The farm: “We keep 130 ewes, 15 suckler cows, and 50 bucket calves on 170ac. We recently started a pedigree herd with the purchase of a Charolais heifer calf in 2017.”

Young fellas: “My sons Jack (15), Charlie (11), and Harry (10) adore farming. They keep a tight eye on the stock and can lamb the ewes on their own.”

Exceptional animal: “Our pedigree Charolais cow is the cream of the crop, an all-round super beast. We decided to keep her as a donor and freeze the eggs for use as needed. In 2019 she had a really stylish heifer which won the all-Ireland champion calf title in Elphin that year.”

Paul Sheridan's sons Jack, Charlie and Harry. \ Philip Doyle

Tears to joy: “Last weekend we decided to sell this same heifer Ballymorrishill Prettypolly ET in Tullamore. With only two of us allowed to attend, my youngest sons were in tears as myself and the eldest headed off to the sale. The tears weren’t long drying up when they heard we secured the top price.”

Cloud nine: “As a first-time exhibitor, I had a price in mind but knew there was room for negotiation. Coming in at €13,200 it’s safe to say she exceeded our expectations. Directly after, her full-sister Farmer Polly ET sold for €10,200. We’re still only getting over the excitement.”

Paul Sheridan's top-priced heifer Ballymorrishill Prettypolly ET, who sold for €13,200 last weekend.

Sturdy lambs: “The ewes are Texel-Suffolk cross and will be lambing in two batches during January and March. This year we decided to introduce more Suffolk genetics into the flock to get that extra bit of frame, weight and power in the lambs.”

\ Philip Doyle

Family network: “My parents Pat and Carmel often lend a hand on the farm and are great with the boys. Working full-time while balancing the demands of the farm can be tricky, but the support from family reinforces our efforts.”

The linchpin: “Behind every good man there’s a great woman. My wife Pamela works full-time, is a dedicated mother to our sons, and all the while maintains a great interest in the farm. Her support doesn’t go unnoticed.”

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