I farm: “About 700ac here in Ashford. Around 70 of those acres are in sheltering copses, and we’ve planted over 100,000 trees across the farm, along with about nine kilometres of tree-lined laneways.”

Family: “I farm here with my father, Joe. He grew up on a farm in Carlow and later went into business. He never lost the love of farming, though, and when he bought land in Wicklow he initially leased it out. In 2014 he decided to take it back himself and asked me to come on board.”

Sucklers: We keep around 80 cows and heifers, plus their calves, replacements and bulls, so in total there are usually over 200 cattle on the farm. When we started in 2014, the herd was made up of heifers that were about 50% Friesian. Now the herd is close to 100% Angus. It’s a closed herd, with the only animals brought in being the occasional replacement bull every couple of years.”

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Year-round grazing:”The cattle are never housed. The 70ac of copses provide natural shelter year-round. You’ll often see cows calving in the trees, where they naturally hide their calves. Our location is perfect for what we do because the land is naturally well drained and fertile, which is ideal for year-round grazing. Being in Wicklow, we have a mild climate, good rainfall and clean spring water in every field, which means the cattle can stay outdoors all year without needing housing.”

Organics: “From day one, we knew we wanted to farm as naturally as possible. That meant organic, 100% grass-fed, no fertilisers, no chemicals, no drugs, just farming the way nature intended.”

Ballyhenry beef: “Our beef is sold exclusively through Avoca stores – places like Ballsbridge, Monkstown, and Dunboyne. Our animals don’t go to marts or factories. At the moment they go from the farm to a small private abattoir in Camolin, which keeps stress to a minimum and ensures full traceability.”