A young Cavan farmer who works alongside his father in a free range egg enterprise has successfully diversified into egg vending machines.

Ben Tierney (22), who works full-time alongside his father, Tony, in the egg production business and in beef finishing cattle, got the idea for the egg vending machines after studying agriculture at Ballyhaise Agricultural College.

He explained: "We learned a lot about diversification through their talks.

"I bought my first vending machine over two years ago. Then I got Leader funding for four more and I purchased a further five."

The vending machines are located on forecourts and outside shops in counties Cavan, Longford, and Westmeath.

Tierney has built up a regular customer base for the freshness of the eggs through word of mouth, he said.

"Eggs are stocked with careful handling and temperature awareness to keep quality consistent," Tierney said.

Every tray has 30 free range eggs from the farm and has a 28-day best before date.

"Our vending machines make it easy to pick up a tray on the way home, early in the morning, or late at night.

"They are card friendly, simple to use and restocked regularly," Tierney contended.

He also stressed that packaging is kept minimal where possible and, as they are a local supplier, the transit miles are also low.

"It's going well and I will have a new product in the industry in the near future," he said.

An e-recipe book for egg ideas has been produced, with €2from every sale going to Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland, a cause close to his heart as a friend died by suicide.

The book can be bought from Tierney's website or Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland.