Six generations on the land: Meet Co. Clare dairy farmers, the Costelloes
High above Lough Derg in the rolling hills of Ogonnelloe, Scariff, Co. Clare, is where dairy farmers, the Costelloes are located.
Today, the farm is run by father and son duo Rody and Michael Costelloe, with assistance on the paperwork side from Michael's wife, Andrea.
Rody and Michael represent the fourth and fifth generations of the family to farm here and, with Michael's young sons Shane (7) and Eoin (4) already showing an interest in animals, the sixth generation is waiting in the wings.
(L-R) Rody and Michael Costelloe with some of their steers. Source: Irish Hereford Prime
The Costelloe farm is predominately a dairy enterprise, milking 240 cows and breeding all their own replacement heifers.
But when it comes to beef, the breed of choice is Hereford — a preference that reflects both tradition and performance.
Micheal Costelloe said: 'We've two Hereford stock bulls on the farm. We like their temperament, but they also give us strong, saleable calves that finish well off grass.'
Around 120 Friesian calves and 120 dairy-beef cross calves are born each year.
Half of the calves — including Friesian bulls, Hereford heifer calves, and all other beef-cross calves — are sold locally at around one month-of-age. The remaining Hereford bull calves are either sold as stores or brought through to finish.
Young calves on the Costelloes' farm. Source: Irish Hereford Prime
Hereford-cross steers are usually slaughtered under 25 months-of-age at ABP Nenagh, with some occasionally sold as forward stores depending on grass availability or weather conditions.
The dairy farmers recently leased additional land, which they hope will allow more of the Hereford-cross cattle to be finished on farm.
Michael's father Rody is a firm believer in the Hereford's marketability.
According to Rody: 'One great positive of Hereford cattle is that they're very saleable at any stage or age — there's always a good outlet for them.'
Breeding for performance and practicality
Selecting the right stock bulls is a key part of the Costelloe's system.
Michael explained: 'We go on visual appearance first but calving ease is important too, especially since we use Herefords on heifers.
'That said, we also place an emphasis on having quality calves as they need to perform as beef animals.'
Their two stock bulls boast carcass-weight figures of 8.2 and 9.9kg and rank 4 and 5-stars for gestation length – meaning they are both better than breed average in terms of expected gestation length.
One of Costelloes' Hereford stock bulls. Source: Irish Hereford Prime
Michael said: 'We're finishing animals under 25 months-of-age off a mainly grass-based system. That's down to good genetics and good grass.'
Paddock grazing helps maintain grass quality throughout the season, while first-cut silage is typically made in mid-May.
A zero grazer is used when needed, particularly in the shoulders of the year, bringing in grass from nearby out-farms — fortunately all within 3km of the yard.
Why Hereford bulls work
Michael sums up the appeal of the breed: 'Docility is a big thing. It means moving cattle is a one-man job, and with everything else going on here, that makes a difference.'
Finishing ease is another key factor for the Costelloes.
'They're more efficient — both from a cost and environmental point of view — because they finish younger,' Michael added.
Family and the future for dairy farmers
Michael's wife Andrea plays an essential role too, handling the paperwork from calf registration to farm accounts.
It is a full team effort for the dairy farmers — which is vital, especially in the busy spring season.
The family also employs a full-time farm worker, and Rody who is now 76, is still heavily involved with milking and management etc. Labour remains one of the farm's biggest challenges.
Another pressure point is land availability. With increasing restrictions from the Nitrates Directive and a sharp rise in land rental prices, expansion is not straightforward.
'There's only so much land available around here, and rent prices are higher than ever,' Michael notes.
Looking ahead with optimism
Despite the challenges, the Costelloes are upbeat.
'Right now, we feel positive. There's a scarcity of beef animals across Ireland and Europe, so it's great to be getting paid for what we produce,' Michael said.
According to him, success for the Costelloes' dairy farm is: 'When all the family are well and the animals are thriving — that's what keeps us going.'
And while farming has its tough days, especially when weather turns against them, the family understands the importance of pulling together.
'Weather can have a huge impact on farming and thankfully recently the weather has been in our favour.
'But I have seen the weather put pressure on ourselves and others in a physical, mental and financial sense. That's why it's so important for families to work together to look after each other and the farm,' Michael added.
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