I farm: “300 acres of land, 100 acres of which is rented. Barley, wheat and oats are the main crops produced on my farm. The malting barley and seed barely are supplied directly to Boortmalt, as well as other local suppliers. On average I supply Boortmalt with 500 tonnes of barley a year, but this is increasing with increased production on the farm. I originally came from a beef farm that my father still owns. This is where my love for farming began. As a father of two children I hope that one day they too will have a love for farming and follow in my passion for tillage farming.”

2014: “2014 as a whole was a good year for us. The weather conditions were wet, warm and sunny for most of 2014. This was an ideal mixture for crop growth. “

2013 nomination: “In 2013 I was nominated for the Irish Malt Barley Excellence Award based on my barely seed quality. I was nominated by Boortmalt who saw the high quality to which my crops are produced. Boortmalt are one of the largest makers of malt in the world. They supply the malting barley I provide them with to the Guinness brewery in Dublin. I felt it was a great honour to be nominated for this award. “

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2014 award: “My hard work had paid off and in 2014 I was awarded the Irish Malt Barley Excellence Award and crowned the top Irish malting barley grower in the country. I was competing against 600 malting barley growers in Ireland.

Why I won? "You'd have the judges that! I suppose the highly fertile land in Carlow was a key factor. I take great care in ensuring my land is at a high quality standard when growing and harvesting crops. For me tillage farming is a seven day job. There are no breaks. But it’s worth it when you are recognised for the dedication and commitment you give to your crops.”

Future goals: “Much the same as last year - 2014 was a successful year for me. If I continue to maintain the standard and quality of the crops I am producing I have no doubt I will be able to further increase my tonnage of barley to Boortmalt.”