Laois farmer to feature in new RTÉ series of Saol na Feirme

The Irish langauge series returns to explore the lives of seven Irish farming families as they try to navigate the unpredictable challenges of the past 12 months.

Set against the backdrops of Laois, Armagh, Antrim, Clare, Galway, and Roscommon, the series delves deep into the lives of farmers managing tillage, dairy, beef, sheep, and vegetable businesses. 

2024 brought unique challenges including record-breaking bad weather that proved the farmers' resilience. 

From battling extreme conditions to launching new ventures, the farmers' journeys reveal the determination, creativity, and heart it takes to thrive in modern agriculture.

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Contributors this year include David Walsh-Kemmis, a 13th-generation farmer, who runs Ballykilcavan farm in Stradbally.

David took over his family’s Laois farm in 2004 after working as a computer scientist.

While the farm traditionally focused on growing barley, David recognised the need to diversify in order to sustain its future.

Today they brew with their own homegrown barley and visitors are welcome to the farm for guided tours and events.