Farmers change to survive in NI
NORTHERN IRELAND - Farming is still an important sector for Northern Ireland's economy. In the first of a series of reports from the province, BBC News examines how the business of farming has been changing.
17 October 2006
2 minute read
On the McGirr dairy farm, in County Fermanagh, it's not unusual to see motorbike riders rounding up the cattle.
Brian and Aideen McGirr are one of a growing breed of Northern Ireland's traditional farmers who are choosing to run a business from the family plot.
Increasingly farmers are unable to support more than one employee, with many owners actually choosing to go part-time to bring in extra cash.
In an effort to pay their own way, the McGirrs set up the BMG motorcycle training school.
"My dad has 22 cows, he's self-sufficient. Whereas we have a son who depends on us and a mortgage, we need more of an income," Mr McGirr says.
Source: BBC
