Why organic?
At Portnellan, for more than a quarter of a century we
have made a conscious effort to farm
semi-organically. We recognised that large quantities of
nitrogen can be detrimental to the health of both the
soil and grass and can also adversely affect the health
of stock. The other two main prerequisities of organic
farming - that is, keeping animals in more natural, free-range
conditions with a more natural diet and to minimise the
use of antiobiotics and other drugs - we have always firmly adhered to.
In 1999, we made the decision to convert to full organic
status. The cows now graze on pastures that are totally free
from any artificial nitrogenous fertilisers, insecticides,
herbicides or fungicides. Instead, we use natural
products such as seaweed, lime and farmyard manure to
increase the fertility of the soil.
We rear our animals without the routine use of the
drugs, antibiotics and wormers that are so common in
intensive livestock farming (sick
animals, of course, are treated).
Out customers tell us they
buy our organic beef because it tastes brilliant and
many people realise that the
organic way of farming is sustainable and the
environment is protected for future generations.
|
Cows
graze in pastures totally free from artificial chemicals
We are very
proud of our mile of foreshore. |
