From farming lineage to land stewardship: in conversation with An Tairseach’s Farm Manager Janice Codd.
“It’s been wonderful to work here and watch the progress and improvements over time – and the commitment of this organisation to improving every aspect of farm life. I’ve always loved the land and I want to care for it; I’m dedicated to safeguarding the land for sustainable farming and for nature to thrive.”
Janice took the helm as An Tairseach’s Farm Manager in 2011, five years after the farm had been awarded organic certification.
Over fifteen years, Janice has witnessed the development of facilities at An Tairseach, with investment in farm machinery, extended polytunnels and the installation of preparation and seeding areas. The 70-acre organic-certified smallholding proudly uses only traditional methods of farming, producing home-grown vegetables and hand-reared meat for sale in pop up markets and An Tairseach’s local customers in County Wicklow and Dublin.
“Looking after an organic farm in particular is really about being uncompromising,” she says. “For instance, we do an awful lot more hand-weeding to completely avoid chemical sprays; it’s a full time job in the summer.
“My greatest joy is working with our animals. I’m often here at 3am birthing a new calf or piglet. It’s a priority for me to look after both the mothers and newborns at birthing time, and welcome new life here.
March is the beginning of new growth at An Tairseach and Janice is preparing for the year ahead. She’s now responsible for all the production plans, deciding what vegetables to grow and selecting seeds for the propagation tunnel.
“I’m excited about our apiary and honey production this year – it’s small but expanding. It’s more and more rewarding for all the farmers here and our volunteers to see such a great harvest of organic produce filling the shelves in our upgraded Farm Shop – and an increase in customers benefiting from it.”
