Jonathan Marry is an award winning second generation pig farmer based in Broomfield, Collon, Co. Meath.
He runs the farm established by his late father Jack in the 1970’s. While undertaking a daily visit to the creamery as a young man Jack realised there was an over-supply of milk, this led him into pig farming.
Over the next 40 years, Jack became one of Ireland’s most respected and influential pig farmers, pioneering many methods that improved quality and animal welfare.
Jack sadly passed away in 2008 but his son Jonathan has continued in his father’s footsteps since taking over the farm.
Running the farm single handed for almost 10 years he has continued the Marry family tradition of hard work and ingenuity. This fact was recognised back in 2015, when he achieved the distinction of becoming the first pig farmer to win Macra na Feirme’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition.
Pig production in Ireland ranks third in importance behind beef and milk production accounting for 8% of Gross Agricultural Output.
Employment in the pig sector accounts for at least 1,300 labour units on farms, with the total number employed in associated sectors such as pig meat processing, feed manufacture, haulage and services being estimated at 8,300.
There are an estimated 290 commercial sow herds in Ireland and the June 2016 CSO Livestock Survey reported that there are 1.6 million pigs in Ireland, including 149,900 breeding sows.
Based in Broomfield, Collon, Bord Bia approved and EPA licensed Jonathan currently farms 540 sows and sends 300 pigs to slaughter every week. He has invested heavily in the business over the years to ensure that his facilities are to the highest standard possible because the welfare of the pigs is of paramount importance to him and his three full-time employees.
“We added additional accommodation last year to make the farm more self-sufficient,” Jonathan revealed to Irish Tractor & Agri. “That means we are now is a position to finish all the pigs inside and are not selling weanings off site. Everything is raised, produced and finished on site.
“Everything is running very efficiently at the minute but slurry nitrates is a problem that is growing rapidly. Getting the slurry off the farm is a big challenge because dairy production is increasing all the time and that means there is less land available for pig farmers.”
In 2016 Ireland exported an estimated 235,000 tonnes of pigment, worth approximately €615 million. The UK was the main Irish pigmeat market receiving 56% of our total pigmeat exports. 16% was exported to Continental EU and the remaining 28% went to international markets.
At the time of writing, there was no change in quotes for pigs and, with €1.40c/kg being the most common price achieved, Ireland had slipped to 95% of the European average pig price.
IFA National Pigs Chairman Tom Hogan had called on the main export plants to increase prices with immediate effect. He said, industry sources still report improvements across all markets but this is of little comfort to pig producers who have sold pigs at 10c/kg below the cost of production for more than 10 weeks.
These are sentiments that were echoed by Jonathan because ensuring his enterprise is profitable, along with herd health, is a priority for him.
“I take great pride in the fact that I’m able to stay going in farming. Pig production is losing on average €8 per head here in Ireland. Factories in other European countries have lifted their prices so why are pig farmers here in Ireland not getting the same price? We’re certainly lagging behind the rest of Europe.”
Despite his price concerns, Jonathan adopted an optimistic tone when the conversation turned to the future prospects for the industry here in Ireland.
“You have to be optimistic,” he insisted. “I’m not in it for the short term, I’m in it for the long haul. While there are ups and downs, it’s all about finding efficiencies to help you keep going and keep ahead of the game.”
A member of EPP (European Pig Producers), farm safety is also of the utmost importance to the young farmer and his employees and the greatest of care is taken on a daily basis.
“It’s important to always be vigilant to decrease farm accidents and be conscious of safety on the farm and the person coming after you. Every day I’m dealing with augers, pumps and slurry tanks.”
Jonathan’s passion for quality and pride in his produce is clearly evident and, after spotting a niche in the market, inspired him to establish pigspit.ie – a catering company that provides a slow roasted pig on a spit – seven years ago.
PigSpit cater for weddings, either the main event or the increasingly popular next day family and friends party, as well as private and corporate sector parties. They are budget friendly and professional so leave the catering to them while you’re free to ensure you join in with making special memories.
The rapid growth of pigspit.ie is another indication of Jonathan’s passion for quality Irish pork and his ability to deliver this quality product from his farm to your fork.
“It’s a life I was born into and I wouldn’t swap it for any other job,” he concluded.
Pigspit
Dowth,
Drogheda,
Co. Meath
Mob: 0874410410
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pigspit.ie
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 6 No 3, May 2018
