I grew up on the family farm in south Kilkenny and from an early age I was always interested in what was going on and being in contact with the livestock. The farm was in dairying at the time and it was that end of the farm I was interested in the most, so from an early age I knew I wanted to work with milking stock.

In secondary school I chose subjects that I was most interested in and thought would be most useful as a dairy farmer, Agricultural Science so I would understand the details of how a farm worked, Building Construction as farmers are always building and developing their farms for the future, Technical Drawing so I could plan out future developments.

Looking back I now know I should have also done Business Studies, as cash flow budgets and planning is what I spend at least half my time in the office at.

After the Leaving Cert I went to Kildalton Agriculture Collage and did the Certificate in Farming and Agriculture. Following that I was lucky enough to win the Teagasc 'Student of the Year' which put me in contact with some very good people that helped to shape my farming system.

Shortly after Kildalton when working on the home farm my father allowed me to take over the management of the farm and I started to focus on the dairy herd. In 2003 I travelled to New Zealand on a study trip and that is when I had my eyes opened to what dairy farming can truly be when done right.

The following year I was then asked to join the Kildalton discussion group which is a group of some of the best dairy farmers in the south east. It is through working with this group that have pushed me to where I am to day.

The day starts at 6am when I get up - the first job is going for the cows and doing the morning milking. Then I generally set up the work for the day.

The good thing about farming is that every day is different, this allows me to be my own boss and work to my own scheduele. Mornings are usually for checking stock and afternoons are generally for other farm work needed. I try to start the evening milking at 4pm so I can finish up the days work in the early evening.

The main jobs are to make sure the farm is profitable, fuctioning and everything runs smoothly. It requires good stock management to make sure that stock are thriving and healthy.

Other management issues require that I forward plan and order in materials in advance for example I need to know when, how much and where to spread nitrogen which assits the growth of grass - so that I will have enough in supply to match my requirements.

Agricultural Science - I really enjoyed it and it gave me a good understanding of the basics in agriculture. Technical Drawing and Construction Studies - I enjoyed the hands on building as well as the planning and design aspect which has assisted me in planning and building my farm yard from the parlour, sheds, workshops and even my new house.

If I could go back in time I think I would of taken Business Studies to give me a better grasp of the financial aspects that are involve in my farming business.

• Leaving Cert 1998 Kilkenny College
• Certificate in Agriculture 1999 Kildalton College - achieved distinction
• Certificate in Farming 2000 Kildalton College - achieved distinction 2001 Full time farmer

Other places where I have gained knowledge are the Kildalton Discussion Group, Macra na Feirme Ag Affairs committee and study tour to New Zealand.

• Winning the Young Farmer of the Year 2007.
• Vice Chair of the Agricultural Affairs Committee
• Macra na Feirme
• Representing young farmers in Brussels in CAP reform talks
• Winning the Farm Skills competition in Macra

Like many jobs it can vary from time of year but over all I am very happy with my lifestyle. Farming has the advantage that you can always make time for family and friends. During busy times of the year such as calving season they can be long hours but with good management the work load can be reduced.

On my own farm I have enough cows that I can afford to employ someone full time, this in turn allows me time off. The farm also covers the cost for the up keep of the dwelling house and travel.

• Self motivation
• Self disapline
• Passion