Tom Halpin

Address: Roberstown, Carlanstown, Kells, Co. Meath

Farm Size: 63 Ha

Soil type: Elton soil series (Fine loamy drift with limestone) – Free draining farm suitable for early turn-out in spring

Farming system: Spring and summer calving herd selling progeny to feedlots

Farm plan: The main objective is to increase the profitability of the farm and achieve a gross margin of €1,000/Ha. Tom is now farming more cattle on less land than he was at the beginning of the programme. This is increased stocking rate is due to increasing the suckler cow herd whilst dropping rented land. By increasing farm stocking rate Tom can now dilute his production costs. Improving grassland management has been the key focus on the farm, through more grazing divisions, earlier turnout, grass budgeting and increased fertilizer use to support this higher stocking rate.

This farm will aim to demonstrate breeding quality animals with excellent weight for age suitable for a feedlot finisher.