Irish Hereford Prime farmer Michael Barrett

Meet Michael Barrett, a secondary school teacher and pedigree Hereford breeder based in Inch, Dunmanway, in the heart of West Cork. Farming alongside his father JJ and brother James, Michael continues a proud family tradition that began in 1983 when JJ and Mary Barrett bought their first Hereford cow. Michael runs a successful pedigree herd while balancing a career as a maths and geography teacher. The Barretts value Irish Herefords for their structure, easy calving, short gestation and the ability to produce quality calves with excellent growth and carcass traits, ideal for both dairy and beef systems. Showing is in their blood, with standout wins including Irish Hereford Prime Bull of the Year titles in both 2023 and 2024. Their sustainable approach includes strip grazing, back fencing, reseeding and stitching in clover, delivering strong results while cutting input costs. Michael sees a bright future for the Hereford breed, believing their traits suit every farming system.