Mayo farmer features in Rare Breed programme

THE new series of Rare Breed provides an in-depth look into the successes and struggles of farming life in Ireland throughout the calendar year.

In episode one to be screened on TV3 at 7.30 p.m. tonight (Tuesday, January 10), we meet Eddie O’Malley and his family who run a pig farm in Mayo.

The Westport-based O’Malleys have one of a handful of pig farms in the area.

Sixteen farming families from across the country are taking part in the 12-part series, which charts the agricultural year through 16 farms – arable, blackcurrant, cattle, dairy, flower, goat, horse, pig, sheep and vegetable.

The first episode shows how January's cold and wet weather keeps most livestock indoors, providing the farmers with the perfect opportunity to prepare for the coming months and seasons.

Aware that any decisions could ultimately mean the difference between success and failure, they are careful when making crucial business plans for the year ahead.