Charolais farmer features on TG4

A Ballyconnell beef farmer is set to feature in tonight's TG4 series Beidh Aonach Amárach.

On the episode being screened this Thursday, March 31 at 8.30pm they venture into West Cavan to meet Beef Editor with the Farmer’s Journal, Adam Woods.

Adam Woods rears pedigree Charolais cattle. With a family of four sons, James (11), William (9), Andrew (7) and Robert (3) and his wife Ruth – it’s all hands on deck and everybody has a job to do. Having entered his first show at just 10-years-old and bagging five trophies on last year's country show circuit, Adam knows all of the tricks and tips to impress the judges.

His sons take part too, every year they compete in the young handlers classes. Adam has attended shows in the UK, France and even, New Zealand, but he says that no show comes anywhere near to the atmosphere at a rural show in Ireland.

Adam purchased his first animal in 1998, a pedigree Charolais heifer and it was from there his passion for the breed began. Only a year later, in 1999, he came home with the champion Charolais Cup from Cloone show – one of his fondest memories is hanging the cup out the sunroof of the car, and shouting as he and his cousins drove through the local village celebrating their victory.

It’s not a job for the faint-hearted. Adam and his family spend weeks in preparation for the country shows, early mornings up at 5am to get the animals ready, drive two hours to a show, spend the day pulling out cattle, and then home again.

It’s tough work, but Adam says there’s nothing to match bringing out an animal to be their very best and getting rewarded for it.