Sitting down earlier today with local man Donald Logue was more of an education than all the years I spent in college. I learned more in that hour than I have from another single person in such a short time.
Logue started his organic farm almost two years ago, and is only going from strength to strength. Just how did he get into this type of farming I wanted to know? He told me that although he had always been farming, it was a chance encounter with someone, and also from a personal experience himself, that led him on this route. Having suffered stomach problems, he ditched all processed foods and embarked upon eating organic produce. He soon discovered himself feeling much better and even came off medication he had been taking. And so his journey with organic began.
Although part of his farm is still conventional, it will all be organic very soon. There’s even organic oats on the way so we can enjoy organic porridge in the bowl right here in our wee village too. Donald said his mother always talked about when she was younger (she’s still young at 83) she recalls how they would gather seaweed and use it on the growing potatoes. There was no pesticides or fertilizers in her younger days. So, he must credit his mother with much of his current ventures!!
Like all new adventures there has to be some learning involved. Logue spoke of his training at Drumshambo in Co. Leitrim with other organic farmers. He says that much of the learning has been done through listening and asking questions. He assures me that organic farmers are all readily willing to share their own stories and help each other with their work. No one shy’s away from helping each other. People today he says are beginning to ask where their food is coming from. It’s an exciting time to be in the organic market he continually repeats.
There are currently 2000 organic farms in Ireland. Donald Logue, like many of them, is on his own. He does all his own work and currently has no employees. That will surely change as his farm develops.
I heard all about the natural nutrients, the soil, the importance of the weather and more. One would assume that this man has a Phd in organic farming. Such is his vast knowledge and understanding of growing organic produce. My brain was only able to retain a fraction of the information he was telling me. I did learn that if there’s a yellow vein on the tomato plant leaves then they are lacking magnesium, and if those leaving are curling then they are healthy. I must run out back and check my tomatoes!! I also learned the importance of the weather and how it can impact the growth of vegetables. I’d assumed this warm weather must surely be perfect. Alas, not always so.
Bee-Organic Farm and Donald can be found at Harkin’s Shop, Muff car-park regularly on a Saturday morning selling his produce. He’s there this coming Saturday and he will also be at the local food and craft fair in the Festival field next Saturday 3rd August. Donald says these days are great communicator days as you get to talk about the produce to people and meet a wide variety of characters.
“It’s an exciting time to be an organic farmer” he continually says. I don’t doubt that it is. Buying much organic produce myself I learned today how ignorant I and many others are to the work that goes into such produce. It’s more than a full-time job. It’s a way of life. It’s a passion, and it’s a love for what you do. Donald Logue certainly has all of this.
Perhaps if we all begin to question just what is in the food we are eating we would all sway more towards organic. I know I will definitely be swaying even more so in that direction from now onwards. Education is not always in the classroom. I got a fine one today in a coffee shop.
Organic produce is certainly more expensive that conventionally grown produce. When you hear the work and just how natural it really is, the cost does make sense. We’re not just paying for produce. We’re paying for a more healthy, more wealthy being.
Bee-Organic Farm can be found on Facebook, and Donald is only too willing to talk about, and discuss his work with his clientele. “It’s an exciting time to be an organic farmer”, and we are rather fortunate to have one right here on our doorstep.
GMcC