‘They made a very good living on 60 cows’: New Limerick farming ambassador
Broadford man chosen by National Dairy Council
THE NATIONAL Dairy Council (NDC) is continuing to expand its Farmer Ambassador programme with Broadford’s Paddy O’Kelly joining NDC’s troop of exceptional dairy farmers, who continue to spread the message of sustainable dairy production across Ireland.
Paddy went to Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, then spent three years with the farm apprenticeship board working in farms in Kerry and Cork. He worked on farms in New Zealand and Australia for a year before returning home in 1999 and taking over the home farm.
Incredibly, Paddy is the seventh generation working the O’Kelly's land. Mum and dad, Kathleen and Mike, are still very involved and active on the family farm.
The next generation is growing up fast too as Paddy and wife Maura have four children - Micheál, aged 14; Emma, 12, Aoife, 9, and Pádraig, 3.
Paddy said his dad milked about 60 cows, and he had some beef cattle.
“He didn’t rent any land. Milk prices are similar to what they are now, believe it or not, but costs were a third of what they are now. They made a very good living on 60 cows,” said Paddy, who added that he is delighted to be a new NDC Ambassador.
He said that a lot of emphasis has been placed on sustainability in recent years with the introduction of clover in the grass sward, low emission slurry spreading, planting of hedges and energy efficiencies.
“It’s so important to balance the debate and show how farmers are making positive strides to meet the challenges in lowering emissions. What we need is a clear voice, championing our industry with positive stories about the reality of life on the farm, and the effective measures being undertaken to address the environmental challenges,” said Paddy.