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EAR TO THE GROUND

Helen Carroll, Darragh McCullough and Ella McSweeney - Ear to the Ground, Series 28 (1) Image Name: Helen Carroll, Darragh McCullough and Ella McSweeney - Ear to the Ground, Series 28 (1)
Helen Carroll, Darragh McCullough and Ella McSweeney - Ear to the Ground, Series 28 (2) Image Name: Helen Carroll, Darragh McCullough and Ella McSweeney - Ear to the Ground, Series 28 (2)
Ella McSweeney, Helen Carroll and Darragh McCullough - Ear to the Ground, Series 28 Image Name: Ella McSweeney, Helen Carroll and Darragh McCullough - Ear to the Ground, Series 28

Series 28, Episode 7

Easy Care Sheep
Sheep rearing has always been one of the most difficult ways of farming. Making a living from it has become even more challenging with the collapse of wool prices. Shearing a flock has become an overhead, costing more than the price paid for the fleece. Darragh McCullough visited a Kilkenny farmer
determined to make sense of sheep farming. He has turned to a new breed with unusual genetics – Easy Care Sheep – who shed their wool naturally.


Bó Rua
When Norma and Tom Dilleen sought to grow their herd of Montbeliarde and Friesian cows they found rising land prices in lush Fermoy Co.Cork a major obstacle. Instead of expanding they diversified. Multiple
awards later for their artisan cheddar cheese, that decision has been vindicated. Ella McSweeney visited the couple to see first hand how they’ve doubled their farm income without doubling their herd.

Chilli farmer
It’s a challenge to make a decent income growing traditional vegetables and salads in Ireland, which is why Liam Heneghan is turning to exotic produce in an effort to push his profits. Liam farms 5 acres in Athenry with his father. As well as their usual crops they are now growing 18 different types of chillies. Helen Carroll joins them for their harvest.

TX: Thursday 3rd December at 8.30 PM on RTÉ One