Evelyn Jackson is a full-time farmer from Kiltegan, Co Wicklow. Originally from a mixed farm of sucklers and sheep in Hacketstown, Co Carlow, Evelyn was always passionate about agriculture and the outdoor life. She went on to complete her Green Cert at Gurteen Agricultural College and has worked in agriculture ever since.

In 1980, Evelyn underwent a Macra na Feirme exchange programme which brought her to Charmont, France.

“The farm was an experience for me, milking goats and veal production was completely different to here in Ireland. I worked there for three months,” she says.

Evelyn’s farm consists of both a sheep and suckler beef enterprise.

“Sheep are my main passion,” says Evelyn. “I run a mid-season flock of 300 Belclare and Suffolk/Belclare cross ewes, which are bred to Charollais rams. This year, I sponged the older ewes to have some early lamb, but this might not be on a continuous basis.”

All the lambs are sold to Kepak Athleague. Evelyn breeds all her own replacements – 60 ewe lambs are shorn in August and bred to lamb down as hoggets.

She is both a member, and more recently, treasurer of the Baltinglass quality lamb producer group.

“The group is made up of around 50 members, working together to market our lamb.”

Evelyn’s suckler cow herd is made up mainly of red Limousin cross cows, which are spring-calving. She runs Limousin and Simmental stock bulls. The bull calves are sold at the mart in October/November, with the younger animals sold in the spring.

“We have eight cows calving this autumn. The aim is to increase the number of autumn-calvers over the next while. This year, we have kept 22 heifers for replacements.”

Evelyn is an active member of Kiltegan ICA, having joined around 15 years ago.

“The ICA is a good organisation. For me, it provides an opportunity to meet the local women socially and learn new skills. I have taken two art courses at An Grianan, the ICA Adult Education College.”

Evelyn is also a member of Tullow Flower Arranging Club.

“I love gardening, flower arranging and badminton. I spent most of this summer bringing my children, Robbie and Grace, to pony club events, especially pony games. We are members of Shillelagh Pony Club, which was the best idea for the family, considering neither I nor my husband Tony had experience with ponies before.”

Evelyn loves the outdoor life and thoroughly enjoys being self-employed.

“I am always plotting and planning for next week and next year, improving my skills and increasing the efficiency of my farm as I go. It really is a great way of life.”