Start spreading the news: Cork tillage farmers win Dairygold awards

Three Cork-based tillage farmers have been named regional winners of the 2025 Dairygold Malting Barley Competition.

The event is part of Dairygold Agri Business’s annual programme for tillage farmers and agribusiness stakeholders, with the overall winner to be announced at the Dairygold Annual Tillage Conference at Corrin Event Centre, Fermoy, on January 9.

East Cork farmer Kieran Horgan, from Carrigane, Carrigtwohill, farms 60 hectares of limestone land, running a mixed system combining tillage and a Simmental suckler herd. His crop mix includes Amity malting barley, winter barley, wheat, beans, fodder beet, and potatoes.

Planned rotations, soil testing, and the incorporation of organic manures underpin the tillage enterprise. Early planting is prioritised for spring barley, while care is taken to avoid working ground in unsuitable conditions.

Plant protection programmes are managed through Gatekeeper in consultation with Dairygold agronomist Frank Hayes.

Kieran carries out most of the machinery work himself, assisted by his nephew Cian.

The North Cork finalist is Dan Kiely, from Carrigoon, Mallow, who alongside his wife Mary and son Paul operates a mixed farming enterprise where tillage plays a central role. 

Combines 

Their system combines a dry stock enterprise — finishing cattle on summer grazing — with a tillage rotation centred on Amity malting barley. Barley is grown in rotation with oats or beans, supporting soil health and crop performance.

Dan is also engaged in sustainability initiatives, participating in the EIP scheme and Teagasc cover crop trials, reinforcing his commitment to long-term soil management and environmental responsibility.

Michael and John Henry O’Driscoll, from Kilcrea, Ovens, are the South Cork finalists. The brothers farm 140 hectares of limestone land, specialising in cereals and maize grown for their own enterprise and for local farmers.

Malting barley remains a cornerstone crop, with early planting prioritised to maximise yield and quality potential. Nutrition plans are informed by regular soil sampling, and crops are established using a plough-and-one-pass system.