First time tillage farmer successfully growing crops and selling direct

This week on Organic Matters, tillage and beef farmer Reuben Cope, based in County Kilkenny, speaks to Hannah Quinn-Mulligan about converting to organic farming and taking the plunge as a first-time tillage farmer.

He talks about the crops he now grows, including red clover, a range of cover crops, intercrops of barley and peas for animal feed, wheat for flour, and milling oats, touching on yields, sowing dates and more.

Rueben also discusses selling wheat directly to produce flour, highlighting the value of heritage wheat varieties and the growing demand for high-quality organic wheat from artisan bakers.

Much of the bread and pastries made with his flour can be purchased locally, as well as in his own seasonal farm shop, which also features his own beef and organic vegetables, many sourced from a local organic vegetable grower.