The Murray family has farmed the land along the River Suck in South Roscommon for generations.
Today, father and son team Peter and Ronan continue that tradition, combining experience and innovation on their calf-to-beef enterprise. “After college, Ronan still showed an interest in farming and works here alongside me,” says Peter. “He earned a degree in Rural Enterprise and Agriculture from GMIT and then went on to become a chartered accountant, all while being the fourth generation of Murray to work this land.”
The farm runs a dairy calf-to-beef system with around 30-35 calves reared annually, primarily Herefords. The decision to transition from a suckler herd began in 2012 and the Hereford breed quickly proved its worth. “They’re docile, easy to handle and they thrive on our land,” says Ronan. “We’ve found they gain weight efficiently even on our peaty and callow land that’s prone to flooding in winter. We’ve seen cattle put on over 200kg of live weight during their second summer, which is a great performance target.”
The River Suck defines much of the farm’s layout and biodiversity. The Murrays carefully manage this landscape to protect local habitats. “We fence off waterways and avoid using sprays or fertiliser near the river,” Peter explains. “It’s important to us. We regularly see swans, ducks, geese, even buzzards and badgers.”
Their paddock system maximises grass quality and ensures early turnout in spring. “Grass is our biggest resource,” says Ronan. “We weigh the cattle regularly with Irish Hereford Prime and aim for over 200kg by six months. It helps us stay on track.”
When it comes to making silage quality is top priority, and the family tests their silage annually by availing of the subsidised silage testing offer with Irish Hereford Prime.
Looking ahead, the Murrays plan to adopt low-emission slurry spreading. “It makes sense,” says Peter. “It recycles nutrients better and reduces fertiliser costs and emissions.”
We weigh the cattle regularly with Irish Hereford Prime and aim for over 200kg by six months. It helps us stay on track.
Away from the fields, community is central to life. Peter chairs the local community centre and the family are active supporters of their GAA club, Padraig Pearse’s.
Future wise their plan is simple: keep going with Herefords. “We’ve tried other breeds,” says Ronan, “but Herefords are sustainable, reliable and profitable. They’ve always been part of our farm, and they always will be.”
When we have some free time myself and the rest of my family are very involved in the local community, I am chairman of the local community centre and we are all proud supporters of our local GAA team – The Padraig Pearse’s, which are one the biggest clubs in the county.
There’s nothing better than coming in from a cold match to a Hereford Prime roast dinner,” Peter smiles. “And nothing more satisfying than seeing a healthy herd grazing on a sunny day.
