Two brothers took a small family vegetable farm in Co. Dublin and turned it into a multi million Euro Company, over a twenty five year period.
Michael and Gabriel Hoey, now run around 2000 acres of tillage. They also run a massive food business, supplying most of the major supermarkets in Ireland. Where possible they grow the food they later process.
The Hoey’s need good equipment, and one look into the machinery shed will give you some idea of the investments they have made in this area.
Ploughing:
In 2011 Michael decided to purchase an eight furrow Trailed PB Kverneland plough. Tractor power was never an issue, as he has a fleet of fourteen at the moment. The one selected was a New Holland 8390 with near enough 400hp. “It’s just ticking over at 1400 RPM,” with the eight furrows” says Michael. “We need to plough deep for potatoes, and selected the No 9 Bodies on this unit. We also rent land and need to have extra penetration, from time to time, so we fitted the double spring layout on the trip releases. We have around 400 acres of potatoes in 2012 so the right choice was a body which would allow us to plough deep for the “spuds” or shallow for the 1400 acres of cereals. We like this No 9 body”.
“I did try other ploughs in the past, but like the Kverneland for the job it does, and the low running costs. We have a mounted ED 4 furrow, as well, as you can’t limit your operation to one unit when we get busy”.
Watch out for an Open Day at Country Crest. Occasionally Michael, who is a keen Vintage Tractor lover, will show his collection of tractors to the public. This is easily the most impressive collection I personally have ever seen. The comprehensive display of Ford tractors alone, from the Dexta to the latest model just has to be seen, to be believed.
I spent a couple of hours with Michael as we walked through the Museum-for that is what it is. Every tractor is lovingly restored to "just left the factory condition", and every one is on the button.
Just leaving the Ford section you encounter the MF section, followed by the John Deere, International, Marshall, Leyland, etc etc.
Often groups of schoolchildren are treated to a visit and occasionally the display is opened for charity days. Keep an eye out for the next one. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Always innovative, the Hoey’s have their own wind generator which provides 75% of their energy needs.
For further information on the PB Plough or any Kverneland Tillage implement contact John Mulhall at 087 2196905. http://ie.kverneland.com
Michael Hoey in 2012.
November 23, 2012
