Farming in Donegal can certainly test the skills of farmers as adverse weather conditions can often subject their stock to life threatening situations, while there are limited windows of opportunity to get the necessary work like silage and slurry done when it needs to be.
With fertile soils, a temperate climate and abundant rain water, Ireland has enviable natural advantages for farming the land to produce food, fibre and fuel. Aided by the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream, Ireland’s climate is particularly suited for the growth of ryegrass, an excellent and inexpensive feed for livestock. This simple comparative advantage is the basis for much of Ireland’s farming today.
However, as farming is part of our culture, it is certainly not the easiest industry to make a living in, especially for those situated in coastal regions.
Nonetheless, the country also has a rich tradition of stockmanship and crop husbandry, with farming skills handed down through at least 200 generations.
Many farms throughout Ireland are handed down from family to family and for this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we profile one such family that is in its fourth generation of farming, Russell Bros Farm in Killygordon, Co Donegal.
Ronnie, David, Harold and Ernie Russell farm in excess of 800 acres of land across three farms and they milk in the region of 320 twice daily.
Ronnie speaks to us about the trials and tribulations of farming in Donegal and the perils that go with it on a daily basis.
“There is a mixture of land up here, some of it would be on high ground and some of the flat would be considered wet ground,” said Ronnie.
“We farm 600 acres of our own land, while we would lease another two hundred acres as well. We would do silage and tillage during the summer and all the work would be done by ourselves.
“A hundred acres of wheat is harvested every year, while we do three cuts of silage every year. We have seven tractors and use a John Deere self-propelled harvester.”
Ronnie revealed that the ever-increasing popularity of zero grazing did not suit the land where they would be cutting silage.
“We are too far north and have to consider zero grazing although it is not something that we are looking to get involved in, but if we would if we have too. The importance of the feed has certainly increased over the years and it is essential to give the cattle the best feed possible to ensure the highest possible yield, because it getting more difficult to make good quality silage.”
Research has shown that Ireland’s investment in agriculture produces a far bigger return than investment in other sectors. That is because agriculture sources 71% of raw materials and services from Irish suppliers, compared to 44% for all manufacturing companies. But before all this, the raw materials have to be sown, grown and harvested.
“You have to work very hard to make a farm work. We are continuously investing into the farm and we have spent a fortune on increasing our milk quota, but we have got nothing back since the abolished it, which is not fair.”
Russell Brothers Farm have 1100 head of cattle with many raised for beef, while as stated they do all their own work on the farm.
“Apart from the silage and tillage, we would also do our own slurry and whatever else needs to be done. During the summer months, we would take on a few employees to help during the busy period.”
A number of years ago, the Russell brothers bought a farm of land in Donegal where the renowned Finn Valley Agricultural Show had been held in previous years and Ronnie revealed that they were delighted to continue hosting the event.
“The show is a big success and there was no problem with us hosting it and we are delighted to be involved in it.”
The 23rd annual Finn Valley Agricultural Show took place on Saturday 27th June at the Russell Brothers Farm, Kilcadden, Killygordon, Co. Donegal.
A huge crowd attended the popular show which attracted people from all over Donegal and across the border in Derry and Tyrone. The family orientated event which means there is plenty for all the family to do at the event.
Organisers provided another superb show and the weather stayed good over the weekend and they another successful agricultural show.
The organisers work hard to make this a family fun day, with many attractions including their famous Donkey Derby and free amusements area for the children as well as the usual sheep, cattle, poultry, horse and pony classes.
This year’s show hosted the Cash Jumping Competition on Sunday 28th June in the Show Field, the first time to be hosted in Co. Donegal.
The Russell brothers took over the farm from their father Fred who is 90 years old and their late uncle John who Ronnie moved in with in the family homestead at the tender age of 14.
“My wife Violet, daughter Laura and myself live in the family home, while the brothers live close by. We all work hard to make this a success and will continue to do so.”
Russell Bros Farm,
Killygordon,
Co Donegal.
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 10, November 2015
