Revealed: Kilkenny man is named Farmer of Year

Why Hereford for the Delahuntys?

Edward says “they are a very docile breed, my father Martin is getting older, but he is still out around the farm, so for us having bulls that are easy handled is important. Hereford cattle are always very saleable stock, combined with ease of calving and excellent calf vigour, a great ability to suck soon after they are born.”

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The Delahuntys are very loyal Irish Hereford Prime suppliers over the years, with a huge affinity to the Hereford breed and its positive attributes. Edward has a very positive outlook on farming with the current demand for protein both in a beef and a dairy context. He believes profitability in farming is more positive now and it is in fact regulations that are the biggest barrier for young people starting out. 

BELOW: Michael Cleary, Irish Hereford Prime, presenting his award to Edward Delahunty

Edward’s fondness for Herefords and their role in his beef system is very clear when he says “I could have more cows here but I love the beef side of farming especially the calf to beef which is ideal with docile Hereford cattle.” 

The beef cattle are generally at grass from St. Patricks day until November each year, on a paddock based rotational system and once off grass, are housed on slats with rubber Mayo Mats. Edward notes that paddocks are key to management and performance meaning “lots of grass and regular moves”.

The soil on his farm is medium to light free draining without being sandy. A strong advocate of maintaining a fertile soil, Edward regularly soil samples with the aim of maximising overall farm production. Sugar beet, a home-grown crop, is fed to cattle in the finishing period to help with growth rates and ultimately animal performance.

This award-winning Kilkenny farmer proves that when Irish farmers work together, while also embracing the strengths of the Hereford breed they can achieve top results and promote their beef with pride.