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EAR TO THE GROUND ***New Series***

Series 28, Episode 1

Covid-19 impact on oyster farms

In a year like no other, one group of Irish producers have been hit by an overnight collapse in food service markets around the world. Ella McSweeney visits Kelly Oysters in Galway who have moved their business into clams and mussels whilst also starting an online farmgate service in the hope of creating a whole new market. Run by brothers Diarmuid and Michéal, they produce 100 tonnes of mature oysters a year. With the clock ticking, stocks are continuing to grow in the bay and will outsize by spring next year when discards are a distinct possibility. Can they educate a very traditional domestic consumer to shell out for their premium product?


Rye Harvest

The Workman family have been farming for 4 generations at Dunany in Co. Louth. Once a mixed farming enterprise with a little bit of everything, the latest incumbents Andrew and Leonie now produce organic wheat, oats and the more unusual gains of spelt and rye. As more and more Irish
people turned to baking during lockdown, flour has never been more in demand. Helen Carroll visited Dunany farm to see this year’s crop being harvested and milled to flour.

Sheep to Dairy

Third generation sheep farmer, Michael Doyle, has been breeding to great success. So much so that in 2008 he was awarded Bord Bia Lamb Producer of the Year. But this year, Michael is selling off his prize flock and switching his operation to dairy production. The hope is that a dairy farm will generate sufficient income for Michael and his two sons to
continue working on the family farm. Darragh McCullough meets the family and their brand new dairy herd in Glenranny Co Wexford, and joins Michael at Carnew Mart as he says goodbye to his prize ewes.