Culmore Organic Farm

Organic Beef Farm, Northern Ireland

Soil Association - Organic Standard

Culmore Organic Farm is fully certified by the Soil Association and is 100% organic. To find out more contact David directly on 077 1144 1818 or email him

Winner Northen Ireland Food and Drinks Awards 2009

News & Views

NIFDA Award 2009

At the first time of asking in 2009, Culmore Organic Farm won the Best Organic Producer/Product Award. The award was presented by the Minister of Agriculture Michelle Gildernew.

Culmore background

Culmore Organic Farm was established in 2008, with the purpose of marketing organic beef to local consumers, as well as supplying some local restaurants with a high quality, dry aged beef.

At Culmore Organic Farm, we follow closely the organic ethos of high animal welfare, and sustainability.  We are also committed to lowering our carbon footprint where possible, and to this end we have undertaken numerous projects.

In 2007 we installed a medium sized wind turbine, which produces more electricity than we can use in a year (over 140,000 units per year).

We also have a twenty acre, managed hardwood forest, planted in 1994, which sequesters large amounts of carbon annually.

On the same principle, we have a local abattoir licensed to slaughter our beef, and a local butcher does all the meat preparation and packaging.  In total our beef travels less than twenty-five miles during this whole process.  This is a uniquely low food miles figure for any food.

With declining financial returns in the agricultural sector, we started growing organic potatoes in 2008.  So far results have been most encouraging, and the potential problems of low yields and potato blight, have not materialised.  This year we have over twenty acres of potatoes planted, with one new variety which has a very high natural resistance to blight.  Crops are looking very healthy at present.

Another area we had always hoped to address was the production of organic vegetables and this year we have carried out a pilot scheme in conjunction with Helen’s Bay Organic Gardens.  This gives our customers access to high quality seasonal organic vegetables, at an affordable price.

Another project recently undertaken was the establishment of three acres of orchards, using traditional Irish apple and pear varieties, which are highly disease resistant, allowing us freedom from any chemical sprays. These trees are already producing limited amounts of fruit, some of which can be seen on our website images.

In 2014 we took the initiative to sell raw organic milk directly from the farm. Consequently we became the first fully licensed raw milk seller in Northern Ireland. (see rawmilkireland.com)

We have also established a link with City Cheese, the only certified raw organic milk cheese maker in N. Ireland.

Culmore makes history

Global Food Network, February 2009

David Laughlin is considered one of Northern Ireland’s most progressive organic farmers who has made history in Northern Ireland. In a unique and historic initiative, Culmore Organic Beef, approved and licensed by the Soil Association, went on sale for the first time to the public and in partnership with a local butcher.

“We adopted a really simple, chemical free, natural approach to produce the tastiest organic beef in the country. Because we take time and great care rearing our animals, we wanted to do the same for our customers and create a more personal, dedicated service.”

To learn more about Culmore Organic Farm and to get in touch with David visit: www.culmoreorganicfarm.com By using the technical and creative resources of The Global Food Network David created the ‘Culmore Organic Farm’ brand image and developed his managed organic business model and marketing strategy from beginning to end in a period of 8 weeks. If you are interesting in finding out more about how the GFN developed the Culmore Organic Farm model simply contact

Organic beef goes on sale

Belfast Telegraph. Monday 17 November 2008

Culmore Organic Beef goes on sale to the public for the first time this week as part of a groundbreaking initiative.

Kilrea farmer David Laughlin has joined forces with Ballymena butcher Oran McAtamney to sell his organic beef through a dedicated in-shop till system.

His is the first organic farm in Northern Ireland to form a partnership with an independent butcher and hold a joint license. He will be offering sales of sides, quarters and freezer packs.

“We’ve adopted a really simple, chemical free, natural approach to produce the tastiest organic beef in the country,” David said.

“Because we take time and great care rearing our animals, we wanted to do the same for our customers and create a more personal, dedicated service.”

David says his organic beef is high in Omega 3 and is full of flavour, thanks to the lushness of his summer grass pastures, rich in herbs and wildflowers.

He’s also in the process of creating a free community organic garden and is working closely with Kilrea Primary School to develop its Eco Schools programme.

David was the country’s first organic dairy farmer and has gradually been developing his organic beef herd to complement sales of milk.

All his animals are fed only home-grown feed, reducing the carbon footprint by cutting out imported feed. The animals travel just 30 miles to reach the abattoir, reducing the carbon footprint even further.

Patrick Holden, director of the Soil Association, said: “It’s great to see one of Ireland’s finest organic farmers lead the way and create a closer partnership between everyone in the community.”

Original Articlewww.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Prince Charles visits organic farm

NIO Press Release, Tuesday 3 December 2002

A visit to an organic farm in Kilrea was the penultimate engagement for HRH, The Prince of Wales during his two day visit to Northern Ireland.

Culmore House Organic Farm in Kilrea has been the Laughlin family home since the 1920’s. David Laughlin, the current owner started converting the 100 acre farm to organic production in 1999, with organic milk first produced two years later.

On arrival, Prince Charles was met by Lord O’Neill, Lord – Lieutenant of County Antrim who introduced farm owner David Laughlin and his wife Ann. His Royal Highness was then introduced to Councillor Frank Campbell, Mayor of Ballymoney, Mr John Dempsey, Chief Executive of Ballymoney Borough Council and Rev Dr Ian Paisley, MP.

Agriculture Minister Ian Pearson then introduced Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Pat Toal, Roy McClenaghan, Deputy Secretary and Dr Charlotte Moore, Senior Beef and Sheep Technologist with the Department.

Escorted by David Laughlin, Prince Charles was given a tour of the working farm where he viewed a modern milking parlour and was informed of the various practices used for energy efficiency, cow comfort and animal health.

Prince Charles then proceeded to a nearby field where he viewed the dairy herd and discussed the breed, milk production and management of the animals.

Back at the farmhouse His Royal Highness was introduced to a number of family members, friends and neighbours before discussing the development of the dairy organic sector in Northern Ireland with a number of invited guests over a sandwich lunch.

David Laughlin then presented Prince Charles with a small hamper of organic produce after which HRH signed the visitors’ book before departing Culmore House for his final engagement of the visit.

Original Article – http://www.nio.gov.uk/media-detail.htm?newsID=8302