Glens of Antrim Flower-fed Dexter Beef

18/06/2026

This old one eyed Ewe, called Cóinín. ( Gaelic for rabbit) had her last lamb over a year ago. At almost 13 she now is fully retired. She was a pet as a lamb and therefore, the farm manager has forbidden that she should be sold. She now grazes with hoggets ( young sheep not breeding yet), showing them the ropes and keeping them calm!
Our farm is so relaxed, even the real rabbit in this photo didn’t move when we came into the field. Can you see it?

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

Cows are social creatures. This cow is licking her herd companion. Licking or allogrooming builds bonds within the group.

16/06/2026

You have got to love native meadows.
As part of our commitment to natural local food, we also consider the other locals that live here. This Large White is really enjoying our red clover.

15/06/2026

Working the Silage with One of the Best
Views in the Country. 🙌



RSPB Northern Ireland
Love Ballymena
Farming for Nature
Naturally North Coast and Glens

14/06/2026

As well as cutting the silage yesterday, our sheep also got their annual trim. Conor McLaughlin stepped up as usual. Conor visits us twice per year. He pregnancy scans our ewes and clips our sheep too.
Some man for one man.

It would seem that between Alister McLaughlan and Conor McLaughlin ( not sure if they are related). The McLaughlins have us covered.

14/06/2026

Silage being cut by Alister Mclaughlin and Séamus Kane. Trying to get it cut, wilted and baled before the rain returns

13/06/2026

Lus a’ tSíoda/ Ragged Robin.
The wet meadow we have been managing for these last few years gets better every year.

Bándearg/ Pink is the colour!!

10/06/2026

This year we tried a Gelbvieh bull on our Black Galloways to see if we could improve the calves for stores or as attractive breeding cows for upland farmers, who are not seeking a slow growing, bullet proof, Galloway. But still want its toughness with a little more beef

We still have two cows left to calf, but the rest, as usual, have calved unassisted.

The calves are up and going and look promising. Time will tell.

09/06/2026

Another area we have the pleasure to help manage for nature and people is the meadow at the Dálriada hospital. This started off some years ago as a sterile mown lawn, now, due to Bamber mc Kay and his team, Ballycastle’s nature powerhouse Daniel McAfee and us , it is a brilliant spot. Go and enjoy it. If you have young kids they will love it.
Remember though Dont leave any rubbish or waste.