farm (and more) walk part 1: the market

For the farm walk, we started at the end, so to speak. We brought people to the end point, the point of sale, to see that retail dynamic unfold.

Over on the left is a small section of the farmer attendees, chewing the fat.

Also visible is the very relaxed reality of a fine day at a market. Eileen had to actually do a day's selling Omega Beef Direct beef at the market while the whole thing was going on, as well as loads of other work on the farm and back at the house in and around the marque!

Farm walks are usually just that - walks on the farm. Ours involved each stage in Joe's business.
I have to say I was impressed with Dungarvan farmers' market. The local authorities are v supportive - I met both the EHO and the Town Clerk, and both were positive about the market.
The layout is good, and there are a number of positive food stories eminating from this market.

Paul from Bodega in Waterford mentioned that he will soon be hosting a farmers' market evening in his restaurant

Here's a picture that sums up a lot really: a chef, a farmer and a consumer chatting about their mutual interest: quality organic upland beef.

Organics With Altitude Farm Walk 2nd October

Below is informaton on the upcoming NOTS farm walk, being held in relation to the Organics with Altitude project on the 2nd October.

Organics with Altitude NOTS Farm walk Thursday 2nd October @11.30am

Joe Condon is a certified organic beef farmer based in south east Tipperary, who also runs the Omega Beef Direct food business. This walk will be of interest to a number of farmers. Those interested in:

• Direct retail - Joe sells his own meat and burgers at farmers' markets and on his website
• Beef farming
• Speciality breeds (Joe stocks Galloway).
• Hill farming (Joe has both upland commonage and a lowland farm)

The overall walk is based on a five stage organic protocol which encompasses production, slaughter, processing, distribution and the consumer - from conception to consumption.

The walk actually begins at the end of the protocol, at Joe’s stall in Dungarvan farmers' market at 11.30am on Thursday 2nd October. There, participants will be able to taste the end point product; Joe's certified Organic Beef burgers, while also watching the retail dynamic. Questions and answers will we taken. Following this, the walk then goes to the farm itself on a pre organised bus. It will arrive at 2pm. This will be a great opportunity for farmers to discuss issues arising for them. On the farm, the other stages of Joe’s farm and food business will be discussed and displayed.

Joe will also outline the business opportunity his production protocol entails, as he is currently seeking like minded producers to collectively brand and market organic meat under the Organics with Altitude title, for an Irish organic meat from the countries’ uplands. Full accounts, outlining the profitability of the Omega Beef Direct farm and food business, will be available, as will more information on the broader Organics With Altitude project.

For more ring Joe on 087 2735447

Extra information:
Event starts at Joe’s stall in Dungarvan at 11.30am

If you cannot attend the market stall, it is still possible to attend the farm itself for the second half of the day. Walk on the farm itself begins at 2. It is also possible to drive (see directions from Clonmel and Dungarvan below)

Directions to stall at Dungarvan Farmers Market
All roads into Dungarvan lead into the Market or Grattan, Square. This is where the farmers’ market is.

Directions to Joe and Eileen Condon’s Farm
From Clonmel, take the Dungarvan Road for approx. 8 miles. Look for sign for Newcastle turning right and follow signs for Newcastle village.
In Newcastle, take a left turn out of village by Nugent’s Pub.
Follow road up hill for approx. 3 miles. You will come to a junction with a tourist sign for Knockmealdown Drive. Continue straight past this sign for 200 metres approx.
Take minor road to right. This is a road with no ditches.
Continue down this road for 1.5 miles.
Farm sheds are on left.