Farming near Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, BETTER Sheep farmer, Patrick Doherty balances full-time, off-farm work commitments with a mixed sheep and cattle family farm.
Given the nature of Patrick’s farming system and his commitments outside the farmgate, having an efficient system and being well organised is of paramount importance.
The holding, which achieved full organic certification earlier this year and is leased from his parents, consists of 28ha of improved grassland in one main block, divided only by a minor road, and a further 36ha of adjoining privately owned hill grazing.
To shed light on his preparations for lambing and to outline his farming system, sheep farmers are invited to a BETTER Farm Sheep Open Day on his farm on Wednesday, February 4th at 6.30pm. The event will take place at Ballynakilly, Churchill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal (Eircode: F92 CX83).
Over recent years, Patrick has invested significantly in excellent sheep housing and handling facilities and attendees will get a chance to view these facilities and discuss how Patrick is preparing his sheds ahead of the lambing season.
Additionally, as lambing is fast approaching and ewe nutrition is a top priority for all sheep farmers, the evening event will provide lots of practical tips for achieving optimum nutrition in late pregnancy which ultimately leads to less issues at lambing time.
Additionally, Patrick’s move to organics and some of the challenges – particularly around growing enough grass in the absence of chemical fertilisers – will be discussed, along with some of the potential opportunities from organic systems.
All sheep farmers are encouraged to attend and hear from Patrick Doherty, along with Teagasc Advisor, Tommy Doherty and researchers and specialist speakers who will add further practical advice and discussions on the night.
This is a free event and promises to be an informative and worthwhile evening for anyone involved in sheep farming.
For more information on the BETTER Sheep Farm Walk on Patrick O’Doherty’s farm, visit here.