Switching to contract rearing

Contract rearing has become a more attractive option in recent years for drystock farmers. One of those looking to make the switch is Katie Costello from Ballyhaise who runs a pedigree sheep farm alongside her father Seamus, mother Anna, as well as her sisters Emma and Laura. They plan to make the transition gradually.

“We’re in sheep at the minute but are hoping to get into contract rearing dairy heifers in the spring,” explains Katie.

“We have a small parcel of land in one block with a roadway through it that’s ideal for it.

“We will do it alongside the sheep for the first year and see how it goes. It provides a steady monthly income, unlike with sheep where you’re waiting until the end of the year to sell lambs.”

Katie says it has proven a popular option in recent years.

“With nitrates rules more dairy farmers will look to it more to get their numbers back down again. It is also easier for them to manage their stock. I haven’t heard anything bad about it yet.

“We don’t have a farmer in mind but we were with our adviser recently who is putting the feelers out for us and we’re making a few of our own inquiries, so hopefully, a few names will come up.”

While Katie says their farm can only take calves during the grazing season, if it goes well they will look to develop some indoor accommodation.

“It won’t take much investment, we raised dairy to beef calves for the last few years, there wasn’t a lot to be made in it so we got out of it, so we’re set up for calves. We’d be getting the calves in when they are weaned so we wouldn’t need a lot of facilities. We have a yard and a crush for weighing and dosing so we’re well set up. We just have to do a bit of fencing. We’ll see how we get on in the first year.

“If things go well we could look at developing further accommodation or renting a new shed.”

The Costellos’ sheep flock is pedigree Lleyn sheep she bought off a local breeder.

“They’re known for prolific breeding, so that’s why we got into them. Before that we had mixed flock with Lleyn and Galway pedigree breeds.”

An Ag Science graduate from Ballyhaise and Dundalk Katie also works full-time off the farm in Lakeland Dairies in research and development.

“I focus on introducing and researching new ice creams, as well as beverages such as milk pots and milk sticks, I’m almost sick of ice cream at this stage,” she jokes.

“We introduce what consumers are interested in. We work alongside different supermarkets and are trying to get into new chains.”