European recognition for Kay O’Sullivan
Cork farmer, Teagasc Future Beef Programme and Signpost Programme participant, Kay O’Sullivan has won the Best Organic Farmer (Female) award at the 2026 EU Organic Awards.
Announced in Brussels on 23 September, the award recognises her dedication to organic farming, technical performance and willingness to share her knowledge. Farming in Mourneabbey, Co. Cork, Kay demonstrates what can be achieved through careful attention to breeding, grassland management and animal health.
Congratulating Kay O’Sullivan on the achievement, Teagasc Future Beef Programme Manager, Martina Harrington said: “We have worked with Kay since 2022 and it has been a pleasure to see her continually challenge herself to improve. This award is a credit to her dedication, attention to detail and enthusiasm for organic farming.”
Kay’s herd performance speaks for itself. She achieves a 363-day calving interval, calves 100% of her heifers at 24 months and records zero calf mortality. Her calves’ 200-day weights average 278kg for males and 246kg for females, demonstrating the foundation established through breeding and management.
Using 100% AI, Kay initially concentrated on building a balanced Aberdeen Angus cow with good milk production and fertility. These remain priorities, but discussions with fellow Future Beef farmers encouraged her to place greater emphasis on carcass traits alongside maternal performance.
Since 2023, finishing age has reduced from 19 to 17 months, while average carcass weight has increased by 7kg. This is a significant achievement, producing heavier carcasses at a younger age within an organic system.
“Kay shows that technically efficient suckler beef production and organic farming can go hand in hand. She takes information from research, advisors and other farmers, considers how it fits her system and puts it into practice. The results reflect that commitment,” Martina Harrington added.
For more on Kay’s farming system, watch the below video:
An appetite for learning and a willingness to share
Kay’s appetite for learning is matched by her generosity in sharing what works. On farm visits, Kay is rarely without her notebook, eager to learn about the latest information and technologies.
That same enthusiasm helped attract more than 300 people to her farm walk in 2025. Visitors were given an open insight into the business, covering financial performance, breeding, animal health, soil fertility, red clover and manure management. Kay answered questions honestly and with characteristic modesty, making the improvements on her farm feel achievable for others.
“What I admire most is Kay’s enthusiasm and her determination to get the message out. She is a wonderful ambassador for suckler farming, organics, women in agriculture and the Future Beef Programme. We were especially delighted to see her proudly wearing the programme logos in her video entry,” Martina Harrington added.
Thoroughly deserved recognition
Everyone involved in the Future Beef Programme warmly congratulates Kay on this thoroughly deserved European recognition and wishes her continued success, Martina Harrington added: “Her achievement highlights the value of combining sound technical management with a willingness to learn, improve and bring others along.”
Also congratulating Kay O’Sullivan on the achievement, Siobhan Kavanagh, Signpost Programme Communications and Engagement Specialist, acknowledged Kay’s willingness to share her knowledge through community engagement, farm events, open days and international study visits through participation in both the Teagasc Future Beef and Signpost programmes. As well as claiming the Best Organic Farmer (Female) award at the 2026 EU Organic Awards, Kay O’Sullivan won the Organic Production award in the 2025 Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Award.