Clare and Gabriel Kelly from the townland of Kilnock, are situated near the village of Trillick in Co. Tyrone. Their farm comprises of 40 acres of SDA upland territory.
They have pedigree Charolais cattle and winter-graze sheep. Their cattle graze on a combination of rotational and strip grazing systems. Recently, they have employed innovative techniques such as DNA analysis to improve cattle growth, carcass grades and meat yields. They have implemented many changes to improve animal welfare and productivity as well as undertaking steps to improve the biodiversity on the farm.
They continually monitor our farm enterprise to ensure the business is both economically and environmentally sustainable. Financial and Carbon benchmarking assessment is carried out on annual basis. This analysis is facilitated by our participation in Business Development.
Since taking over the farm, they have implemented various policies which has led to a successful farm business of which they are very proud to own. They feel very privileged to be the custodians of these farms and hope the next generation cherish it as they do.
This Farm Walk is part of a series that has been funded by the Shared Island Civic Society fund. The project is being delivered in partnership with the Nature Friendly Farming Network and Farming For Nature. We encourage farmers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to attend.
Join us at 10.30am for tea and coffee, with the farm walk running from 11.00am - 2.00pm.
WHAT ARE THE FARM WALKS:
This will be a 2.5 - 3.00 hour (approximately) visit to the farm and will include a walk around with the farmer/farm family, a look at some of the habitats and species present, as well as the livestock and/or crops, and a discussion with the farmer about how he/she/they manage the land in support of nature.
These walks are for farmers and people with an interest in farming for nature. They are meant to be an interactive knowledge exchange between people with a real interest in farming and nature. They are not suitable for children, or for people/groups looking for an ‘organised walk’ in the countryside.
These walks are non-profit but a booking fee is necessary to minimise the frustrating level of no-shows. It costs £10 to register and all funds are circulated back into the farming community.
Please wear suitable footwear for uneven and potentially muddy conditions.
We would ask that you please respect these farmers, their land and livestock when visiting. Dogs are not welcome. You will be turned away if you arrive with one.
The exact location of the farm walk will be sent via email to ticket holders on the week of the walk (keep an eye on your email & your spam folder as sometimes the emails end up in spam).
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk commences.
Thank you to the Shared Island Civic Society Fund for supporting these farm walks.