My Farming Week – Francis Flanagan

My Farming Week – Francis Flanagan – 16/04/2012

I am a full-time farmer with off farm income derived when available e.g. steel fabrication and haulage etc. I farm in partnership with my wife Breege and family members chip in when at home. We have a mixed farm on the shores of Lough Erne inWest Fermanagh, which comprises of, a suckler herd, a sheep flock and a numberConnemaraponies. We also have some calf to beef, which this year involved bringing bulls on to beef. This was a learning experience in itself, as these were mostly our own rearing with a small number purchased (all continentals). Our DLWG with some of this stock reached two kilos.

This week I have been mouthing two fillies which I hope to break for riding in the next few weeks. Both fillies are 4years old and are making good progress on long reins. I am impressed by how quickly they have taken to the bit and are responding well to basic commands, necks arched and stepping beautifully. They are already showing excellent jumping potential. (Both are for sale)

 Also this week some of the last of my sheep flock have lambed. It was a long lambing season this year but thankfully so far I have not experienced many losses.

I am pleased to say that most field work is complete due to the ideal weather conditions in March, and fertiliser will hopefully be sown within the next ten days. Unfortunately cattle will not be out in the foreseeable future as the sheep get preference on grass this time of year with the aim of having lambs for market as soon as possible. Our aim is to reduce the overall farming workload, but as yet success rate has been minimal.