Ardrahan Community Calf Rearing Scheme is a farmer-led project to support ongoing development works at Ardrahan GAA Centre.
The novel initiative is the brainchild of a joint committee consisting of William Thompson, Patrick Whelan, Darragh Healy, Aonghusa Fahy, Eanna Callanan and Davy Kennedy.
As part of the ‘Calves to Cash’ Galway-based community-led project, farmers can either rear one of their own calves or alternatively, rear a donor’s animal.
Donors and sponsors will cover calf rearing costs, and the club will pocket all proceeds when animals come under the hammer as weanlings.
How will the scheme work?
- The scheme will run from spring 2022 – autumn 2022;
- A male or female animal of any breed or age can participate in the scheme;
- During spring 2022, animals for the scheme will be valued by mutual agreement between the farmers and the organisers, ie. the purchase price of the animal if it was bought at that time or the agreed valuation of the farmer’s own nominated animal.
- During autumn 2022, the farmer will sell their nominated animal at the mart after six/eight-months. The farmer will then donate to the scheme the balance or full sale price between the final sale price and the agreed valuation.
How to get involved
On behalf of the committee, Aonghusa Fahy told That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane:
“We are a farming community in the main, and this community calf rearing scheme will provide an opportunity for as many people as possible to become involved in our community’s fundraising efforts.”
“We acknowledge that there will be many people who will not be in a position to rear an animal but would like to contribute to the scheme.”
“As a guideline, we estimate the cost to the farmer of rearing a calf from spring to autumn to be in the region of €200.”
“People who are not in a position to rear a calf themselves can make a donation to assist with these costs.”
“Alternatively, they can purchase a calf, and a local farmer will rear the animal. An account at Gort Post Office is open under Ardrahan Community Calf Rearing Scheme.”
“We also have an iDonate page. Find out more about this project through our www.ardrahangaa.ie and our club’s social media platforms.”
“We will use funds to complete a safe facility for all community members for now and into the future. We are very reliant on the farming community, but we need all outside help from the wider community,” he concluded.
