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I farm: “A suckler to beef operation on a 104ac site in Athboy. The land is heavy, yet productive. We had a dairy system 10 years ago but needed to make a decision whether to go big or not and decided at the time not to.”
Breeds: “I run a herd of Belgian Blue, Limousin and Simmental and Pathenaise crosses with everything finished on the farm. I also have a pedigree Parthenaise herd and sat on the society council.’’
Experience: “After college, I wanted to gain some experience as a lab technician before going full-time farming to ensure I had a second employment option if I ever needed it.”
QuietWean: “I began importing an aid for weaning calves from Canada a number of years ago. I distribute this across Ireland, promoting it on social media mainly. It works on making the weaning process a gradual one, meaning less stress for the weanling and its mother. September to October is my busiest selling period.”
Ultimate frisbee: “I continued playing ultimate frisbee after college and joined a Maynooth club, Uproar. I have represented Ireland a number of times playing the sport in Italy, Spain and France.”
Blue Jean Country Queen Festival: “I am heavily involved in my local Macra club, Athboy. We have a busy weekend ahead of us as Meath Macra hosts the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival every year.”
Twiddling thumbs: “I stepped down from my role of national chair of Macra na Feirme two weeks ago. Although I farm full-time, I do some relief farm milking and keep myself busy; I wouldn’t be one to sit around twiddling my thumbs.”
Quotable quote: ‘‘I want to farm because I want to farm, not because I have to.”
My Farming Week: Colin Bateman, Timoleague, Co Cork
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