Richard Hogg and his father run a mixed farming enterprise on their farm in Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny. ‘We keep suckler cows, sheep and a bit of forestry as well. Farming is in the blood. I am a fourth-generation family farmer, and hopefully my children will be the fifth,’ says Richard.

Farming since 1988, Richard is a Bord Bia Quality Assured farmer and Origin Green member. ‘At the beginning I wasn’t clear on what Origin Green was about, but the idea of it sounded good.’

What’s involved?

‘The audit process is very simple and hassle-free. All it involves is a Bord Bia representative calling out to the farm to fill out the carbon navigator. He does this by analysing my farm inputs from usage of fertilisers to water and fuel consumption. This helps me set personal targets, highlights what I’ve been doing right and identifies any areas for improvement.’

Richard is quick to highlight the benefits that this has brought about on his farm. ‘From completing the carbon navigator I discovered that if I can keep a cow out for 10 days longer in the grazing season, it’s worth €25 per cow to me in savings. That’s €25 per cow in my pocket and it’s a figure that I can work towards achieving.’ Richard also highlights the environmental benefit in this. ‘While that cow is out for 10 days, she isn’t creating slurry inside so I’m helping the environment at the same time.’

What’s in it for me?

According to Richard, the farm audit has allowed him to compile a list of targets. ‘If I can meet those targets, I’m ultimately improving my profitability but also enhancing the environment, so it’s really a win-win situation.’ Richard believes that the financial incentive available is a real motivator to become involved. ‘Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be taking this on unless there was something in this for me. I’m obviously trying to help the environment as best I can, but it’s much easier to do so when there is a financial benefit for my own farm.’

Sustainability

Richard is quick to highlight the bigger picture of the scheme. ‘Ireland has a chance to be the market leader in sustainable production. It won’t work unless there’s something in it for the farmer. For me, Origin Green brings the two things together. ‘I think it is something we all need to be part of. It is a programme where all food producers, manufacturers and processors come together to try and improve Ireland’s carbon footprint, while maintaining farm profitability. As a country, we need to be at the cutting edge. We produce much more than we consume so there is a need to publicise and market our quality products on the global marketplace.’

For generations, the Hoggs have strived to produce quality beef and lamb on their farm with the aim of producing into the future. ‘Sustainability means that I can farm into the future knowing that I can improve my profit while also improving the environment. It means giving the next generation the chance to farm. The farm was handed to me in good order and I will be hoping to leave it in as good or better condition – that’s the plan.’

Proud to produce

‘Farming is a constant cycle and there is never enough time to look back at what you’ve done. At the same time you have to give yourself credit when you produce quality produce. You have to

give yourself a pat on the back, so there is pride there.

‘I absolutely love what I do. Working with the animals is great. I definitely wouldn’t change it for anything else. It’s a great way of life. Origin Green is a testament to the high standards that our farmers adhere to. It will become a globally recognised symbol into the future and I’m proud to be part of it,’ Richard concluded.

Read more

Going green with Bord Bia and Origin Green