Cat & Kieran Roseblade

Cat and Kieran Roseblade are the founders of Ruaircs Farm in Co. Galway. The farm is seasonal and animal numbers vary depending on the time of year and the weather. The farm is currently in conversion to organic. Pigs, laying hens, broiler chickens and turkeys are raised on the 10-acre farm. Pasture-fed chicken and pork produce is processed locally and sold direct to customers. Free-range fresh eggs are also delivered to local customers around the area. Cat and Kieran value the importance of building personal relationships with their customers. They are open and transparent in their running of the farm. They believe in the importance of educating people about where food comes from and how it is produced.

While they are still in the early stages of their journey, they aim to create a diverse system that is productive, ecologically sustainable and economically viable. They have been working hard to create a rotational grazing system for the livestock. The animals play an important role in regenerating the soil as well as building the fertility and organic matter content of the land.

Working with Trees on the Land, the couple have continuously planted trees on the farm for the past 5 years with the aim of building a native woodland, and perhaps incorporating a silvopasture system in the future. The hedgerows and thick and full, acting as important habitats for birds and other wildlife. Cat and Kierans respect for nature and biodiversity is reflected in their diverse, low impact farming system.

Nomination Description:
Cat and Kieran are relatively new entrants to farming. They are bravely and wisely tackling the serious shortage of ethically raised, organic pigs and poultry. Producing pork, bacon, chickens, turkeys and eggs and direct selling they are a complete package. This is the type of small farm that can sustain a family, feed a local community and do so in symbiosis with the natural environment. This is what farming should be all about!
Nominator: Clive Bright FFN Ambassador