A Proud Tradition Cherished on Ancient Lands
The O’Conors, invariably backed the losing sides in the several rebellions in the 17th and 18th centuries, this resulted in severe land confiscations. The family were driven off their better lands around Ballintober Co. Roscommon and the loss of their Castle on the outskirts of that village. The push was westwards to the west of the River Suck where land was heavy and marshy. However this did not dampen their enthusiasm for farming as the archives at Clonalis attest.
Archives
The diaries of Charles O’Conor of Belenagare (1710 – 1791) for August 1737 record him selling sheep in Castlerea for 6 shillings and six pence. At a time when a day’s labouring earned six pence. This indicates the real value of livestock at the time as it took 13 days labour to buy a sheep. Cattle sold for c.£3. 120 days labour was the price of a cow. At this time the family sponsored prizes for the best livestock sold at local fairs in Belenagare and its environs. Charles ran his farm based on scientific methods introduced by the principles of the new thinking surrounding the Enlightenment period rather than superstitious practices of earlier times.
Many a farmer expresses great surprise to see a letter in the Clonalis archives detailing instructions on how to make silage from 1888. Pits were cut into the sides of banks and grass carried into them. Grass clamps was trampled down by horses to drive out air and the pit made as airtight as possible with rushes again trampled down by horse hooves.
Organic Status
In Jan 2023 the Clonalis Farm entered a two year conversion phase to full Organic status. This means complete restrictions on the use of artificial fertilizers or non organic feeds. Also, very strict control of veterinary products together with other animal welfare requirements.
As part of this process we have switched our suckling herd from continental breeds to Aberdeen Angus x Friesian. They are an easy calving type of cow, good natured with excellent mothering instincts. The breed also have a good milk output and which facilitates animal husbandry. Aberdeen Angus are also “polled” cows which means they don’t have horns and which avoids the trauma associated with horn removal.
This Year
This year our bull the “Black Prince” has favoured us with a high proportion of heifer calves (75%+) so in two years time these young ladies may join our suckling herd as our future mothers. To date all Mums have been delivered safely and their calves are thriving.
We take pride in our Aberdeen Angus cows and their calves with their sleek black coats glistening in the summer sunshine. A proud tradition still cherished on these ancient lands.
Pyers O’Conor Nash
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