SHEEP KILL
Lambing season is upon us and farmers around the country are in the midst of late nights and early mornings, bringing new life onto their farms. Unfortunately however, there is a threat for farmers that is particularly worrying at this time of the year. Dog attacks happen far and wide across farms in Ireland and it is causing farmers to lose animals and large amounts of money.
In the last 2 months, Sean McNamara in Co.Westmeath has had to deal with numerous separate attacks on his flock. Over the course of 8 weeks, three different attacks meant that Sean lost 40 sheep; losing 18 alone in one of those incidents.
This loss, along with the effect on the remaining sheep, meanst that he is down €10,000 – a significant chunk of earnings.
Helen Carroll is in Lismacaffry to find out more about the toll these attacks are taking on Sean’s livelihood.
WORM FARMER
When you think of farming in Ireland what is the first thing that pops into your head? Generally, most people will think of beef,, dairy and tillage farmers to name but a few. One type that most people wouldn’t think of is the worm farmer.
That is exactly what one man in Co Donegal is doing on his land. Neil Crossan started growing worms in 2002, originally for the recycling market. However, Neil quickly realized that was not where his business was going to thrive, and started approaching tackle shops.
After five years in business, Neil was supplying worms to shops all around the country. Neil has now expanded the business and has four tunnels containing his worms and he also grows wheatgrass to sell on to health shops.
Darragh McCullough visited Neil in Quigley’s Point to find out more about his business, aptly named Living Green.
ORGANIC SCHEME
The world of the organic is no longer a niche area in Ireland, it is something that is becoming far more commonplace over the last number of years. Demand for organic produce is rising, not only on a domestic scale, but also for exporting. However, are we able for this demand or are we missing a trick?
With the organic scheme closed to new applicants we went to visit organic tillage farmer Brian O’Regan in Co.Cork. Brian produces organic cattle feed to supply to other farmers but says that he simply cannot keep up with the demand that is being asked of him.
Ella McSweeney is in Kinsale with Brian where we ask what vision the government has when it comes to developing an organic market for domestic and export?