Brothers Derek and Brendan are the current generation of Allens to run the family farm near the exceptionally tidy town of Keadue (several times a winner in the annual Tidy Towns competition) and, as they say tellingly, to care for the land.
Viewers who remember the RTE TV series Higher Ground may be familiar with this likeable and innovative family, who produce pasture-fed beef (Aberdeen Angus, Limousin, Charolais and Hereford), lamb, rare breed pork (Saddlebacks, Gloucester Old Spots, Tamworths and crosses), poultry and vegetables; while not organic, it is a traditional farm run on extensive principles and with animal welfare at its heart.
The stock is all free range, fed mainly on home grown fodder when grass on the farm's limestone pastures is unavailable, and allowed to grow at nature's slow pace - and they then hang beef for at least 21 days and lamb for 7 to 10 days before butchering.
All this care is reflected in the quality and flavour of the produce sold in their smart farm shop and production unit in Roscommon town, at markets, and online.
Visitors are welcome to the farm by arrangement, it's about 9km/6 miles north of Roscommon town by the N61 - and there are occasional farm walks and activities such as cheese-making demonstrations; see website for news. You'll also meet them at Galway and Moycullen Farmers' Markets where they share a pop up shop with their likeminded friend from Athenry, Ronan Byrne, aka The Friendly Farmer.
