John is farming in St Johnston, Co. Donegal with the out farm in Newtowncunnigham Co. Donegal. This farm began its’ conversion to organic farming in 2009 and has full organic status since 2011. The land is all owned by John with no land leased. The farm consists of three main enterprises which are a suckler herd, a midseason lambing flock of ewes and also a tillage enterprise.
The tillage enterprise is largely used for growing feed for the cattle and sheep on the farm but there is also a small amount of feed sold off farm to local organic farmers.
The tillage enterprise for 2024 consists of a combination crop (Pea, Barley and Oat Mix), arable silage, Forage rape and a Pea/Bean mix as part of a nationwide trial.
The Suckler enterprise consists of 20 suckler cows with predominantly Hereford x Simmental breeding. The cows have excellent milk ability and produce excellent quality calves. John has recently switched to using a red Angus sire which continues the ease of finishing animals which the Hereford has provided in the past. All cattle produced are finished on farm and are sold through an organic processor.
The sheep enterprise consists of a flock of 50 ewes with a scanning rate of approximately 1.8 annually. All lamb is brought right through to finish.
