Organic Farm Walk - Thomas Kavanagh

11 October 2023 11 October 2023 Thomas and Noreen switched to organic farming in March 2022 with concerning fuel, feed and fertiliser prices.

Join us on Wednesday, 11 October at 2pm for an Organic Farm Walk on the farm of Thomas and Noreen Kavanagh in Dingle, Co. Kerry.  Buses from Dingle Mart V92 YD26

Thomas and his wife both work full time off farm- Noreen as a primary school teacher and Thomas as a Construction Project Supervisor.

Formerly before switching to Organic, Thomas was heifer finishing, purchasing Angus and Hereford cross calves at three months of age and rearing to approximately 400 kgs as stores.

Thomas and Noreen switched to organic farming in March 2022 with concerning fuel, feed and fertiliser prices.

Land quality is generally good – it’s a south facing undulating block of land which comprises of 36 hectares along with 42 hectares of forestry which is made up of ash, Sycamore and Sitka Spruce. Thomas provides firewood sales locally from forestry thinnings.

Housing facilities have been upgraded in recent years which substantially helped with the Organic coversion.

In April - June this year Thomas and Noreen calved down 24 heifers all of which were in calf to a 5 star  pure bred Angus- it is planned that 27 will calf in late Spring 2024.

Calves born in 2023 will be offered for sale in March 2024 as housing is suitable and potentially there will be a good demand for these as potential replacements and for finishing.

Organic farming was chosen as an option as it suited the existing farm setup, our farm management plans and our interest in sustainable agriculture.