There is a general consensus amongst the non-farming community that farming is carried out by an older generation.
However that could not be further from the truth as the agricultural industry is being brought forward by a wave of young people.
Farming has become more scientific in recent years and a college education is almost a necessity if you are to be a successful farmer these days.
There is no doubt that no matter what type of farming you are involved in, progression is the key to success.
The standard of applicants at this year’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year awards showed what the farming community has to offer the younger generation and what they can achieve by getting involved.
Of course, many farms are handed down from father to son or daughter and so on. It is then up to them to bring the farm forward.
As stated there are many different sections to the agricultural industry and one of them is pig farming. And the winner of this year’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year was Louth pig farmer Jonathan Marry.
Based in Broomfield, Collon, Jonathan has been running the family for the past number of years after his late father Jack had initially started the business in the 1970s.
Jonathan’s two brothers Colin and Gareth also run their own pig farms and to say that farming is in their blood would be an understatement.
This year saw the 17th annual FBD Farmer of the Year awards take place with many categories being awarded on the night.
Jonathan admitted to Irish Tractor & Agri that he had to beat off stiff competition to win the award which he was presented with at a function in Ballina, Co Mayo on September 1st.
“I got through the county round and then there were 39 semi-finalists. That was then whittled down to six finalists and we all had to go through a 45-minute interview the day of the awards ceremony and I’m delighted that the judges selected me, it means a great deal to not only myself, but my family also,” said Jonathan.
Farming 540 sows, Jonathan sends 230 pigs to slaughter every week and he has invested heavily in the business over the years to ensure that the premises is to the highest standard possible.
“The welfare of the pigs is a major issue that is constantly being addressed. I’m continuously investing in the business to ensure that all regulations and legislation is met and thankfully we are on top of things on that front.”
The 27-year-old has three full time staff who work a 40-hr week and work every second weekend, and the farm is fully compliant with Bord Bia and is EPA licensed.
Jonathan ran the family farm alongside his brothers Colin and Gareth from 2009 until this year when he took over the farm himself, with both brothers setting up their own pig farms and he revealed that statistics show that he is amongst the top pig farmers in the country.
“Teagasc do our figures quarterly and they come in the top 25% in the country. We buy our entire feed compound and breed all of our own replacements.”
Jonathan added that it pig farming was fickle industry to be involved in as the price of pig meat is not at its best at the moment.
“Prices are very poor at present. As it stands, we are almost 35 cent worse now from the same period last year. It’s simply not sustainable to stay at this level going forward. I don’t see it going up in near future, but I’m living in hope.”
Jonathan is expecting many challenges over the next decade, but his love of the job means that he will meet every challenge head on.
“It’s a life I was born into… I wouldn’t swap it for any other job. You have to keep up to date with the top genetics to optimise the farm production as margins are getting significantly tighter.”
Farm safety is 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.”
A new breeding programme has been introduced by Jonathan which sees him working closely with his genetics company to maximise pigs sold per sow per year.
Jonathan is a member of EPP (European Pig Producers) which will be hosted in Dublin in 2016. He also takes part in a pig discussion group which meets once a month to share and improve information.
Four years ago, Jonathan saw a niche in the market for a spit roasting machine and he went and bought a one as a small venture. Today, he has six machines, the Pig Spit and BBQ Company travels nationwide doing an average of four pigs a weekend.
Jonathan and his chef now cater for all indoor and outdoor parties and special events including: weddings, corporate events, product or company launches, birthday parties, anniversaries, private Confirmation and Communion parties, charity & fund-raising events.
“I’m very busy with this end of the business now, but it is not something that I’m looking to get involved in full time, there wouldn’t be enough work and I enjoy working on the farm too much.”
Broomfield Pig Farm
Broomfield
Collon,
Co Meath
Phone: (041)9826505
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 10, November 2015
