County Tyrone farmer Tynan Roulston is demonstrating how combining dairy, beef, suckler and arable enterprises can build a more resilient and profitable business. After adding dairying to his established livestock operation, he is now using CAFRE support and peer learning to improve efficiency while retaining his focus on quality beef production.
Key takeaways
Tynan’s diversified model brings together several complementary farm enterprises.
- His farm includes dairy cows, suckler cows, beef finishing and around 60 acres of cereals.
- Milk production has improved the financial strength of the overall business.
- CAFRE’s Business Sustainability Groups are helping him identify efficiency and profitability opportunities.
- He hopes to maintain both dairy and beef enterprises, with the potential to expand the suckler herd.
- Applications for the next group intake close on 28 August 2026.
A traditional model with a modern purpose
Many farmers are examining whether specialising in one production system can improve efficiency. Tynan, however, believes a mixed approach remains valuable when enterprises are managed as part of one integrated business.
He has always kept suckler cows and produced beef. Just over seven years ago, he introduced dairying as a financially sound way to diversify the farm. Although milk production has strengthened the business, his enthusiasm remains firmly rooted in suckler cows and beef production.
A diverse farming operation
Tynan’s home farm carries approximately 60 Fleckvieh and British Friesian dairy cows. Much of the herd is bred to an Angus bull, with the resulting cattle finished on the farm. He also keeps a 25-cow Shorthorn suckler herd, using both pure breeding and Angus crossbreeding according to the animals’ suitability.
Shorthorn- and Angus-bred cattle are sold deadweight through a local processor. The farm also grows about 60 acres of cereals each year, with most of the grain and straw used within the business. In County Donegal, Tynan buys Angus-bred yearlings and finishes them for beef during the following season.
Learning through CAFRE support
Tynan joined a CAFRE Suckler Business Sustainability Group in September 2025 and works with beef and sheep adviser John Hamilton. Farm visits, group meetings and technical guidance have helped him assess practical ways to improve performance, profitability and sustainability.
He had previously taken part in CAFRE’s Business Development Groups and values the opportunity to exchange ideas with other farmers. Hosting meetings on members’ farms is particularly useful, he says, because even a small idea observed elsewhere can often be adapted to improve his own operation.
Looking ahead for beef production
With beef margins improving over the past year, Tynan remains focused on raising herd efficiency. Financial benchmarking available through the groups allows participating farmers to compare physical and financial results and identify areas requiring attention.
He also sees potential in the Bovine Genetics genomic testing project, delivered by Sustainable Ruminant Genetics in partnership with DAERA. He believes wider participation could bring long-term benefits to the beef sector by supporting better breeding decisions.
Tynan intends to retain both dairy and beef enterprises and may increase suckler cow numbers in the future. His experience suggests that diversification, supported by careful management and shared expertise, can deliver a stronger structure without sacrificing a farmer’s core interests.
Sources
- Combined enterprises working well for Tynan, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
