Irish Angus Producer Group farmer members discuss benefits of farming as a career
Ireland boasts an incredibly successful agri-food industry, recognised worldwide for bringing the highest quality produce to market. At the heart of this success story are the primary producers of our food, our farming community. However, farming as a career choice is increasingly challenged by industries such as technology which are often seen as more attractive propositions for younger people.
The Irish Angus Producer Group has over 9,000 members in Ireland who supply the country with the highest quality Certified Irish Angus Beef which is sold in Ireland under the Tesco Finest brand. We talked to three member farmers to get their views on farming as a way of life and how young people could benefit from getting involved.
Sean Flanagan has been farming for nearly 50 years in Four Mile House Co. Roscommon. He is a third-generation farmer who rears Angus cattle on a farm which was founded by his grandfather in the 19th century. This tradition of farming is something Sean would like to keep in his family, with his two sons helping out in the evenings and on the weekends.
For Sean, the welfare of his Angus cattle is incredibly important. To ensure his cattle enjoy the best quality of life they spend as much time as possible at grass. . Sean pinpoints a high level of care and an attention to detail as the driving force behind the production of Certified Irish Angus Beef.
Speaking about farming as a career, Sean says he would definitely recommend it and encourages his sons to take an interest. “I always loved farming from a very early age, even though you don’t get rewarded for the amount of work you do. It’s a nice lifestyle, as no two days are ever the same and you are your own boss,which means that you come and go as you wish”.
Ned Lyng’s farm is situated in Ballywilliam, halfway between New Ross and Enniscorthy in Co. Wexford. Ned farms mainly Angus cattle and has been a member of the Irish Angus producer group for 13 years. He enjoys farming the Angus breed as the cattle are very docile, making them perfect for having on the farm with family around. Ned recommends that more farmers get involved with Angus as they are easy to manage and offer the best returns.
On farming as a career, Ned says that farming works for him as it provides him with the flexibility in his spare time to pursue his hobbies while also being able to make a living. Ned believes that one of the most significant issues within agriculture is attracting new farmers. He said, “When you’re living and reared in rural Ireland it is easier to stay involved, especially if you have it in your family tradition. I would like to see more of the next generation getting involved but in order for this to happen, the industry will need to do more to show the benefits of choosing farming as a career.”
Father and Son, Charlie and David Murphy farm in partnership in Edgeworthstown, County Longford where their family have farmed since 1930. Charlie and David produce Angus cattle and sheep with a typical day beginning at 7am. Each day is different and can include tasks such as herding and feeding Angus cattle and sheep, carrying out maintenance tasks such as fencing, gathering and preparing feed for the coming winter months along with seasonal tasks which provide variety in their work.
Charlie values outdoor life and believes in the importance of maintaining farming as a tradition; “What I love about farming is the outdoor life and the variety – no two days are the same, so you’re always moving from job to job and from season to season… It’s very important for the future of rural Ireland that the tradition of farming and family farms is passed on down the generations.”
