Combined enterprises working well for Tynan

Date published: 10 August 2026

However, County Tyrone farmer Tynan Roulston has proven that this does not always have to be the case. By following a more traditional approach, he is a strong advocate for the benefits of a mixed farming system.

Having always operated suckler and beef enterprises on the farm, Tynan decided just over seven years ago to diversify by introducing dairying. 

However, he never lost his passion for suckler cows and beef production. He joined one of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Suckler Business Sustainability Groups in September 2025 and has been working closely with his CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser, John Hamilton. 

Through regular farm visits and participation in group meetings, John has supported Tynan in identifying opportunities to improve technical performance and explore practical measures to enhance profitability and sustainability.

Tynan had previously been involved with CAFRE through its Business Development Groups programme and was keen to join a Business Sustainability Group when the opportunity arose. He believes the groups provide an excellent opportunity for farmers to meet and discuss the challenges and opportunities affecting their businesses. 

Each farmer in the group has the opportunity to host an on-farm meeting, something Tynan particularly enjoys.

“Every time I visit someone else’s farm, I come home with an idea, no matter how small, that I can implement in the running of my own farm.”

Through his participation in the programme, Tynan also has access to a CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser who is available to assist with queries and provide technical support, in addition to organising group meetings. 

Tynan's home farm consists of approximately 60 Fleckvieh and British Friesian dairy cows. A large proportion of the herd is bred to an Angus bull, with the resulting progeny finished on the farm. He also maintains a 25 cow Shorthorn suckler herd. Some animals are bred pure, while those not considered suitable for pedigree breeding are crossed with Angus sires. 

Shorthorn-bred cattle and Angus-bred cattle are marketed deadweight through local processor Foyle Meats. Tynan also operates a substantial arable enterprise, growing approximately 60 acres of cereals annually, with most of the grain and straw utilised on the farm. In addition, he farms land in County Donegal where he annually purchases Angus-bred yearlings and finishes them for beef production the following season. 

Looking to the future, Tynan would like to maintain both enterprises whilst possibly increasing suckler cow numbers on the farm. While introducing dairying was a sound business decision financially, he admits that his real passion remains with suckler cows and beef production.

“Milk production has undoubtedly strengthened the business, but my heart still lies with suckler cows and producing quality beef. I would like to grow that side of the enterprise again in the future.”

Although margins in beef production have improved significantly over the past year, Tynan remains mindful of the importance of continually improving efficiency within the herd. He believes membership of a Business Sustainability Group plays an important role in helping him achieve this. Members have the option of financially benchmarking their herds and flocks, enabling them to compare both physical and financial performance with other participating farmers across Northern Ireland. 

Tynan also believes the Bovine Genetics genomic testing project being delivered by Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has the potential to transform the beef industry.

“I have become more aware of the Bovine Genetics Programme through my participation in my CAFRE Business Sustainability Group and would encourage anyone to get involved. I believe it will deliver real benefits for the beef industry.”

Joining a CAFRE Business Sustainability Group can provide significant benefits for farmers and rural businesses looking to improve profitability, resilience and environmental performance.

CAFRE is currently recruiting new members for its Business Sustainability Groups. If you are a suckler, beef or sheep farmer and would like to join, new applications for Tranche 2 of the Business Sustainability Groups close on Friday 28 August 2026 at 4:00 pm. 

For further information, please contact your local CAFRE Adviser or visit the Business Support area of the CAFRE website.