As a business that prides itself most on being family-run, Wicklow Calf Company was delighted to be a finalist in the 2025 Irish Family Business Awards which took place at the Johnstown House Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath on October 30.
Ireland’s No. 1 one-stop calf shop, Wicklow Calf Company was shortlisted for the prestigious Agri Farm Business of the Year Award. Now in its seventh year and with over 350 entries, the Irish Family Business Awards has established itself as a premier event recognising the dedication, innovation and resilience of family-run enterprises throughout Ireland. The awards celebrate the vital role these businesses play in the economy and local communities across the island.
Furthermore, these awards highlight the passion and enthusiasm that Irish family businesses exhibit daily, contributing to the growth and vitality of the Irish economy. From start-ups to multi-generational enterprises, the Irish Family Business Awards recognise and honour companies that have promoted growth, created jobs and demonstrated remarkable determination.
Wicklow Calf Company represents the very best of Irish family farming values, combined with modern, forward-looking practices. As such, winning this award would not only recognise the hard work, integrity and dedication of its team, but also highlight the essential role family-run agri-businesses play in shaping the future of Irish farming.
Established as a family-run enterprise, every member plays a role in its success—from daily hands-on farming to providing the best customer care—creating a business that is deeply rooted in trust, collaboration and community. The company was originally built by the late Nicholas Scallan around the kitchen table in Arklow where the idea was simple: support local farmers by attending livestock markets across Ireland and selling stock locally to farmers for their own farms to thrive.
Nicholas’ son Seamus expanded the family business which is now managed by his daughter Elizabeth and two sons, David and James, with daily guidance given by Seamus and his wife Joyce. Generations of knowledge are blended with new ideas, ensuring the farm is both sustainable today and prepared for tomorrow. Their adaptability, whether in response to evolving farming challenges or changing market needs, demonstrates a commitment to growth while staying true to their roots.
The company’s focus is continuing to promote the highest of standards in animal welfare, sustainability and quality. By prioritising the health and wellbeing of every calf, Wicklow Calf Company not only supports local farmers, but also strengthens the wider agricultural sector, spanning as wide as Eastern Europe. The Scallan family’s reputation is built on consistency, transparency, and genuine care—values that are evident in every partnership and transaction.
Beyond the yard gate, Wicklow Calf Company contributes significantly to the local community, supporting employment and fostering relationships built on loyalty and respect. The Scallans are proud ambassadors for Irish farming, showcasing the importance of family businesses in sustaining rural Ireland. Wicklow Calf Company is more than a business—it is a family legacy built on care, commitment and community.
“We were thrilled and humbled to be nominated for this award. We’re proud to be a family business which embodies resilience, innovation and passion,” Elizabeth Scallan enthuses.
“We’ve been providing trustworthy and quality-assured services to the farming community for generations. The standards to which we source, care-for, and inter-community trade livestock are unrivalled in Ireland. Every service we offer is undertaken with a professionalism that could only be developed through hard work, progressive thinking, and 45-plus years of industry experience.”
Wicklow Calf Company has been trading since August 2016 when it evolved from sister company, Wicklow Cattle Company. It’s a one-stop calf shop which encompasses everything from inter-community trading starter calves and weanlings to supplying a wide range of calf rearing products and equipment.
The award-nominated family business promises you livestock that are healthy, hygienic, correctly certified, direct from farm, and that every effort has been made to ensure as little stress has come to them as possible. It also offers aftercare services and advice that will guarantee your calves are properly housed, fed and that their wellbeing is fully protected.
“Calves have become our main trade,” Elizabeth explains.
“We buy in the marts and directly from farms. We have fantastic clients and agents both in Ireland and on the Continent where Poland is our biggest market. Customers can call out to our yard, pick out their calves, buy milk powder and get the best advice in the business at the same time. We handle about 60,000 starter calves and weanlings of all breeds per annum, and pay top prices.”
With the welfare of the calves being paramount, they are bought from farms and marts all over Ireland and are collected the night before by experienced livestock handlers, and either sold to Irish farmers or inter-community traded the next day from Wicklow Calf Company’s approved export Lairage Centre.
Located 8km from the N11, one hour to Rosslare and Dublin ports, the EU-licensed lairage is of exceptionally high standard both in relation to animal welfare and hygiene.
Another string to the Garden County company’s bow is its extensive range of milk replacer and supplementary products which are specially designed to get the best from your calves from day one. The Scallans have selected their ingredients with knowledge of what calves need and want, and have the results to back up their product.
“Milk powder sales have really taken off in the last few years. This year, we’ve sold 4,500 buckets of electrolyte milk aid which our customers are getting great results from. Our father’s main focus nowadays is on growing this side of the business and giving advice. We’re currently in the process of rebranding all our products. We’re constantly investing back into the business,” Elizabeth says.
The Scallan family are joined by three continental truck drivers, three yardmen and three administration staff.
“Our people are our greatest asset. We have a great team and a state-of-the-art fleet comprising two road trains, two rigids and three vans. We’re committed to going the extra mile for our valued customers,” the affable business development manager concludes.
Wicklow Calf Company
Killahurler,
Mooreshill,
Arklow,
Co. Wicklow,
Y14 AH75.
Telephone: +353 402 35257
Fax: +353 402 35649
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.wicklowcalfcompany.ie
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 13 No 3, Winter 2025
Featured, Wicklow Calf Company
