 to 1m during the same period – a potential loss of half a million cattle to livestock marts and the towns in which they are located. “One of the reasons farmers give for not supporting the marts is that they don’t have time. I’m not really sure how they can’t devote a bit of time, which for some farmers might be only once a year to getting the best money for their livestock. You’d imagine that would be a priority. But we feel that internet sales through the marts can help farmers who are under pressure and
Roscommon Co-Op Livestock Mart
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genuinely don’t have time to attend in person. “Mayo / Sligo Co-operative, based in Ballina already have internet sales up and running and I would be hopeful that we’ll see more marts embracing it over the next six months or so in conjunction with their live buying. “The mart is the best way to measure the true value of livestock, which secondary markets don’t do. The guarantee is another one of the factors that some farmers have overlooked. Perhaps farmers have taken it for granted that the local mart will always be there, but that won’t necessarily be the case if they are not supported. “Personally, I am completely confident that the marts will still be here in another 50 years. Having said that, there are parts of the country where there are too many mart centres competing with one another. I’m not saying we should close any of them down but there is certainly a case for amalgamating some of them, as has already been done successfully with Nenagh, Birr and Roscrea. I suppose in a way, it’s like closing a GAA club and there’s a parochial element to the marts – and great merit in that – but there is also a lot of merit in maximising your economies of scale and getting the best value for everybody.” In terms of generating money and employment in towns, livestock marts are of
massive importance. “Marts are generally in county towns and traditionally were the only way to bring in revenue to those towns. They underpinned businesses there because farmers came in for the day and did a bit of shopping as well. The 1.7m cattle traded annually equates to a turnover of almost €1.4bl in rural economies spread throughout the country from Malin Head to Mizen Head every year.” Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. Generally speaking, marts in Ireland remain a resounding success story, one which has
CASTLEREA CO-OPERATIVE LIVESTOCK MART LTD
Best Wishes & Continued Success To ICOS From
T: 094-9620300 | E:info@castlerealivestockmart.com www.castlerealivestockmart.com Property Services Providers Licence No:002249 Monday Weekly : Bullock Sale Thursday Weekly: Sale Of Heifers, Cows, Calves & Weanlings Saturday Weanling Sales For October Saturday November 14th Horse Sale All Sales Commence at 11am FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Best Wishes To
ICOS From
Cillin Hill, Dublin Road, Kilkenny Tel:056-7721407 Fax:056-7721509 12
The Mart at Boherbue Co-Op
mushroomed since the first auction marts started in Cork, Waterford and Kilkenny almost 60 years ago to become an intrinsic part of Irish life. “Figures are steady and – despite the aforementioned threats – we are not going backwards, which is a real positive. The marts remain profitable because they are still there providing farmers with vital services: valuation of livestock, a market for that livestock, guaranteed payment and a great meeting place for farmers to meet, talk and trade.”
KANTURK CO-OP MART LTD.
Continued Best Wishes To ICOS From
Tuesday - Calves @ 11.00am Cows 11.00am followed by Heifers & Bullocks
Enquiries 029-50081 or 087-2527464
Mid Tipp Mart Thurles
The Premier Centre For Cattle Trading In Tipperary Regular Monday Sales Incl Bullocks, Heifers, Cull Cows, Calves & Breeding Stock
Wishing ICOS and all Farmer Co-Operatives continued success in serving their farmer shareholders Property includes: Land Lettings and Leases, Land Sales, Residential Property Sales & A Machinery Sale Each Quarter Ballycurrane, Thurles Tel:0504-21499 Martin 086-7735958, Francis 086-7735957 Lic.No 002538
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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T
Award winning innovation
he award-winning Ballinadee Engineering reached the milestone of 30 years in business in 2015 and the Cork company marked the occasion with the launch of the latest addition to their wide and varied project range – The O'Neill Batch Feed Dispenser – at the Tullamore Show in August.
Ballinadee Engineering's total dedication to innovation, excellence and quality is reflected in five awards awards that they have picked up since 1985. Started from humble beginnings by John and Mary O'Neill, the Cork company is synonymous with high quality agricultural and veterinary products in Ireland. Their outright success at the RDS Spring Show of 1985 in the Premier IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
award for agricultural equipment (National award) category sowed the seeds for the establishment of the company and the husband and wife duo haven't looked back since. “I come from a farming background and got involved in engineering,” John revealed in conversation with Irish Tractor & Agri magazine. “I started my own company in August 1985, 30 years ago, after we won an award at the RDS Spring Show for my Hoofnak product. “It proved to be a very successful product for us and got the business up and running. We supplied it to a lot of outlets and Co-ops throughout Ireland and exported it to the UK, France and as far away as the United States and New Zealand. “It is a product that has always been
very good to us. We manufactured a set amount every year while this year we've manufactured a huge amount of due to the Health & Safety grant. There has been a big increase in demand due to the grant.”
CONTACT DETAILS Ballinadee Engineering Ltd.
Ballinadee Bandon Co. Cork Ireland Tel: 021 - 4778 176 Fax: 021 - 4778 459 Email: Website: www.ballinadee.com
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Initially, Ballinadee Engineering operated from a large workshop beside the O’Neill family home in Ballinadee but due to the ever-increasing demand for their products they moved to a much larger premises in 1990. Nine years later the premises was further expanded by an extra 5,000 square feet bringing the total work area up to 10,000 square feet. Fitted with the latest manufacturing technology, the company is constantly adapting to changing markets and new trends. They currently have nine full-time employees on their payroll including John and Mary's children, Catherine, Eoin and Kevin. Their mission statement reads: “At Ballinadee Engineering our objective is to design and manufacture products that make a real difference to the lives of our customers.” From concept to finished creation, John has been responsible for introducing a large range of implements to the
marketplace. Their product portfolio includes the O'Neill feeders, cluster dipper, heavy duty water trough, quadtrox, the yardman versatile two way yard scraper, a range of straight, angled and curved scrapers, the hoofnak, cow scratchers, flat-bed pull along trolleys and a wide range of gate fittings to mention but a few. Then there's the O'Neill Calf and Sheep Staller which John developed along with his niece Caroline O'Neill who was the outright winner of TG4's hugely popular 'Feirm Factor' series in 2010. The O'Neill Batch Feeder Dispenser is the latest addition to the O'Neill family stable. For feeding calves, cattle or sheep, the O'Neill Batch Feeder Dispenser can be towed by Quad, 4x4 or tractor and can be mounted on 3 point linkage, on a trailer or on back of open 4x4. It can be filled by loader or auger and boasts a 1/2 tonne capacity.
Ballinadee Engineering is synonymous with high quality agricultural and veterinary products in Ireland
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Cluster Dipper with fold away steps
Hoofnak Hoof Hoist IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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“At Ballinadee Engineering our objective is to design and manufacture products that make a real difference to the lives of our customers."
“We officially launched it on the invention stand in Tullamore,” John explained, “and we are very confident that it will prove to be a success. “All farmers have troughs but they have to get feed into troughs and that is where this product comes in big time while it can work on any means of transport. We've sold some already and the early feedback has been very positive.” Ballinadee Engineering's products are designed to make farmers' lives easier
The O'Neill Calf and Sheep Staller in action.
and with a loyal customer base in Ireland and further afield, John is optimistic about what the future holds in store. “Over the years we have built up good relationships with our export people who keeping coming back to us. We supply the service they want and they're happy with our products. The reason they're happy is that we went out and researched our products and manufactured them ourselves. “We went out and researched and
developed the products with farming people. Our products help to make farmers' businesses more efficient. As well as that, we design and manufacture all our own products all under the one roof.” He concluded: “At the minute business is going very well. We've come through a few tough years but, thankfully, the order book is looking very good at this point in time.”
Best Wishes To Ballinadee Engineering, From
Manufacturing a large range of products, such as truck and skip covers, windbreakers for farm buildings, boats and machine covers all customized to customer requirements We Don’t Just Supply Covers We Supply Solutions to Problems Scotch Rd., Lisronagh, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary T: 052-6124881 | F: 052-6129695 E:info@clonmelcovers.ie | www.clonmelcovers.ie
Best wishes to Ballinadee Engineering, From Leading distributor of Industrial and Toolroom supplies nationwide. South City Link Road, Cork Tel: 021- 4313377 Fax:021 4313693 www.arbrownlow.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
Continued Best Wishes To Ballinadee Engineering On 30 Years In Business
For All Your Insurance Needs
Short Quay, Kinsale, Cork Tel:+353 21 4772121 Email: info@scusackinsurance.com www.scusackinsurance.com Sean Cusack Insurance Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
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coolcroo farms designed_Layout 1 29/10/2015 10:33 Page 1
Ready for work
B
Back cutting the winter corn
Champion potatoes
ased close to the village of Two-Mile Borris, Coolcroo Farm is renowned for the quality of its potatoes, which are naturally grown using traditional farmyard manure. The celebrated nature of the crop should come as no surprise given the Healy family’s All-Ireland winning pedigree! We visited the wellappointed family farm in County Tipperary and met up with Michael Healy to find out more.
From their home in the heartland of Tipp, close to the Kilkenny border, the Healy family are renowned for three things – hurling, athletics and potatoes. The long-running family farm is located in the townland of Coolcroo, a couple of miles from Two-Mile Borris. Michael Healy, who oversees the successful enterprise, reflects: “My great grandfather, Tom Healy from Coolcroo, played in the very first All-Ireland hurling final in Birr in 1887 and scored the only goal and point of the game as Tipperary [represented by Thurles] defeated Galway by 1-1 to 0-0. That medal is in my brothers house. “My grandfather, Tom, and father – also Tom – farmed before me . The farming enterprise today comprises some 900 acres, including 240 acres of owned land, all within a five-mile radius of Coolcroo. The Healys were renowned in the sugar industry for years but had to reinvent themselves when the Sugar Factory in Thurles closed, which was a massive blow to the local economy and for beet
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Ready for harvesting
growers in particular. Michael started the potato enterprise in 1990. “We had been doing sugar beet and silage contracting before that but a change was needed,” he notes. “I went in with my eyes open and knew it wasn’t going to be easy. There’s a lot of hard work and graft involved in potatoes. You have to have an interest in it and you have to like it, because you’re always at it. If you hadn’t got the passion for it, you’d be lost. “I started in a small way, growing on ten acres for Wilson’s Country in Northern Ireland. I then started selling on my own and grew it from there. Today, we grow about 140 acres of potatoes, as well as
650-700 acres of grains (mostly winter and spring barley; some oats; a small bit of wheat) and some hay and silage.” Producing in excess of 2,500 tonnes per year, Coolcroo Farm sells the majority of its potatoes predominantly through
CONTACT DETAILS Coolcroo Farm, Coolcroo Two-Mile-Borris Co. Tipperary
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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wholesalers into Ennis, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Nenagh, Mallow, Thurles etc. and local markets. They have their own pack house and washer, with potatoes typically packed in 10kg, 5kg and 2.0kg bags. Any waste is sold off for use as cattle feed, while the Healys also keep some cattle. “Potato consumption is still there and this has actually been a good summer for selling potatoes as it hasn’t been too warm,” says Michael, who is joined in the running of the business by his son, Michael Jnr., as well as two other fulltime employees plus three casuals. “Tipperary is a fairly small potatogrowing area and a few growers have been squeezed out. You need a good solid market or you have no chance.” One of the unique selling points of IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Best Wishes To
Coolcroo Potatoes
A farming community dedicated to the growth of local business and improvement of customer experience
Stealth Multi Purpose Agricultural Trailers New Irish Designed & Engineered Trailers Ballyphilip, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary Tel:086-2463813 Email: sales@stealth.ie www.stealth.ie
Looby Tyre Sales Ltd Continued Success To Coolcroo Potatoes, From All At
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Templemore Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel: 0504 91900 Fax: 0504 22657
www.centenarythurles.com
Dick Boland Wishing Continued Success To
Coolcroo Potatoes
Best Wishes To Coolcroo Potatoes, From
Oil Distribution Killenaule, Thurles
MORRIS OILS
T: 052 -9156733 087- 2757837 Email: bclubricants@eircom.net Best Wishes To Coolcroo Potatoes, From
Slievenamon Agri. Services Drangan, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Richie White 086-1742587 John White 087-2596282 Martin White 087-7982479 E: richiewhitesas@gmail.com Best Wishes To Coolcroo Potatoes 18
Fossland Services offers a wide range of Agricultural Products and Contracting services to the Irish Market including Patchwork GPS Systems, Traffi-Cam Safety Cameras, Sprayers and Combine parts. Fossland Services Ltd., Ballyvinane, Littleton, Co. Tipperary
Office : 00 353 05044 4331 Mobile : 00 353 86259 4790 E: info@fosslandservices.ie or rosagri@eircom.net IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Coolcroo Farm potatoes is their high dry matter content. “I grow in farmyard manure,” Michael explains. “I put down 25 tonnes to the acre and sow in older tillage land, where we used to grow sugar beet, which results in a higher dry matter potato. “We use a local agronomist who walks our potato crops on a weekly basis. He provides us with a spray programme tailored to our requirements ensuring we are producing the best-quality crops possible.” Michael grows approximately 20 acres of Kerr Pinks; 15 acres of Queens; 15 acres of Records, 15 Golden Wonder; and around 75 acres of Roosters. Anyone who ventures into the potatogrowing business looking for a quick kill or an easy life is in the wrong line of work… “Prices are variable so you have to be patient and stick with it long-term and average things out over a number of years. Just because you have a good year this year, that doesn’t guarantee anything. You have to be ready for a drop. Likewise, you keep going and weather the storm when sales and prices are poor. “It’s also labour-intensive – six days a week. Even though we have a modern packing set-up, it’s still time-consuming and demanding. It takes a lot of work to keep everything moving and to fill orders.” Michael stays true to the mantra that you are only as good as the last potato you sold. “You have to store them properly and keep the quality high at all times, from when the potato is sowed until it goes to market. We box them in
Square bales on the move
the fields with specially adapted trailers and we try if at all possible to dry them outside to keep the quality high before storing them. “Using farmyard manure and the old tillage land also helps with the quality. There’s a lot of work goes into it but it’s worth it to keep the quality high and to produce nice, high dry-matter potatoes.” Fleet-wise, Michael operates five tractors – three Case and two New Hollands – as well as a New Holland CX8070 combine and a Grimme GT170 harvester. Looking to the future, the goal is to continue to produce the highquality potatoes for which Coolcroo Farm has become renowned. “We always clear all of our potatoes and we have done it again this year, even though prices have been low,” he concludes. “There is always pressure on the primary producer Best Wishes and being so far away from the Dublin market is a disadvantage, but we have built up a nice market in the surrounding counties and have managed to keep the quality factor very high. “It’s hard work, but potatoes have been good to me and I won’t say otherwise.”
Best Wishes To Coolcroo Potatoes
TOBIN and CANTWELL
Coolcroo farm produce over 2,500 tonnes of potatoes per annum IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
& Continued Success To Coolcroo Potatoes, From
Coalbrook, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
Tel: 052-9154138 Tel: 052-9154426 Mobile: 086-2601997 19
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Tullyallen Agri Services keep their machinery in pristine condition
I
A big service in the Wee County
n the five years since its inception, Tullyallen Agri Services has earned an excellent reputation across counties Louth, Meath Dublin and beyond selling, repairing and servicing agricultural machinery. We dropped into the family business’ well-appointed base in Tullyallen village on the outskirts of Drogheda and met Gordon Healy to find out more about the exceptional machinery business, as well as the outstanding agri contracting service provided.
When it comes to sourcing, supplying, servicing and repairing agricultural machinery, Tullyallen Agri Services in County Louth provides a comprehensive and high-quality service that is second to none. The Healy family boasts decades of experience working with agri machinery and the resulting expertise – coupled with genuine enthusiasm and meticulous attention to detail - ensures that clients are provided with products and back-up service levels that cannot be beaten. Tullyallen Agri Services supplies new vacuum tanks, slurry pumps, toppers, aerators, cattle and silage trailers, tub feeders, grazers, bale handling equipment (including wrappers) and much more besides. They also stock an impressive selection of second-hand
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machinery. A large range of slurry and irrigation equipment is carried in stock at all times to suit most vac tanks and spreaders, alongside an array of accessories such as oils, lubricants, batteries, PTOs, lights and wearable parts for ploughs, harrows and mowers. The sales side of the business is backed up by a modern, efficient and affordable service and repairs department, guaranteeing that customers’ gear is always firing on all cylinders. Fronted by brothers Gordon and Stephen Healy alongside their father Gerard, Tullyallen Agri Services is very much a family-run business, thereby offering a personal touch and a friendly, thorough, fully-transparent service. Reflecting on the genesis of the superb family operation, the first-mentioned notes: “We set up the business in 2010, but my father has been involved in contracting since the late ‘60s / early ‘70s. We provide a comprehensive range of services, selling new and reconditioned machinery and also servicing and repairing machinery in the workshop. We have a good selection of second-hand manure spreaders, slurry tanks, hoppers etc. and we also repair hydraulic hoses and PTOs.” A full range of Belmac machinery is stocked, including grazers, toppers, spreaders, slurry tanks, agitators, aerators etc. as well as Malone mowers
and wagons; Fleming aerators, bale handlers, trailers, fertiliser spreaders, grabs, harrows, toppers, tankers, pumps etc.; Quickie loaders; and Zero Grazers. Parts are also available for all of these products. “We brought in Louis Kelly to look after the sales end of it,” Gordon continues. “Louis comes from an engineering background and has been in this line of work for a long time. He’s built up a lot of contacts around the country over the past 25 years and people have great faith in him, so we’re delighted to have him here as part of the Tullyallen Agri Services team.” Gordon and Stephen carry out the servicing of machinery in the workshop, where full shot-blasting and re-spraying services are offered as well as professional repairs. While it’s hard to beat the efficiency and reliability of a brand-new machine, the pre-owned and
CONTACT DETAILS
Tullyallen Agri Services, Golf Course Road, Tullyallen, Drogheda, County Louth. Tel: 041 9839651 Mobile: 086 3873761
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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reconditioned machinery available at Tullyallen Agri Services is also extremely dependable: “A lot of our customers would trade in old tanks and stuff and we’d completely recondition them, including shotblasting and spraying, and then sell them on at a very good price. These are cheap and cheerful and are exactly what some people are looking for. When they leave our workshop, they are
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
Another beautifully ploughed field
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Newhouse Farm Services Best Wishes To Tullyallen Agri Services,From
Termonfeckin, Drogheda, Co. Louth Telephone: 086-2765215
Best Wishes To Tullyallen Agri Services
MAIN MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTOR DEALER.
Cavan Road, Bailieboro, Co. Cavan Tel:0429665147 Fax :0429666193 Sales team: Oliver 0872201296 or Ronnie 0862506462. www.martinsgarage.ie www.masseyparts.ie
Best Wishes & Continued Success To
Tullyallen Agri Services From
Contact Peter Curran T: 041-9838241 M: 086-8664791 E:info@platingrain.com
Tullyallen Mobile Tyres Wishing Continued Success To Tullyallen Agri Services, From
FOR ALL YOUR REQUIREMENTS On Site Tyre Repairs & Sales
Contact George on 086-8099774 Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. Louth
Callan Agri
Continued Best Wishes To Tullyallen Agri Services
Continued Success To Tullyallen Agri Services, From
CONTRACTING • Stacking Straw • Tractor Hire • Silage • Erecting Farm Buildings • Ploughing & Sowing • Steel Fabrication
Ardee, Co. Louth | E:shanecallansmc@hotmail.com
Telephone: 087- 1133880
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN Irish Tractor & Agri Magazine
Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923
22
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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100% and we have never yet had any complaints about any of them. They are rigorously reconditioned and thoroughly texted and checked before they leave the workshop.” As for the catchment area covered, Tullyallen Agri Services has attracted customers from all over Leinster mainly but also from all four corners of the island, while the contacting service is typically provided to farmers within a 30mile radius incorporating counties Louth and Meath as well as a bit of north county Dublin. True to form, the contracting service provided by the Healys is also a comprehensive one, including silage cutting, sowing and cutting whole crop, slurry spreading, round bales and square bales, hedge cutting, topping and aerating as well as tilling, re-seeding and ploughing. “We also have a log splitter, which we use to cut timber, and provide digger hire with a 14-tonne track machine,” says Gordon. In their own tractor fleet, they operate IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
a Claas Jaguar 860; three Massey Fergusons (two 7618s and one 7626), a John Deere 6930, as well as a JCB loading shovel (418s), a JCB teleporter (73170) and a Pottinger jumbo forage wagon. Gainful employment is provided to a core crew of five all year around, with this number invaribly doubling during silage season. While the internet – specifically DoneDeal and Facebook – represents a decent promotional tool, it’s hard to beat positive references and good oldfashioned word of mouth. “We get a lot of business that way,” Gordon confirms. “People hear from a neighbour or a friend who bought from us and then they come and do business with us as well. “You try to do your best to keep customers happy. We give a good backup service and the place never closes. You’re on call all the time and you never see a lad stuck. Once you look after your customers, they tend to stick with you. “You make sure you have everything they need. We have a sell-stocked shop here with bearings, chains, oil, PTOs,
lights, batteries etc. as well as a full range of parts for Zero Grazers – blades, gearboxes, discs – to keep them ticking over.” Looking to the future, Gordon is confident that Tullyallen Agri Services can continue to thrive: “It seems to be going alright so we’ll keep things more or less as they are and keep our eyes open for any new opportunities,” he concludes. “We’re also farming 150 acres ourselves and we did a good bit of wholecrop this year, which was used for fattening our beef cattle. We keep around 100 beef sucklers and are considering going back into dairy. “The bottom line is that this is a closeknit family business. My dad is still the boss and then myself and Stephen are involved as well as some close friends. They are all good workers who give it their all and, without them, it would be impossible to keep the show on the road. We also get good support from our clients and customers, without whose continued support we’d be lost.”
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Don at the Kerry Tractors stand at the South Kerry Ploughing championships
All types of Masseys can be found at Kerry Tractors
e personal touch
W
hen it comes to business, Irish people like to deal with a familiar face and this is certainly the case when it’s spending large sums of money.
Trust is a big issue for the customer and if they are not made feel welcome than they are inclined to shop elsewhere. Familiarity is another aspect that people seek, so in that respect, the farmers of Kerry can feel reassured that they will receive the best possible service when they are buying the Massey Ferguson tractors and other machinery. The reason for this is that Tralee based Kerry Tractors has developed a reputation for providing a reliable and loyal service which has seen their customer base grow considerably over the years. This family run business was
Don Holland alongside two mechanics Vincent and Kevin as well as storeman Aidan
established by Don Holland in 2000 and if you want to know anything about the Massey Ferguson brand then Don is your man to ask. The West Cork native left school and done his apprenticeship with Massey and he has been involved with the leading tractor manufacturer ever since. Farming and agriculture has always played a huge part in Don’s family, his father Sean Holland was a member of the IFA (then known as NFA) and was very involved in the launch of the NFA Farmers’ Rights Campaign in 1966. He was one of the members who marched from Bantry in West Cork up to the Department of Agriculture in Dublin with the aim of meeting with the then minister for Agriculture. It took them about 2 weeks to reach Dublin but the minister refused to meet with them, which resulted in Don’s father along with 8 other
members staging a sit-in on the steps outside the Government Buildings, which lasted 21 days, before the Government backtracked and agreed to meet with them to discuss the concerns of the Farming community. Don had a dealership in Limerick before deciding to move to his current location in Carigeendaniel, Tralee. Soon customers could see that Don was a man to be trusted and the service that he provided was second to none. He is joined in the family business by his daughter Tina who spoke to us about the services that they have to offer. “We are the main Massey Ferguson dealer selling new and second-hand tractors. We are also dealers for Krone, Amazone, Quicke and Rossmore machinery, Arctic Cat quad bikes, Trioliet diet feeding systems and Prodig Attachments. We carry a comprehensive
CONTACT DETAILS Kerry Tractors
Carigeendaniel, Tralee, Co Kerry
Kerry Tractors is growing by the year
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Phone: 066-7127463 Mobile/Sales: 087-2547723 Fax: 066-7127495 Email: info@kerrytractors.ie
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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A tractor in for service
The workshop is always kept busy
as
Kerry Tractors stock a wide range of parts
range of spare parts for all Massey Ferguson tractors and other machinery we sell, with overnight supply links from warehouses in the UK and Europe," said Tina. “We provide full service back up for all of our tractors and machinery, carried out by our fully qualified technicians. Also we are also stockists for SIP power tools and accessories, DRAPER tools and CASTROL agricultural oils.” The Massey Ferguson name has been synonymous with tractors since the Canadian headquartered firm first opened its doors over 160 years ago. “Massey Ferguson is still amongst the top selling tractors
Kerry Tractors - new and second half Masseys IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Continued Best Wishes To Kerry Tractors, From
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Wishing Continued Success To Kerry Tractors
Co-Op Livestock Mart Carrigeendaniel Tralee, Co.Kerry Tel: 066-7121738 General Cattle Sales Every Monday at 1.30pm Calves & Weanlings Every Tuesday Evening at 7.30pm
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5 The Crescent Limerick | E: info@henchyinsurance.com www.henchyinsurance.com
Michael Henchy Insurances (Limerick) Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
IRISH &
AGRI
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED
Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 26
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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The business was established in 2000
deal to our customers.” in the world. We find that if Tina revealed that Kerry Tractors someone tries a Massey they will are not just solely a tractor then stick with them. dealership as they also an agent “My father’s knowledge of for Krone and Amazone Massey helps the customer find Machinery. They stock a wide the exact tractor that they want range of machinery to and we’re not done as soon as complement their range of the tractor leaves the forecourt as tractors. we provide an after sales service “The machinery end of the also.” business is going well and the The newest range of Massey customer knows that we are Ferguson tractors that are selling quality products in Krone proving to be very popular include Massey Ferguson is a popular make of tractor and Amazone. We stock a the MF3600 Series which comprehensive range of parts as consists of allowing greater choice for more tasks. well as offering a maintenance service, The MF3600 Series consists of rugged The new MF7700 Series has been so we are really a one-stop shop for all power and quick, agile manoeuvrability. specifically designed to meet the needs your tractor needs.” There are four models ranging from 76 of your farming professionals, whatever Tina revealed that the second hand to 102HP. your business environment and trade on tractors was steady as many The MF5600 Series provides a choice operations, from mixed farming to arable customers were upgrading on a regular of three or four cylinder models so you and contracting businesses. basis. can select exactly the right power, “Another major selling point of Massey “We would always have a good few wheelbase, dimensions and weight to tractors is that there is zero percent second hand tractors on the premise as precisely match what you need for your farmers would be trading in their old finance available, which means a great farming business. In this ranger there are ones.” six models available from As in most dealerships, 85 to 130HP. whether it be can, van truck or The MF6600 Series has tractor, the early part of the a short wheelbase and a year is the time when Kerry curved chassis and Tractors are most busiest. bonnet, to ensure one of “We would actually be taking the best turning-circles on orders now for new tractors the market. Five models that farmers would want after are available, ranging from Christmas. The first three 120 to 160 HP. months of the year are always The MF7600 Seriesbusiest as farmers and performance without contractors want to have compromise. The range is everything in place before the now extended across nine busy period during the models, from 140 to 280 summer months.” HP (@ 1950 rpm), Don with his grandkids who are budding Massey Ferguson enthusiasts IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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One hundred acres of wheat is harvested every year
Top of the country F
arming in Donegal can certainly test the skills of farmers as adverse weather conditions can often subject their stock to life threatening situations, while there are limited windows of opportunity to get the necessary work like silage and slurry done when it needs to be.
A family affair from left to right: David Russell, 90 year-old Fred Russell and Ronnie Russell
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However, as farming is part of our culture, it is certainly not the easiest industry to make a living in, especially for those situated in coastal regions. Nonetheless, the country also has a rich tradition of stockmanship and crop husbandry, with farming skills handed down through at least 200 generations. Many farms throughout Ireland are handed down from family to family and for this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we profile one such family that is in its With fertile soils, a temperate fourth generation of farming, Russell Bros climate and abundant rain water, Farm in Killygordon, Co Donegal. Ireland has enviable natural advantages for farming the land to produce food, fibre and fuel. Aided CONTACT DETAILS by the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream, Ireland’s climate is particularly suited for the growth of Russell Bros Farm, ryegrass, an excellent and inexpensive feed for livestock. Killygordon, This simple comparative Co Donegal. advantage is the basis for much of Ireland’s farming today. IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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The family run business do all their own contracting work
Ronnie, David, Harold and Ernie Russell farm in excess of 800 acres of land across three farms and they milk in the region of 320 twice daily. Ronnie speaks to us about the trials and tribulations of farming in Donegal and the perils that go with it on a daily basis. “There is a mixture of land up here, some of it would be on high ground and some of the flat would be considered wet ground,” said Ronnie. “We farm 600 acres of our own land, while we would lease another two hundred acres as well. We would do silage and Eight hundred acres of land is farmed tillage during the summer and all the work would be done by silage.” services from Irish suppliers, compared ourselves. to 44% for all manufacturing companies. Research has shown that Ireland’s “A hundred acres of wheat is harvested But before all this, the raw materials investment in agriculture produces a far every year, while we do three cuts of have to be sown, grown and harvested. bigger return than investment in other silage every year. We have seven “You have to work very hard to make a sectors. That is because agriculture tractors and use a John Deere selffarm work. We are continuously sources 71% of raw materials and propelled harvester.” investing into the farm and Ronnie revealed that the we have spent a fortune on ever-increasing popularity of increasing our milk quota, zero grazing did not suit the but we have got nothing land where they would be back since the abolished it, cutting silage. which is not fair.” “We are too far north and Russell Brothers Farm have to consider zero grazing have 1100 head of cattle although it is not something with many raised for beef, that we are looking to get while as stated they do all involved in, but if we would if their own work on the farm. we have too. The importance “Apart from the silage and of the feed has certainly tillage, we would also do increased over the years and our own slurry and it is essential to give the cattle whatever else needs to be the best feed possible to done. During the summer ensure the highest possible months, we would take on yield, because it getting more a few employees to help difficult to make good quality Russell Brothers have an array of machinery to carry out their duties during the busy period.” IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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MANUFACTURERS OF READYMIX CONCRETE, CATTLE SLATS & ALL TYPES OF GENERAL PRECAST PRODUCTS Tel:074-91 49103 Fax:074-91 49531 Email: multicrete@eircom.net www.multi-creteprecastconcrete.town.ie
Wishing Continued Success To Ronnie Russell, From Agricultural Consultancy Auctioneers & Valuers Seeds, Sprays & Farm Shop Commissioner of Oaths
The Glebe, Stranorlar. Co Donegal Tel/Fax: 074-9130772 Mobile: 087-2288091 Email: info@agriculturalconsultant.net www.agriculturalconsultant.net
Best Wishes To Ronnie Russell, From
Motor Factors Car and Light Commercial Spares Hydraulic Hose Repair Navenny, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
T: 074-9132423 • M: 087-6120368 F: 074- 9132403 • E: lawnesmotorfactors@gmail.com
Wade Stevenson Continued Best Wishes To Ronnie Russell Best Wishes To Ronnie Russell From
AGRI
ALL TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL WORK CARRIED OUT
Telephone: 087-7534972 Carricknamana, Killygordon, Co. Donegal
J Catterson Agri Contracting Best Wishes To Ronnie Russell, From
No job too big or small
For all your agricultural contracting needs from silage to umbilical slurry spreading Calhame, Convoy, Lifford, Co Donegal
Contact Jonathan on 0876777599
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN Irish Tractor & Agri Magazine
Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923
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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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A number of years ago, the Russell brothers bought a farm of land in Donegal where the renowned Finn Valley Agricultural Show had been held in previous years and Ronnie revealed
Russell Brothers use top of the range machinery
that they were delighted to continue hosting the event. “The show is a big success and there was no problem with us hosting it and we are delighted to be involved in it.”
The hills of Donegal
A silage wagon heads off to be filled IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
The 23rd annual Finn Valley Agricultural Show took place on Saturday 27th June at the Russell Brothers Farm, Kilcadden, Killygordon, Co. Donegal. A huge crowd attended the popular show which attracted people from all over Donegal and across the border in Derry and Tyrone. The family orientated event which means there is plenty for all the family to do at the event. Organisers provided another superb show and the weather stayed good over the weekend and they another successful agricultural show. The organisers work hard to make this a family fun day, with many attractions including their famous Donkey Derby and free amusements area for the children as well as the usual sheep, cattle, poultry, horse and pony classes. This year’s show hosted the Cash Jumping Competition on Sunday 28th June in the Show Field, the first time to be hosted in Co. Donegal. The Russell brothers took over the farm from their father Fred who is 90 years old and their late uncle John who Ronnie moved in with in the family homestead at the tender age of 14. “My wife Violet, daughter Laura and myself live in the family home, while the brothers live close by. We all work hard to make this a success and will continue to do so.”
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Secure Covers protecting big bales
W
Sowing the seeds ...
exford company maize, ground ear maize, grain maize exploit the valuable assets of this crop. Maizetech Ltd is Ireland's and moist grain maize and suitable seed The company was established by John leading maize seed, varieties recommended and supplied. and his wife Bernie back in 1992. sprays and film supplier. In addition, the company has pioneered Maizetech, under the leadership of John Foley, works closely with seed suppliers and farmers to develop best practices for selecting and growing maize seed varieties to achieve the highest yield of maize for different areas of the country with varying weather, soil and crop conditions. The Bunclody, Co Wexford located company is customer focused, providing independent advice to its growers and potential growers. Advice on growing all types of maize can be provided, forage
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the practice of growing maize under photo-degradable plastic in Ireland. Over 26,000 acres of maize is sown annually under plastic in Ireland, representing over 80 - 85 per cent of the maize crops, most of which has the backup support of Maizetech. Maize silage is recognised worldwide as a high quality winter feed for livestock. The work of Maizetech and its partners has led to the release of maize varieties adapted to the colder North European and Irish climates and offers Irish beef and dairy farmers the opportunity to
CONTACT DETAILS Maizetech
Coolmelagh Bunclody Co Wexford Tel: 053 9377715 Mob: 086 2438683 Fax: 053 9376317 Email: maizetech@eircom.net Web: www.maizetech.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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“I've been farming since the 1960s and got into the maize business in 1971 here on the home farm,” replied John when asked to trace the roots of the company. “I did remarkably well, growing and selling seed in the south east of the country, in Carlow, Wexford and
John Foley of Maizetech IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
Wicklow. There were good and bad years, a good summer meant great crops but the varieties were not near as good then as they are now. “I'm a beef, sheep and tillage farmer but in the early 90s we had a look at new varieties and new machinery particularly in the harvest end of it and there was a big improvement. In '91 we started thinking about growing maize again and got back into the maize business. “In '92 we struck a deal with Pioneer, the world's largest seed producer, and that was the first break for Maizetech. We started distributing maize seed, herbicides and advice from then on.” John continued: “Maize had become a very popular crop and there were some very good years but it was grown in the open at that stage so it was never regarded as a reliable crop. “There were ups and downs but at that stage we started to develop a plastic system. I first laid plastic on my own farm in '95 with a shovel believe it or not! The results were fantastic and that really sparked it off. “In '96, we laid the first plastic by machine, using the Samco drill and plastic which was made in Gorey. In fairness when people saw how reliable it was, the acreages started to rocket. It went from 200 in '92 to 50,000 acres by 2000 and peaked at 70,000. It has come back down since then for a variety of reasons.” Maizetech Ltd. has identified suitable maize hybrids and developed agronomic methods and in-field support practices that helped growers integrate the system
A Maize Open Day
of growing maize under film into their farming practice. The system for growing maize under film involves sowing maize corn seed, spraying a pre-emergence herbicide and laying a thin layer of degradable plastic film over the soil. The process is made simple and quick using the Samco drill, which features the X-Tend principle. This unique system combines three different machines working as a onepass operation. Many contractors are available with Samco drills, so farmers should have little difficulty in getting someone close at hand to lay the seed and film for them. The Maizetech supplied plastic is a micro pin-holed photo-degradable film which is supplied by the roll. The thin plastic film creates a microclimate for the maize seeds as they germinate and grow. The film protects young seedlings
Growing maize under film is now well established in Ireland particularly with hybrid seeds such as Justina
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Maizetech has pioneered the practice of growing maize under photo-degradable plastic in Ireland
from poor weather conditions and late frosts by increasing the ambient and ground temperature. This provides a cost effective method of delivering higher quality and higher yielding crops. Independent trials have shown the effectiveness of growing maize under film and the practice is now well established in Ireland particularly with hybrid seeds such as Justina and Benicia. Other high yielding hybrid seed varieties such as P8200, P7905 and P7892 have been identified and found to be suitable to cater for different parts of the country and enduser aims. By growing maize under film, planting can commence as early as the second week of April, even in northern parts of Ireland, with yields ranging from 20-28 tonnes fresh weight per acre. Very much a family affair, John and Bernie are joined in the running of the business and farm by their sons, Sean and Dermot, and their combined efforts has resulted in Maizetech growing from strength to strength. The northern part of the country is well served by two hard working agents, Robert Duncan in Antrim and Stanley Livingstone in Armagh, who keep stocks of seed, film and herbicides and offer advice and support to customers. Just south of the border in Clones, Co. Monaghan, Hugo Maguire has worked from the very early years of plastic development to pioneer and promote maize growing in that part of the country and still continues to be actively involved. “We've seen a bit of a downturn in maize acreage over the past three to four years but we hope to see an upturn in the
coming years,” John explained. “It's hard to put your finger on the cause of the downturn but the milk quota situation definitely held it back. That has now been abolished so we're looking forward to seeing an increase in acreage. “95% of our business is repeat custom and we're always on the lookout for new customers too of course. We always try to look after our customers to the best of our ability. We provide them with advice and the variety to suit their situation. They keep coming back so they must be pretty happy with how we treat them.” Meanwhile, Maizetech's 'Secure Cover' is the simple way to save silage. The Secure Cover is placed over the polythene silage sheet and requires weighting only at the edges and joins. Secure Covers' special construction ensures that the silage sheet remains in place on the silage pit by dispersing wind gusts. Secure Covers also maintains the silage sheet in close contact with the silage surface, helping to prevent bird damage of the silage sheet and preventing birds from feeding on the silage face. Strong and secure, Secure Covers are made from the highest quality, finely knitted, UV stable polyethylene mesh. Secure Covers are so strong that they can also prevent damage to the silage sheet from cats, dogs, people and even cattle. “That has been a growing market for the past nine to 10 years. We brought them in first to eliminate the problem of birds picking at the plastic but they are used a lot more for other reasons and they have also eliminated the need for tyres.” Contact John and the team at Maizetech to obtain the most suitable maize varieties, seed and herbicide supplies backed up by the company's outstanding support and advice network.
Quality Feeds & Bedding Best Wishes & Continued Success To Maizetech Ballybrack, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford Tel: ++353 (0)51 565588 ++353 (0)87 2832443
www.kehoefarming.com
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TUCKMILL TRANSPORT LTD Continued Success To Maizetech From
Enniscorthy T: 053-92 32548 F: 053-92 39567 Mobile: 087-6645827 Contact: Brendan Morgan Web: www.tuckmill.ie Email: Brendan@tuckmill.ie Fleet Awards Same-Day/ Next Day Nationwide Pallet Network Winner 2013 UK Import / Export Full/Part Loads throughout Europe Container Services Worldwide 20,000sq Ft Storage Facilities ISO 9001:2000 QUALITY
ISO 9001:2000 QUALITY
Loggan MACHINERY LTD
Best Wishes To Maizetech
Fertilizer Spreading | Silage Cutting | Grain Loggan, Gorey, Co. Wexford Mobile:087-6813639
Anthony Ryan & Co. Best Wishes To Maizetech Ltd., From Tony Ryan & Staff Of
Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors Hempfield, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Tel:053-9233968 | Fax:053-9237028 Email: info@aryanco.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
Best Wishes & Continued Success To Maizetech
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Slurry tankers come in different sizes
Trailers for all occasions CONTACT DETAILS MCM Sheds Ltd,
748 Feeny Road, Dungiven, County Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT47 4TB. Email: SALES.MCM@LIVE.COM Landline: (Office): 0044 (0) 28 777 40681 David (MD): 0044 (0) 77 3235 5184
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T
he farming industry relies on a wide range of trailers to ensure that they can get through their daily duties with relative ease.
From cattle trailers to grain and silage trailers, there are an extensive collection needed, but not all are easily sourced. However, one Northern Ireland based trailer
manufacture is taking the market by storm with their quality products are competitive prices. MCM Sheds Ltd was established in 2004 by owner David McMurray, who started of manufacturing farm buildings but was soon to find the opening in the market for his new brand of trailers, since then David opened a factory on his father’s farm. Located in Dungiven, Co Derry, MCM provides a wide range of services and as well as agricultural trailer manufacturing, they are also IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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continue to construct farm buildings and offer a turnkey service in this regard. “We would manufacture all types of agricultural trailers like livestock, silage, dump, lowloader, pipe as well as slurry tankers,” said David. “I established the business in 2004 and built a purpose built premise on my father’s land about seven years ago. When I first started, it was farm buildings that we were doing and we still to that today. “We offer a turnkey service in that we will go from a green field site right until the shed is completed, so we do all the groundwork and shuttering as well as the steel work.” David revealed that business was good and added that his range of trailers is now being sold all over the world and not just in Ireland and the UK. “Our customer base has grown considerably over the years and we would have customers in places like Norway where we would actually sell about 30% of products annually. “We expanded last year and invested a lot of money into the business. We cover all trailers in the agricultural sector and if a customer wants a particular type of trailer, we will work with them to give them what they want.” David added that a number of agricultural dealers sell his products that have grown in popularity during the short time that the company has been established.
Attention to detail is a must for the MCM team
An impressive view of a cattle trailer IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
Farm sheds are constructed to a high standard
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There is no doubting that Mcm is now a market leader in agricultural trailers and has sold trailers all over the world. “We pride ourselves in the quality and strength of our trailers and have a great after sales team who are there to help you every step of the way.”
A silage wagon is ready
MCM has an extensive range of used trailers for sale also. David acknowledges the fact that purchasing a trailer is expensive and taking trade ins helps ease the burden of the cost. “There is a wide range of used trailers here. We would service them all before
they are sold on. We try to help our customers in every possible way and if it helps them save a few pound, then we are willing to do whatever it takes. “We have built up a loyal customer base over the years, but I know that we have to maintain the high standard that they are
MCM specialise in tankers
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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Best Wishes & Continued Success To
MCM Sheds From
SUPPLIERS OF ALL COMPONENTS FOR TRAILERS FROM 500KG UP TO 25Tonnes. Inc Wheels,Axles,Couplings,Suspension,Lighting etc. Visit our website to see our full product range. MAIN DISTRIBUTOR FOR SALARI Led Lighting PURFLO Oils and Greases WHOLESALE + RETAIL
Daily deliveries throughout Ireland. www.autoandtrailer.com
Tel from N.I 028 8225 8225. R.O.I 048 8225 8225
Wishing MCM Sheds continued success.
John Fahy & Co. SOLICITORS
Covering all your insurance needs for 60 years Edward House, 8 William Street, Cookstown, BT80 8NB 162 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6AL Caulfield Insurance is a trading name of J Caulfield & Co Ltd. Registered in Northern Ireland No NI 039069. Registered office as above. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
IRISH &
Our Offices Are Based At
Strabane 02871 382 356 02871 382 391
Derry 02871 308 664 02871 271 638
www.johnfahysolicitors.net Wishing Continued Success To MCM Sheds
Continued Best Wishes To MCM Sheds
AGRI
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED
Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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used too, so that is why we continue to strive to improve as much as we can.” David admits that none of the success of the business would be possible without the help of his loyal staff, many of who have been with the company a number of years now. “The employees are highly skilled in their field of expertise and it’s their work that is going out to the customers, so I’ve great trust in them.” All trailers come with standard features such as Heavy Duty Construction, LED Lights, High Rock Multi-Leaf Suspension, Hand Brake, Braking on all Axles, Sprung Draw Bar, EN8 Draw Bar Eye, while optional extras include: Air/Hydraulic Brakes, Commercial Axles, Adjustable or Swivel Towing Eye, Jack Leg, Fail Safe Brakes, Single Tipping Ram, Floor Thickness Options, Hardox Steel, Hydraulic Tail Door, Loading Ramps, Tyre Options. “The aim is to ensure that the customer is happy with what we give them. So all trailers are manufactured to the highest standard possible. That is why we have such a wide range of options available and if there is something extra that the customer may want, we will do our best to add that.”
A low loader trailer designed by MCM
A shed constructed by MCM
Continued Best Wishes To MCM Sheds From
IJTRAILERSPARES ALL BRANDS OF TYRES SUPPLIED AND FITTED COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES
.com
Trailerspares wheels axles lights springs Also a range of lubricants
Tel: 07841824336 Tel: 02882841176 53 Dunnamona Road, Fintona, Co. Tyrone BT78 2DX
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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Strabane Mills produce a high quality product
Top quality feeds
F
Strabane Mills’ workers from l/r: Gary Neely, Stephen Kelly Johnny McIntyre
or many years now, people have taken greater care of what food they eat as they strive for greater longevity in their lives, by trying to stay as healthy as possible.
basis. The process of getting the right blend of feed for your livestock has become a lot more scientific and it can be a complex procedure. That is why for this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we profile the The same can now be said for livestock renowned Strabane Mills Ltd who as farmers are taking far more care in provides many of its coarse rations to a what they feed their animals on a daily large customer base throughout the 32 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
CONTACT DETAILS Strabane Mills Ltd 3 Art Road Artigarvan County Tyrone BT82 0HA Tel: 02871883671
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counties and mainland UK. Managing Director Tim Traill rebranded the company 12 years ago, but under the previous name of ‘Robert Smyth & Sons Strabane Ltd’ the family run business ran for 135 years. To say they are the most experienced company in their field of expertise, would be a huge understatement as they have been supplying their large customer base with their wide variety of cooked coarse rations for well over a century now. Initially, Oatmeal was processed at the plant, but the company was never afraid to move with the times and despite never expanding beyond their reach, the business has continued to evolve. When Tim took over, the mill was located in Strabane town centre, then 12 years ago, they relocated to a new site and built a new mill. “We have invested a lot of money into the business over the years, but we are aware of the need to do so in order to progress to the next level,” said Tim. The raw cereals are steam cooked then rolled and flaked. The process improves the taste, texture and visual appeal making it attractive to livestock; it also improves the digestibility of the finished feed thus enhancing the
There is plenty of room for storage
nutritional value in the diet. “Our coarse mixing plant has been designed to preserve the cooked flakes in the mixing process in order to produce bespoke high quality coarse rations for all livestock sectors. These products are sold both under our own label, and as customer labelled products. “We have been manufacturing flaked cereals for over 65 years but we’ve recently recognised the demand for a superior form of flake to be introduced into the increasingly varied blends and
mixes of animal feed production. Since then we have focussed our resources on refining the flaking process of Barley, Maize and Peas to make it ideal for our customer’s needs. “Through research based investment, we have built a state of the art flaking plant where application of the latest techniques has resulted in a product of the highest quality. We are now the only mill exclusively dedicated to steam cooked flaking in Ireland. “As the reputation of our product has
JW Martin Ltd Best wishes to all at Strabane Mills, from
Best Wishes To Strabane Mills
www.jwmartin.co.uk
Harbour Road, Foynes, Co. Limerick T: 069 65311
E: info@premiermolasses.ie
www.premiermolasses.ie
Prince Regent Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT5 6QR Tel: 028 90702021. Fax: 02890 705566 Email: mail@jwmartin.co.uk
Premier Molasses is Ireland’s leading supplier of liquid feeds for the animal feed sector.
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Supplying the agri trade for 100 years
Wishing Continued Success To All At Strabane Mills, From
Printers, Suppliers and Stockists of Polypropylene Bags, Bulk Bags and Net Bags. Suitable for Animal Feeds, Coal, Firewood, Aquaculture and Industrial Packaging 8 Sloefield Park, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, BT38 8GR T:028 9335 1294 42
Email:sales@dmsbags.com www.dmsbags.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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spread, our business has increased throughout the whole country and we are now proud to supply the majority of merchants and other feed mills in Northern Ireland and plus a large proportion in Southern Ireland too.” “We produce 120 tonnes of flaked cereals per day. The craft involved in producing quality cooked flakes is time intensive and involves 24 hour production. For this reason nine years ago, we invested in a biomass boiler and this allows us to carry out the entire process in a greener environment, which is very important these days.” Animal feeds require a proper balance between cereals (carbohydrates) and higher protein feeds; they must also contain sufficient amounts of necessary minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. Maize is especially useful in highenergy feeds, either as meal or as the flaked and partly gelatinized product. Barley is desirable for fattening, and Peas are high in starch and sugars which make them attractive in animal feed and provide a better balanced feed for livestock. If farm animals did not have the proper cereals and nutrients in their diet, then their protein levels in the human food chain would be greatly reduced; so it is in our own best interests to ensure the highest quality of feed available goes to our livestock. “We produce a special range of cooked coarse rations which are used by farmers who have ‘Show’ cattle and sheep. This is a quality product used in the high end of the market.” Of course, during the summer months when cattle and sheep are out grazing, it is a quiet time for Strabane Mills Ltd, but Tim revealed that they cover another section of the feed market that has really IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
The new premises
An inside view of the premises
taken off. “We produce steam cooked flakes for use in pet food. Cereals are steam cooked then rolled and flaked. This process improves the taste, texture and visual appeal to provide highly digestible natural nutrients. Steam cooked flakes are popular in premium canine diets as they provide an excellent natural alternative to traditional coloured extrusions.” Tim concluded: “Ours is a very labour intensive
business, but we firmly believe in quality over quantity and feel this is why we have sustained continued success in the market.”
Best Wishes To Strabane Mills 51a Brocklis Road, Strabane, Co. Tyrone BT82 9LZ
Tel: 028 8165 8808 (from ROI replace 028 with 048) Fax: 028 8165 9903 E: sales@pedropetfoods.com
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Big Windmill winning for Donnchadh Doyle and Monbeg Stables
No point to prove 44
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
eg Stables
monbeg designed_Layout 1 29/10/2015 10:40 Page 2
Donnchadh Doyle is putting Monbeg Stables on the map
O
ver the last four years, Donnchadh Doyle has established himself as Ireland’s premier young Point-toPoint trainer. We travelled to his well-appointed Monbeg Stables base in Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, County Wexford to find out more about his exceptional operation. IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
his status as one of the country’s most progressive Point-to-Point trainers. Reflecting on the breakthrough national title, Doyle – who in the same week sold Monbeg Notorious and Grey Storm for £175,000 and £100,000 respectively at the Cheltenham Select May Sale – reveals his strong historical ties with the man he shared the title with: “When I was younger I started off jumping ponies and then jumped a few horses with Colin, who is only three miles up the road. I would have been with him for five years before starting out on my own four years ago.” For Donnchadh, setting up his own stables represented the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition. “It was something I was always hoping to do,” he confirms. “I started off small and now have 40 stables, which would be full for the whole winter, with the Point-to-Point season running from the first weekend in September into the first weekend of June.” Going into the current season as defending champion, the Wexford handler is confident of his chances of successfully defending his crown, revealing that he has some good prospects on his hands again this time around, having introduced a fresh batch of three-year-olds in June. “I have a great bunch of horses and I’m optimistic that they will perform well,” he notes. “Having said that, it’s all a bit of luck; if
The battle for the 2014-15 National Handler’s Point-to-Point Championship went right down to the wire before it was confirmed in late May that Wexford neighbours Donnchadh Doyle and Colin Bowe would share the title with 28 wins each. For the former, and his Ballindaggin string, the joint victory represented a maiden success at this level, cementing
CONTACT DETAILS Monbeg Stables Ballindoggin Enniscorthy Co. Wexford
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LoCall: 1890 321 321 Inter: +353 (0) 56 8836600 Email: info@gainfeeds.com
Best Wishes & Continued Success To Monbeg Stables
Best Wishes & Continued Success To
Monbeg Stables
Diarmuid O’Sullivan Veterinary Clinic From
FULL RANGE OF EQUINE & FARM ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS & MEDICINE
Sean Doyle Best Wishes For The future To My Brother Donnchadh From
RACEHORSE TRAINER
BREAKING | TRAINING & POINT TO POINTERS
Contact 087-9808536 IRISH
& 46
AGRI
Best Wishes To Monbeg Stables From
JORDAN’S BAR Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Tel:087-7981561
lone Bros a MCONSTRUCTION
Best Wishes To Monbeg Stables, From
.
Scanning | Endoscopy | X Rays | 24 Hour Service Small Animal Clinic Bunclody, Co. Wexford Tel:053-9377629 | Mobile: 087-2583332 Email: osullivet@eircom.net
MOYNE Veterinary Clinic
Best Wishes & Continued Success To Monbeg Stables & Donnchadh Doyle, From
Ballyduff, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Mobile: Ray 087-7942174 or MJ 087-2300785 E: malonebrothers1@gmail.com
Continued Best Wishes To Monbeg Stables, From
Ballyedmond Schooling & Gallop
Contact John 087-986 4221 Gorey, Co. Wexford
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
monbeg designed_Layout 1 29/10/2015 10:40 Page 4
Grey Storm and Rob James head for the winning line
they can stay healthy, that’s half the battle. We’re only really getting going with them here at the minute but I’m hopeful that they will be as good as last year.” Donnchadh, whose two principal jockeys are local lads Robert James and Barry O’Neill - does most of the work around the stables and yard himself and is ably assisted by his brother Eamon and Andy Pierce, while another one or two helpers generally get involved later in the year as things get busier at Monbeg. There’s no two ways about it: it’s hard, hard work and you genuinely have to have a real passion for it if you’re going to make a living out of horse training. The bottom line is that this is not a hobby or past-time – it is imperative to not alone make ends meet but to oversee a viable commercial enterprise by turning sufficient profit to keep the wheels turning. “It is hard work and if you don’t make money you wouldn’t be able to stay going,” Donnchadh concedes, “But it has worked out fairly well for me so far, thankfully. I’ve had a few nice horses that have sold well and that money has been invested back into the business and has enabled us to grow.” In conjunction with brothers Eamon and Sean, Donnchadh owns most of the horses himself, buying at Goffs and Tattersalls. “There’s a lot of money tied up in it and the trainer has a lot of expenses, too,” he admits. “Point-to Pointing has also become very competitive for young horses, with a lot of people at it now. The prize money is small as well – a pot of €1,000 and a first prize of €560 – so it’s really a case of putting them in the shop window. If you’re looking to make a quick buck, then this is definitely the wrong business.” One former Monbeg Stables protégé that has gone on to bigger and better things is Jonjo O’Neill’s Holywell, who has since won at Cheltenham (twice) and Aintree and contested this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, while big things are also predicted for the now Willie Mullins trained Pile on the Pressure. Meanwhile, 2012 Welsh Grand National winner Monbeg Dude was owned by Eamon Doyle and trained by Donnchadh when he was still IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
working for Colin Bowe. One thing that is indisputable is that the young prospects at Monbeg benefit from an excellent grounding in the world of horseracing as Donnchadh oversees outstanding facilities including 40 stables, a horse walker, sand ring and a four-furlong gallop. Point-to-Point racing – regarded as the lifeblood of the Irish National Hunt industry – takes Donnchadh Doyle the length and breadth of the island. “We travel all over,” he says. “I’d go up North most Saturdays and then on Sundays we’d go to meetings all over the rest of Ireland. “We’re busy all year around,” the personable Wexford handler concludes. “As soon as the Point-to-Point finishes, you start into the sales in June and then you are breaking them in and getting them ready for a new season. There’s always plenty to be doing and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Barry O’Neill pilots Monbeg Notorious to victory at Tralee.
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Dublin’s oldest fresh fruit and veg suppliers
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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Longevity along with being versatile and open to change is the key for Leonards
F
Jackie Leonard was ahead of his time
amily run businesses can stretch back for many years as the reins of the company is handed down from generation to generation. Many customer prefer dealing with family run businesses as they feel that there is a more personal touch offered and this is certainly the case for fresh fruit and vegetables’ supplier Jackie Leonard & Sons Ltd who has been supplying their excellent service to a large customer base for the past 123 years!! Amazingly, the Leonard family has been able to continue their business through three different centuries having first started traded in 1892. The Dublin fruit and veg market is the heart beat of the capital and has been since it first began trading in the late 1800’s. A local woman known as Kate Leonard was one of the first people to IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
The market is always full of fruit and veg
take a stand in the new market which was opened by Dublin Corporation to cater for traders. Kate worked hard to provide for her family and she soon became a popular figure in the area selling fresh fruit and fish to an ever increasing customer base. Kate continued to work until her son Jack took over the business in the mid 1920s. Jack opened a retail green grocers on North King Street. His three
CONTACT DETAILS Jackie Leonard & Sons, Corporation Fruit Market, Dublin 7. Tel: +353-1-8733-055 Fax: +353-1-8733-056
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sons Tom, Michael and Jackie all followed their father into the business as the next generation of Leonards put their stamp on the business. Jackie in particular wanted to bring the business forward and the introduction of fresh fruit helped the company expand their portfolio. Indeed, it is proudly stated that the first fresh fruit to be sold by Jackie was a pallet of Jaffa oranges. The three brothers worked tirelessly to develop the business and when Michael and Tom retired in the eighties, Jackie renamed the company Jackie Leonard & Sons. Shortly after this Jackie was joined in the business by his own three sons Justin, Derek and Gary. Along with their mother Patricia, the family were very much hands on in the business as Justin explained to us for this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri. “I would go in with Dad to the market and work from 6am to 8.30am before heading off to school and I would return then in the evening. It was a long day, but we enjoyed it at the same time,” said Justin. When I finished school, I got into college in 1986 and I was going to study art in Dun Laoghaire, but my father said why don’t I take a year out and work in the business and I’m still here since,” he joked. “In 1988, we bought the stand of NJ King in the Dublin market. They specialised in exotic fruit and veg, supplying the catering trade which included hotels and restaurant in the city. I looked after this end of the business as we went from whole sale fresh produce to also supplying a direct delivery service from the market to the greater Dublin area. “1991 was a big year for us as my father bought the old school house in north Anne street Dublin 7, his old national school, which he
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The family run business first started trading in 1892
attended as a boy and turned the premises into a distribution depot to service the growing catering side of the business.” In 1999, Jackie decided to retire from the business having spent a staggering 56 years developing the business into what it is today. “Two years after Dad retired, the
The greatest care is taken when delivering goods
decision was made to focus more on the central distribution of fresh produce and we built an in-house pre-preparation room and cold storage are.” Today Jackie Leonard and sons provides a wide range of fresh produce, from fresh fruit and vegetables to dairy, cheese, eggs, cooking oils, cooking wines and fresh prepared produce cut to order. With a modern fleet of vehicles delivering seven days per week throughout Dublin city and the greater Leinster region, Jackie Leonard & Sons has become a truly one stop shop for chefs and caterers. “Versatility has been the key for us over the years and we are in a market that there is great demand for. We supply a number of restaurants, hospitals and hotels. As my father used to say ‘A clinched fist never caught anything’ which basically means we are always open to ideas on how to improve the business.” Jackie Leonard & Sons Ltd offer a wide range of services and through their extensive network of contacts both here and abroad, they are able to source any type of fruit and veg even when it is out of season here. IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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We strive to supply Irish produce whenever the seasons allow, however when Irish produce is out of season. “We would bring in a lot of fruit and veg from mainland Europe. I worked in this area and developed a lot of contacts over the years, many of who we have been dealing with for a number of years now.” The company’s customer base has
grown from just being in Dublin as the delivery vans can be seen in Louth, Meath, Carlow, Wicklow, Armagh and Kildare on a regular basis. “It’s a big logistical task to get the products delivered to our large customer base. We have eight vans on the road and the time constraints involved are very tight indeed as you can imagine when dealing with foodstuff. Fortunately,
A fleet of vans deliver to their customers
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we have a very highly professional staff here who work tirelessly to ensure that the customers get their deliveries on time.” Jackie instilled one mantra that has been handed down from generation to generation, it is to never grow too big. “We have a saying in the family that ‘a small fire keeps you warm, but a big fire burns you out’. We were always happy to keep things just big enough that we could manage everything and that is something that we will continue with.” We believe in being ‘’small enough to care, big enough to cope’’. Health & Safety is obviously paramount with the company as working with food means that there are very high standards to be maintained at all times. “We are certified in the management of hygiene and we take a great deal of pride in ensuring that the premises are kept to the highest standard.” Their location on the Corporation Fruit Market in Dublin 7 allows them to have a quick turnaround. “We can get products here in no time and if we don’t have it, we will just source it from one of the traders here. It means that we can have orders done in double quick time and that is what the customer wants.”
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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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T
Marry leads the way
here is a general consensus almost a necessity if you are to be a amongst the non-farming successful farmer these days. community that farming is There is no doubt that no matter what carried out by an older generation. type of farming you are involved in, However that could not be further from the truth as the agricultural industry is being brought forward by a wave of young people. Farming has become more scientific in recent years and a college education is
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progression is the key to success. The standard of applicants at this year’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year awards showed what the farming community has to offer the younger generation and what they can achieve by getting involved.
CONTACT DETAILS Broomfield Pig Farm Broomfield Collon, Co Meath Phone: (041)9826505
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Of course, many farms are handed down from father to son or daughter and so on. It is then up to them to bring the farm forward. As stated there are many different sections to the agricultural industry and one of them is pig farming. And the winner of this year’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year was Louth pig farmer Jonathan Marry. Based in Broomfield, Collon, Jonathan has been running the family for the past number of years after his late father Jack had initially started the business in the 1970s. Jonathan’s two brothers Colin and Gareth also run their own pig farms and to say that farming is in their blood would be an understatement. This year saw the 17th annual FBD Farmer of the Year awards take place with many categories being awarded on the night. Jonathan admitted to Irish Tractor & Agri that he had to beat off stiff competition to win the award which he was presented with at a function in Ballina, Co Mayo on September 1st. “I got through the county round and then there were 39 semi-finalists. That was then whittled down to six finalists and we all had to go through a 45-minute interview the day of the awards ceremony and I’m delighted that the judges selected me, it
means a great deal to not only myself, but my family also,” said Jonathan. Farming 540 sows, Jonathan sends 230 pigs to slaughter every week and he has invested heavily in the business over the years to ensure that the premises is to the highest standard possible. “The welfare of the pigs is a major issue that is constantly being addressed. I’m continuously investing in the business to ensure that all regulations and legislation is met and thankfully we are on top of things on that front.” The 27-year-old has three full time staff who work a 40-hr week and work every second weekend, and the farm is fully compliant with Bord Bia and is EPA licensed. Jonathan ran the family farm alongside his brothers Colin and Gareth from 2009 until this year when he took over the farm himself, with both brothers setting up their own pig farms and he revealed that statistics show that he is amongst the top pig farmers in the country. “Teagasc do our figures quarterly and they come in the top 25% in the country. We buy our entire feed compound and breed all of our own replacements.” Jonathan added that it pig farming was fickle industry to be involved in as the price of pig meat is not at its best at the moment. “Prices are very poor at present. As it stands, we are almost 35 cent worse now
Jonathan Marry proudly displays the 2015 FBD Young Farmer of the Year trophy, l/r: Sean Finan (Macra National President), Jonathan Marry, Fiona Muldoon (Interim CEO of FBD), Eddie Downey (IFA President) IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Continued Good Wishes To Broomfield Pig Farm IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
broomfield designed_Layout 1 28/10/2015 16:39 Page 4
from the same period last year. It’s simply not sustainable to stay at this level going forward. I don’t see it going up in near future, but I’m living in hope.” Jonathan is expecting many challenges over the next decade, but his love of the job means that he will meet every challenge head on. “It’s a life I was born into… I wouldn’t swap it for any other job. You have to keep up to date with the top genetics to optimise the farm production as margins are getting significantly tighter.” Farm safety is of the utmost importance
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
Broomfield Pig Farm
to the young farmer and his employees and the greatest of care is taken on a daily basis. “It’s important to always be vigilant to decrease farm accidents and be conscious of safety on the farm and the person coming after you. Every day I’m
dealing with augers, pumps and slurry tanks.” A new breeding programme has been introduced by Jonathan which sees him working closely with his genetics company to maximise pigs sold per sow per year. Jonathan is a member of EPP (European
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Irish Tractor & Agri Magazine
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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Jonathan Marry has implimented a new breeding programme
Pig Producers) which will be hosted in Dublin in 2016. He also takes part in a pig discussion group which meets once a month to share and improve information. Four years ago, Jonathan saw a niche in the market for a spit roasting machine and he went and bought a one as a small venture. Today, he has six machines, the
Pig Spit and BBQ Company travels nationwide doing an average of four pigs a weekend. Jonathan and his chef now cater for all indoor and outdoor parties and special events including: weddings, corporate events, product or company launches, birthday
parties, anniversaries, private Confirmation and Communion parties, charity & fund-raising events. “I’m very busy with this end of the business now, but it is not something that I’m looking to get involved in full time, there wouldn’t be enough work and I enjoy working on the farm too much.”
The farm has 540 sows IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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A bulk trailer being loaded
L
Milling since 1928
ike all industries, farming has progressed over the years and every aspect of this sector has changed, but none more so than what farmers feed their animals with.
Lough Conn Milling Company Limited, a family run business that has been operating since 1928. Situated in Killeen, Castlehill, just outside Crossmolina, Lough Conn Milling Company Ltd has covers a wide catchment area with regards to its The farming community has come to customer base. Michael revealed to Irish Tractor that the realise that by providing the right blend of feed they can get the best out of their business goes back to his grandfather’s days. livestock whether it be dairy or beef. There is certainly a more scientific approach to animal feeds these days as “My Great Grandfather John O’Malley there are many different blends on the left Curraghmore Bofeenaun in 1890 and market, all of which is generally bought in moved to Killeen with his new wife bulk. Bridget as herdsperson on a farm owned Generally farmers can only obtain feed by Dr Mc Donnell. Being the herdsperson from merchants who won’t deliver two entitled a person to a free house and 1 and a half tonnes, which sees them acre of land in return for looking after the handed a significant bill when the stock and all duties relating to running the farm. They started a family and my purchase is made. However, one agricultural merchant in grandfather Michael was born in 1894 to Co Mayo has bucked the trend by offering a family of seven brothers and sisters. In his customers a service that suits their search of a better life, all seven needs. Michael O’Malley owns and runs immigrated to Boston U.S.A. over the
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following years, leaving my Great-Grand Parents in Ireland on the farm. “My Grandfather Michael worked in Boston selling insurance and did very well but always had the dream and ambition that someday he would return to buy the land his parents were working so hard on at home in Ireland. In 1925/1926 he sent money home and it is said that my GreatGrand Father John paid for the land in American Dollars. My Grandfather returned home from America in 1927 with
CONTACT DETAILS Lough Conn Milling Company Ltd Castlehill, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: (096)31274
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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his wife, a native of Louisburgh and their six children. Their seventh child was born in Ireland. He set up a small shop in 1928 in their new home in Killeen. “My Grandfather had two sons, my father John and his brother James. James was killed in 1933 by a runaway pony and cart on the farm, leaving my father as the only son,” said Michael “Together with his father Michael, they expanded the shop to include a travelling shop serving the areas Glenisland, Glenhest, Keenagh, Bofeenaun Ballycroy, Rappa, Kilfian, and surrounding areas on a weekly basis. The Ballycroy Market used to take two days and the driver and helper stayed overnight in one of the customers houses. “In the early 1930s eggs were used as payment for groceries on the travelling shops, so in 1936 my father attended a Course of Instruction in the Testing, Grading & Packaging of Eggs at the premises of Mr Joseph Munnelly, School House Avenue, Crossmolina. He received Certificate of Competency from The Department of Agriculture; this
The bulk bays are kept tidy
enabled him to export eggs. “My Father married my Mother Nora Calnan originally West Cork in 1947. Her Brother-In-Law had a small Mill in West Cork which was of huge interest to my father. It gave him the idea to start a Mill in Killeen. In 1959, Lough Conn Milling was established. Several buildings were built to accommodate the raw materials and Mill. These building are still in use by us today.” The process in the early days involved bringing the raw materials from the ports to the Mill. It had to be ground and the various ingredients added resulting in pig feed as the end product. John concentrated mainly on the production of pig and dairy feed and in the following years the Department of Agriculture promoted the pig industry in Ireland so most farms had a couple of sows for breeding pigs. Lough Conn Milling grew steadily alongside the travelling shop. “During 1950s, work was so scare, that when they advertised in the national press, workers travelled from Meath, Wexford, Roscommon and Kildare to work at the Mill and my mother Nora kept them in our home where she fed and looked after all their needs while at the same time looked after the shop and did the office work.” In the mid 1960s there were as many as 20 men working in Lough Conn Milling. One of their workers from Hill of the Down, Co Meath, by the name of Philip O’Connor who worked with them from 19521956 left here to study for the priesthood with the Capuchin
The family homestead IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Fathers. “He did not contact home, so my Mother packed all his requirements and off he went. We are still in contact with Father Philip to this day, who is now based in Kilkenny after spending many years in the Missions. “My Grandfather Michael sadly passed
Grain comes in different measurements
away in 1961, with my father taking on sole responsibility of the business. In 1969, along with supplying the local farmers with animal feed, my father also started to sell wholesale feed to smaller shops in the county, he also secured a major contract with Western Farming Co-Op in Ballina supplying them with pig
Best Wishes To Lough Conn Milling Company
feed, which needed a second shift in the Mill until 12 midnight.” “In 1972, returning from agricultural college, I worked alongside my father building the business and set-up the haulage company. In 1977, I married Kay O’Toole, a native of Cong and she was involved in the running of the
Thomas McHugh & Co Best Wishes To Lough Conn Milling Company, From
Chartered Certified Accountants Registered Auditors
Quay Street, Belmullet, Co. Mayo
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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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business. By 1980 the use of feed had increased substantially and the bigger Mills nationwide were using the “fillers” so we were not able to compete on price resulting in us ceasing milling ourselves. “We then began to buy the finished products from the bigger Mills e.g. Paul & Vincent, Wilson Feeds and Avonmore. By 1990 due to the increase in feed sales we installed a weighbridge and put bulk bins into our stores to offer feed to our customers at the bulk price. This proved very successful, so much so that other merchants in the area followed our example and did likewise. “We expanded the Haulage Business in the late 1980s and built up a fleet of Lorries & Trailers working nationally. I began to focus more on Haulage work and successfully secured a contract with Norfolk Line, a shipping company for the loading and transport of product from Baxter in Castlebar to the various ports of Ireland while also bringing return loads in raw material back to Baxter for their factory.” In 2003, they sold the main haulage section of the business to Brian Cunningham Haulage Castlebar, keeping three Lorries for their own use and returned to their base at Killeen working for various companies in the Ballina area with their son Jon as the main driver and transport manager. Downsizing the haulage section of the business meant they were able to invest more time into our facilities at Lough Conn Milling and expanded to include coal, briquettes, fertilizers and all fencing IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
The Lough Conn Milling fleet
A load is tipped into one of the bays
amounts (2-2.5 tonnes) We also have Lorries capable of delivering bagged feed to farms in the area. The Lorries enable us to deliver any weights from 2 Tonne to 20 Tonne. We are also capable of loading any means of transport that a farmer may have and can weigh the vehicle on our weighbridge. We supply a full range of beef, dairy & sheep feeds as well as variety of rations for both cattle and sheep. We are in the happy position that we can deliver to our customers in bulk, minibulk, and bags which makes us unique in Mayo. Lough Conn Milling Company continues to operate as a family run business. We are operating for over 50 years and I envisage that this family business will continue for many years to come. We wish to take this opportunity to thank our old and new customers for their continued support.”
materials. “In the meantime, my father sadly passed away in 2000 after spending many years working hard at building Lough Conn Milling, leaving Kay and I to continue the family business. My Mother Nora, 88 years, resides with Kay and I in Killeen.” With more farmers using bulk feed, in November 2011 they decided to make a major investment in their facilities at Killeen with the building of a state of the art Five-Bay Bulk Feed Storage Shed along with a 50 tonne weighbridge and investing in a specialised lorry for the delivery of bulk feed. FARM FENCING POSTS | GARDEN FENCING | GRANT POSTS “We are currently Clonbrock, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway the only company in Tel: +353 (0)90 9688755 | Fax: +353 (0)90 9688660 the area that will E: info@woodfarmfencing.com www.woodfarmfencing.com Continued Best Wishes To Lough Conn Milling Company deliver small
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The Sloan name is synonymous with shavings used in bedding farm animals
î “e animal bedding specialists 62
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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S
loan Transport Ltd has been successfully trading near Dromore, Co. Down since 1971. As well as offering a wide range of transport services, the family-run business is one of the largest suppliers of agricultural bedding products in Ireland. The Sloan name has been synonymous with animal bedding products since the 1950s when Carl Sloan started supplying sawdust and shavings to local farmers. His son William, who died tragically last December, set up what is now known as Sloan Transport, Dromara, focusing on general haulage and sawdust and shavings. Sloan Transport is nowadays headed by Sam, Will’s brother, and Will’s three sons, Kenny, who manages the commercial workshop, repairs, servicing and PSV’s, Ali who manages sawdust and shavings, and Derek oversees the haulage with Sam. They employ 22 staff, run a modern and reliable fleet of 16 trucks and 80 trailers. The trucks, which are always immaculately turned out, are a mixture of Volvo Renault, Scania and Mercedes. The trailer fleet is made up of coil flats, curtain-siders, bulk tippers, coil Euroliners, fork-lift mounted, cutain sided carriers and extendable flat trailers. The vehicles are regularly serviced and maintained in the company’s workshop by Kenny to ensure the wheels of the operation are always reliable and turning, with downtime kept to a minimum. The truck colours are red and white, while the trailers are silver and red. Down through the years, Sloan Transport has shown a willingness to adapt to the specific needs of the customer and a commitment to provide a first-class and unrivalled service. Big enough to cope, small enough to care.
CONTACT DETAILS Sloan Transport Ltd
Sloan Transport has been in business for almost 45 years IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
34 Howe Road, Dromore, Co. Down BT25 1ET Telephone: 02897 532589 Email: msloan@btconnect.com Website: www.sloantransport.co.uk
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Another load on its way
Since 1971, the company has provided a safe, reliable and speedy haulage service for hundreds of satisfied clients. Customers consistently choose Sloan Transport because of its prompt and professional service, its wide coverage area in both Ireland the UK, its courteous drivers and staff. The company has been a longstanding member of the RHA (Road Haulage Association). Sloan Transport’s location near Dromore on the A1 Belfast-Dublin Road means it is ideally situated to cater for its customers’ needs, while the major ports of Belfast, Warrenpoint, Dublin and Larne are also within easy reach. Six staff are employed full-time in Sloan’s Shavings, which supplies an extensive range of bedding products to the poultry, equine and livestock sectors. Sourced from reputable
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One of the Sloan trucks beside the iconic Samson & Goliath cranes at Harland & Wolff in Belfast IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN
Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 Irish Tractor & Agri Magazine
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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sawmills, the timber is FSC approved . The bedding products supplied are Bedmax Shavings, white wood shavings, mixed wood shavings bales (a combination of white and coloured wood shavings), dust-free shavings and wood pellets, dried sawdust bulk and bales. The products can be delivered or collected. A nextday delivery service throughout Ireland is offered in loose form using blowers, tippers and walking floors. Customers also have the option to buy a pallet of kiln dried white sawdust consisting of 66 bales per pallet. “All of the shavings and sawdust we supply are from natural timber, mostly white wood. We have a lot of long standing customers in the dairy, poultry and equine sectors and general merchants, and are well
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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
known all over the North and South of Ireland.” Sloan’s dust-free shavings are clean, odour reducing and convenient, and will help you create a healthy bedding environment for your animals which will save you money over time. Loose sawdust has a number of significant advantages over other forms of bedding, offering higher
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Culmore has branched out into growing organic potatoes and fruits
S
Farming with a difference
ituated on the banks of the River Bann in Kilrea, Co. Derry / Londonderry, Culmore Organic Farm is run by David Laughlin, his wife Ann and son Andrew. Culmore is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known organic farms, specialising in organic milk and beef production 68
among other things.
David decided to swap conventional farming for organic farming in the late 1990s. His philosophy and approach to food production has always been to improve the land naturally, meaning no artificial fertilisers or chemicals are used. “I decided to go down the organic route
after spending a year in New Zealand in 1983. I witnessed good grassland management practice out there and brought a lot of that home with me,” he explains. On his 250-acre farm, David’s herd of 100 organic Jersey and Ayrshire cows are milked by a Lely robotic system, which he installed six years ago. He also rears IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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HRH Prince Charles, pictured here with David Laughlin, paid a visit to the farm in 2003
about 50 organic beef cattle at any one time and produces organic potatoes, fruit and honey. The farm really is a hive of activity! David is one of nine organic dairy farmers who supply their milk to Ballyrashane Co-Op (now Lacpatrick after merger with Town of Monaghan). He was recently granted a licence to sell raw (unpasteurised) milk and has opened a raw milk packing facility onsite. To encourage greater production of organic milk, beef and cereals, David and Rex Humphrey, who farms 560 hectares, set up United Irish Organics Ltd. The milk from United Irish Organics producers is from cows reared and maintained in accordance with organic standards. “Rex is managing director and I’m a director,” says David. IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
“The company is functioning in a stable manner. It gives us control over what milk prices we pay to our farmers. Our dairy products are distributed throughout Northern Ireland.” David is also secretary of the newlyformed Organic NI, which represents the interests of about 120 organic farmers in Northern Ireland. The body recently successfully lobbied the North’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for EU funding under the new Rural Development Programme. “It’s the first time in five or six years this has happened. The funding is a major shot in the arm for organic farming in Northern Ireland, which had been stagnant for quite a while. It also ensures we’re on a par with the Republic, whose organic farming sector has been more progressive in recent years.” Culmore Organic Beef was established in 2008 with the purpose of marketing organic beef to local consumers, as well as supplying some local restaurants with a high quality, dry-aged beef. The Laughlin family closely follows the ethos of high animal welfare and sustainability. The Laughlin’s are also committed to lowering their carbon footprint where possible and, to this end, have installed a medium-sized wind turbine, which produces more electricity than they use in a year (over 70,000 units). They also
have a 20-acre, organically managed hardwood forest, planted in 1994, which sequesters large amounts of carbon annually. On the same principle, the family has a local abattoir licensed to slaughter their beef, and a local butcher does all the meat preparation and packaging. The beef travels less than 25 miles during the whole process, which is a uniquely low food miles figure for any food. “We adopted a really simple, chemicalfree, natural approach to produce the tastiest organic beef in the country. Because we take time and great care rearing our animals, we wanted to do the same for our customers and create a more personal, dedicated service,” David continues. Culmore Organic Farm has branched
CONTACT DETAILS Culmore Organic Farm
Bann Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, Co. Derry / Londonderry BT51 5RY Telephone: 028 295 40272
E: david@culmoreorganicfarm.com www.culmoreorganicfarm.com
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out into growing organic potatoes and fruits, as well as honey production. Traditional Irish apples and pear varieties are grown on three acres of orchards, while there is a rich bio-diverse habitat supporting large bee and plant populations. A winner at the Northern Ireland Food & Drinks Awards in 2009, the farm is fully certified by the Soil Association and is 100 per cent organic.
Culmore Organic Farm is considered one of Northern Ireland’s leading organic farms, so much so that it regularly hosts farm walks which offer an opportunity to explore alternative farming practices. Indeed, HRH Prince Charles paid the farm a visit in 2003. For honest, natural food, free of harmful chemicals and reared with care, why not give David a call.
Culmore’s vision for the future is that it will soon be able to offer ready-to-cook, organic meals which will incorporate mainly Culmore Organic Farm produce. One example is an organic Shepard’s Pie, to serve one or two people, and this will be aimed at discerning young couples who are both working, but still want a convenient organic meal.
Culmore Organic Farm is famous for its organic beef
Best Wishes To Culmore Organic Farm From Continued Best Wishes To Culmore
Organic Farm Poultry | Agricultural | Industrial | Equestrian 2 Sixtowns Road, Draperstown BT45 7BA T: 028 7962 7963 F: 028 7962 9768 E: info@tircon.co.uk www.tircon.co.uk
Best Wishes & Continued Success To Culmore Organic Farm, From
R IRWIN LTD
AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY HIRE & SALES 44 Bann Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5RY
Tel:028-29540319 or 0044-2829540319 Email: sales@richard-irwin.co.uk www.richard-irwin.co.uk 70
The Cross-Country Course covers approximately 80 acres of the 200 acre Organic farm.
Dirraw House,Finvoy,Ballymoney, BT53 7LB Tel:+44 (0) 28 29571664 Tel: +44 (0) 7740 785278 www.dirrawfarm.co.uk
Best Wishes & Continued Success To
Ergana Corn Mill Culmore Organic Farm From
Tel:048-29540451 E:erganacornmill@btconnect.com
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Cows being buffer fed after milking
Y
Cows going in for evening milking
oung farmers are the very lifeblood of Irish agriculture. These young men and women will sustain the Irish agri sector – and by extension, drive the national economy – for decades to come. It’s a big responsibility but one that is being met head-on by the likes of Joe Maher, the progressive young face of Brockera Farm in Dunkerrin, Roscrea. We visited impressive family dairy enterprise in County Offaly to find out more.
Coming of age
It’s widely claimed that there aren’t enough young people getting involved in agriculture. However, one could counter that this is a classic case of quality triumphing over quantity. The quality of those who do choose a career in farming is beyond question, Joe Maher of Brockera Farm being a prime example. Joe turned 25 in October of this year and has been entrenched in farming for as long as he can remember. His passion, enthusiasm and energy are boundless and this resulted in him being selected as the North Tipperary Young
Farmer of the Year in 2014. At present, operating alongside his uncle and partner, Peter Comerford, he milks some 154 pedigree Holstein Friesians at their Roscrea holding. The number is gradually increasing, having risen from 140 the previous year and – despite volatile milk prices - Joe is hoping to get up to around 180 in 2016. Judging by his inherent passion and determination, this vision is almost certainly destined to be fulfilled! Joe grew up on a farm. His father Dudley runs a suckler and sheep operation at home, with 950 ewes and 60 sucklers. But Joe never farmed at home… “I’m in partnership with my uncle, Peter Comerford, here in Dunkerrin. I’ve been working alongside Peter for as long as I can remember,” he notes. On the milking platform at the time of writing, there were some 130 acres, accommodating 154 cows. Joe’s uncle Tommy has an additional 72 acres, housing 30 sucklers (“We also buy all our silage from him.”), while 80 more acres have also been acquired recently
CONTACT DETAILS Brockera Farm The view from the farm entrance IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
Dunkerrin, Roscrea, Co. Offaly
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efficient move, paring an hour off twice-daily milking times. All the milk goes to Century Co-op in Thurles and has done since Day One. The yield is of the very highest quality and Joe intends to keep improving it even further. A new Pearson 14 unit parlor which was installed in April At the moment the yield stands at 381kg of milk by Joe and Peter. All this land will solids per cow, from 4,700 litres per cow. eventually be amalgamated into one “Now that the quotas are gone and block, which will leave the progressive things have changed, we hope to get Maher-Comerford team in a very strong more out of them,” Joe confirms. position going forward. Speaking of quotas, Joe believes the A new 14-unit Pearson Parlour was abolition will ultimately lead to an installed during the summer to replace increase of over 50% in the overall the existing ten-unit set-up. This has operation. “It’s going to make a big proven to be a very economical and
Uncle and nephew, Peter Comerford (left) and Joseph Maher with Murt the dog
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Cows grazing
difference when we put the whole farm together,” he explains. “We will definitely go up in numbers. Within the next four– five years, the goal is to go up to 220 – 250 max.” True to form, Joe and Peter run the entire operation on their own. “There’s just myself and Peter and the dog,” the former quips. “I have learned a lot from him and I also went to Gurteen College, where I picked up more tips and hopefully Peter has been able to learn a little bit from me as well.” Farming in Ireland seems to be suffering from a lack of young entrepreneurs. Is Joe aware of the fact that he is very much the exception to the rule? “I actually know a lot of young lads that are faming but I suppose there wouldn’t be too many who have set up
The new Keenan 340 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Murt taking a rest while cows go out the gap for milking
partnerships or who are running their own businesses. But this could change. Hopefully more young people will get into it and make a career out of it.” Joe knew from a very young age that he was going to spend his life on the farm. It was like a vocation, something that was just engrained in him. “I always knew I’d do this,” he confirms. “And it was always going to be cows. I knew from a very young age that I didn’t like sheep. I’ve been here since I was eight or nine and we’ve been in partnership since I left Gurteen in 2010.” Feedwise, the cows benefit from a mixed diet. “We use a good bit of meal. It’s a dampish farm so we always have to throw them a few nuts. We’d give them 11kilos of silage per cow per day during the autumn to help build up the grass. Naturally, we try to keep it to grass as much as we can but they’d get some nuts in their diet all year around to keep them
quiet.” Being passionate about farming will only get one so far. The bottom line is that each enterprise has to function as a viable commercial entity. How difficult is this to achieve at Brockera Farm? “We can’t complain,” says Joe. “We will eventually evolve into a limited company. We’re producing our milk at 19c per litre and getting 31/32 cent for it, so we’re happy enough with that. A profit of 10-11 cent per litre isn’t going to make us rich but there’s no point whinging about it. If prices stay as they are, we are going to have to look at finding lower input costs. “Unfortunately, they are predicting a bad year in 2016. If prices go back as low as 20 cent, like they were in 2009, we would obviously be in trouble and a lot of lads would go broke.” On the day we visited Brockera Farm, butter far and protein readings were 4.3 and 3.85 respectively. The cows did 18 litres, with a somatic cell count of 170. The calving interval is 378 days (100% spring calving) and the herd EBI is €177, which ranks in the Top 200 in the country. All in all, it’s a highly impressive operation and – with the youthful drive and enthusiasm of Joe Maher pushing things forward – things are destined to get even better!
Brockera Farm
Best Wishes & Continued Success To from
ASHE ROUNTREE & CO. AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANTS
3 Ringwood Centre, Damastown Close, Damastown Business Park, Dublin 15
Tel: 01-640 3866
Email: info@asherountree.ie www.asherountree.ie
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
Trevor Austin Agri Best Wishes & Continued Success To
Joe Maher & Brockera Farm Clonakenny, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary Mobile: 087-2763459 Best Wishes To Brockera Farm- Joe Maher, From
THOS HEANEY AGRI
Golden Grove, Roscrea, Co.Offaly
Email: heaneyfamily@eircom.net
Telephone:086-2702214 Proud supplier to Brockera Farm
Beechfield Products Tel: 0505-21991 Fax: 0505-24652
INTERNATIONAL LICENSED TRANSPORT Animal Collection Service Licensed Haulage & Skip Hire Beechwalk, Roscrea. Mobile: 086-2546403/2074254 Email: jhastings@eircom.net Wishing Continued Success From Beechfield Products & Hastings Family
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Another load ready to go out on the road
e United Feeds’ approach to maximising ruminant performance U
nited Feeds has earned a tremendous reputation as a premier ruminant feeds’ manufacturer. Irish Tractor recently caught up with company chief executive Keith Agnew to find out more about the key drivers behind this exceptional operation, 74
as well as the superb range of mills produce ruminant feed (for dairy, value-added products and beef, sheep, calf) exclusively, in the form of nuts, pellets and coarse blends. All of services it provides.
these rations can be made to meet United Feeds manufactures a wide customer-specific requirements. The company has the capacity to range of high-quality ruminant feedstuffs at modern production facilities in Belfast produce over 200,000 tonnes of feed per and Dungannon, County Tyrone. Both year. IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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“If you draw a line on the map of Ireland from Dublin to Galway, we have customers in every region north of that,” notes Agnew. “We sell directly to farmers and also
deal with a number of strong, longstanding merchant businesses.” United Feeds also provides a number of associated products and services. These include calf milk replacers; a wide range of fertilisers; forage additives for all crops plus forage testing and soil testing services.” The business employs a total of 50 people across its two sites. The workforce comprises mill operatives, office staff and advisers working directly with farmer customers. Also included is a dedicated team of 4 customer services staff. Their role is to work with a number of long-serving haulage partners. This ensures that a prompt, secure and costeffective delivery service is provided. A dynamic product development programme has been a traditional hallmark of the United Feeds’ operation. This has resulted in the evolution of an innovative feed range that maximise milk yields and daily liveweight gains In addition, all products are rigorously tested and are proven to give a positive return. An unswerving emphasis is placed on product quality. As Keith Agnew points out, this is a prerequisite to making all the company’s feed ranges commercially available: “We don’t bring any product to market unless it’s going to bring value to the farmer,” he said. “The end has to justify the means. Our products must deliver an improvement over what was previously offered. “When we come up with a new product idea, we will trial it rigorously on local farms to assess its value. But we will only bring it to market if there is a proven value in it. All our research and development work is results-focussed. At the end of the day, if we are not adding value to the farmer’s business
there is no point asking him to buy our products.” Product quality has always been of paramount importance to the team at United Feeds. “United Feeds was set up in 2000 as a joint venture between Andrews Holdings Ltd and the co-op United Dairy Farmers,” said Agnew. “In 2009, United Dairy Farmers acquired the full ownership and the company, making it a fully-fledged subsidiary of the co-op. As well as United Feeds’ branded products, individual rations can be blended to precise customer requirements. “We are producing a considerable tonnage of blends with many of these bespoke to individual farmers,” Agnew confirmed. Developing compound rations that consistently deliver optimal levels of nutrition is the all-important priority for the entire United Feeds’ management team. “We have invested a lot of time and money into nutrition-focussed research” said Agnew. “The end result must be the attainment to of best performance on-farm. “This is best exemplified by our collaboration with the Canadian research company Fermentrics, which allows feeds, forages and TMRs to be analysed in a unique and revealing way. Furthermore, our advisers out on the ground will work with famers on how best to tailor their animals’ diets and feeding regimes to meet their goals and, ultimately, to maximise profits. “We have 15 highly trained professionals making up our technical and sales teams. And their input has been critical in securing the success of the business.” He continued: “We have introduced a number of innovative rations and feeding programmes over recent years. This has included the development of specific
CONTACT DETAILS
Alan Boyd (left) and Bobby Irwin leading a discussion at an on-farm training day IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
United Feeds Limited, 8 Northern Road, Belfast, BT3 9AL. County Antrim. Tel: 028 90759000 Fax: 028 90751170 Email: sales@ufeeds.com www.ufeeds.com
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feeds to improve forage utilisation, manipulate milk fat and milk protein levels. These are manifested in our ‘Advance’, ‘Cream Maker’ and ‘Protein Booster ranges. “In conjunction with United Dairy Farmers’ milk processing arm, we have developed a feed programme that leads to the production of a butter that is spreadable straight from the fridge. Keith Agnew concluded: “We are totally focussed on maximising the quality of the nutrition made available to dairy cows, beef cattle and sheep. In turn, this will enhance animal performance and output value.”
Best Wishes & Continued Success To
United Feeds From
5 Sentry Lane,Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4XX Tel: 028 9084 2685
Sales e-mail- jdforktrucks@btconnect.com www.jdforktrucks.co.uk
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Chris Mills in the Production Control Room
Best Wishes & Continued Success To United Feeds From
Suppliers Of Quality Vegetable Oils & Blends
OLDCOURT, INISTIOGE, CO. KILKENNY Tel: 00353 56 7758200 Fax: 00353 56 7758201 E: info@goldstaroils.com www.goldstaroils.ie
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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A TANCO VariWrap
R
yall’s Farm & Industrial Equipment has been supplying and servicing quality farm and plant machinery to customers across the greater Cork and Munster regions for three-and-a-half decades. We visited their Watergrasshill base to find out more about this top-class family enterprise from director Trevor Ryall.
The Ryall name is simply synonymous with farm machinery. Since the genesis of the family business in 1981, they have provided the farming community throughout Cork and beyond with unrivalled products and customer service. The company has experienced steady organic growth since its inception, on the back of providing its growing customer base with an ever-increasing range of products. Ryall’s Farm & Industrial Equipment is Ireland’s longest-established Landini dealer, having been selling and servicing this renowned Italian brand of tractor for more than 30 years. In 2003, Ryall’s were appointed main dealer in Cork for McCormick tractors, a move which has enabled them to expand their business based largely on the success of the X60 and MTX series. There was further progress this year when Ryall’s were appointed Solis dealers for Cork. Solis’ value-for-money tractors complement the Landini and IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
There is a huge stock at the Watergrasshill premises
Committed to agriculture McCormick ranges, allowing smallerscale farmers to enjoy the benefits of a modern-design tractor at a cost-effective price - supported by Ryall’s quality service. The Solis range offers basicspecification models with manual shuttles and manual lift, which will suit many livestock farmers who want a modern tractor that is easy to use and uncomplicated in terms of service. The new Landini 5H Series, from 88hp to 113hp, is designed to provide superior comfort and visibility. These tractors come with a higher hydraulic capacity than in the past, now at 93 litres/min. They are fitted with a new easy-to-use power shuttle system with modulation control, which can be tailored to suit individual farmer / contractor needs. The new McCormick X7 Series includes three X7.4, four-cylinder tractors, with power from 143hp to 166hp, and three McCormick X7.6, six-cylinder tractors, with power ratings from 175hp to 212hp. These are equipped with Betapower Tier 4 Interim common-rail engines that have dual power and deliver superior torque rise and low fuel consumption relative to the competition. Meanwhile, Ryall’s have also been selling the Major (renowned for quality grass toppers and slurry tankers) and Tanco (leaders in bale wrapping technology) ranges of farm machinery since the early 1980s. In 2004, Ryall’s Hire was launched to
provide quality equipment hire to both the agri and construction sectors. Ryall’s are now one of the premier hire companies in the Rebel County, with equipment hired to every major civil engineering and construction project in Cork as well as all over Ireland and the UK. Two years ago, Ryall’s expanded their product range further when taking on the Lely and Maschio dealerships for Cork. Lely is an acknowledged leader in grassland machinery, while Maschio is developing an excellent reputation as an international leader in producing highquality tillage equipment. The Ryalls point out that these two brands are particularly suited to Irish conditions, while both boast excellent design and build quality. The reaction this far has been extremely positive. The superb Lely Grassland range includes Splendimo mowers, Lotus tedders, Hibiscus rakes and Welger balers. Offering substantial fuel savings, the Lely Splendimo Range comprises mowers from 1.65 - 3.6m; mower
CONTACT DETAILS Ryall’s Farm & Industrial Equipment, Watergrasshill, County Cork. Tel: 021 4889313 Fax: 021 4889334
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McCormick tractors
conditioners from 2.4 - 3.2m; and trailed mowers from 2.8 - 5.5m. Splendimo mowers are renowned for their low fuel consumption and HP requirements Lely Lotus tedders are renowned worldwide for their excellent output with the hook-shaped tine having the capacity to handle 50% more crop than conventional tines. The unique design of the hook-shaped tine ensures the crop is thrust high in the air and evenly spread ensuring faster wilting. The Lely Hibiscus range includes both single and twin rotor cam rakes. This extensive range of central delivery rakes covers working widths ranging from 6.75 m to 14.8 m. And Lely’s range of fixed-chamber balers includes the RP 245 Jubilee, Xtracut 17 and Profi models. All of the
Trevor, Robert and Sylvia Ryall
Robert and Trevor Ryall
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well-proven Lely Welger features including hydroflex control, mechanical tailgate locking system, powersplit gearbox and camless pick-up come as standard. With a working width of 2.25m, no camtrack and only two bearings, the camless pick-up has fewer moving parts, is more reliable, less sensitive to wear, quiet and maintenance-free Meanwhile, the range of Maschio equipment now being offered to Cork farmers and contractors includes the Orso power harrow range, which is suitable for continuous or heavy tillage jobs, and the UFO range of disc harrows with their super heavyduty specification. Offering farmers the very best in agri machinery choices complemented by an exceptional back-up service, Ryall’s Farm & Industrial Equipment also holds franchises for the Dutch-built Tulip range of twin-disc fertilizer spreaders, the Irishdesigned and –built Alstrong range of aerators, Gaspardo, Rossmore, Ritchie,
Dooley Brothers, Suton Machinery, Cosmo, Agrolux and Comatra as well as stocking Milwaukee and Makita power tools, Biemmedue pressure washers and Mecc Atle PTO standby electric generators. The high-quality, accurate and easy-touse Tulip spreaders are based on the Centreliner design that have proven reliable on Irish farms for more than three decades. The unique features of the Tulip spreaders include the twin-disc system where the discs rotate inwards.
Thomas O’Donovan, Service Manager; Kieran Baverstock, Service Technician; Michael O’Donoghue, Tillage Specialist
Graham Ryall, Parts Manager, with the Mecc Atle PTO power standby generators IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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This gives a quadruple overlap for accurate spread patterns. Ryall’s have two ranges of Tulip spreaders to choose from – the SE range up to 1,800 litres in capacity and with 18m spread plus the SX range up to 3,150 litres in hopper capacity and with 36m spreading width. Reflecting on the genesis of this exceptional operation, Trevor Ryall notes: “My mother and father set the business up in 1981. They come from a family farm background and my father would have started off doing repairs initially before taking out the Landini dealership in 1983. With 32 years’ continuous service, we are now Ireland’s longestestablished Landini dealer. We like the Landini tractors and they have gone very well for us down through the years. We cover all of Cork county with Landini and they are a good seller every year. We’ve just launched the new 5H series with hydraulic power shuttle, which is an ideal stockman or dairyman’s tractor; we’re very happy with them and our customers are delighted with them. The first three franchises we had were Landini, Tanco and Major and we have remained with all three ever since, with no break. We added McCormick in ’03 to expand the business a little bit to incorporate tillage and
contractors. We’ve had great success with the CX and MTX series, which were replaced in 2014 by the X7 range.” As well as new machinery, Ryall’s also sell and service all makes of second-hand equipment. Back-up service is absolutely critical and a team of five full-time mechanics – all Landini and McCormick factory-trained – fronts a state –of-the-art workshop with all the latest diagnostic equipment and service tools. Full-time gainful employment is provided to a team of 11 at Ryall’s Farm & Industrial Equipment – another welcome boost to the local economy! – and, with the focus very much on customer service, they have benefited from a huge amount of repeat business down through the decades. Looking to the future, Trevor is confident that it will continue to be a case of onwards and upwards for this outstanding family business: “We have just started to expand again,” he concludes. “We have a newly-appointed sub-dealer in West Cork – Deane Farm Machinery – who handle Landini and McCormick tractor and Maschio tillage equipment sales and service, enabling us to branch out and expand our customer base further and to offer an even-better service.”
Best Wishes To Ryall’s Farm & Industrial Equipment, From
Best Wishes To Ryall’s Farm & Industrial Equipment From
Killimor, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Tel:+353 087 652 1770 Email: info@alstrong.ie www.alstrong.ie Mondaniel, Rathcormac, Co. Cork
Best Wishes To Ryall’s Farm & Industrial Equipment, From
Tel: +353 (0)25-36301 Fax: +353 (0)25-36444
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am-6.00pm Sat 9.00am - 5.00pm.
www.rathcormactyres.com
| Pre-nct checks | Mini-services carried out | Computerised wheel alignment | Computerised wheel balancing | Puncture repair | Alloy wheel straightening using specialised equipment for this purpose | Light focusing | Tyre vulcanising | 24 hour breakdown service provided. | Full range of tyres now in stock.
Best Wishes To Ryall’s Farm & Industrial Equipment
RYALL’S FARM & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
Tanco Autowrap Limited, Royal Oak Road, Bagenalstown, County Carlow. Tel: +353 59 972 1336 Fax: +353 59 972 1560
www.tanco-autowrap.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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The Peake Dairy Services fleet
F
Peake performance
or almost two decades, Peake Dairy Services Ltd. has been providing exceptional sales, installation and 24/7 servicing / repairs solutions to customers across the midlands. We dropped into their Mountmellick base and met up with founder / managing director Oliver Peake to find out more about this superb family-run operation. 80
Peake Dairy Services Ltd. offers its customers a comprehensive range of products and services, including GEA (Westfalia) and BouMatic (GascoigneMelotte) milking systems and dairy farm equipment (milking parlours, herd management systems, milk cooling systems, dairy hygiene chemicals, udder healthcare products, hoof care products, spare parts etc.).
CONTACT DETAILS Peake Dairy Services, Drinagh, Mountmellick, County Laois. Tel: 057 8644100 Mobile: 087 2604026
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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They also stock and supply feed systems, meal bins, scraper systems, water heaters and boilers, wash down pumps and power washers as well as a full range of chemicals. Furthermore, under the Peake Water Pumps banner, they also provide shallow, deep well and submersible pumps, water softeners, iron filters and UV units for bacterial control. In a nutshell, anything a dairy farmer could possibly need, Peake Dairy Services will supply in a prompt, professional and costeffective manner with the guarantee of an exceptional back-up service, which affords customers the peace of mind of knowing that their equipment will continue to work and perform at optimal levels around the clock. Having operated as a sole trader from 1997, Oliver Peake incorporated Peake IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
Dairy Services Ltd. as a limited company in 2009. Reflecting on his earliest days working in the dairy sector, he notes: “I grew up on a farm and then went to work for Stradbally Farm Services in 1989/90, selling and supporting Senior milking machines. I worked for them up until ’97, at which point I decided to set up on my own as a dealer. “I started off initially with Senior and I still continue to service them today. I secured the Gascoigne agency soon after starting up and I started selling and servicing their equipment as well, which I still do today. Around 2010, I added the Westfalia agency and we now offer both Westfalia and Gascoigne sales, installations, servicing and 24/7 call-outs. The business is going well and at present generates employment for four full-time workers
alongside my wife, Cathy, who’s here fulltime, plus a couple of part-time workers, when required.” The superb back-up service offered cannot be overstated and it is for this which Oliver and his team are renowned. “Installations have been very busy since the quotas went and we’ve been very busy with both new parlours and extensions to existing ones. But we don’t really make our money in installations; service is of paramount importance and we treat it as an absolute priority. “We have been flat-out fitting for all of 2015 and we haven’t had a break at all, which isn’t a bad complaint. And we already have a good bit of work on the cards going into 2016 so it looks like this will be the way going forward into next year too.
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Best Wishes & Continued Success To
Peake Dairy Services From
Industrial Buildings | Agricultural Buildings Structural Steel | Sheeting & Cladding Formwork & Steel Fixing Foundations & Groundworks | Plant Hire Structural Concrete
Contact Stephen Fitzpatrick
Clonsast, Rathangan, Co.Kildare Tel:086-1091703 Email: steve@f-con.ie
Best Wishes To Peake Dairy Services
www.f-con.ie
Best Wishes To Peake Dairy Services From
Best Wishes To Peake Dairy Services From
CEP
J. Croke Electrical Services DOMESTIC | INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL | AGRICULTURAL
JIMMY CROKE 085-1694646
Email: jjcroke@hotmail.com Pallas, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
CASHMAN ENGINEERING PRODUCTS
CASTLELYONS, FERMOY, CO. CORK
Telephone: 025-36151 www.cep.ie
IRISH
&
AGRI
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923
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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Just some of the stock at Peake Dairy Services
“We have installed new plants for up to twelve new customers this year so far, but a lot of the work we are doing is extensions – ten units up to 20 or 20 up to 30… Expansion is happening wherever people have the scope to expand.” Peake Dairy Services’ catchment area covers a large swathe of the midlands. Located seven miles from Portlaoise, they cover a region within a 50-mile radius. An ideal solution can be found to cater for the needs of any customer. “We can start from four-unit up to 30unit,” says Oliver. “You don’t get too many going above that. Mostly, people seem to be going with the 16s, 20s, 24s. People who are starting out will generally go for a 10- or 14-unit, with the equipment to enable them to expand after that if needs be.” As the industry has evolved, Oliver has had to move with the times to offer his customers the best-possible value-added products. “New equipment is always coming on stream. Things were a lot more basic 25 years ago when I first started working with milking machines. You IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
A parlour installed by Peake Dairy Services
now have milk meters, milk yield indicators, automatic cluster removers etc. and farmers can avail of systems that do a lot more for them. “These new systems seem to be the way forward. Modern equipment is very, very good and the electronics that have been added are actually the last thing to give trouble. Obviously, there will be a bigger service bill but the benefits by far outweigh that.” As well as Gascoigne, Westfalia and Senior, Oliver also services all machinery, including every brand of milking equipment right across the board. So far, he has resisted the urge to go into robotic milking systems. “I haven’t got involved in robotic parlours yet”, he confirms, “but I may be forced to do so. I’ll sit tight for the time being and see. We are very busy with the conventional system and will stick with that for the foreseeable future, unless the demand is there. Two or three of my customers have had them installed and we have had enquiries but so far there’s not enough interest to justify
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As well as new plant Peake Dairy Services carry out a lot of extensions
Best Wishes To Peake Dairy Services, From
Hydraulic & Rope Scraper Systems
Slurry Aeration Systems
O’Donovan Dairy Services Ltd T:021-4383100
www.dairypower.ie
us going down that road. It’s something I’ll be keeping my eye on but you’d have to be guaranteed a lot of sales first and so far that prospect hasn’t materialised. “We have a full range of chemicals here – acids, alkalines, teat dips as well as filter socks, liner tubing, vacuum pump oils, and anything else that might be needed as a spare. We carry all the spares in our mobile service vans and they can also be bought straight out of the yard. Anything a dairy farmer could possibly need, we strive to have it here ready for immediate use.” Peake Dairy Services is very much a family business, offering a personal touch, and Oliver’s vision is that the next generation will one day assume the reins. “Cathy is here with me looking after accounts and all the computer work, while our son, Oliver, is a qualified milking machine technician and is in his second year in Limerick IT. He does a lot of the breakdown servicing and maintenance etc. and will join us full-time after he finishes college.” Sounds like this impressive family enterprise could be serving dairy farmers in the midlands for decades more to come!
Best Wishes & Continued Success To Peake Dairy Services
Milk Machine Technology Serving the Irish Dairy Farmer since 1935
Barrowhouse, Athy, Co. Kildare. Phone. +00 353 059 86 25728 Email: gascoignemelotte@eircom.net | www.boumaticgascoignemelotte.ie 84
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Gear up for ice and snow with the Quad-X
With the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, extremes are becoming more of a norm. Many companies and organisations in both the private and public sector must consider what equipment they need to tackle a possible harsh winter season. Co Antrim manufacturer Quad-X have designed and developed a range of ATV equipment to deal with ice and snow removal. Quad-X are pleased to announce the launch of True Grit, their commercial spec salt spreader range, in response to the need for a small scale commercial machine popular with amenities, large companies, farms and hire companies. This spreader is capable of spreading damp salt thanks to the feed mechanism continually pushing material forward, irrespective of moisture and consistency, all to help prevent clogging and facilitate an even spread of salt. The machine is available in various capacities and models including from 120L in a towed model, and up to 600L in a mounted model, suitable for pick-up trucks. Spreading can be activated from inside your vehicle and spread width can be adjusted thanks to a user friendly control unit giving precise control during operation. With an adjustable spinner position, spread can be offset to the left or right. True Grit spreaders are simple, reliable and effective, providing an affordable alternative to large scale belt drive machines. Quad-X also offer an ATV mounted salt spreader, in 60L capacity. The 60L model fits to the rear rack of an ATV and is powered by a 12v motor to ensure an even spread. The plastic hopper is UV stabilized and durable while the stainless steel spinner and shutter plates help reduce corrosion. Quad-X offer a fantastic British built alternative to the array of cheap Italian 6 bag spreaders. The 300kg capacity salt spreader is a ground driven, towed machine suitable for gritting larger areas. It is equipped with UV protected plastic hopper, proper wheel bushings, knobby tyres, and dished spinner for excellent spread widths. The salt spreader is specially designed with a specific gearbox with a gearing ratio for better traction in icy conditions. Knobby 18-9.5×8 tyres are fitted as standard, with 4 stud hubs allow for easier wheel changes. These salt spreaders have adjustable flow rates with the necessary deflector plates and special agitator kits for optimum spreading of salt. The Quad-X snow ploughs are designed to fit on most ATVs, with wider models to suit utility vehicles and compact tractors. Their innovative ‘SUPERMOUNT’ system with implement angle and quick release is the fastest fitting and most versatile system on the market to turn your quad into a work machine. The Supermount System fixes to the underside of your quad and can be used with numerous Quad-X attachments to help you out this winter. It is universal fit, and so even if you change your bike the Quad-X system will fit. The Supermount System is designed to work with heavy loads and provides great ground clearance even in rough terrain, thanks to considerable R&D, allowing you to keep it fixed to the quad all year. Quick release clips allow the snow plough to be fitted or removed in less than 10 seconds. The blade can be angled left/right and can be lifted very high since the pivot point is at the front. The Snow Plough is spring loaded to cushion collisions with obstacles and is fitted with adjustable skids and a replaceable 2-sided blade to protect the plough. Quad-X also provide a service for those with special requirements, to tailor machines and develop products to suit their application. For more details on the Quad-X snow ploughs and salt spreaders or to find your nearest dealer contact: from NI Tel 028 2587 2800, from ROI Tel 048 2587 2800 or visitwww.quad-x.com for more information and to watch video footage. IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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The silage being collected
Leahy Agri Business celebrates first 10 years
E
stablished by Maurice Leahy and his nephew Kevin Leahy in 2006, Leahy Agri Business Ltd provides a complete agricultural contracting service to the farming community of north Co. Kerry. The Leahy’s are also engaged in tillage farming and supply maize to local dairy farmers.
Having previously milked 160 cows, Maurice and Kevin decided 10 years ago to concentrate on agri contracting and growing crops. They are virtually unique in Kerry in that their service encompasses silage, maize, sugar beet and grain harvesting. “We’re a one-stop shop for all your harvesting needs. There aren’t too many contractors out there who harvest silage, maize, beet and corn. We do everything except for hay baling because it clashes with the silage,” Kevin explains. Committed to providing a quality service and complete client satisfaction, Leahy Agri Business Ltd also specialises in slurry spreading, spraying, reseeding, fertiliser spreading, dumper and digger hire. The company has a wide range of machinery to carry out your work quickly and efficiently, providing you with valuefor-money and an alternative to investing in your own expensive equipment. The continued growth and success of the business is down to the knowledge, skill and expertise of its staff, as well as the quality of its equipment. The family-
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The John Deere 7700 harvester is an impressive machine
run concern delivers the value and quality farmers expect from their agricultural contracting partner. Maurice and Kevin run a fleet of six tractors, including three John Deere, two New Holland and one Massey Ferguson. They have two John Deere 6620s and a 6920s. The New Hollands are a T7050 and a T6080, while the Massey is a 6490. In addition, they use a John Deere 7700 for harvesting both maize and grass, and Deutz-Fahr 2780 and New Holland 1550S combine harvesters for grain harvesting. Other plant / equipment includes a Komatsu WA 320 loader, a John Deere 630 mower-conditioner, a Lely 30-foot rake, three Herron silage trailers and two Kane silage trailers, two 2,000-gallon Star
slurry tankers, a Samco 6 Row maize seeder, a six-row Armour beet seeder, a three-metre Amazone one pass, an Amazone sprayer with GPS system, one Kuhn five-furrow reversible plough, one Kverneland four-furrow reversible plough, two Armour beet harvesters one double
CONTACT DETAILS Leahy Agri Business Ltd Causeway, Co. Kerry.
Contact Kevin on 087 7837447 or Maurice on 086 6087246 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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and one single and a Thyregod beet harvester, which is used in frosty conditions. “We bought the Thyregod harvester during one of the cold winters we had a few years ago and it has proven to be a great buy. It allows us to harvest beet in all sorts of conditions,” says Kevin. All machines are upgraded on a regular basis to avoid breakdowns and downtime. Servicing and maintenance is carried out in-house, while mechanic Kevin Lynch is called upon to carry out any repair work. “Kevin is a local lad who calls in and gets us sorted straight away. We are very lucky to have a mechanic of his calibre living in the area,” the affable contractor continues. Leahy Agri Business Ltd boasts a large and loyal customer-base within a wide radius of its base in Causeway, Co. Kerry. The company’s beet harvesting services are sought from Askeaton in Co. Limerick to Valentia Island in southwest Kerry. Customers keep coming back to Maurice and Kevin year after year because they know they’ll get a
high-quality, reliable, clean and costeffective service. The wide range of services offered by the Leahy’s means there is no such thing as a quiet time of the year for them. In the early months, the focus is on slurry spreading and sowing. The silage season, which typically runs from May to September, is a particularly hectic period for the Leahy team who will work around the clock to keep their customers happy. The rest of the year is taken up by grain, maize and beet harvesting.
“When other lads have their machines parked up for the winter, we’re still going strong with the maize and beet harvesting. It keeps us going up until Christmas every year.” Maurice and Kevin are joined in the day-to-day running of the business by Edmond White and, of course, Maurice’s sister, Ann, who looks after the administration. Ann is the heart of the operation making sure machines are taxed and insured, looking after invoices, sorting and paying the bills and all the
Leahy Agri's Massey Ferguson 6490 pulling one of the silage trailers
The Leahy's operate a fleet of six tractors IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Continued Best Wishes To Leahy Agri Business
Cathedral View, Ardfert, Tralee, County Kerry Tel | Fax : 066 7115695 Mobile : 085 8725073 Email: info@deirdreflynnsolicitors.ie www.deirdreflynnsolicitors.ie
Wishing Continued Success To Leahy Agri Business From important stuff behind-thescenes that’s needed to keep a business like this running smoothly. They can take on up to nine extra staff at peak times. In addition to the contracting business, the Leahy’s grow 380 acres of maize, spring barley and sugar beet on their Causeway farm. The farm is divided into two separate blocks, both around 150 acres, while they have a long-term lease on another 80 acres nearby. The Leahy name is synonymous with maize production and harvesting in
Kerry. The maize Maurice and Kevin grow is sold to local dairy farmers. Indeed, they even provide a delivery service. “It’s all dairy farming in this part of Kerry and we enjoy a very good relationship with all the local farmers. Low milk prices have made things difficult for dairy farmers over the past few months, but hopefully things will improve soon and they can return to profit. If dairying is struggling, it will have a knock-on effect for us, so we need milk prices to improve,” Kevin concludes.
No.5 Market Place, Main Street, Tralee, Co.Kerry Tel:066-7123255 Fax:066-7123389 Email:michael@mbrosnan.ie
DROMKEEN AGRI SERVICES LTD Best Wishes To Leahy Agri Business, From
Steel Erecting, Concrete Shuttering, Electrical & Agricultural Services
MOWING, BALING, RAKING, SLURRY SPREADING, RESEEDING, QUAD HIRE TELEPORTER HIRE, WEED LICKING FERTILISER SPREADING, SPOT SPRAYING Dromkeen East, Causeway, Tralee, Co. Kerry Contact William 086-3218151 Barney: 087-7952140
Best Wishes & Continued Success To Leahy Agri Business, From
MAIZE GROWING SPECIALIST Tuogh, Adare, Co. Limerick Tel:+353 (0) 61 396 658 Tel:+353 (0) 87 890 8517 (Gordon) E:shinesagri@gmail.com www.shinesagri.ie 88
IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI
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Best Wishes To Gardiner Grain
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