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04 Mar 2026
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04 Mar 2026
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Julie and Rod Calder-Potts (File Photo)
The owners of a Kilkenny organic farm and orchard have spoken about the impact of severe weather in early 2026, after persistent rain and flooding left large parts of their holdings soaked through.
Julie and Rod Calder-Potts, of Highbank Orchards in Cuffesgrange, located just outside Kilkenny City, shared an update with followers on social media after what they described as “a dreadful start to 2026” for the award-winning family business.
The couple said weeks of heavy rain had flooded sections of the orchard, turning parts of the farm into what they described as “a swimming pool.”
Despite the challenging start to the year, the Kilkenny producers say they remain optimistic and are looking ahead to welcoming visitors back when conditions improve.
“We love sharing Highbank with you,” they wrote.
READ ALSO: Day in the Life of Ruth Calder-Potts at Highbank Orchards
“We've had a dreadful start to 2026, with persistent rain and floods that turned our orchard into a swimming pool, but as always, we look ahead to the brighter days, full of sunshine and stories.”
Highbank Orchards has built a strong reputation as one of Ireland’s leading organic apple farms, producing a range of artisan apple products including cider, apple syrup and organic spirits.
The farm benefits from fertile limestone soil, which the owners say provides ideal conditions for growing apples.
Julie and Rod Calder-Potts have consistently highlighted the farm’s long-standing commitment to sustainable farming.
The farm has been completely pesticide, herbicide and chemical free since 1986 - long before there was consumer demand for organic products.
“We love sharing our tales with every visitor that comes through our gates,” they said.
“We became fully organic in 1994 and have never looked back.”
READ NEXT: More 'bad news' as experts pinpoint day temperatures set to plunge amid further heavy rain
While the wet weather has created early challenges for the season, Highbank says it looks forward to reopening fully for visitors, with guided orchard tours planned once the weather improves.
“We’ll be waiting to welcome you on a guided tour when the sun eventually comes back out.”
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