Michael kennedy is a Dairy Herd Manager from Glenville, Co. Cork. His interests include both hurling and football.
Farm details
Area: 45 ha
Labour: His father Martin who also works off-farm, Michael and relief help once a week.
Herd: 116 spring calving cows
Career path
- Level 5 Certificate in Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College (1 year)
- Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Dairy Herd Management Kildalton Agricultural College (1 year)
- He has worked as a herd manager for 1 year
Michael grew up milking cows. His father Martin also has an off-farm job with O’Dwyers steel which is one of the reasons Michael decided to go home farming. The herd is pedigree Holstein Friesian and both Michael and his father have a big interest in breeding.
Overview of current role
Michael is responsible for the herd and grassland management. Martin used to measure grass occasionally but Michael now religiously walks the farm every Monday. He uses the grass figures to discuss any actions needed with his father. Both pick the team of bulls to be used on the cows and both help to keep the herd records up-to-date.
Up-skilling
Michael learned a lot from the weekly grass walks every Monday in Kildalton. He also learned a lot during his two work placements, on a 300 cow and a 180 cow farm. He has started attending a discussion group and also hopes to join a young farmers group in the future.
Career goals
After Michael came home farming, he and Martin decided on a five year farm plan. Reseeding and improving the farms infrastructure are the two main goals. Michael wants to learn more about managing the farm’s finances and sees himself taking on more management responsibility in the future.
Overview of current role
Michael is responsible for the herd and grassland management. Martin used to measure grass occasionally but Michael now religiously walks the farm every Monday. He uses the grass figures to discuss any actions needed with his father. Both pick the team of bulls to be used on the cows and both help to keep the herd records up-to-date.
Up-skilling
Michael learned a lot from the weekly grass walks every Monday in Kildalton. He also learned a lot during his two work placements, on a 300 cow and a 180 cow farm. He has started attending a discussion group and also hopes to join a young farmers group in the future.
Career goals
After Michael came home farming, he and Martin decided on a five year farm plan. Reseeding and improving the farms infrastructure are the two main goals. Michael wants to learn more about managing the farm’s finances and sees himself taking on more management responsibility in the future.
Teagasc
