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.

Joseph Lalor, adviser John Greaney and Harry Lalor on the farm.

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.