Irish Tractor & Agri Magazine March 2015

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€2.95 Stg£2.50

March 2015 Vol. 3 No. 2

McCurdy Potatoes

Liam Trench Agri.

Gamble Bros.

Shanahan Bros.

McLarnon Feeds

Inside Front_Layout 1 09/12/2014 15:17 Page 1

Unique removal rubber peg fitting system (patented)

The e c y o R s l Rol of ts a M r e b Rub

Tailormade to suit your slats cut to your specifications on our precision cutting laser machine Up to 25% weight gains in independent tests New & improved German rubber compound Easy clean surface - no dirt holding grooves Flat animal friendly surface - follows the natural shape of the slat vastly superior to bumpy profiles Cubicle cow mats & loose area mats also available

Riverstick Industries Co. Cork

LoCall: 1890 208 208

Email: riverstickindustries@gmail.com

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Contents Irish Tractor & Agri is published by DG Press, Kells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath

2 Agri News

Telephone: (046) 9241923 Fax: (046) 9241926

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Norris Bros Ltd.

One of Ireland’s leading structural steel & cladding businesses

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Eden Farms

JP Murphy Bros South East’s leading design and build contractors for the agri sector

Producer of top class products

Hegan Biomass One stop shop for all bio-energy requirements

16 Eamon Tinney Agri Sales On its way to becoming a leading supplier of new and used farm machinery and tractors

23 Inter Cool Engineering Providing farmers with a quality service for the past 30 years 26 Askea Tyre Centre Wealth of knowledge & experience 29 Glenmarshal Sires High-health status pig farm

32 McCurdy’s Potatoes Highest quality potato products direct from the farm 38 McLarnon Feeds Leading manufacturer of high quality ruminant and poultry feed

e mail: contact@lynngroupmedia.com

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Michael Quigley Haulage Providing an excellent service to a range of customers

44 Sean O’Malley Plant Hire Ltd. Celebrating a quarter of a century in business

48 Wauchope Agri Contractors Family farming and agricultural contracting company 52 Beechlawn Organic Farm Award winning Ballinasloe based farm 60 GPS Recovery Recently introduced an agricultural machinery transport service 63 Liam Trench Agri Contractors Contintuing to prosper into 2015

68 Shanahan Bros Well established Agricultural contractors & quarry owners 74 Gamble Bros Offering a wide range of services

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WANT TO SEE YOUR STORY FEATURED ON THESE PAGES? Then get in touch with us at contact@lynngroupmedia.com

National sales manager for Zetor Ireland appointed

McHale Plant Sales has appointed Will Doyle to the position of National Sales Manager for Zetor tractors.

A graduate of Kildalton Agricultural College and Waterford Institute of Technology, Will hails from Co. Wexford where his early career included senior level appointments within Slaney Farms Produce Limited. Since 2010, his quest for international experience brought him to Western Australia where he held senior sales management and dealer principal positions with AGCO and New Holland.

Will Doyle At McHale Plant Sales he will have primary responsibility for the activities of its Zetor Ireland affiliate, north and south. This will include all aspects of Zetor sales and marketing with a major focus on dealer development, network enlargement and the expansion of the brand in the wake of recent new model introductions and improvements.

Commenting, McHale Plant Sales managing director, Michael McHale said “Will’s return to Ireland and his appointment as National Zetor Ireland Sales Manager could not have come at a better time for Zetor and our dealer network”.

“With the broadening of the Zetor range to include the new flagship Forterra and new entry-level Major models, coupled with a more competitive price position, Zetor is primed to grow its market share with a model offering in virtually every market segment” he said.

Abbey Machinery Presenting Two New Products

Abbey Machinery presented two new products as this year’s FTMTA show at Punchestown Event centre. Their new Rapid MK2 Pump and their new 9 ft Maxi-Float side mounted topper.

Rapid MK2 The new Rapid MK2 pump offers 30% increase in capacity and features a specially designed heavy duty impeller to give greater performance and longevity. The larger base housing enables greater flow of material, thus optimising the mix and reducing mixing times. The impeller is driven by higher capacity drivelines and offers a larger 1000rpm gearbox with increase cooling capacity to ensure longevity and compatibility with larger tractors.

The new rapid is lower linkage mounted for quicker easier hitching. The hydraulically hinged frame enables ease of control when manoeuvring the pump into any storage tank. Foldable flat frame step allows the pump to be used in the tightest of spaces. The new Rapid MK2 offers high-end output with the reliability you have come to trust from Abbey Machinery.

9Ft Maxi-Float side mounted topper Abbey Machinery will also present their extended range of Maxi-Float side mounted toppers, aimed at providing increased performance to customers. With the average horse power on farms increasing, the new Maxi- Float 9 foot will provide a 12.5% increase to match this.

The new model will feature · Heavy duty drive lines as standard to enhance performance. · Larger rotors and wider working widths for better through put · Wider offset, to perfectly match larger tyres Like all Abbey Maxi-floats toppers the new model will have the following features · Neatly folds behind the tractor for easier transport. · Built as standard with heavy duty swing flails to tackle the trickiest of ground conditions · Hydraulic brake back system as standard to prevent against damage from larger foreign objects

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Abbey 9ft maxi-float side mounted topper IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Weidemann release emission-free electrical farm loader

Weidemann has just released the first fully electric farm loader with articulated steering for agricultural interior applications. With this design and development, based on the classic 1160 Hoftrac®, Weidemann is taking a conscious step towards electro mobility on the farms of the agricultural and equine industry, and wants to keep actively expanding the innovative advantage that the Hoftrac® series have enforced over the years.

With the battery-operated loader, Weidemann wants to get rid of emissions in stables, improve the wellbeing of animals and create better working conditions. An additional effect is the reduction of noise pollution for neighbours in smaller locations.

The first eHoftrac is a 1160 Hoftrac. In Weidermann eHoftrac previous years this model was sold in large quantities as an entry level model and is used in farms of all sizes. It therefore represents a rather large customer group.

First practical tests have clearly shown: The emission-free, low-noise eHoftrac considerably improves the living and working conditions of both man and animal in closed spaces; in comparison to a conventional machine, it does all this without loss in power and performance.

Farm loaders are used in stable work for several hours during the early morning and evening. One battery charge of an eHoftrac suffices for a work input of approximately 2-4 hours, depending on operational conditions. This is quite sufficient for machines in such a performance category. The charging time is max. 8 hours with a standard charger and only 6 hours with a quick charger.

This technology also seems to be very interesting for the thousands of machines used within closed areas, e.g. in the various livestock farms in the agricultural and equine industry, in the unloading of fruit and vegetables and in potato cultivation, as well as greenhouses. But it is also very interesting in small and medium industrial applications.

Particularly in an industrial environment, farm and wheel loaders, when compared to forklifts, have the advantage of running with equal stability both on paved surfaces and off-road. This means they are far more versatile than typical forklifts which are more geared to single operations within a building.

As an advantage for mobile machines, electrical engineering permits extremely dynamic and powerful startup. Due to the short tapping of high currents, electric engines are able to deliver high power and torque within a short period, even far in excess of their electrical load rating. The operator notices this benefit in the machine every time when accelerating. To design a machine that accommodates a price-sensitive market, the developers at Weidemann soon realised that lithium-ion battery technology was out of the question, due to the immense costs. Instead, they aligned the concept to systems that have been well established in the scope of forklifts. Therefore, a tried-and tested industrial lead-acid battery was used in the innovative, electric eHoftrac. The service parameters of the eHoftrac ® are similar to those of the conventional, existing machine. The tipping load increases favourably, due to the weight of the battery in the machine, to 1,348 kg including bucket (machine straight). The eHoftrac® only requires a power connection with 400 volts, to be found on every farm. It is charged simply by flipping open the engine hood and connecting the battery to the battery charger. The appropriate plug receptacle is installed on the machine, which is protected against dust and splash-water.

The eHoftrac® - an innovation available on the Irish market from June 2015.

Austin Lacey Engineering REPAIR HYDRAULIC RAMS & CYLINDERS ALSO PROVIDE AGRI & INDUSTRIAL REPAIRS

Tel:087-2731585 E:austinlacey2011@hotmail.com Grange, Kilcormack, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Case introduces Maxxum Tractor with aggressive new look

A bold new look exemplifies the enhancements to the new Case IH Maxxum series tractors and their reputation as versatile workhorses for the field and livestock operations.

Fittingly, Case IH introduced the five new models with their new aggressive appearance at the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio.

With its redesigned hood and roof, the new Maxxum line foreshadows an updated, dramatic new styling coming soon to the Case IH high-horsepower families of tractors. But the improvements extend well beyond cosmetics.

The new Maxxum series features an improved performance cooling package. They are also equipped with the fuel New Case Maxxum efficient Tier 4 B/Final SCR-only technology that meets current EPA requirements with less complexity and components than other emission systems used in the industry. This allows Case IH engines to run cleaner and cooler, which has doubled the service interval hours.

Some jobs need to be done outside of the daylight hours. These new Maxxum tractors are equipped with eight high-power LED lights and can be ordered with additional LED lights — up to 14 — that provide daylight visibility during nighttime operations. This helps keep projects on schedule with less operator fatigue.

The new Maxxum tractors feature an improved turning radius on a longer wheel base for greater stability in the field. Operators can easily navigate tight turns in the field and maneuver in tight barns at feeding time. This gives the operator the best of both worlds, Bogan states.

The new Maxxum series also offers Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) technology with a double-clutch design that allows smooth shifting and maintains continuous power to the ground. Coupled with the Case IH Multi-Control Armrest, these Case IH machines provide ease of operation that is hard to match in the tractor industry. The optional front axle suspension is now equipped with twin accumulators, which improve the ride, comfort and safety of these machines.

Take the hassle out of feeding sheep outdoors

Local manufacturer Quad-X offer innovative machinery to help you save time and hassle in feeding your sheep meal and silage outdoors. Why spend valuable time hauling bags of feed around your farm? Why make your everyday jobs harder than they have to be?

Quad-X The Quad-X Stock feeder has been designed to take the hassle out of feeding. Imagine……no more bags and no need for troughs.

Quad-X are excited to be launching a new electric drop stock feeder at Lamma this January. The Quad-X Stock Feeder has a 350kg or 500kg capacity allowing you to feed your entire stock in just one fill, saving you valuable time. The electric drop model features a drop counter with variable distance and provides excellent ground clearance. The ground driven stock feeder distributes feed in piles 6ft apart and allows you adjust the feed ratio from ½ kg to 2kg. With the feed being evenly distributed in spaced out piles, stock will stand head to head and so there is less trampling and fouling in the feed meaning less meal is wasted, saving valuable money.

When used to feed sheep in lamb, the Quad-X Stock Feeder helps to save foetal loss in ewes as it does away with crowding and shoving at the trough and ensures all animals get a fair chance to feed.

The Quad-X Stock Feeder can be easily attached to any ATV, UTV, jeep or towing vehicle making it ideal for any farmer.

When it is attached to any ATV it can be operated and the flow rate controlled from the comfort of your seat. The Quad-X Stock Feeder comes with flotation tyres as standard making it ideal for use on most ground conditions even when the hopper is full.

The hopper is galvanised to ensure durability and long life. It is suitable for use in wet weather, equipped with a wooden cover or an optional tarpaulin cover to ensure your feed remains dry while out in the fields. This impressive machine has also proven popular for transporting feed to creep feeders and rearing unit.. It can be used to store feed away and protects it from vermin.

BALE TRANSPORTER: The Quad-X Bale Transporter has been designed for transporting silage, hay, haylage and straw bales. This special trailer can be towed with an ATV, utility vehicle, car or 4×4. The Bale Transporter is ideal for bringing in bales from the field and moving them around even in wet conditions.

The Bale Transporter has been cleverly designed ensuring it is well balanced in order to reduce the weight on the drawbar of the towing vehicle. You can even re-position the transporter by hand when it is loaded with a hay bale.

The transporter was developed to make the bale mass assist with the loading, reducing the force required to load a 750kg tonne bale, allowing young people and ladies to operate and to prevent the quad rear wheels lifting during loading. The clamping arms are designed to minimise wrap damage during loading and transportation.

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Bomford Hawk VFA

Awards for Bomford Hawk

Bomford received a 2 Star silver New Product award at the recent FTMTA agricultural show in Punchestown.

The award was presented to Bomford Export Manager Jim Goddard and importer for Bomford in Ireland IAM Managing Director David Jones.

This was for recognition of the New Bomford Hawk VFA (variable forward arm) which was launched in January.

John Deere Farmsight at Precision Farming

Leading the way in innovative precision farming technologies and dealer services, John Deere FarmSight now features Wireless Data Transfer (WDT) and Remote Display Access (RDA).

Both of these new developments are being demonstrated alongside the MyJohnDeere.com web resource on the company’s stand at Precision Farming 2015.

The Operations Centre in MyJohnDeere.com allows farmers and contractors to manage their land and their machinery fleet from a central location. After logging onto their own secure site, they are able to allocate their equipment to specific tasks, track the work progress of the machines and adjust work orders to match actual weather conditions.

In addition to machine information, the Operations Centre provides field information, with both displayed on a map. With these enhancements, customers can view the documentation data coming from the John Deere GreenStar 2630 display in the vehicle cab. For example, users can then analyse and compare yields to decide which varieties should be planted next season, or they can print out reports for invoicing purposes.

As a result the Operations Centre enables users to get a quick overview of ongoing operations to make sure the right equipment is in the right place at the right time, as well as to make sound business decisions based on accurate agronomic information.

MyJohnDeere.com users can also securely share data with trusted third parties, such as crop consultants, contractors and dealers, at any time and from any location.

To support a seamless data flow between the GreenStar 2630 display and MyJohnDeere.com, as well as facilitate the documentation, John Deere has introduced the new Wireless Data Transfer (WDT) system. During the harvesting season, yield data can be sent wirelessly to the web portal and is available as soon as the combine operator finishes the field. WDT also allows the user to transmit information to the GreenStar cab display and prepare the equipment for the next job. This includes set-up data or prescription maps for sprayers, spreaders and drills, for example.

WDT is available to farmers and contractors who operate machines equipped with JDLink telematics, a GreenStar 2630 display including an ethernet cable and a suitable subscription. It can be activated in two ways: either automatically when the machine operator enters a new field, or when the driver activates the system to start the data flow.

One important element of the concept is to allow all-makes connectivity. While JDLink Ultimate is for John Deere machines only, JDLink Select is available as a universal solution to retrofit to non-Deere machines as well as used equipment. The award-winning Remote Display Access (RDA) is another integral part of the JDLink telematics fleet management system, which uses the machine’s integrated CAN-bus to view key performance data.

RDA enables the dealer or farm manager to remotely view the GreenStar 2630 display and CommandCentre in the cab of a tractor, combine or forage harvester and, if necessary, advise the operator Farmsight from John Deere on how to optimise machine and implement settings.

For example, JDLink reports and customer recommendations are available to analyse machine use, working hours and average engine load.

This enables the dealer to suggest that the customer should keep an eye on idle machine time, consider increased use of guidance systems and eventually adopt a more fuel efficient driving habit.

The dealer can also carry out targeted operator training, even with third parties involved. Likewise, off-site experts can remotely view the driver’s screen for real-time troubleshooting and operator advice in the field.

According to John Deere, using RDA technology can reduce the operator assistance cost* by around 30 per cent, improve machine utilisation and performance, and lead to significant time and input savings.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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John Deere Gator marks 200,000th Cesar milestone

All new John Deere Gator utility vehicles can now be equipped with the nationally approved CESAR security and registration system from Datatag ID Limited, as a factory fit option.

An XUV 855D model was unveiled on the CESAR stand at LAMMA 2015 in January as the scheme’s 200,000th registered machine. The system is now being offered on Gators following its success in reducing tractor thefts from dealers and customers, and has exactly the same functionality as on the John Deere tractor range.

Supported by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), CESAR is fitted on production lines in the UK, Europe and the USA by many leading manufacturers. The system was established in the construction market in 2007 and adopted by the agricultural market two years later, with the AEA’s support.

It works by giving each piece of equipment a unique and permanent identity using state of the art Datatag security marking technology. This cannot be removed by thieves, and is linked to a secure, 24/7 dedicated call centre. Since 2007, CESAR has reduced overall equipment theft in the UK by 46 per cent, increased the rate of recovery of stolen equipment by a factor of six, and also helped reduce insurance premiums.

“I’m extremely proud that CESAR has reached another significant milestone,” said Datatag ID managing director Kevin Howells at LAMMA. “When we launched CESAR back in 2007 we could not have conceived of its success in being adopted by leading manufacturers and in reducing theft. I’m also extremely pleased that John Deere has decided to expand its support of CESAR and introduce it as an optional factory fit for its utility vehicle range. I have every confidence that this will be as successful for Gators as it has been for John Deere tractors.” Newly appointed director general and CEO of the AEA Ruth Bailey added: “The AEA continues to fully support CESAR, and our members who fit the system, in combating opportunistic and professional thieves who prey on British farmers and other machinery users. It has proved to be an extremely effective deterrent against theft and an invaluable aid in the recovery of stolen vehicles.”

Hypro 300 Low Impact Forestry Harvesting Machinery Hypro manufactures the fastest and most effective tractor powered roller delimber on the market - a range of machines designed to appeal equally to contractors and to farm forest owners.

Hypro machines offer high capacity and reliability while remaining a very affordable solution to smaller scale harvesting jobs.

There is a Hypro machine to suit every application and budget.

Call +44 7977210592 today to find out about special offers and finance options

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Blakes Cross, Lusk, Co. Dublin Mary Hill (087) 257 3114 Aidan Arnold (087) 251 2373 T: (01) 843 8711 F: (01) 843 8702 E: info@europrise.ie www.europrise.ie

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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An industrial unit under construction

Norris Bros Ltd. For the best quality building 8

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

norris brothers designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 16:31 Page 2

T

hinking of investing in a new farm building? If so, be sure to give farm and industrial buildings specialists Norris Bros Ltd a call.

Established in Stradbally, Co. Waterford in 1981, Norris Bros Ltd is one of Ireland’s leading structural steel and cladding businesses, providing building solutions to the industrial, commercial, leisure and agricultural sectors. The company has a proven track record and is recognised for its technical expertise, high-quality workmanship, customer service and value-for-money, which has led to a large IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

volume of repeat orders from a wide range of clients throughout the country.

The family-run business employs only the best and most experienced draughtsmen, fabricator welders and erectors.

Norris Bros Ltd erected thousands of farm buildings over the past 34 years which are as good as the day they were built.

The company was set up by siblings John and Nicholas Norris, along with John’s wife Frances, in 1981 to meet the demands of the agricultural sector. The supply and erection of farm buildings has been an important part of their business ever since. The company supplies and fits all types of agricultural buildings, such as dairy units, beef units, slatted units, milking parlours, calf sheds, grain stores, lean-tos, storage units for hay, straw, machinery, equestrian units etc.

Norris Bros Ltd is an approved installer for several farm cladding manufacturers, including Tegral Metal Forming, Duggan Profiles and Kingspan. It supplies and fits all types of cladding, including Agribuild, Colourgalv, Fibre Cement and Profarm, and ensures that relevant product warranty documentation is provided.

Employing 35 people directly and

another 20 constant sub-contractors the business operates from a 35,000 sq. ft. purpose-built fabrication facility in Englishstown, Stradbally, which has a capacity to fabricate in excess of 150 tonnes of steel per week. No job is too big or too small for this thriving business which is fully CE certified, complies with all health and safety legislation, is fully insured, REA compliant and uses only the best quality materials.

Explaining the history of the company, John Norris says: “Our father Tom was involved in the farm buildings business before us, so it was almost inevitable that we would follow him into it. We’ve been at this all of our lives.

“The company has grown over the years to incorporate the commercial and industrial sectors. These have actually outgrown our agricultural division, which

CONTACT DETAILS

Norris Bros Ltd

Englishtown, Stradbally, Co. Waterford.

Telephone: 051 292215/291222 Email: info@norrisbrothers.eu Website: www.norrisbrothers.eu

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Best Wishes To Norris Bros Ltd., from

Continued Best Wishes To Norris Bros Ltd, From

. Insurance Brokers & Consultants .Est.1961.

O’LEARY INSURANCES (WATERFORD) LTD 96 The Quay, Waterford TEL: 051-309130. FAX: 051-849066 E: waterfordinfo@oli.ie

www.olearyinsurances.ie

FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL FLEET MOTOR TRADE & FARM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Norris Bros Ltd From

Power Transport Ltd. International Carriers Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

Tel:058-41645 Fax:058-41602

O’Leary Insurances (Waterford) Limited is regulated by the Central Bank Of Ireland

O’Mahoney Business Advisors

Continued success to Norris Bros Ltd, from

ACCOUNTING, BOOK-KEEPING & SECRETARIAL SERVICES 24 Shandon Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford Tel: 058-42383. Fax: 058-42795 Email: dom@omf.ie www.omba.ie

KIRWAN ELECTRICAL

IRISH

Continued Best Wishes To Norris Bros Ltd, From

DOMESTIC | COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL Installation Maintenance Control Panels P.L.C. I.T. Patch Panels P.A.T Testing 24 Hr Service

Mobile: 086-2394348 Email:jkirwan@cablesurf.com

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&

AGRI

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED

Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Norris Bros Ltd have been constructing quality farm buildings since 1981

now only accounts for about 10 per cent of our overall business. But it’s something we continue to market strongly and place a strong emphasis on because it was our ‘bread and butter’ when we started out.

Many of our best and most loyal customers are farmers, and we enjoy being able to serve the farming community.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of our workmanship and the products we use.

We only use the best steel, cladding and timber products. While we have completed many commercial contracts all over Ireland, we generally don’t go outside the Munster and south Leinster areas when it comes to the farm buildings side of the business.”

Norris Bros Ltd operates its own fully automated in-house saw and drilling line, together with its own shot-blasting and priming facilities. The company’s qualified draughtsmen operate the StruCAD/StruMIS 3D modelling and nesting system, with its automated integrated systems ensuring full traceability and identification of raw materials through fabrication and erection.

The Norris Bros Ltd drawing office is network-linked to a fabrication unit, allowing fabrication drawings to be downloaded electronically to the saw and drilling line, and construction drawings to be issued to the erection team.

With their own shot blasting equipment and dedicated spray shop, the Norris’ ensure that a high-quality finish is consistently achieved. All steel is shotblasted in-house to S.A.2.5. The company works closely with its manufacturers to ensure that the most appropriate and durable product is used at all times. Other finishes that are offered include Intumescent painting, finish-coat painting IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Rhatighan, Tech Group Extension at and galvanising.

Transportation to site is carried out by Mulhuddart for Ardmac Ltd, Dunshaughlin Norris Bros’ own trucks and trailers, and Community School for JJ Rhatigan, by direct contract hauliers to ensure onCarrigaline Community School for Mythen time and cost-effective delivery.

Construction, Cloughjordan Enterprise Erection is carried out by the company’s Centre for O’Gorman Construction, St. own team of experienced and qualified Ailbes School Tipperary for Semiton Ltd, steel erectors. Certification of all N11 Arklow/Rathnew PPP Scheme equipment and machinery used on site is Amenity Building for BAM Building, Bretts always kept up-to-date. Safety on site is a Grainstore Callan for McCarthy Bros, number one priority and this is reflected in Loretto School Balbriggan for Burns Norris Bros Ltd excellent safety record. All Construction, NRA Deport in Kilkenny for erectors have received necessary training Glenman Ltd. as required by the safety, health and And they’re just the tip of the iceberg! welfare at work regulations, and all are As a fully accredited CE certified equipped with necessary certified structural steel fabricator, Norris Bros Ltd personal protection equipment. is approved to erect farm buildings which Among the commercial/industrial are part-funded by EU grants. projects completed by Norris Bros Ltd in John concludes by saying: “While farm recent years include ESB Substations at buildings are generally getting bigger, Moneypoint (Sean Lacey Ltd), Tarbert their design hasn’t changed all that much.

(BAM Building Ltd) and Ballynahulla We are grateful for the business we’ve (Adman Ltd), Boston Scientific received from countless farmers since Neurovascular Facility for PJ Hegarty, 1981 and look forward to catering for their Janssen Pharmaceutical Extension to P1 building needs for many years to come.”

Facility for PJ Hegarty, GSK Dungarvan Additional PP Packaging Capacity Project for PJ Hegarty, New Recycling Facility for Biffa in Belfast for PJ Hegarty, IDA Advance Factory in Waterford for Walls Construction, WIT Multipurpose Arena for John Sisk, Schools Bundle 3 (numerous schools for BAM Building Ltd), CUH Link Bridge Project for Cumnor Construction, Arkady Feed Bulk Store at Ringskiddy for BAM Building, Glanbia Grainstore Portlaoise for Quinn Reddin, Highfield Another example of Norris Bros Ltd’s work Hospital in Swords for JJ

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Tom Hegan harvesting in Cumbria

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A growing sector

stablished in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone 11 years ago, Hegan Biomass is a onestop shop for all your bio-energy requirements. The family-run business provides a complete service ranging from willow planting and harvesting, timber processing to wood chip supply and the supply and installation of high efficiency biomass boiler systems.

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Willow biomass production for bioenergy products is a growing sector in Ireland and leading the way is Hegan Biomass, which prides itself on being leaders in natural solution heating systems. A relatively new crop to Ireland, willow has the potential for high biomass production in short time periods and is seen as key renewable energy source going forward.

The benefits of heating with biomass are many, particularly for large

CONTACT DETAILS

Hegan Biomass 29A Lurgy Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 4DF Telephone (Sales): 07706 845 097 Telephone (Fuel Supplies): 028 8774 0379 Email: info@heganbiomass.com Website: www.heganbiomass.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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The Hegans were dairy and beef farmers and agricultural contractors before setting up their burgeoning biomass business. They grow 40 hectares of SRC (short rotation coppice) willow on their family farm which is harvested in four-year cycles via full stem system. In total, there are 5,000 hectares of willow grown in Ireland and the Hegans manage onefifth of this for producers in Tyrone, Armagh, Down, Derry, Fermanagh and Monaghan.

Willow is air-dried by means of raised rails until moisture/content reaches the low twenties/high teens. This process usually takes between eight and 10 months. The willow is then chipped and screened before being delivered to various consumers throughout Ulster as well as in Co. Louth.

Hegan Biomass is a member of Irbea which promotes opportunities for biomass energy in the north and south and represents the interests of producers and users by lobbying Government and its agencies in respect of legislation, research and funding programmes that impact on the sector.

The family enterprise provides a contract harvesting service by means of

enterprises and factories which can save up to 50 per cent on their heating costs by switching from oil. Alan Hegan, who runs Hegan Biomass along with his brother George and parents Tom and Mary, explains: “For any business using medium to high amounts of energy, a biomass boiler system is well worth considering.

“While it’s expensive to install initially, huge savings will be made in the long term. Several years ago, we had our first biomass boiler supply contract at the Cookstown Leisure Centre and they have saved £70,000 per annum on their heating bill since.

“There are planting grants available for producers in the Republic, and I can see many farmers availing of them and getting into this type of farming.”

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

full stem harvester as well as support services, including haulage, chipping, screening and consultation/advice on air drying of SRC willow.

The company has a direct production capacity of 20,000 dry tonnes per annum of wood chip.

Its main production/operations base is in Dungannon. In addition, in 2012 it opened regional fuel depots in Randalstown, Co. Antrim and Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.

A rigorous in-house quality control system is in place to ensure that all wood chip is of agreeable, consistent quality and meets either G30 or G50 specification. The primary processing involves chipping the full stem rods. After chipping, a secondary screening process is undertaken which removes any chip that does not meet specification, depending on screens involved.

A variety of fuel delivery options are available to consumers. All fuel is supplied as standard at 20 per cent moisture content. This complies with the EU W20 standard and provides maximum available energy per tonne as gross energy content in the timber (and energy output of the boiler) is not wasted driving off excess moisture.

Cathal Ellis and George Hegan

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On the recent Heizomat trip in Germany were : l/r: Bernd Schulch, Alan Hegan, Sam Cameron, Stewart Cameron, George Hegan, Harry Sinclair, Alex Cardwell, Fergal Woods, Adam Cardwell

SRC consists of densely planted, highyielding varieties of either willow or poplar, which is commonly harvested every three years. SRC is a woody, perennial crop, the rootstock or stools of which remain in the ground after harvest with new shoots emerging the following spring. A plantation could be viable for up to 30 years before replanting becomes

necessary, although this depends on the productively of the stools. Unlike forestry, the land can be put back into agricultural use immediately after harvesting and remains eligible throughout for single farm payment entitlements.

Willow is planted in the spring using planting material produced by specialist breeders and equipment specifically

Standard Brands producers of Zip Firelighters & Firelogs would like to wish Hegan Biomass continued success for the future

designed for the purpose. The willow grows rapidly in the first year, reaching up to four metres in height. During the winter after planting, the stems are cut back to ground level to encourage the growth of multiple stems, i.e. coppiced.

Most operations other than planting or harvesting can be completed using conventional farm machinery.

George Weir & Son Ltd

Wishing Continued Succes To Hegan Biomass, From

QUALITY USED TRACTOR, EXCAVATOR & TELEHANDLER SALES

54 Mullybrannon Rd., Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 7ER Telephone: 028- 8772 3205 |Email: weirtract@aol.com

www.georgeweirandsonltd.com Best Wishes To Hegan Biomass, From

QUALITY USED VANS & SERVICING

We Specialise in Ford Repairs & Carry All Ford parts & Spares 68 Legilly Road, Dungannon, BT70 1PE Telephone:028- 87723399 / 07748 112820 www.lmctradesales.com

14

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Hegan designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 10:59 Page 4

Hegan Biomass has been in business for 11 years

Shane Wylie, Alan Hegan and Jason Rice planting willow in Co. Donegal

Willow will grow on any suitable soil and will produce up to 15 tonnes dry matter. Here in Ireland, we have one of the world’s most favourable climates for tree and plant growth.

When using willow chip, not only is fossil fuel replaced by Green renewable energy, but the carbon dioxide produced in the burning process has already been used up by the plant in previous growing seasons, making it carbon neutral.

Harvesting is carried out after leaf-fall in winter using the Stemster willow harvester, which is the only one currently operating in Ireland. The Stemster cuts the willow as a wholestem and deposits it in large bundles at the field’s perimeter to allow natural air drying.

Over the summer months, the moisture content naturally reduces from 50 per cent at harvest to around 20 per cent by mid-September. If further moisture reduction is required, it’s necessary to house the stacks under a simple roof with good air flow around it.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

As installers of high efficiency biomass boiler systems, Hegan Biomass is proud to be the official distributor for Heizomat in Ulster. Heizomat is a well-established German company that produces a wide range of biomass boilers and wood chipping machinery. Hegan Biomass can tailor systems to ensure your installation is a complete success.

Renewable energy solutions from willow and multi-fuel burning biomass boilers burning pellets, sawdust, shavings or woodchips offer a sustainable and great value option for heating requirements in the long term. In an age of everincreasing fuel costs, Hegan Biomass can offer a long-term efficiency solution.

Hegan Biomass is expected to go from strength to strength in the coming years as the emphasis on renewable fuels continues to grow.

“By 2020, internationally agreed targets stipulate that renewable heat must and will account for 10 per cent of the overall heating figure across this island so, on that basis, there will be an awful lot of biomass needed,” Alan Hegan concludes.

Tyres Tyre Fitting & Repairs Computerised Wheel Alignment Alloy Wheel Repairs Agricultural Tyres Agricultural Supplies

Continued Best Wishes To Hegan Biomass 114 Battery Road, Cookstown Co Tyrone BT80 0HW Telephone: 028-8673 6546 Email Us: qctyres@live.co.uk | www.qctyres.co.uk 15

eamon tinney designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 16:21 Page 1

Eamonn Tinney supplies a wide range of tractors

E

Eamonn high

stablished just two years ago, Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales in Letterkenny is well on its way to becoming Ireland’s leading supplier of new and used farm machinery and tractors.

The fledgling business was formed after Eamonn and his brother Liam decided to

16

split Eamonn Tinney & Sons – which had been run by their father Eamonn Snr for nearly 30 years – into two divisions, Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales and Tinney Agri Spares. The two businesses operate from under the same site in Drumnahoe, Letterkenny and between them cater for all your farm machinery and spare part needs.

Also on site is the largest farm-based

toy store in Ireland, Tinney’s Toys, which is run by Liam. The shop stocks everything from pedal tractors, go-karts, swings, slides, dolls and prams to children’s farm clothing and farm simulation games. There are thousands of products available to buy in store or online (www.tinneystoys.com) all year round.

The Tinney name has been IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

eamon tinney designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 16:21 Page 2

Eamonn behind the desk

synonymous with the agri machinery sales sector since 1987 when Eamonn Tinney Snr set up his business as a side line to the family farm. Over the years, it grew into a leading agri machinery retailer and both Eamonn Jnr and Liam are determined to build on the solid foundations laid by their father.

The decision to restructure the family business means Eamonn is now able to supply all types of new and used tractors and equipment; not just John Deere.

“We feel that we are more competitive now that we are no longer tied to a particular brand of tractor,” he says.

“The John Deere brand served us well over many years and we continue to be an independent John Deere specialist. We still

offer a full John Deere servicing, aftersales and parts service. Our mechanic, Gavin Laird, is a fully-trained John Deere technician.

“But we now also have the freedom to supply other top tractor brands such as New Holland, Massey Ferguson, McCormick and SAME. It is a win-win situation for us and for our customers who have a much wider selection of tractors to choose from.”

Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales supplies new and used machinery and tractors to farmers throughout the North-West.

Many items including tractors, balers, heavy plant and grass equipment, are in stock at any given time. Eamonn can source any tractor or piece of farm machinery you require and stands over everything he sells.

“We source our tractors and machinery locally and in the UK,” he reveals.

“We only buy in stock that is of the highest quality. We have a wide range of new and used tractors and machinery to suit everyone at the most competitive prices. We have everything the farmer needs!

“We are always on the lookout for good

CONTACT DETAILS

Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales

A selection of round balers on display IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Riverbanks, Drumnahoe, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Telephone: 074 9129317 Mobile: 087 2423739

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eamon tinney designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 16:21 Page 3

Best Wishes To Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales, From

Stevens, Finavara, Burrin, Co. Clare Telephone: 065-7078200 | M:086-6008139

Continued Best Wishes To Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales From

PEARSE ROAD TYRES Best Wishes To Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales, From

Larkins Lane,Off Pearse Rd., Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel: 074-9124660

Best Wishes To Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales From

Irelands Largest Farm Toy Superstore

Specialists in Parts for

JOHN DEERE, SAME, KUHN, Mc HALE

Express nationwide delivery from only €5.00

SHOP ONLINE: www.tinneytoys.com

Stocking parts for all makes and models Leck Road, Drumnahoe, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Leck Road, Drumnahoe, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Tel: 074 -9122374

Tel: 074- 9120363

CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTATION WITHOUT OBLIGATION

We cater for all types of general insurance, e.g. House, Cars, Vans, Motor Traders, Haulage , shops, offices, Hotels, Pubs and much more

OMALLEYSCANLON INSURANCE BROKERS LTD Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland Donegal Street, Main St,Dungloe, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal FARM Co. Donegal Tel:074-9521322 E C N Tel:074-9131020 074- 9522206 INSURA Wishing Eamonn & His team Continued Success In The Future

Daytona Heavy Haulage Best Wishes To Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales, From

Our services include:

• Daily service to and from the UK • Movement of heavy Plant and machinery around Ireland • Storage Facilities • 24-Hour recovery Service • Auction deliveries and collections Donegal Town, Co.Donegal

Contact Seamus Mobile + 353 86 8608019

Fax + 353 74 97 40980 E: info@daytonaheavyhaulage.com

www.daytonaheavyhaulage.com 18

Wishing Continued Success To EAMONN TINNEY AGRI SALES

• HYDRAULIC HOSE ASSEMBLIES & FITTINGS • INTERPART JCB SPARES • HYDRAULIC RAM & SHAFT SEALS • BALDWIN FILTERS, AGRI & PLANT • EXCAVATOR TIPS & CUTTING EDGES • OILS & GREASES • BEARINGS & BELTS

Cullion Rd., Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel: (074) 9122681 • Tel/Fax: (074) 9126134 Email: axisspares@eircom.net

IRISH

&

AGRI

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED

Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

eamon tinney designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 16:21 Page 4

quality used stock. Another key part of our business is servicing. We even have a fully equipped service van which can carry out repairs on the farm or on the roadside.”

Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales is an agent for some of the leading farm machinery brands.

These include McHale equipment, HiSpec slurry tankers, KUHN (who manufacture everything from ploughs to balers to spraying equipment), Bogballe fertiliser spreaders, NC slurry tankers and Woods Best Wishes To Eamonn Tinney Agri Sales

The Tinney workshop

trailers. Feel free to contact Eamonn on 087 2423739 to find out more about what he has to offer or to get a quote for selling your used machine.

Eamonn is currently in the process of developing his new website www.eamonntinney.com which displays the products he has in stock. “We’re hoping the website will increase sales for us and give us a wider customer-base.

At the moment, the majority of our customers are from the North-West, and we’d like to expand into other parts of the country.

“We hope to have a nationwide customer-base in a few years.

“Last year was quite good and we expect sales to be up again this year.

We had a lot of new machines going

out in January which was a positive sign,” he says.

“The recession hit everyone hard, but farmers seem to be more upbeat now and are willing to spend again. Our biggest selling new machine last year was the McHale 5500 baler. We sold quite a few second hand John Deere, Massey Ferguson and New Holland tractors as well.

“We also noticed a big demand for 1214 ton excavators, with farmers spending up to €40,000 for them. We buy all our used excavators in the UK because they’re simply not available in Ireland. Most of them were exported during the recession and there is a shortage of them as a result.”

McHale, Hispec and Woods are among the well-known brands in stock IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

19

Eden Farms designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 16:54 Page 1

The impressive farm at Enniscorthy

Excellent potatoes and much more besides

S

tephen Hatton is renowned for the high quality of his potatoes. However, Hatton Potatoes aren’t the only top-class products grown on the Wexford man’s substantial farm. It’s very much a mixed farm, with cereals

20

also to the fore as well as, more recently, Christmas trees. We visited Enniscorthy to take a closer look at this impressive operation.

In addition to 450 acres approximately of mixed variety potatoes, Stephen Hatton also farms some 850 acres of cereal and is currently growing 125,000 Christmas trees.

His is a busy operation but the amiable Wexford man still found time to let us have a quick look around his farm in Enniscorthy, County Wexford.

Stephen started growing potatoes when he was 19.

That was 32 years ago, so he is a master of his craft at this stage! “My late father, Alfie, had a farm and he did corn and feed,” reflects the man who established Eden Farms as a limited company a decade ago. “I came home from Gurteen Agricultural College and started off with about two-and-a-half acres of potatoes

CONTACT DETAILS

Eden Farms,

Ballyeden, Davidstown, Ennicorrthy, Co. Wexford

email: mehatton@eircom.net IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Eden Farms designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 16:54 Page 2

and built it up from there.

“I grew it gradually – six acres, then eight, then ten, Today, I have 450 acres of potatoes and I’ve been growing between 400 and 450 consistently for seven or eight years now.” Two-hundred acres of this is Stephen’s own land; the other 250 is rented.”

When you add in the 850 acres of cereal it becomes clear that this is an extremely busy set-up. But fortunately Stephen has plenty of help at hand. His wife Marina and son Henry provide vital back-up, while gainful employment is also provided for three additional fulltime personnel as well as seasonal staff.

And then there’s the Christmas trees…

“There are 125,000 trees there at the minute. We’ll start harvesting those later this year. The first batch of them will have been in the ground for seven years by then,” Stephen explains. There’s a slight risk involved – as well as a substantial investment of time and money – but this departure epitomises the spirit of adventure that has got Stephen Hatton to where he is today.

Returning to the spuds, Hatton Potatoes produces 55 acres of the specialist Lady Jo variety for Largo Food in Ashbourne, County Meath (who make Tayto crisps) plus 300 acres of Roosters which are sold to packers nationwide including Country Crest, O’Shea Farms, KK Produce, Dennigans in Dublin and Glens of Antrim as well as assorted shops and wholesalers and the markets in Dublin. On top of this, Stephen grows around 25 acres of Golden Wonder, 25 acres of Kerr Pinks and up to 50 acres of Queens.

With on-site storage capacity for 4,500 tonnes, Stephen’s farm is kept ticking over all year around. He operates six tractors

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

– five Fendts and one John Deere – as well as a combine harvester, two destoners and all the other machinery required to keep everything running independently, smoothly and efficiently.

While contractors are used for some of the barley and straw, all other work is done in-house. “We do all our own

ploughing, sowing, pressing, cutting and spraying and are completely selfsufficient when it comes to potatoes,” Stephen adds.

In terms of cereal, Hattons grow mostly spring barley, winter barley and spring rapeseed. “We do about 100 acres of rape, 70 acres of winter wheat, 60 acres of winter oats, 200 acres of winter barley and the rest would be spring barley. The seed corn is grown for Connollys of Goresbridge in Carlow, while the grain goes to John Cullen Grain and Glanbia.”

Of course, it is not all plain sailing on a farm of this scale. Far from it, in fact!

Margins are tight and it takes a lot of hard work, expertise and determination to turn a profit. When overheads remain almost prohibitively high, greater efficiencies must be sought out to ensure that the business remains profitable. This is an ongoing battle – and a difficult one to win.

“It can be very tough,” says Stephen.

“Undoubtedly the greatest difficulties we have encountered in recent times have been caused by fuel prices. At one stage, it was costing us €100,000 a week in spring time between green and white diesel, which is a massive cost. It has come back a bit now but the price of diesel is still leaving us under pressure.

“The poor grain prices this year also presented problems. The yields were very good, so the prices were bad, which meant that it was very hard to make any money on the grain.”

The irony is cruel but that’s how the marketplace operates: some years, highquality grain is worth a lot less than other years…

Looking to the future, Stephen Hatton intends to keep producing the

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excellent range of potatoes and cereals for which he has become renowned, while his venture into Christmas trees will finally start to come to fruition next winter: “We will keep doing what we are doing and – if at all possible – we will try to do it even better,” he concludes. “The Christmas trees will be a new thing for us this year and we will be harvesting them ourselves.

That venture is in conjunction

with Porter Christmas Trees in Carnew, County Wicklow and all of the trees will be heading for the export market.

“We’ll be taking the first round of trees out of the ground this year and hope to keep planting 30,000 a year every year from now on. It’s something new and we’re hoping it will go well.”

Judging by Stephen Hatton’s impressive track record to date, this could be yet another winner!

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Eden Farms From All At

Gillespie Trailers

Gillespie Trailers, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow Tel:059 6473232 Email: gillespietrailers@gmail.com www.gillespietrailers.com Best Wishes & Continued Success To Eden Farms & Thank You For All Your Custom

Continued best wishes to EDEN FARMS, from

The Inch, Balrothery, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin Tel: 01-8413880. Fax: 01-8413885. Mobile: Sales 086 8595532 Service 086 1708791. E: info@kevinwoodsmachinery.ie

Glanbia Agribusiness Tel:1890 321 321 E:agricsc@glanbia.ie | www.glanbiaagri.ie

www.kevinwoodsmachinery.ie

FOR ALL YOUR POTATO AND VEGETABLE HANDLING EQUIPMENT

BAILEY BROS

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Eden Farms From

Comprehensive range of equipment for hire including Beet Washing & Destoning, Maize Sowing & Harvesting, LGP Air Assisted Self Propelled Spraying, Silage Harvesting, Sqaure Bale Silage & Baling Wrapping.

Feed For Sale: Beet, Square Bale Silage, Square Bale Haylage & Feeding Straw Craan, Craanford, Gorey, Co. Wexford Tel:087-2554844,087-2605264,053-9428132 22

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

intercool designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 11:02 Page 1

T

30 years being cool

he farming industry and in particular dairying has changed greatly over the years as new milking systems have revolutionised the market.

For the past 30 years, Inter Cool Engineering has been providing farmers with a quality service both north and south of the border.

Operating from their head office in Mullagh, Co Cavan, the company was established in 1984 and is now one of the leading milking equipment suppliers to the North East and all of Northern Ireland.

Inter Cool Engineering has continued to move with the times and the company is now the main agent in Ireland for Mueller milk cooling systems.

The company was established

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

by Gene Ormiston and the managing director speaks to Irish Tractor & Agri about the success of the business over the past 30 years.

Inter Cool provides a wide range of products and parts including milk coolers, condensing units, falling film chillers, LS Chiller, pre-heaters and plate coolers, Bulk Milk Tanks, Cold Rooms and Air

Conditioning.

Gene started from humble beginnings, but through hard work and endeavour, he and his staff have built the company into what it is today.

“I began engineering work as a 16-yearold in Bailieboro Co-Op where I was servicing machines and it all stemmed from there. During that time, there were a lot more farmers operating,” said Gene.

“I was locally based for a number of years and then in 1994, the Northern Ireland Milk Board made changes that allowed us to work up there. We got a lot of business from that and fifty percent of our work would be carried out in the north.”

When Inter Cool first started operations, they concentrated on manufacturing their own products, but Gene admitted that the high

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intercool designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 11:02 Page 2

hill Motors e s o R SALES- SERVICE Best Wishes To Intercool Engineering From

REPAIRS

Rosehill, Mullagh, Co. Cavan Email: rosehillmotors@hotmail.com

T:046-9242885 T:086-8226857

Congratulations To Intercool Engineering On 30 Years In Business

Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel:057-8680982 Email: jwrs@eircom.net Best Wishes To Intercool Engineering From

South Eastern Chemicals Ltd are manufacturers of a high quality, dairy hygiene products, which are suitable for all milking plant and bulk storage tanks SOUTH EASTERN CHEMICALS LTD T: +353-51-885405 / 885415 F: +353-51-885591 E: southeasternchemicals@eircom.net www.southeasternchemicals.ie

Continued Best Wishes To Intercool Engineering

BRIAN DALY TYRES Fantastic Value In All Brands

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Intercool Engineering From

Of Car, Agricultural, Truck & Implement Tyres LARGE SELECTION OF PART WORN TYRES TO CHOOSE FROM IMPORTING PART WORN CAR, AGRICULTURAL, IMPLEMENT & TRUCK TYRES EVERY TWO WEEKS

087-6394509 Rantavan, Mullagh, Kells, Co. Meath E: breendaly@eircom.net | F:046-9242395

BIRDY OIL Congratulations To Intercool Engineering On 30 Years In Business, From

6 DAYS A WEEK DELIVERY

Ardee Road, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan

Tel:042-9664222 Contact Michael on 087-6644739

HILLVIEW MOTORS Email: birdyoils@eircom.net

Best Wishes to Intercool Engineering, from

Kells Road, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.

Tel: 042-9667827 Fax: 042-9668503 Email: hillviewmot5@gmail.com

TRUCK & TRAILER REPAIR Best Wishes To Intercool Engineering

Dundalk Branch

Unit 3, Butterly Business Park, Coes Road, Dundalk, Co Louth T: 042- 9327305 M: 086- 609 5702 F: 042- 9353578

24

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

intercool designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 11:02 Page 3

cost of running that end of the business forced a rethink.

“The insurance was colossal when we were manufacturing, so when we got the dealership with Mueller, I thought it would be best to concentrate solely on sales and service and it’s a decision I haven’t regretted.

“Mueller are an American owned company and they are internationally renowned for producing hi-performance products that are 30% more efficient than their rivals on the market.

“We would pride ourselves in offering sales and service to both the smallest dairy farmer to the largest. Our in-depth knowledge of the industry allows us to provide expertise on sales, planning, drawings, installation and after care service 365 days of the year.”

Inter Cool fit and service all equipment that they sell and for them to solely carry out these tasks, Gene has added crane mounted trucks to their fleet.

“We used to sub in lorries to carry the tanks and lift them off, but we found that it paid for us to have our own and not be relying on anyone else. We have invested heavily in the business to ensure that the customer continues to get the service that they expect.”

Gene admits that keeping the customer happy is one of their main priorities. “Our

aim is to offer a good service and I think we have been doing that so far, but it is up to us to ensure that we continue doing that or else the customer will take his business elsewhere.”

To achieve their goal of providing a good service, Gene states that he is fortunate to have a reliable and efficient workforce who are each highly trained in

their field of expertise.

“There are ten employed here and all are highly trained and very good at their jobs. The foreman Noel Cooney has many years’ experience, while my sister Maureen Donoghue looks after the clerical side of the business and Jimmy Fox does the accounts.”

Gene admits that there have been many changes to the industry since he started out, but it is imperative for them to remain up to date in any improvements on the systems.

“I suppose the biggest change has been the use of software. A lot of stuff is computerised now and we are continuously learning about the latest technology used. We would have a dedicated software team that look after this area. We view the relationship with our customers as a long term partnership. We offer servicing support, emergency service, software support and technical support on an ongoing basis.”

Inter Cool also operate in the field of renewable energy supplying solar panels and heat pumps for the industrial sector, while they do all types of refrigeration work.

“We offer a comprehensive service to an ever-increasing customer base. We provide a nationwide service and hopefully we can continue to develop over the coming years.”

CONTACT DETAILS

Intercool Engineering

Mullagh, Co Cavan, Ireland Phone:046 924 2194 Email: info@intercoolireland.com

James Quinn

Best Wishes To Intercool Engineering, from

Transport

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SPECIALIZING IN THE MOVEMENT OF FARM MACHINERY TO AND FROM EUROPE WEEKLY for a quotation, please call 086 -2489877 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

McGUIGAN MOTORS Wishing Continued Success To Intercool Engineering, From

SERVICE - SALES- REPAIR Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

P: 042- 97 40144 F: 042- 97 46602 | www.mcguiganmotors.com

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Askea Tyres designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 10:54 Page 1

Customer care central to Askea Tyre Centre’s success P

Askea Tyre Centre - a leading tyre specialist in Co. Carlow

roper tractor tyre Carlow-based Askea Tyre Centre maintenance not only helps are on hand to offer the best of extend the life of your tyres, advice. but also can have significant impact in helping to improve overall efficiency in the field. Established in 1995, Askea Tyre Centre

Service is key for Askea Tyre Centre

26

has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience and are recognised as a leading tyre specialist in County Carlow.

A family-run business, they carry a large range of agricultural, grass, industrial, 4x4 and car tyres, both new and second-hand and, stocking all the leading agricultural tyre brands, they mainly specialise in BKT Agrimax.

All tyres and wheels for all farm machinery are available at very competitive rates and, as they approach the twenty year milestone in business, Askea Tyre Centre has become synonymous with the highest standards in vehicle maintenance.

Their aim is to exceed their customers' needs and expectations and ensure they are completely satisfied. Customers can be assured of honest value for money at their two depots in Carlow town and Tullow.

Thomas O'Neill set up the business and he has been joined in the day-to-day running by his sons Robert, who manages the Carlow outlet, and Dermot

who looks after the Tullow end of things.

Opened Monday to Friday (8am-6pm) and Saturday (8am-5pm), they have nine employees on the payroll and their experienced staff are able to offer expert advice on all tyre queries.

“My father was involved in plant hire for years and diversified into tyres and repairs,” explained Robert. “We moved into our current premises on the O'Brien Road in Carlow in 1997 and later opened the Tullow outlet.”

As well as a large range of agricultural tyres, Askea Tyre Centre also supply row crop tyres and wheels, lawn and grass tyres, ATV tyres, vintage tyres and any type of rim made to order.

CONTACT DETAILS

Askea Tyre Centre

O'Brien Road, Carlow Telephone: 059-9133833 Fax: 059-9137334 Tullow: 059-9180536 Email: info@askeatyres.com Website: www.askeatyres.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Askea Tyres designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 10:54 Page 2

Askea Tyre Centre stock a large range of agricultural tyres

The lengthy list of contacts Thomas has built up over the years in his business dealings combined with an unwaivering commitment to providing a top class service has helped to lay solid foundations for the business's continued growth.

The value of customer service was instilled in Robert and his brother Dermot by his mother Marie, who sadly passed away last year. Their number one priority is to provide customers with a warm welcome and friendly service and their staff are always helpful and

Continued Best Wishes To Askea Tyre Centre, From

Bosal Ireland Limited

Unit 5 Knockmitten Lane Naas Road, Dublin 12.

T:01-4565644 F:01-4566447 Email: info.irl@eur.bosal.com

TREVOR SHIRLEY Continued success to all at Askea Tyre Centre, from

CAR & COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC

STARTER AND ALTERNATOR SERVICES Unit 4, Askea Business Park, O’Brien Road, Carlow Phone/Fax: 059-9132128 Email: trevors@eircom.net

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

approachable.

“We always get new faces coming in through the door but we have also built up a steady stream of loyal customers over the years. As I said my father was dealing in plant hire and drainage for years and a lot of people he came

Best Wishes To Askea Tyre Centre, From

Services Available

Accounting and Business Advisory | Taxation Insolvency & Restructuring Outsourced Bookkeeping / Payroll / Company Secretarial Audit | Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support Corporate Finance Carlow Office Strawhill Business Park, Athy Road, Carlow T: +353 (0)59 9141100 F: +353 (0)59 9141116 Offices Also In Waterford & Dublin www.fitzgeraldpower.ie

Clarke Jeffers & Co. soliCitors

30 Dublin street, Carlow tel:059-9131656 fax:059-9132257 e:info@clarkejeffers.com www.carlowsolicitors.com

Would like to Congratulate ASKEA TYRE CENTRE ON CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS The Specialist Law Firm

find out what we can do for you Visit our website at www.carlowsolicitors.com

27

Askea Tyres designed_Layout 1 25/02/2015 10:54 Page 3

across down would pop in for a cup of tea and a chat with him when they need new tyres. They're happy with the service we provide.”

On top of their friendly and helpful customer care, for added peace of mind, Askea Tyre Centre provide an emergency 24-hour breakdown service covering Leinster, 365 days of the year.

In addition, they offer wheel alignment and puncture repair as well as NCT prechecks and car servicing. The fact that they boast one of the most advanced servicing facility in the area allows them to cater for all of your vehicle requirements.

They have eight ramps and four tyre bays making for a fast but efficient servicing environment and they only use parts and oils that meet or exceed manufacturer approved specifications.

Robert & Co always guarantee 100% satisfaction coupled with quality workmanship and their success is based around these principles with a customer orientated approach.

The tractor end of things is moving okay, it has it's time of year and we were very busy

after the ploughing season,” Robert added.

“On the car side, it was very busy when the schools went back after the summer holidays. Once the winter comes in, business picks up because people, who have become very safety conscious, are more concerned about their tyres.”

A member of the Irish Tyre Traders Association and SIMI, Askea Tyre Centre hasn't been immune from the negative impact of the economic downturn but Robert is optimistic about the company's future prospects.

“The challenges we face are the usual things. Rates are tough and the USC is another charge you have to build up money for along with the increase in Employers PRSI. They are all little things that add up in the day-to-day running of a business.”

“Looking to the future, we'd be hoping to maintain our high levels of service, increase our existing customer base and attract new customers. Advertising campaigns focussing on road safety, on tyres, have helped in that regard because the public are certainly more safety conscious these days.”

Contact: HUGH BRADY (086) 2575722 Managing Director Unit E9, South City Business Park, Tallaght • Dublin 24 Tel: 01 404 9060. Fax: 01 4049061 www.techplus.ie

Best Wishes To Askea Tyre Centre

28

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Glenmarshal designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 12:01 Page 1

William Shields receives the overall interbreed champion trophy from RUAS Deputy President Billy Robson, while also in photo is judge Phillip Hammond and Trevor Shields

Glenmarshal Sires

Glenmarshal Sires have their own transport IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

29

Glenmarshal designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 12:01 Page 2

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Glenmarshal Sires From

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Glenmarshal Sires From

Etra Feeders Limited Manufacturers & Suppliers of Piggery Housing & Equipment

Michael Fitch Chief Executive

101 Milltown Road, Benburb, Co. Tyrone BT71 7LZ

Tel:028-3754 8419 Fax:028-3754 8252 Mobile: 07802 295019 Email: etra@live.co.uk

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To Glenmarshal Sires

5 St Colman’s Park, Newry, Co. Down BT34 2BX Tel:028-3082 8987 | Fax:028-3026 3362 Mobile: 077-6205 9367 www.pcsolicitors.co.uk

IRISH

&

AGRI

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED

Call Barry now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923 30

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Glenmarshal designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 12:01 Page 3

N

The Balmoral show has been running many years

estling on the seaward side of the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down is a high-health status pig farm where the clean sharp air adds to the beauty of the green fields, drystone walls and the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains.

Surrounded by the sea and mountains and with no other pig farms in the area, this is a unique site for a high-health pig farm.

Founded in 1976, the Glenmarshal herd is an SPF closed herd with all new genetics being introduced by semen or hysterectomy and the health status is at the very top end of the pyramid with health checks performed weekly.

The herd tested their pigs at the Northern Ireland Pig Testing Station from 1978 until the station closed. Being the top testing herd for many years, they also showed pigs at all the main shows winning many supreme champions and commanding top prices at sales for both boars and gilts. The business is owned by Trevor Shields and his two sons who still show pigs at the Balmoral Show purely as a hobby and have won more silverware than any other breeder in the last ten years, the most recent being in May 2014 when they swept the board in both the Landrace and Large White categories and took the overall Champion of All Breeds at the show! The judge at the show, William Gregory from Yorkshire, said the champion boar, Glenmarshal Rope, was outstanding, being only eight months old and the size and depth of ham was fabulous, he had good ham, walked well and had a nice clean front.

As sales of boars dropped off and artificial insemination took over, Glenmarshal Sires, which grew out of the success of Glenmarshal Pedigree Pigs, was formed in 1990 and an AI Station was purpose built to accommodate the new venture. Glenmarshal Sires Ltd. started to sell Glenmarshal genetics and in 2010 introduced Danish genetics – the world leaders in numbers born and reared whose terminal sire, the Danish Duroc, was the top performer in an independent trial in Germany for growth rate, feed conversion and lean meat. In 2004 Trevor took the decision to start a new herd of 700 sows of high-health status to sell F1 gilts and re-stock farms. This has been very successful to date with herds recording as high as 29 pigs per sow sold from their restocks.

Pigs and houses in units

Glenmarshal have state of the art facilities

The Glenmarshal herd was founded in 1976

CONTACT DETAILS Glenmarshal Sires

89 Carrigenagh Road, Kilkeel, Newry, Co. Down, BT34 4PZ Tel: 028 4176 9400

Health and Safety is paramount when transporting pigs IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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mccurdy designed_Layout 1 27/02/2015 10:09 Page 1

Quality key for McCurdy’s Potatoes

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IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

mccurdy designed_Layout 1 27/02/2015 10:09 Page 2

The team of full and part time workers who work all year round, l/r: John McCurdy, Philip McCurdy, Mark McCurdy, Peter McCurdy, Dan McCurdy, David McCurdy, Jonathan McCurdy and Ryan Brogan

M

cCurdy's Potatoes brings their customer the highest quality potato products direct from the farm. Pre-packed potatoes are a speciality Mark McCurdy tells Irish Tractor & Agri but he is greatly concerned about the falling share of the consumer price for growers.

Mark, Jonathan and Dan McCurdy IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Now 50 years in business, McCurdy's Potatoes is recognised as one of the biggest growers and suppliers of quality potatoes in County Antrim.

Committed to producing the highest possible standard of product by using the most advanced and environmentally responsible practices, McCurdy's Potatoes is a family run business, with founder, Dan McCurdy, and his sons Mark and Jonathan.

McCurdy's Potatoes is proud of its long history in the potato industry, and

has built up solid relationships with leading retail chains such as Spar and Mace.

With state-of-the-art refrigerated and ambient storage, their focus on quality, service and value has been driven by the need to meet the customers' requirements.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of our potatoes,” Mark McCurdy outlined to Irish Tractor & Agri magazine.

“The success of the business is not

CONTACT DETAILS

McCurdy's Potatoes 166 Whitepark Road Bushmills Co Antrim BT57 8SS Tel: 028 2073 2205

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mccurdy designed_Layout 1 27/02/2015 10:09 Page 3

Steele Farm Supplies

Wishing Continued Success To McCurdy’s Potatoes From

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32 Market St, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 6EE Tel: 028- 2766 7391 Continued success to McCurdy’s Potatoes, from

Bridgend Farm Contracts

Jason McCurdy Best Wishes To McCurdy’s Potatoes From

Fencing & Agri Contractor SPECIALIST IN

FENCING , SILAGE , GRASS S EED & R ESEEDING, HEDGECUTTING 168 Whitepark Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim

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Best Wishes To McCurdy’s Potatoes From

AGRICULTURAL MERCHANT

SUPPLIERS OF SEEDS, FERTILISERS, ANIMAL FEED SUPPLEMENTS and MOBILE ANIMAL FEED PROCESSORS 269A Whitepark Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim

Tel:028-2073 1431 Mobile: 07711 407 939

Continued Best Wishes To McCurdy’s Potatoes From

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34

STRAID CONCRETE Continued Best Wishes To McCurdy’s Potatoes

Pattern Imprinted Concrete Domestic Applications Agricultural Applications Building Industry

125 Straid Road, Bushmills, County Antrim BT57 8XU

T: 028 2073 1751 M: 07803 884 879 www.straidconcrete.co.uk

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

mccurdy designed_Layout 1 27/02/2015 10:09 Page 4

about growing tonnes of potatoes, it's about getting the quality right. That's the reason why we have been on the go for fifty years.”

Washed and packed for the retail sector, all McCurdy's Potatoes produce is home grown and pre-packed into their trademarked bags for distribution.

They produce eight different varieties of potato on their 125 acres throughout the season and McCurdy's potatoes can be found on the shelves of approximately eighty different outlets within a 50 mile radius of their Antrim base.

Open to the public Monday to Saturday, 8am-7pm, restaurants can also place telephone orders and deliveries are available.

It's obvious that the McCurdy family are passionate about their business but the current price of the potato coupled with rising input costs casts a long dark shadow over their operation at the minute.

Conditions in the market remain mixed and potato production is under threat in Ireland because the current figures are simply unsustainable.

Costs of production are running at over €200 per tonne, while the producer is receiving much less than this. Potato growers’ incomes are unviable and the farm gate price of the product must rise as the price they receive from the market is the most important factor in determining their incomes.

Today, the growers’ share is just 26% of the consumer price, which is down from 36% four years ago. It needs to be addressed immediately, if retailers want the security of supply of Irish potatoes available to the Irish consumer.

Growers moving direct to consumers and retailers report a reasonable demand but there are reports of increased amounts of potatoes being imported into the country.

This is unacceptable to growers considering there are sufficient stocks domestically to meet demand.

The last 12 months have confirmed just how cyclical potato production in Ireland has become and many growers are getting not much more than stock feed prices for their produce.

There is an onus on the supermarkets to back up their verbal commitments to the local potato sector with action – both in terms of procurement and paying a better price.

“The current price is ridiculous, not good at all,” Mark outlined. “Stuff is moving which is better than it not moving but that is the only positive thing I can say at this point in time.

“Price is the biggest challenge facing potato growers at the moment along with competition and the unpredictability of the weather for growing.”

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

35

mccurdy designed_Layout 1 27/02/2015 10:09 Page 5

McConaghy Contracts Continued Best Wishes To McCurdy’s Potatoes

198 Whitepark Road, Dunseverick, Bushmills, Co. Antrim BT57 8SR Tel:028-20731492 | Mobile: 07967973993

Don Laughlin & Co Ltd

Best Wishes To McCurdy’s Potatoes From

AgRICuLTuRAL MERChANTS For All Your Agri Needs

FERTILISERS | SEEDS AGRI CHEMICALS | POTATO BOXES FENCING & PIPES SHEEP SLATS | BALE & NET WRAPPING

T: (048) 77742400

35 gelvin Rd., Dungiven BT47 4Qu

Robinson Bros

Wishing The McCurdy’s All The Best In The Furture

Best Wishes To McCurdy’s Potatoes, From

Stockists & Printers of Paper, Polypropylene & Jute Bags, Wire ties & Sewing Thread

ALL BAGS CAN BE SUPPLIED WITH A PERSONAL PRINT

79 Tullygrawley Road, Glarryford , Ballymena Co. Antrim BT44 9HE

36

Tel:028-2588 1204 E:robinsonbros79@gmail.com

www.robinsonbros.biz

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

mccurdy designed_Layout 1 27/02/2015 10:09 Page 6

On a positive note, mother nature looked kindly on the potato growers in 2014 and, for once, the weather was conducive to a healthy harvest.

As Mark pointed out, Ireland's unreliable climate can be the bane of a farmers' life but a favourable growing season resulted in higher than normal yields for McCurdy's Potatoes.

“2014 was a great year from a weather point of view, it was fantastic and we had a very early harvest. I've never seen as

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

early a harvest before. October 17th, that's unheard of and the quality was excellent.

“We'd be hoping for the same again this year and a better price obviously. I would be pessimistic enough about the future because of the uncertainty over the price.

“Getting the right price is the main thing. If we get a decent price for our labour and product then we'd be very happy.”

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Raw material intakes

‘Feeds of the future today’ 38

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

mclarnon designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 11:51 Page 2

McLarnons ruminant technical and sales team

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division of Moy Park Ltd, McLarnon Feeds of Randalstown, Antrim are recognised as a leading manufacturer of high quality ruminant and poultry feed, implementing quality systems to ensure their feeds are safe, nutritious and will maximise animal performance.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Founded nearly a century ago, McLarnon Feeds has invested heavily to ensure that their mill is one of the largest and most efficient mills in Europe. This enables them to provide a high quality product and service to the farming community at a competitive rate.

“We've been part of the Moy Group since 2010 and continue to expand both the ruminant and poultry sectors and build on our reputation for quality, service and value,” explained Ruminant Business Manager David Mawhinney who has been with the ever-burgeoning company for the past 10 years.

“Our sales and technical team serve farmers throughout Ulster and we pride ourselves on being a long established company having been set up as a family business in 1929.

“Like a lot of family businesses, McLarnons started out servicing the local rural community in Co Antrim but has expanded over the years and now enjoy loyal custom from second and third generation farmers throughout the Province.

“They appreciate our customer service and quality and they know what they are getting when they purchase our products and services as good nutrition remains an important aspect of improving production efficiency and profitability of farm businesses.”

“Farm Supplier of the Year" winner at the 2012 Excellence In Farming Awards, McLarnon Feeds play a central role in

helping farmers achieve their business goals as they always have been and continue to be committed to delivering good nutrition and excellent value for money to their customers.

All feed is produced at their state-ofthe-art plant with dedicated ruminant and poultry production lines. The plant is fully automated and computer controlled which enables them to guarantee traceability of all feed ingredients from entry to and finished products from the mill.

This traceability along with monitoring and recording throughout the production process ensures consistent product quality time after time and enables feed orders to be processed and despatched to the farm as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Feeds are formulated using high energy and high quality protein ingredients to maximise animal performance in terms of production, health and efficiency.

A range of specialist feed technologies are used within the range of feeds so that they can be used strategically where they will be of benefit on individual farm

CONTACT DETAILS

McLarnon Feeds

126 Moneynick Road Randalstown Antrim BT41 3HU Tel: 028 7965 0321 Website: www.mclarnonfeeds.com

39

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David Mawhinney presents the McLarnons Feeds NISA Dairy Cow Championship Perpetual Shield to the Fleming Family, Seaforde

situations. These technologies are all tried and locally proven on Northern Ireland farms.

All McLarnon Feeds poultry customers, meanwhile, can be confident in the ability of the company's feeds to produce market leading performance as the diets have been extensively tested and proven within the Moy Park Group Research and Development departments.

40

All poultry diets are produced to the highest quality standards as required by the major retailers. The rations are pasteurised and produced from non-genetically modified raw materials where necessary.

The poultry production lines incorporate industry leading technology to eliminate the presence of Salmonella in the finished feed while McLarnons can proudly boast to being the largest turkey feed supplier in Ireland.

Employing more than 50 people at their Randalstown site, McLarnon Feeds are renowned for their pioneering standards in terms of milling technology and quality control.

They are dedicated to satisfying the food-safety, quality and value demands of both large multiples and individual farmers and their customers benefit from efficient year-round plant utilisation, and are serviced by a helpful and experienced technical sales team.

A commitment to investing in its people has helped McLarnon Feeds to stand the test of time.

“All of our support staff on the farm are experienced in livestock production and qualified to advise on nutritional and technical matters,” David outlined.

“We have strong links with Queens University Belfast, AFBI and CAFRE Greenmount which is important when it comes

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

mclarnon designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 11:52 Page 4

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

McLarnon Feeds From

White Cross, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4XQ England Telephone (+44) 01524 61601 Fax: (+44) 01524 381515 E-mail: info@condex.co.uk Web: www.condex.co.uk www.pelletmills.com

CES HOLLAND BROS. ENGINEERING LTD. Continued success to all at McLarnon Feeds, from

CES HOLLAND BROS ENGINEERING LTD SUPPLY AND SERVICE ALL THE ENGINEERING NEEDS OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND ANIMAL FEED INDUSTRY

20 Craigmore Road, Randalstown, Co. Antrim BT41 3HD Telephone: 028 94473555 Mobile: 07909 972 662 - 07909 972 660 Email: ces@holland-bros.co.uk

PCP HAULAGE

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Delighted to have been hauling for McLarnon Feeds for the past 25 years and wish them continued success in the future.

16 Townland Rd., Crumlin, Co. Antrim BT29 4RJ IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Tel: 028 9442 2346 Mob: 07860 140128 (Philip) 41

mclarnon designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 11:52 Page 5

Making Feeds Smarter

Complete Process Control & Automation Systems

Empowering McLarnon Feeds to make better feeds ICM Computer Systems Ltd ICM House, Mountrath rd., Portlaoise.

P +353 57 86 22651 F +353 57 86 20384 E Info@icmcsl.ie www.icmcsl.com

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BULK TIPPER HAULAGE

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DAvID GORDON & SONS TRANSPORT 46 Kilrea Road, Portglenone, Co. Antrim BT44 8JB

Tel: 028-25821523 | 028-25822333

42

Fax: 028-25821523

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

mclarnon designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 11:52 Page 6

to identifying best in class.

“Marketing and customer engagement is central in our successful business expansion and we have sponsored the Northern Ireland Shows Association Dairy Cow Championship for the past 13 years which is widely recognised as a prestigious event for dairy cow farmers and breeders.

“We're committed to supplying the best possible products and services to our customers and have organised many farm workshops, discussion forums and visits to investigate and debate best practice and new technologies.

“We encourage regular group visits to the mill from Farmers Unions, Young Farmers Clubs and students. It is important for us to provide encouragement to the younger generation of farmers.”

McLarnon Feeds vision for the future of farming is clear: 'To help maximise farm profitability by supplying 'feeds of the future today', incorporating superior on farm technical advice, a

controlled and strategic use of locally proven innovative feed technologies, coupled with high quality feed ingredients, resulting in improved feed efficiency and animal performance'.

McLarnons mill team ensure good physical quality of nuts through regular monitoring and maintenance of plant equipment IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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C

Best in the West

elebrating a quarter of a century in business, Sean O’Malley Plant Hire Ltd is a family-run concern specialising in plant hire, land drainage works, forestry development, roadmaking and turf cutting.

Founder and managing director Sean O’Malley is joined in the business by his wife Ita and daughters Sarah and Niamh.

The company, which currently has a staff of 24 on its books, has a wealth of experience in ground works and has been involved in many construction, forestry and farm-related projects in the West of Ireland down the years.

Sean O’Malley Plant Hire operates from Bofeenaun, Ballina, which is actually a lot closer to Castlebar than Ballina. “We’re 18 miles from Ballina and eight from Castlebar, so our postal address is a bit misleading!” Ita informs us.

“Sean comes from a farming background and has always received huge support from the farming

The company carries out a lot of forestry-related projects

44

community. I don’t know if we would have survived the recession if it wasn’t for the farmers and the work they put our way.

We were able to fall back on that after the building boom collapsed.

“Thankfully, the construction sector appears to be recovering and business is picking up again,” she adds.

All of Sean O’Malley’s machines are of the highest calibre and are operated by highly skilled and capable drivers and personnel. He runs a fleet of 14 excavators and three tractors as well as low-loaders, dumpers, rock breakers, turf hoppers and various other plant and equipment. The excavators consist of Hitachi, New Holland and Kobelco, while the tractors are John Deere and Valmet.

Sean is a long-standing customer of McSharry Bros Plant Sales and Gaynor Plant Sales, both of which are located in Co. Roscommon.

No job is too big or too small for Sean O’Malley Plant Hire, which has an enviable reputation throughout the West.

Site development, site clearance,

An excavator at work

demolition, roadways, foundations, pipelaying, sewerage, footpaths, kerbing, field drainage, forestry development, turf cutting, Group Water Schemes and landscaping are all part of the service.

The company undertakes all agri plant hire work, including land drainage and land reclamation. Any farmer who has a problem with land drainage or land drains should not hesitate to give the O’Malley’s a call.

Sean O’Malley Plant Hire boasts an impressive client-base which includes Mayo County Council, Coillte, FEL Forestry Service, Ward & Burke Construction Ltd, Green Belt Forestry and Woodland Forestry. Among the local IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Sean O Malley designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 12:18 Page 2

A load of straw about to leave the field

projects Sean O’Malley Plant Hire is currently involved in are the Tourmakeady Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and the Waste Water Treatment Works in Kilmaine. During the winter months, the company transports road salt for Mayo County Council.

The company also worked on the Great Western Greenway walking and cycling path which traverses the Atlantic coast between Westport and Achill Island, and takes in the villages of Newport and Mulranny. It passes by some of the West of Ireland’s most dramatic mountains and offers magnificent views of Clew Bay and its many islands.

O’Malley Plant Hire enjoys an excellent IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

working relationship with Ward & Burke Construction Ltd, as it does with all of its customers. The Galway-headquartered civil engineering company has successfully completed a number of water works projects in Ireland and the UK. The majority of its workload is in sanitary services, providing pipelines, treatment plants, reservoirs and water storage to local authorities and the Department of the Environment.

FEL, Green Belt and Woodland are well-established names in the Irish forestry sector. FEL (Forest Enterprises Ltd) has over 20 years’ forest management experience and currently manages over 14,000 hectares of

commercial forests in Ireland and Scotland. The company specialises in afforestation, planting, windfarm services and forest valuations.

CONTACT DETAILS

Sean O’Malley Plant Hire Ltd Cuilmullagh, Bofeenaun, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

Telephone: 096 51091 Mobile: 086-2586460

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Moneen, Castlebar, Co.Mayo

Stanley Jackson 087-254 0352

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To Sean O’Malley Plant Hire From

Michael Reilly Oil

Curraghmore, Bofeenaun, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

087-2119612

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Best Wishes To Sean O’Malley Plant Hire From

Tarmacadam, Paving & Driveway Specialists Turlough, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Tel:094-9023853 / 086-2503230 Best Wishes To Sean O’Malley Plant Hire From

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Moneen Ind Est., Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Tel: 094-9027452 Lodge Rd., Westport, Co. Mayo. Tel: 098-24476 Fax 094-24481 E: castlebar@mayomotorpart.ie 46

Unit 11,Castlebar Business and Retail Park, Breaffy Road,Castlebar,Co.Mayo.

Tel:094-90 22429 Fax: 094-90 24383 Email: redmacltd@eircom.net www.redmacltd.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Sean O Malley designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 12:18 Page 4

Green Belt is another leading private forestry company which manages over 300,000 acres of private forestry throughout Ireland and plants in excess of 8,000 acres of new forests each year.

Among its management portfolio are plantations owned by thousands of Irish farmers and other individuals.

Woodland is Ireland’s oldest private

Sean O’Malley runs a number of low loader’s

forestry business. It provides forestry planning, contracting and hands-on woodland management services to timber growers, and also has considerable experience of the taxation of woodland income and capital.

Sean O’Malley Plant Hire is also known far and wide for its turf cutting service.

Every summer, Sean harvests turf which

is used to heat countless homes in Co. Mayo and beyond.

The success of this family enterprise is based on hard work, reliability, safety awareness and a professional, unrivalled and cost-effective service. Here’s to the next 25 years of Sean O’Malley Plant Hire Ltd!

The John Deere is loaded up and ready to roll IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Wauchope Agri Contractors have built up an extensive fleet of tractors

B

Making hay when the sun shines

ased in Castlefinn, Co Donegal, Wauchope Agri Contracting is a family farming and agricultural contracting company. William Wauchope, who runs the business along with his father Robert and brother Kenneth, talks Irish Tractor & Agri magazine through how they have established a reputation which is second to none.

It was by accident rather than design that the Wauchope family originally got into the agri contracting game.

When Robert Wauchope's eldest son Kenneth decided that he wasn't go to return to school after completing his

48

Inter-Cert exams, Robert, realising there wasn't enough work to keep the two of them going on the family farm, decided to branch out into contracting.

“My brother Kenneth wasn't going to finish school and the family farm wasn't big enough,” William Wauchope recalled.

“We have a family farm comprising of 140 acres, where we specialise mainly in barley, in Castlefinn, Dad went to an auction, bought some machinery and the business was set up from there.”

It has proven to be a stroke of good fortune because the family has never had any reason to regret setting up Wauchope Agri Contracting and they have a long list of happy customers who can vouch for their professionalism.

Through sheer dedication, they have

grown the business from those modest beginnings and gradually built up an extensive fleet of tractors and associated machinery.

William joined the family business fulltime after a year studying at Gurteen College in 1993/'94 and, registered as a limited company since January 2008, they are renowned for providing an unrivalled service and, equally as

CONTACT DETAILS

Wauchope Agri Contractors Castlefinn Co Donegal

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

wauchope designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 12:09 Page 2

Kenneth Wauchope holding his daughter Molly and William Wauchope standing beside their new Claas 860

important, for their dillegence and reliability.

Providing the full range of agricultural contracting, Wauchope Agri Contractors are available for tillage, ploughing, sowing, combining, spraying, round baling, slurrying and grass seeding, William, Kenneth and their two fulltime employees have been kept busy in recent times.

Ireland's adverse weather conditions often makes life difficult for agri contractors but in 2014 it

was very much a case of making hay when the sun shone.

Wauchope Agri Contractors and their modern and efficient fleet of machinery were rarely idle and, to ensure customer satisfaction, they always strived to get the job done as quickly as possible. William is hoping for more of the same in the months ahead.

“Last year was very good from a business point of view,” William pointed out. “There was exceptional growth due to the unusually good

Wauchope Agri Contractors hard at work IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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wauchope designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 12:09 Page 3

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Wauchope Agri Contractors From

George Armstrong & Son LIME DISTRIBUTION Suppliers of Magnesium & Calcium Lime Gilly Gooley Road, Omagh

D Black & Son

Contact George 077-62172375 Contact Alan 077-61012381 Email: a.armstrong26@btinternet.com

Best Wishes To Wauchope Agri Contractors, From

HYDRAULIC HOSE REPAIR

• Immediate Response • Supply and Fit Quick Hitch Couplers for Diggers • Supply and Fit Auxiliary Hydraulic Circuits e.g.

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Agri Contractor

Ballymagorry, Strabane

Contact Trevor 077-51856439 E: trevorblack1@hotmail.co.uk

Best Wishes To Wauchope Agri Contractors

Continued Best Wishes To Wauchope Agri Contractors From

Best Wishes To Wauchope Agri Contractors, From

Hickey Clarke & Langan

Insurance Brokers

FARM INSURANCE At HCL we understand farmers needs and can provide tailored policies to protect you, your family and your farm Lo Call 1890 266 888 Hickey Clarke & Langan General Insurance Ltd t/a Hickey Clarke & Langan are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Continued Best Wishes To Wauchope Agri Contractors From

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & REGISTERED AUDITORS 50 Campsie Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT79 0AG Tel:028-8224 1515 Fax:028-8224 3568 Email: mail@spmccaffrey.com 50

8 Bowling Green, Strabane, Co.Tyrone BT82 8BW Tel:028-7138 2356 028-7138 2391 Fax:028-7138 2180

Also at: 12 Queen Street, Derry BT48 7EG

Tel:028-7130 8664 028-7127 1638 Fax:028-7126 3751

www.johnfahysolicitors.net Best Wishes To Wauchope Agri Contractors From

INDEPENDENT JOHN DEERE SPECIALISTS

Letterkenny, Co.Donegal T: 074- 91 29317 F: 074- 91 20363 M: 087- 2423739 E: etagrisales@gmail.com www.eamonntinney.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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weather. That was, of course, a big factor and, as a result, the round baling picked up.

“We have two full-time employees working alongside myself and Kenneth but we would have up to six more working for us at peak times. We are also firm believers in keeping our tractors and machinery well maintained, ensuring they are reliable and durable.

“It's not easy work, you have to have a good interest in it but we're passionate about what we do and that is reflected in the jobs we do. It also goes without saying that you have to provide your customers with value for money.”

Locally, farmers and land owners no they can trust the Wauchope family to get the job done. That's why they have survived the test of time while others have fallen by the wayside.

“We're based on the border and do a lot of work in north Donegal and Tyrone, within a 15 mile radius of Castlefinn.

We're lucky in that over the years we have built up a long list of loyal customers who call on us for a lot of repeat business with us. It would be very

rare that we would have lost a customer.

“We pride ourselves on providing an efficient service and when the weather allows we would be out working 24/7. My father has always told us never be afraid to try new ventures. Reliability is a big thing in this game and locally we're hard to beat.”

Looking ahead to what the future may hold in store, William is committed to consolidating the business.

“The two big challenges are the weather and

competition. They were always new people setting up in agri contracting but, in our experience, once you keep your customers happy then you will be okay.

“If a fella calls us up, gives us a day and a time, we'll be there. We're very happy with how the business has been going lately and, hopefully, that will continue going forward.”

Growing their customer base on the back of the quality of their work is the best way forward. Give William a call to find out how they can make life that little bit easier for you.

MEEHAN

Continued Success To Wauchope Agri Contractors From

PLANT HIRE & AGRI CONTRACTOR Ballindrait, Lifford, Co. Donegal Customer satisfaction is paramount to Wauchope Agri Contractors

T:074-9141059 M:087-2851131-087-4184951 Email:tmeehan09@gmail.com

Continued Best Wishes To Wauchope Agri Contractors, From

J HNSTON ENGINEERING

& MACHINERY REPAIR

ALL TYPES OF MACHINE WORK UNDERTAKEN, MILLING, TURNING, SURFACE GRINDING

Townparks, Raphoe, Co. Donegal Tel:074-9145249 | Mobile: 087-241 4253 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Padraig and Una potting tomatoes in the propagation tunnel

Choose the healthy option 52

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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A

s a population, we Irish have become more conscious about what we eat nowadays. The increase in awareness to the benefits of eating healthy has resulted in a spike in the popularity of organic food and the emergence of businesses such as the award-winning Beechlawn* Organic Farm of Galway are helping to satisfy the customer demand.

Husband and wife duo Padraig Fahy and Una Ní Bhroin both graduated from The Organic College, Dromcollogher, Co Limerick with Diplomas in Organic Horticulture back in 2000 and a shared concern for the environment sowed the seeds for the setting up of their own organic farm - Beechlawn Organic Farm in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

The business germinated in 2001 when they began the garden, which they nurtured producing their first fruits in 2002.

“Both of us were interested in environmental issues so setting up an organic farm and growing our own vegetables was the next step,” Padraig recalled when speaking to Irish Tractor & Agri magazine.

“We wanted to do something practical and Una had worked on a number of farms in Ireland. I grew up on a farm and in my mid-20s I found myself drawn back to farming. Both of my grandfathers were market farmers.

Padraig added: “We started growing commercially in 2002, gradually building up the business since then. We started out just the two of us but we now employ six full-time and two part-time employees.

“We had 22 acres in crop last year and eight acres in rotation. Our ambition is to build that up to 40 acres this year, with 30 in production and 10 in rotation.”

To help their customers lead an achievable healthy and organic lifestyle, Padraig and Una grow and supply only fully certified organic vegetables in Ballinasloe and all their produce is available to buy on the shelves of leading retails chains including 14 SuperValu stores and many independent stores like McCambridges of Shop Street Galway, Mortons of Salthill, Quay Co-op in Cork and Cavistons of Glasthule. Since October 2014 Beechlawn veg is also selling in AVOCA stores in Monkstown, Kilmacanoge and Rathcoole. Their leeks also sell in Tesco in the summer under the Tesco brand organic line.

Naturally, their range of products varies from season to season throughout the year. From June to October they harvest IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Beechlawn Organic Farm produce on sale in Supervalu, Castletroy

Padraig with brussel sprouts in Autumn

salads, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, courgette, cucumber, french beans, kale, parsnip, potato, pumpkin, tomato, purple sprouting broccoli and turnip.

From November to March they harvest: cabbage, carrots, parsnip, and turnip; winter salads: brussel sprouts, kale, beetroot; and purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower and celery.

Since Summer 2013, they sell Irish and imported dried wholefoods including Kilbeggan Organic oats, wholegrain brown rice and pumpkin seeds and other items in their home delivery veg box which sells through the internet webshop

CONTACT DETAILS Beechlawn Organic Farm Beechlawn Ballinasloe Co Galway

Phone/Fax: +353 (0)90 9646713 Mobile phone: +353 (0)86 1799007 Email: nfo@beechlawnfarm.org

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" h t t p : / / w w w. b e e c h l a w n f a r m . o r g " www.beechlawnfarm.org As well as their veg being on sale in over 50 shops in Ireland in 2014 and they are no strangers to awards. Four years ago their Organic Veg Delivery box was the winner of the 'Best Local Organic Product' award at the Bord Bia National Organic Awards.

As recently as last October, their Sungold orange cherry tomatoes won the 'Best New Organic Product' at the same awards. In revealing their decision, the judges commented: 'We are blown away by the sheer flavour of this product; we could eat them all day! They will especially appeal to children thanks to their delicious sweet taste'.

“We were up against very good companies like Glenisk yoghurt and we won on the totally new taste of these particular cherry tomatoes,” Padraig explained. “As well as the particular cherry tomato seed variety, the judges put it down to our growing method, the high organic matter in the soil and crop.

Soil is the secret to successful organic production. It's vital to get that right with soil tests and making sure you get the micro nutrients right.”

As part of an organic horticulture agronomy group, Padraig and Una have received 'invaluable input' in that regard

French horticulture students planting brassicas on a MF135, which Janos is driving

LEO DUNNE LTD Best Wishes To Beechlawn Organic Farm, From

Dunmore, Durrow, Co. Laois Tel:057-8736263 | 086-8106957 Email: info@leodunne.com

• EST 1976 • BUY DIRECT FROM IRISH EXPERTS WE MANUFACTURE DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL, TUNNELS & STRUCTURES • FULL RANGE OF POLYTHENE GROUNDCOVER, WINDBREAK, IRRIGATION ETC.

KILMURRAY, TRIM, CO. MEATH

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Tel: 046-9546007 Email: info@cwp.ie Website: www.cwp.ie Best Wishes To Beechlawn Organic Farm

Clashganny Organic Farm

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Beechlawn Organic Farm

From

Portlaw, Waterford

www.cgof.ie

Contact Richard Galvin +353 (0)86 2625 610

LinkedFinance.com Our CROWD supported Beechlawn Organic Farm with finance to GROW! We can help any business, in any sector looking for working capital to realise their full potential.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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from argonomist John Hogan.

“His advice has proven invaluable in terms of simple things like the ideal distance one should have between plants, the development of sometimes complicated machinery skills, and techniques of working efficiently to save time and money.”

Knowledge sharing amongst the 15 members of the agronomy group has also proven to be a secret ingredient in their winning formula.

“We're involved in a discussion group with other organic growers where we visit each others’ farms, look at issues, share knowledge and generally come away with really good ideas that we can implement on our farms. In our experience that works well once you can trust others to share the good, bad and the ugly.

“Farm tours and open days for our customers and shops also go well. Just hearing the birdsong and seeing how we balance a large commercial production with looking after natural habitats is an eye opener for visitors. There are a few pests and diseases naturally that creep in every year and attack crops but all in all there are very few losses as we grow so much and such a wide variety.

“We use natural pesticides and fertilisers and other growing methods including netting to keep off birds and insects. We also have several weeding implements for the back of our tractors (Massey Fergusson 135- 1968 and Fiat Agri 1989 with a creep gear for the flat bed weeder - two people lying on beds behind the tractor hand weeding! - and other slow moving implements like the veg planter).

“A new piece of machinery at the cutting edge of organic growing is called a mechanical finger weeder and Padraig is doing some research in to getting one at the moment. It spins around the plant knocking weeds out of the soil or covering them with soil. We may need a bigger tractor for it but that is probably inevitable at the rate the business is growing.

“If tractors were not burning fossil fuels and contributing to climate change we would be happier but we are content that we cannot do it all and for the moment we are doing our bit for the planet by growing them organically and are very grateful for our tractors, they do a lot of work for us! We are always looking out for the next invention in the line of machinery so we will keep

French horticulture students weeding in summer

our ears to the ground. Electric tractors using wind generated electricity is a dream that may not be too far away perhaps.”

New research done in 2014 also proves that Organic food is more nutritious and better for wildlife and the environment. This link has the science behind the study: www.soilassociation.org/whatisorganic

Listed with the Bridgestone Irish Good Food Guide and with Georgina Campbells guides, looking ahead to the future, Padraig and Una are confident that Beechlawn Organic Farm's trajectory will continue on an upward trend in the months ahead.

“There is a predicted market growth of 25-30% for this year which comes on the back of a difficult 2013/14. Last year was good growing year but we were working on developing good relations with our suppliers and customers. This year we believe we have the best range of organic crops retail ready anywhere in the country. The economy has already taken a turn for the better and we are seeing that in our veg sales since last September.

“So with good weather, hard work, and positivity we plan to build on our brand name thus promoting our farm and growing the business in a sustainable way in 2015. We encourage people to try our veg, see if you notice a difference in the taste.”

Best Wishes To Beechlawn Organic Farm from

ORGANIC IS OUR BUSINESS

Specialist in Organic Dry and Fresh Food Mixed pallets delivered all over Ireland

Padraig loading a pallet for delivery to the Quay Co-op in Cork IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Doornhoek 4040, 5465 TD Veghel, PO Box 244, 5460 AE Veghel Tel. +31(0)413 256700 Fax +31(0)413 265156 Email: jvisser@udea.nl | www.udea.nl

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JP Murphy designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 17:10 Page 1

A name you can trust

A

t JP Murphy Bros they have been erecting agricultural buildings and other steel buildings since 1998. A friendly, family-run company, they pride themselves on their great customer relationships.

JP Murphy Bros Ltd is the south east's leading design and build contractors for the Agricultural sector. With years of practical experience in farming and building, MD John Murphy and his team can advise and assist you in designing quality buildings to meet your farming needs.

They recognise that everyones' requirements are different so they believe in working with the customer from planning through to erection of the building so that expectations are fulfilled.

“We sit down with the farmer to assist them in deciding on the best option for their individual needs in terms of design of build, ventilation and door options,” John explained to Irish Tractor.

Having been reared on a 100 acre tillage farm in his native Ballyhogue, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, John set up the company in 1998 after gaining many years experience fabricating farm and industrial buildings through his previous employment.

Initially, he operated as sole trader but expanded 17 years ago in an effort to satisfy increasing customer numbers. His brother Patrick (on-site manager) came on board shortly after and together they have overseen the number of employees on their payroll grow from four to 12.

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No matter the requirements, their experience, knowledge and training ensures they can always provide their customers with a build they will be proud of for many years to come.

“We specialise in the erection of steel structures and cladding for the farm, industrial and commercial markets, mainly in the south-east,” John added.

Their services are much in demand and, at the time of speaking to John, the everburgeoning company had no less than 15 jobs on the go, including Wexford GAA's Centre of Excellence in nearby Ferns.

CONTACT DETAILS JP Murphy Bros Barmoney Ballyhogue Enniscorthy Co Wexford Tel: 053 92 40586 John: 087 2731047 Patrick: 086 2731047.

Email: sales@jpmurphybros.ie Website: www.jpmurphybros.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

JP Murphy designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 17:10 Page 2

Best Wishes To JP Murphy Bros, From

If it's lean-to agricultural buildings, large Aroof agricultural buildings or portal frame buildings you are looking for, look no further than JP Murphy's.

Fully insured and certified, and compliant with all health and safety requirements, their CV includes grain s t o r e s , manufacturing premises, vehicle testing centres, mass storage buildings, machinery storage and maintenance, vegetable storage, equine arenas, equine stables, live stock buildings and office buildings.

As the business grew, they also found that customers wanted a reliable supply of certain materials

Best Wishes To JP Murphy Bros, From

Celebrating 40 Years In Business In 2014 Malahide Road Industrial Park, Malahide Road, Dublin 17.

Tel: (01) 8473222 • Fax: (01) 8479207 Email: sales@electroweld.ie

www.electroweld.ie

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

for occasional DIY projects and such like. And so to meet this need, they now supply the following items to the general public: kit shed buildings, steel – all types, timbers, cladding, roofing and clear lights, fixings, guttering and accessories and sliding door parts “We're well established and growing to the stage where we're happy enough with. We're very busy at the moment and that is following on from 2014. Last year we carried out a lot of farm related projects as farmers spent money on milking parlours and cubic units to cater for expanding their dairy herds. We also erected a number of grain stores for merchants. Luckily we've never been slack or idle.”

So what is it that separates JP Murphy Bros from their competitors? No stone is left unturned to ensure every project, no matter how big or small, gets just as much attention and appreciation as those before and after. Many of their customers are long term who have

Best Wishes To JP Murphy Bros, From

SPECIALISING IN FARM, AGRICULTURE & EQUESTRIAN INSURANCE

Call us 053-91 22466 info@wexfordinsurance.com www.wexfordinsurance.com

86 South Main Street, Wexford.

Wexford Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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Best Wishes To JP Murphy Bros, From

Manufacturers of Industrial, Agricultural & decorative Paint Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Telephone:057- 9351583 NATIONWIDE DELIVERY www.castlepaints.ie

Best Wishes To JP Murphy Bros, From

TOMMY WILLIAMsON LANdsCAPING suPPLIes LTd.

Suppliers of Farm & Landscaping Materials

Templescoby, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Tel:087-9849195 | Tel:053-9230526 E: twilliamson1@eircom.net www.tommy-williamson.com

Continued Best Wishes To JP Murphy Bros, From

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS & REGISTERED AUDITORS

Best Wishes & Continued Success To JP Murphy Bros

Ballybrack, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford Tel: ++353 (0)51 565588 ++353 (0)87 2832443

www.kehoefarming.com

Adamstown Oils Ltd t/a J&M Oils

Continued Best Wishes To JP Murphy Bros From

路 路 路 路

AuThOrIsed TexACO dIsTrIBuTOrs OF: Low sulphur Marked Gas Oil Kerosene (home heating Oil) road diesel NsAI/Legal Metrology Verified delivery Meters Delivering to Homes, Farms & Businesses in Co Wexford & South Kilkenny since 1985

Contact Jack or Tom Galway at 053-9240637

Quality Assured Fuel + Guaranteed delivery Volume + Keen Price = The Best deal

Tomgarrow, Adamstown, Co. Wexford

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A Leading accountancy firm in the South East Over 20 years experience Dealing with all sole traders, partnerships and limited companies Vast experience in all business sectors Avail of your FREE CONSULTATION by contacting Sean or Josephine on 053-92 39878 or info@hennessys.ie 5 Parnell Road, Enniscorthy

Continued Success To JP Murphy Bros, From

LEADING SUPPLIER OF FASTENERS AND FIXINGS

Link Road, Poulavone, Ballincollig, Co.Cork Tel:021-4875878 Fax:021-4875882 Email: info@gwscork.ie www.gwscork.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

JP Murphy designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 17:10 Page 4

No job is too big or small for JP Murphy Bros Ltd

come to them time and time again.

“You are always only as good as your last job. We offer quality and good value for money. They're the two key points when you are tendering for any jobs. We are fortunate to have a lot of repeat customers so they are obviously happy with our workmanship and the competitive price we offer.”

The same business philosophy applies to JP Murphy Bros’ sister company Advance Roller Door system. Established in 2003, since then Advance Roller Door systems have evolved into the leading supplier of roller shutter and garage doors in the south-east and pride themselves on the quality of their after-sales service.

You don't have to take John's word for it.

Here's what successful Wexford-based racehorse trainer Paul Nolan had to say on his experience of doing business with JP Murphy: “I have been dealing with JP Murphy Bros for over 10 years and I have found their work to be of a very high standard. They are very helpful and competitive with their prices.”

Local farmer Rory Stafford was another satisfied customer: “I found John and all the lads easy to deal with. There was absolutely no waste of time or delay in the building of the shed. They were efficient and the building turned out perfect.”

Give John or Patrick a call or drop into their premises in Ballyhogue and they will happily chat to you about your requirements.

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Best Wishes To JP Murphy Bros

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GPS Recovery designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 13:08 Page 1

Machinery from Belfast to Killarney and anywhere in between

G

PS Recovery has supplemented its core recovery business by also introducing a keen agricultural machinery transport service, which is proving to be extremely popular with customers from all over the island. We visited GPS’s base in Inniskeen, along the Louth / Monaghan border, and spoke to Shane Martin, who oversees the machinery transport side of the progressive family operation.

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The Martin name is synonymous with vehicle recovery in the North East, where Gerry has long been providing an excellent service under the GPS Recovery banner for many years. Gerry also runs a garage in Inniskeen, where vehicles are repaired and serviced.

In recent years, the Martins have diversified somewhat into the specialist field of agricultural machinery transportation, an area of the business which was founded by Gerry’s son, Shane, who has painstakingly built it up through lean years into one of Ireland’s

CONTACT DETAILS GPS Recovery,

Inniskeen, Dundalk, County Louth.

Tel: 087 2591275 Email: gerrymartinmotors@live.ie

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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most dependable machinery transport operations.

Shane travels along a corridor that runs from Belfast to Waterford to Cork to Killarney and back, covering this route twice weekly. In the early days, he was barely getting enough work to cover himself, but now he invariably carries full loads (up to three items) by combining orders and offering farmers and dealers a timely service at a keen rate.

Recalling how he branched into

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

machinery transport, Shane reveals: “It was a recovery business initially and that sort of led into the agricultural machinery transport. We can carry all kinds of machinery, including tractors, diggers, teleporters, excavators etc. and we cover the entire area between Belfast / Tyrone and Cork / Killarney.

We don’t go into the Galway direction much, but will do so if a client specifically asks us. I try to be as flexible as I can.

“I started off just by advertising on Done Deal and it began to take off from there. I thought there was an opening there for this service as I knew there were a lot of men around the country who were buying machinery from dealers in and around the Belfast and Tyrone areas, where there are a lot of agri dealers.”

A quick glance at some of Shane’s customers tells us all we need to know about the quality of the service provided and the strides that the machinery transport business has made since its inception. He draws for Kuhm Centre Ireland, Meath Farm Machinery, BC Plant JCB in Hillborough, George Weir & Son in Dungannon, Scallon Tractors in Omagh, Trillick Tractors, McMurray Tractors (also in Hillsborough), McGinnity Tractors (Ballybay) and Gerry Duffy Machinery (Ashbourne) to name just a handful.

Shane operates a 2004-reg Volvo FH and 45-ft lowloader with winch. “I take it twice a week from Belfast through Louth, down South and back again. I can take three tractors – or other items – at a time and it’s mostly part loads. It wouldn’t be unusual for me to have three machines on board for three different men.

“My father still looks after the recovery end of the business, mostly light recovery.

He operates two recovery trucks – one Renault crew cab that can accommodate six passengers and a MAN recovery truck. We then have a mechanic in the garage who can fix cars, so it’s a one-stop shop.”

Since he started providing the machinery transport service. Shane hasn’t looked back. “It’s going really well,” he confirms. “Last year was a good year anyway but I suppose you can never really tell for sure how it’s going to go. It all depends on the farmer, how his business is going and whether he is going to buy any new equipment. If they do want to buy something from up North, then I’m here to deliver it for them.

“I’d have a lot of customers from the Cork / Kerry area, who are buying machinery in the North and I have built up a lot of good contacts both sides of the border over the last four or five years.

“As I advertise the service in Done Deal, you could have a lot of one-off jobs. I make sure they know that the lorry is travelling up and down and then it’s up to them if they want to jump on or not. I try to fill it both ways each time and thankfully we’re managing that most of the time.”

Shane had to be patient as the business was slow enough to take off. A lesser man might have given up but he was confident that he was onto something. “It’s growing every year and we are getting more and more customers all the time, between dealers and farmers etc. For a good while, I was just managing to cover my costs but I kept at it and went with each load anyway to keep the customers happy. I knew it might take a while to become established and it’s starting to pay off now.

“Since I started this, once I give my word, I keep it. That has stood to me because people don’t want to be messed about. I give a good service and if I say

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I’m going to be there with a machine on a certain day then I will be there.

No exceptions.”

With an eye on the future, Shane is determined to expand the business by continuing to provide the exceptional level of service for which he is now renowned along the east and south coasts… “I’ll keep going and I hope to pick up more customers along the way,” he states.

“I’ve picked up a lot of business through word of mouth. If you provide a good service, people will recommend you to their friends. I have a good reputation and I appreciate that because in this line of work you do rely on a bit of trust.

People won’t know you until you work for them and it does take a bit of trust for a man who doesn’t know you to allow you to deliver his new tractor or machine.

“And some of these people would have been messed about before. I’ve heard a lot of stories about lads giving low quotes and promising to deliver machines but never bothering to actually make the delivery. Some customers have contacted me after

having a bad experience with somebody else. That’s what destroys it for everyone.

“The bottom line is that I’m up and down nationwide twice weekly and I will provide that coverage. If people need something moved, then all they have to do is give me a call. I’m covering Killarney, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Dungannon, Belfast and everywhere in between. There’s a lot of business between those areas and I’m here to help people get their new machines as quickly, safely and costeffectively as possible.”

Best Wishes To GPS Recovery From

Supply & Fit All Makes Of Tyres, Brakes, Springs, Exhausts, Batteries

Unit 2/3 Dundalk Bay Retail Park Coes Rd., Dundalk, Co. Louth

Tel: 042- 9359850

Best Wishes To GPS Recovery Best Wishes & Continued Success To GPS Recovery From

Gerry 087-2544947 | Paul 086-2544947

Based in Castleblayney, Monaghan and Drogheda, Co Louth we operate in the northeast counties of Monaghan and Louth, parts of Meath & Cavan.

We offer a free mobile windscreen service to your door or workplace, with glass vacuumed away.

DIRECT BILLING TO INSURANCE COMPANY CARS - VANS - TRUCKS & FLEET VEHICLES - CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES

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liam trench designed_Layout 1 26/02/2015 14:20 Page 1

ree generations of agricultural contracting T

here’s no question that Liam Trench Agri Contractors has established itself as a leading contracting company since its inception way back. Irish Tractor spoke to Liam Trench CONTACT DETAILS

Liam Trench Agri Contractors Garryduff Claremorris Co Mayo m. 087 260 3567 t. 094 936 4061 IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Best Wishes To Liam Trench Agri Contractors, From

MALONEY AND MATTHEWS LTD Daily Collection Of Dead & Worn Out Animals

Vincent Maloney Ballinrobe 087-7987566

Jim Matthews Tubbercurry 087-7988064

Michael Biggins Castlebar 087-2305769

Michael Hughes Ballina 087-2582125

YOUR ONLY INDEPENDENT MAYO/SLIGO BASED ANIMAL COLLECTION SERVICE AS THE OTHERS OPERATE FOR CAVAN AND MEATH BASED KNACKERIES

Larry Waldron Claremorris 087-9983086

PLEASE SUPPORT A MAYO/SLIGO COMPANY

Best Wishes To Liam Trench Agri Contractors, From

DOOLEY BROS. ENGINEERING WORKS LTD. • All types of Agricultural Tractor Trailers • Jeep. Car and Van Trailers • Truck Bodies • Repairs to Trailers & Truck Bodies

Clonard, Ballycallan, Co. Kilkenny Tel: 056- 7769198 Fax: 056- 7769497

www.dooleybros.ie

Best Wishes To Liam Trench Agri Contractors, From

Woodstock Welding Services Woodstock, Ballindine, Co. Mayo

Tel:087-6573362 | Tel:094-9364910 E:barry@woodstockwelding.com www.woodstockwelding.com Wishing Continued Success To Liam Trench Agri Contractors From

BALLINDINE OIL Best Wishes & Continued Success To LIAM TRENCH AGRI CONTRACTORS From

HOME HEATING OIL ❅ MOTOR DIESEL TANKS ❅ LUBE OIL ❅ TRACTOR DIESEL Skevard, Ballindine, Co. Mayo.

Tel:094-9364304 or 086-8515010

GAYNOR PLANT SALES LTD.

Continued success to Liam Trench Agri Contractors from

PLANT & MAChINERY DISMANTLERS SALES & SELFDRIVE hIRE Tibohine, Ballaghaderreen Rd, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.

Tel: 094-9870100

Mobile: Pat 087-2581001 Padraig 086-8109204 Continued Best Wishes To Liam & Staff

Brian Gilligan Electrical

Mayfield, Claremorris, Co. Mayo Tel: 087-9001500 | Fax :094-9371338

For all your Commercial & Industrial Electrical Needs Best Wishes To Liam Trench Agri Contractors, From

Moran Accountants Ltd.

Chartered Management Accountants and Business Consultants

ACCOUNTS | TAX | ADVISORY | COMPANY FORMATION Contact Raymond Moran ACMA, 2 A The Grove, Lower Charles Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Tel:094-9035753 | Fax:094-9035753 | Mobile: 086-8115252 Email: raymorancastlebar@eircom.net

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himself to tell us about business based the Ballindoyne-based business.

When a family-run business moves into its third generation you know that something is being done right. That certainly seems to be the case with Liam Trench Agricultural Contractors in Co Mayo, as the company continues to prosper into 2015.

Liam Trench has been involved in the agricultural industry his whole life and comes from a rich background when it comes to the industry, with his father Joe having run the company after his own father had founded it two generations ago.

Since then things have flourished to the point where Liam is now bringing in part-time staff to keep up with the busy demand which the summer season brings. This summer, in particular, was a busy one for Liam Trench and his employees.

“We’re based in Garryduff, Claremorris in Co Mayo,” explained Liam.

“I’m third generation in this company and we’ve four full-time and seven part-time during the summer. My brother Bernard also works here and my father Joe was the owner before I took on the business. We’d also have been known as Joe Trench and Sons.”

Trench Agri Contractors’ areas of expertise include many of the industry’s typical aspects but they also offer a plant hire service for their customers as well. While Liam admits

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

that the downturn certainly affected that end of the business, he is glad to see things starting to turn around.

As a sole trader, Liam offers his customers the works when it comes to agricultural contracting, as he explained himself: “We do pit silage, we do bales, we do re-seeding, muck spreading, plant hire, diggers, slurry and lime spreading.”

“Business is alright at the minute for us,” he continued. “The downturn might have affected the plant hire end of things more than anything else but this year was a good year

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To The Trench Family From All At

AGENTS FOR VALTRA, REDROCK, NUGENT, MALONE, MAJOR, TRIOLIET, MCHALE & PRODIG Ballindine, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Mobile: 087-2516151 | T:094-9364023 | F:094-9364743 Email:jamesclarkesales@gmail.com

Wishing Liam Trench Continued Success From

GENERAL MERCHANTS FOR ALL YOUR FARMING & AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIES Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon T:090-6663373 (4 Lines) F:090:6663374

Best Wishes To Liam Trench Agri Contractors Contact David 087-6262727

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Best Wishes To Liam Trench Agri Contractors, From

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because we had a very good summer. Actually the last two years have been decent years for us so we can’t complain.”

The company’s fleet is largely made up of Valtra and John Deere machinery and is put fully to the test in the summer time when things are at their busiest for Liam and his employees.

Clarke Bros in Ballindoyne is Trench Agri Contractors’ Valtra supplier and McHales supply the Fendt.

“We have six Valtra tractors, two John Deere tractors, two Fendt tractors, one Volvo loader, Hitatchi diggers, a Claas harvester and a fleet of trailers and tankers. We’ve Kuernelaned mowes and Kron mowers.”

McHale is another trusted brand of the Trenchs, with Liam having bought his first Fusion in 11 years ago. After finding himself very impressed with the machinery, Liam bought a Fusion 2 in 2007 and hasn’t looked elsewhere when it comes to baler and wrapper specialists.

“We currently have a Fusion 2 Plus with plastic or barrel wrap as it’s known. Once our customers get the barrel wrap once, they always want it again.”

You can be sure that Liam will be putting them to work again this summer when baling season comes around again. For now, the next few months are set to keep him and his employees IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

busy as they build up to what he hopes will be another extended summer.

Liam is always between contracting, plant hire and farming: “We offer bulldozers and site clearance while in farming it’s calf to beef, and that certainly keeps us going.

“We’ll just be hoping to stay busy and have another good summer (in 2015). Hopefully we can continue to grow the business as well and continue to gain more customers,” Liam concluded.

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Jason Kelly and Martin Shanahan

One of Munster’s best in agri-contracting and quarry products 68

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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hanahan Bros are well established Agricultural Contractors and quarry owners serving the Limerick North Cork and North Kerry regions.

Agricultural contracting services provided include silage cutting, full tillage service , slurry spreading and bailing. From their

Shanahan Bros run a top class fleet

base in Newcastle West they also supply and deliver crushed stone, sand and gravel to farmers and the building industry. We caught up with one of the brothers behind the operation Tim Shanahan to find out more.

Between Agricultural Contracting and quarrying Shanahan Bros provide a varied service and operate one of the most impressive fleets of machinery in the

Munster region. The Shanahans are keeping alive a proud family tradition and with decades of experience and all equipment maintained in pristine running order provide a service that is quite simply second to none.

Reflecting on the genesis of the exceptional family business Tim Shanahan notes: “My family have been involved in contracting going back to the early 1970’s.

CONTACT DETAILS

Shanahan Bros Agricultural Contractors Lisheen Barnagh Newcastle West Co Limerick t. 069 62493 m. 087 2591745 E mail: cibr@eircom.net IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Wishing Continued Success To Shanahan Bros Agri, From Specialists In Automobile Electrical & Fuel Injection Repairs Stockist of Gates Hydraulic Hoses TACOGRAPH CENTRE SPEED LIMITER CENTRE Agricultural & Commercial Oils Batteries | Starters |Alternators & Filters Gortboy, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick Tel: (069) 61373 • Fax: (069) 61181 Email: westautoelectrics@eircom.net

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T:069-78018/78019 | F:069-78258 M: 086-2435393 E: jamesmulqueen@eircom.net

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P: +353 (0)69-78942 M: +353 (0)87 975-0219

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Continued success to Shanahan Brothers Agri Contracting Ltd. IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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My late father David started the business and today there’s myself, my brothers Martin and Tony and my son David.”

David Snr started off initially with single chop and double chop harvesters before moving onto self-propelled in the early 1980’s. Soon slurry, ploughing and bailing were added. The seeds were sown as the man might say! Since those early formative years Shanahan Bros Agri Contracting has come a long way.

The Shanahans fleet of tractors mowers and harvesters is mightily impressive! Any connoisseur of quality farm machinery could spend days nay weeks going through it. The fleet consists of Valtra, Fendt and New Holland. The Shanahans also operate two Krone Big M self propelled mowers a Mk1 and

Mk 11 as well as three forage harvesters. In addition they have Komatsu and Volvo loading shovels.

All fleet work is carried out in house. Shanahan Bros have their own modern workshop and handle all their own repairs and maintenance on site.

Employee wise they provide full time work to a team of seven the four aforementioned Shanahans plus three others- as well as a number of season workers during peak times.

The strategy has always been to keep the work as close to the doorstep as possible so that an optimum service can be provided. Tim confirms: “We generally work as close to home as we can usually within a 15 to 20 mile radius, this way there is very little downtime and no time wasted driving from one job to another.

The weather has a big impact on the season 2012 was a trying year for both farmer and contractor but 2013 and 2014 were good.”

T h e Shanahans are optimistic for 2015 and with the quarry and contracting are kept busy and hopefully will continue like that for the foreseeable future.

Patrick G. McMahon

SHANAHAN BROS AGRI Best Wishes & Continued Success To From

Best Wishes To Shanahan Bros Agri, From

SOLICITORS

Newcastle West, Co. Limerick T:069-62200 F:069-62356 E:info@pgmcmahon.com Also at Listowel, Co. Kerry by appointment IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

CATTLE WEIGHING SCALES AGITATION MANHOLE COVERS Manufactured To Farm Safety Grant Specification

Telephone: 069-62400 Barna, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick

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Oatmeal being delivered

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A model service

ince its inception some seven years ago, Michael Quigley Haulage in Wexford has been providing an excellent service to a range of customers across the Model County and beyond. We dropped into the company’s Barntown base and had a chat with Michael about the services offered, his trusty fleet, and day-to-day activities.

Be it crops, machinery, stone, sand or coal, Michael Quigley Haulage has the equipment and the expertise to get a vast range of products from A to B – within Wexford or nationwide – safely and at an affordable rate. A flexible and multifaceted service is provided on time every time; this is why the business has been in big demand since its genesis in the mid- late ‘noughties!

Reflecting on the early days of his eponymous haulage business, Michael notes: “I set it up seven years ago. I started off with one lorry and grew it from there. The first truck was a ’99-reg Mercedes 1844, which I used to draw grain for Michael Clooney.”

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The business grew steadily and today Michael operates a fleet of four vehicles, all DAFs. The most recent addition to the fleet was an ’07-reg model, which was purchased just before Christmas.

The Wexford man has been a member of the Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops since its inception.

TASCC regulates all areas of the agrisupply industry and Michael follows all their guidelines and provides an unrivalled level of service, both in terms of compliance and dependability.

Regarding the services provided, he continues: “I draw a lot of potatoes for Simon Donohoe, as well as onions and cauliflowers, from his yard up to Country Crest in Dublin. I also carry a lot of bulk grain and fertilizer for Cooney Furlong Grain Company, to their main depot in Enniscorthy.”

As well as curtainsiders and bulk trailers, Michael also runs a low loader, which he uses to move combines for Tom Butler.

The vast majority of his work is carried out locally, within the Wexford country boundaries.

“I’m also doing a good bit of work on the new Arklow bypass, drawing stone for Roadstone, and that will keep us busy until

the Spring time, when the fertilizer starts again. Once Spring comes, I’ll be bringing a lot of fertilizer to the local farmers for Cooney Furlong.”

The fleet is maintained in perfect running order at all times, with most maintenance work carried out in-house. “We buy our parts from B&R TranSpares Ltd. in New Ross and also deal with Transpart Ireland Ltd. in Cork. I get my tyres from Alex Moran of Moran Tyres. Most of the work is done in-house and we also use Noel Dempsey in New Ross from time to time.”

By varying his work depending on the time of year, Michael manages to keep himself busy all year around. “It’s going grand,” he confirms. “We’re working away

CONTACT DETAILS

Michael Quigley Haulage

Harristown, Barntown, County Wexford.

Tel: 087 9388812 Fax: quigleyhaulage@gmail.com IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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every day, so we can’t complain. The vegetables will be back on again soon and we’re hoping to have a very busy Spring with the fertilizer. You’re dependent on the weather to an extent, as is everybody whose work is connected to agriculture.

“I do a lot of work for Richard Ormonde Transport Services in Wexford as well and we also draw sand to venues all over Ireland, including a lot of golf courses, for Anthony Darcy of Darcy Sands in Wicklow and also for MSK Silversands Ltd. in Screen, County Wexford. That’ll kick off in March and will keep going until September. The onions will be back in a matter of weeks as well – and the potatoes. It’s like clockwork. Everything fits together nicely and we have the four trucks out on the road every day.

“During the winter time, we also deliver coal for O’Brien Transport in New Ross and Richard Ormonde. There’s always something.”

Looking to the future, Michael has no plans to try to reinvent the wheel. Nothing overly-ambitious is on the cards: “The plan is to keep going as we are going,” he says. “Hopefully more of the proposed roads projects in the county will go ahead and maybe we can get a bit more work from that. We’ll keep going with the agri stuff; we seem to have turned the corner and we are optimistic about the future.

“It was a daily battle up until mid-2013, to be honest, but things are going well now and the business has taken off.

We’re getting the work and we are fortunate to be working with some great people.

“Anywhere we go and any work we do, it’s more or less for the same group of clients and we look after them to the best of our ability and provide them with a good service. I never hear any complaints and everybody seems happy and there’s more work every year.

“When I started out it was hard to get

hoping I’ve many good years ahead of work because the boom stopped and it me in the haulage sector!” was probably the worst time to set up a haulage business. But I stuck at it and Having navigated the business through gave a good service and never gave up. seven years already – five of them I managed to get it going eventually and particularly testing – Michael Quigley isn’t it’s paying off now. about to let complacency slip in at this “I’m hoping to expand a little bit over the stage. He has found his place and is here next few years, if possible, and maybe for the long haul! there’ll be a family business here when the kids grow up. Ava is ten at the moment and Kayla is seven, while Archie is two. It would be nice to have something to pass on to them. I’ve definitely got over the New & Used Bulk Trailer Sales & Hire hardest part at this stage and I’m finding it easier to manage the business now than I was at the height of the recession.

Best wishes to all at Michael Quigley Haulage “I’m only 33, so I’m

SIMON DONOHOE

Best Wishes To Michael Quigley Haulage, From

Tel:087-6687380

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

Richard Ormonde Best Wishes To Michael Quigley Haulage, From

Transport Services Ltd.

Ardcavan, Castlebridge, Wexford

T: 053-9123208 T: 053-9124535 F: 053-9123771

Mobiles: Rory 087-2440368 | Richard Jnr 087- 2522914 Email: rormonde@eircom.net 73

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Silage is a big part of the busy summer schedule for the Gamble Bros

A

A family aair

gricultural contractors play a massive part in the farming community as their services allow work to be done, without costing farmers huge amounts in having to invest in the machinery necessary to complete these tasks.

For each activity, different machinery is needed and such is the cost of the various equipment that it just wouldn’t make any sense for a farmer to invest in these.

So, all turn to agricultural contractors and the services provided by these allows farmers have the peace of mind in the knowledge that the work will be carried out to the highest standard.

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Harvesting silage is weather orientated IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Agricultural contractors are from a farming background and they more than anyone know the importance of getting the work done on time. From spreading slurry, to ploughing, sowing, harvesting, baling, silage and every other areas associated with farming, the time constraints in the industry are some of the most stringent ever seen.

For this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we profile a family run Agricultural Contracting business who share with us their experiences of what it takes to be a success in this industry.

Gamble Brothers based in Ballymoney, Co Antrim is run by three brothers Johnny, Ivor and Andrew Gamble who have spent their entire lives involved with the farming community.

The brothers offer a wide range of services to an extensive customer base and these include, slurry and farmyard manure spreading, ploughing, sowing, round baling, silage, hedge cutting and every other task carried out on farms.

Not only that but Gamble Brothers dabble in a little haulage work as well and they have two trucks on the road at present, both involved in subcontracting work of the renowned haulage firm McBurney Transport.

A Krone harvester has been a wise investment

“We have been operating as Agricultural Contractors for a number of years now. We also farm our own land at home, so we have a good knowledge of the industry and the experience gathered over the years has helped us a lot,” said Johnny.

“A full range of services are provided and during peak times which is during the summer, there would be about 15 employed here, while out of season, there are six lads here full time.”

Johnny revealed that they are kept busy all year round and even in the quiet times, there is still plenty of work to do. “The last month or so would have been quiet enough, but this is when we do a lot of maintenance work on the machinery and ensure that it is in perfect working order ahead of the busier times.

“You can’t be landing in to do a job for a farmer and then breakdown. They will not put up

CONTACT DETAILS

Gamble Bros

Gamble Bros have a lifetime experience in agri-contracting

27 Drumlee Road, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, Tel: (028) 27662379 B To Gest Wis a h Frommble B es All A ros t

IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI

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Harvesting silage is weather orientated

Gamble Bros maintain an impressive fleet

with that if it was happening on a regular basis, but thankfully, it rarely happens to us.

“We would do the majority of maintenance work ourselves, but some is subbed out, while it is important to keep the fleet of machinery fairly fresh, so we try to upgrade as often as possible. There are big outlays in this business and every decision has to be taken with an air of caution.”

Johnny added that they are fortunate to have a loyal customer base, many of who have been giving them their business for many, many years.

“A lot of the custom we have would be repeat. There are some lads there that we would be doing work for the past 20-25 years. They know that we provide a good service and if we didn’t, they wouldn’t be long telling us,” he joked.

“We would operate in a radius of 20 mile around Ballymoney, so that sees us cross the border into Derry for some of our work. We’re fortunate to have such a good customer base and I’d like to thank them for the business that they have given us over the years.”

Gamble Bros have recently returned to spreading slurry following the winter ban that has been in place for the past few years, but Johnny feels that this is an unnecessary legislation.

“There is no logic to the slurry ban over the winter months. It is aimed at preserving the land and not having it destroyed, but who is to say the Spring won’t be wetter than the winter. You just never know with the climate here, so to have a ban just doesn’t make sense.”

Three years ago, in a bid to diversify away from farming in some way, a decision was made to invest in some trucks and Johnny states that Ivor is looking after this side of the business.

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Gamble Bros Machinery is featured in the DVD of Grassmen fulla the Pipe

“Ivor has the operator’s licence so it was decided that it should be used and it was something to fall back on in the quiet times, but it is going really well now and we do work for McBurneys.”

Johnny concluded that they are pleased with the direction that the business is currently heading and although there are no plans to expand, it was something that they weren’t ruling out altogether.

“Our busy period is starting shortly and we will go where the work is. We are happy with the customer base that we have and even though we are not actively seeking more work, we won’t turn it down if it comes our way. As long as we can continue to provide the level of service that our customers are used too, then there should be no problems at all.”

Steele Farm Supplies Wishing Continued Success To Gamble Bros From

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