Patrick Mc Garrigle runs a family farm of approx 38 Hectares (adjusted) at Carricknahorna, near Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. It is an extremely scenic location and would be well known to anglers, who fish the many lakes in the vicinity.
Patrick has been a MED member for many years, and would take a very progressive approach to farming. He has also been a member of the TEAGASC beef discussion group for approx. 5 years, and speaks highly of their advisor, Gary Fisher. He runs the farm himself, with help from his son Nathan, although he says his two daughters are keen farmers, particularly Caitlin.
His herd consists of 45 suckling cows, and he finishes off most heifers for beef or replacements. He will sell the bull calves in the spring at twelve months old. He aims for an October to January calving season, but circumstances are not always conducive. Patrick specialises in a French breed of cattle called Aubracs. He says that they are medium sized and have the advantage of being easy calving. They are highly prized for the quality of their meat.
He is a member of the MED AI cattle improvement scheme, and was particularly impressed by a heifer calf he got out of Limousin sire “On Dit” in 2011. He intends keeping her for breeding. He states also that he was very happy with the progeny from the bull DPZ from BOVA genetics, whose North West representative, Ryan Griffin would be a neighbour.
He reseeds pasture on an ongoing basis. He places great emphasis on grassland management, and as such invested in an aeration machine three years ago. He is very pleased with the results, and states that the improvement in grass quality is evident. He bought a wagon this year, and despite the inclement summer weather, he is satisfied with the amount and quality of silage he has stored.
He also considers using a paddock system essential. He has installed many electric fences to divide fields and facilitate rotation.
When it comes to machinery maintenance, Patrick does most of his own, and has a flair for it. He built an open fronted lean to slatted unit a few years ago as part of an ongoing plan of farm improvement.
Patrick says he used to exhibit at the Agricultural shows, but the fact that he has been getting a lot of bull calves and not enough heifers together with time constraints (preparation and grooming) has meant he has not exhibited for a number of years.
Some of Patrick’s herd have fallen victim to the Bovine TB outbreak which is currently ravaging herds in the North West Region. His farm was quarantined two weeks ago, and it is a testament to the man that he remains philosophical where many would be dispirited. Refreshingly, he has very much a glass half full attitude to life.