Suckler farming on Queen Meav’s island

This week on Organic Matters, we take to the water to bring you a very special podcast on Inis Cloithrinn or Quaker Island as it is locally known, where organic livestock farmer Herbert Farrell keeps native Irish Droimeann cattle and the Lough Ree goat breed. The island is steeped in history, including being home to a monastic settlement, known as the resting spot of the legendary Queen Medb and being connected to the Farrell name since 1141.

Herbert talks extensively about his Droimeann herd, which are born and bred on the island and about the important role that the landscape, flora and fauna play in supporting his animal husbandry throughout the year. Females are sold as weanlings for breeding, with males kept for finishing. He also touches on how he has developed short supply chains to market for his meat, supplying into the local restaurant Skelly’s Bar in Ballymahon as well as producing beef boxes sold direct to the consumer.