Trial results bring promise, but grain prices drag down Darren's returns

Walking the fields, everything looked promising. But once I sat down to do the accounts, it felt like the reward wasn’t there, writes Darren Allen from Ballymaloe Farm

Darren Allen in the orchard, which is in full bloom at Ballymaloe Organic Farm, Shanagarry, East Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

This year’s harvest brought a mixed bag of results. While crop quality was exceptional and yields were respectable, the financial return was deeply disappointing. 

Like many in the sector, I’ve come away from the year feeling disheartened — the effort, innovation, and hours put in simply weren’t reflected in the profit margin.