I’m TJ O’Brien, and I have a farm in the Horse and Jockey in Co.Tipperary.
I run a calf to beef, low-cost system. I invested a lot in improving the farm over the past few years, I’ve added paddocks and upgraded the water troughs across the land.
Probably the most significant investment has been in a technology to upgrade the sward, the system is called a Rakeman 3000, it is a grass harrow, and it works on 120 tines. It goes through the paddocks removing dead grass, moss and chickweed, as well as breaking up any manure on the land. Using this system on the field works out as equivalent to about three quarters of a bag of nitrogen. It’s a great system, it really does freshen up the paddock. By breaking up the sward and the dung, it helps to prevent sickness on the farm, which is a really great benefit for me.
I have been a member of GLAS since 2015, I joined with the aim of helping the environment and reducing my carbon footprint. As part of my work with GLAS I have two acres planted in bird seed. The seed contains a lot of linseed and it is directly drilled into the field and then when it grows it is feed for the birds and the bees. I don’t farm that land, I am happy to give it over to wild life.
I am a proud dad to twin boys who are nine and a daughter who is seven, my wife Kitty comes from a farming background, so farming is in our blood. The kids love to come down and help on the farm and it’s a great activity for them.
Irish Hereford is my favourite stock to keep on the farm.
They are quality assured, so I get the Hereford bonus as well as the Hereford Prime bonus.
I love coming into the field and seeing them thriving, you can almost see them gaining weight in front of you.
