Harry Lalor, alongside his father Joseph, is farming a mixed beef, sheep and tillage enterprise in Ballacolla, Co Laois. The farm represents the county in the Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm beef challenge programme.

The Lalors' holding is one of the largest in the programme, comprising a total of 121ha situated in one block. The primary component of the beef system is a large suckler herd. In spring 2019, 110 cows calved with 106 live calves. All progeny are taken to beef except for replacement heifers. A dairy calf-to-beef system featuring 100 calves and a flock of 300 ewes is also present on the farm. Ten hectares of tillage completes the picture.

Open day

On Thursday 11 July, Harry and Joseph will host a BETTER farm national open day. Walks will take place at 2pm and 5pm on the farm located in Ballacolla, Co Laois, Eircode R32CX29. The beef event is DAFM Knowledge Transfer-approved and will feature a look at financial performance, breeding, grassland management, alternative forages and the topical issue of carbon footprint of beef. Live demonstrations will also take place on the day.

Recently, I caught up with Harry, along with Teagasc BETTER farm adviser John Greaney to talk about the farm and the upcoming walk. Watch the interview above.