13/2/2015
I went with the MSc Organic Horticulture students on a field trip last Wednesday, visiting two separate organic holdings. I was blown away by the sheer enthusiasm, skills and generosity of time they gave to us. The first holding was run by Rory Magorrian in Ballyhooley, Co. Cork. He trained with Jim Cronin in Co. Clare and is only in his third year running his market garden. The amazing thing is that he already makes a good living from it and plans to employ somebody else to keep up with the growing demand.
A great article about him can be found in the Irish Examiner:http://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/general/organic-right-choice-for-rory-a-city-boy-turned-farmer-275645.html
The second farmer/grower was Paddy Frankel – also a young farmer growing vegetables as well as keeping Aberdeen Angus cattle and rare breed Irish sheep (Kerry Hill Sheep). The amazing thing about this farm is that he does a lot of his ground preparation with his beloved French draught horses. He even spreads his manure with a horse drawn muck spreader which he bought from the Amish farmers in America. This farm is locagted in Doneraile, Co. Cork and is a hive of activity – plenty of Woofers enjoying the good life throughout the year. As well as being an amazing place you could feel a great sense of care for the land.
I am absolutely thrilled to have met two young farmers/growers who have decided to make a living from the land.