I farm: "25 half and three-quarter bred red Limousin suckler cows, and a purebred Limousin bull. I increased my herd from 20 calving last year with the inclusion of five heifers to calve down this year. The cows calve down between 1 January and 1 April and the heifers will calve in December. The cows are vaccinated for scour prior to calving. I sell the calves as weanlings, usually at the end of September. I close 15 acres for silage every year and run the cows on 10-15 acres. The farm consists of both heavy and hilly ground.

Family: "My parents are Mary and Stephen. I have one sister, Catherine, and one brother, Johnny. My brother farms the main home farm, and I farm the out farm. I completed a FETAC level 6 certificate in Agriculture in Clonakility College in 2002 and took over the farm in 2011.

This week: "I reseeded eight acres of silage ground to TS1 silage and grazing seed mix from Kerry Agribusiness, along with three bags of 10-10-20 to the acre. I will sell the weanlings within the next week or two because of the reseeding; three weeks earlier than normal. I aim to reseed 10% a year. I plan to scan the cows next week; last year we scanned 95% in calf so here's hoping for the same again.

Jobs: "I was working in the construction industry, but with the economic downturn I had to diversify to supplement my income. As well as farming, I work two days in Kenmare Mart, droving cattle and sheep. I also work three days a week in McSwiney Expert Store in Kenmare town. I am also a Retained Fire-fighter, which can be hectic at times with gorse fires. You are always on call, with it often being car crashes that I am called to.

Hurling: "I hurl with the local GAA club - Kenmare Shamrock’s. This year we are through to the intermediate hurling semi-final, which is a great achievement. I am also interested in walking and running, and I also tried my hand at rowing this year.

Quotable Quote: "With the ground being heavy and hilly, expansion of the herd can be difficult and a good dry summer is crucial. My plan is to expand to 30 cows next year and that will be my full carrying capacity."