Beef - Dempsey Farm, Ireland
Introduction
In 2007, Ireland exported an estimated 523,000 tonnes of beef worth approximately €1.57 billion, making it the largest exporter in this sector within the EU.
The average size of a farm in Ireland is 32 hectares with 50% of the farms less than 20 hectares. 35% of farmers combine farming with an off-the-farm job.
The Dempseys took over the 105-hectare sheep and beef farm from Ray’s father in 1977, with Ray working full time on the farm and contract labour being used at times of high demand.
With varying economic changes over the intervening years, Ray reduced the size of his sheep flock whilst increasing the number of cattle on the farm. He now has a suckler herd of 70 cows with all the calves being finished on farm. The finished cattle are marketed directly to Dawn Meats and are achieving grades of U and R.
“We have established a good suckler herd capable of producing good beef cattle. We are finishing and selling our steers at under 30 months of age and aim to finish heifers at less than 24 months of age. We endeavour to make the best possible use of grass over a 230-day grazing period. Our winter housing and cattle handling facilities are good. Animal welfare and health and safety are priorities on the farm. We feel privileged that Dawn Meats nominated our farm, and to be selected by McDonald’s to participate in their Flagship Farm Project is an honour. There is also a personal sense of achievement as over the years we have worked hard in our farming business to achieve and maintain a good standard of beef production, recognising the requirements of the consumer and their expectations of traceability and animal welfare."
Ray Dempsey