Laois farming family among top grain growers in Ireland
The McDonald family from Ballylinan won the Seed Wheat category in this year's Tirlán Quality Grain awards
A LAOIS farming family was named among this year’s Tirlán Quality Grain Award winners.
Paul McDonald and his father JJ operate a mixed enterprise of tillage, suckler to beef and sheep farm at Tankardstown in Ballylinan.
They won the Seed Wheat category in this year’s awards.
Paul focuses on soil health and fertility, which he describes as the cornerstone of his farming success.
The McDonalds rotate grassland around their farm, giving them a great opportunity to sow premium grain crops such as basic seed. Organic manures are integrated into the system and these have greatly reduced the farm’s dependence on chemical fertiliser. Cover crops have been a mainstay on the farm for the last decade. This is enhancing soil health, while also providing fodder for their sheep flock. Ploughing is currently the main establishment system used on the farm but min-till has been introduced in recent years when weather and soil conditions allow.
Paul grows a mix of crops, including seed wheat and barley, Cassia winter barley, oats and beet. The farm’s focus for the coming years is to continue on their journey of improving soil health, while pushing crop yield to its highest potential.
This winning crop of seed wheat was the variety Graham; the crop averaged a specific weight of 76kph at a moisture of 17% across almost 80 tonnes.
The McDonalds’ Tirlán agronomist is Barry Purcell.
Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy said that Tirlán remains Ireland’s largest buyer and user of native Irish grains and has paid a top price at harvest for the last five years.
He said: “There has been a significant increase in the quantity of barley going to the brewing and distilling industry from harvest 2024. It is wonderful to get the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the ‘cream of the crop’ among our dedicated and passionate growers here at the Guinness Storehouse today.”
“Innovation in the marketplace is key at Tirlán and we’re seeing significant growth opportunities for our oat-based drinks in Asia and the US in particular. Our functional oat flours are also gaining more traction in new markets. It is this commitment to investing in facilities and innovation that allows Tirlán to grow its premium grains portfolio to target new markets and deliver premium grains opportunities for our growers,” he said.
Chief Agribusiness Officer at Tirlán Ailish Byrne said: “It is wonderful to see the commitment of our growers to excellence and delivering high quality grains for the marketplace. The growers recognised here today are reflective of hundreds of Tirlán growers continuously striving to nurture their lands to deliver the best crops for consumers to enjoy.”
