There will be a farm talk taking place this week in the midlands on the topic of going organic for beef production.

Organised by Laois Macra na Feirme, the event will feature organic beef farmer Mark Gillanders from Co. Monaghan, who will detail his experiences in the field of organics.

The meeting will take place at The Brewery, Rathdowney, Co. Laois at 9:00pm this Wednesday (November 14).

Mark made the switch to an organic farming system in 2008, entering into the conversion process in 2009 and achieving full organic status in 2011.

The Monaghan farmer found the high costs of concentrates and fertilisers in his previous bull-beef system to be too much and believed that organic farming would be more profitable – prompting his decision to convert.

Featuring previously on AgriLand last year, Mark discussed sourcing 100% of his feedstuffs from inside the farm gate.

Also Read: Organic farming: Beef finisher sourcing 100% of feedstuffs from within the farm gate

Farming photo exhibition

Meanwhile, this Friday, November 16, will see the Laois Macra na Feirme Photo Competition 2017-2018 winners’ exhibition take place in Mountmellick Macra Hall.

Over the past 12 months, photos have been submitted to the county branch via social media, with a different theme each month. A monthly winner was chosen based on popular vote, with entries coming in from across the country.

Monthly winners won a two-hour photography lesson with professional photographer Alf Harvey.

The overall winner – announced on the night – will receive a two-night stay at the five-star Castlemartyr Hotel.

The photos taken over the course of the year featured under headings such as “Farm Life”, “Harvest”, “Farm Buddies” and “Silage”.

A great night is in store, with the “cream of the crop” on show, according to the organisers.