The Killeen Family Farm, in Newtown, Kilkee is a model of resilience and tradition, enduring across five generations of farmers. Andrew and Bernadette farm with their son James, milking 110 cows and supply to Kerry Dairy Ireland. The farm was struck with BSE in 2004, requiring a full herd depopulation. The family rebuilt and today, the herd carries an EBI of 250 with replacements at 284.
Caring for the environment is second nature here, with more than 40% of the platform designed as a Special Area of Conservation. The Killeens are part of the Farming for Water programme and have installed bunded drains, sediment traps and reed beds. Ponds and hedges attract biodiversity, providing a natural habitat for species. Clover is a feature of the grazing platform, and the farm’s carbon footprint stands at 0.91.
Deeply rooted in the community, the family is involved in myriad activities including the school board and parish council; drama festivals, traditional music, dance and choirs; and, of course, the GAA, where James is a talented footballer.
