I am the third generation of my family to farm our land in Clonakilty, Co. Cork.
My grandfather John started the farm and my father took over from him. I grew up here and now I work on the farm alongside my dad, Andrew.
My father was a dairy farmer, so that is how I started out in farming. But a few years ago we switched to beef and now we operate a Hereford calf to beef system. The ease of handling, rearing and finishing Herefords made them our breed of choice.
I have focused on implementing positive climate measures on the land and as a result our farm can now boast a long list of sustainability credentials.
We have four acres of broad leaf forestry and a wild bird meadow in our orchard, as well as bird boxes and bat boxes. In the winter, we provide supplementary food for the birds and we manually manage our hedgerows to keep them free of chemical sprays.
When I was young my father kept bees and recently, I’ve brought hives back to the farm. I completed a beekeeping course a few years ago and this will be my fourth year managing honey bees. I find bees fascinating and I am happy to be able to work with my neighbours, the O’Sullivans to process and bottle our honey which is enjoyed by family and friends.
I have also built a wild bee hotel on the farm to help sustain our colony of wild bees. This is made from old pallets, straw and hay, and ensures that the population of wild bees in the area have somewhere to shelter and stay safe during the winter months.
Our farm is part of our family’s heritage and history, and I am passionate about preserving it for future generations.
When I’m not working on the farm, I teach and coach swimming locally as it’s a sport that I am very passionate about. And of course, there’s nothing better at the end of a long day then sitting down to a delicious Irish Hereford Prime sirloin steak.
Bees are vital for the preservation of our land and our future health.
