Business
Spud Grower to Stop After 50 Years
Kevin said they are both looking forward to future projects and his dad is looking forward to enjoying semi-retirement.
Ballaquinney Farm has announced this will be its last year producing Manx spuds.
Maurice and Kevin Coole have thanked everyone who has supported it over the last 50 years.
Citing a rise in costs and a drop in sales, they said the farm, which is in Ballabeg, will focus on future projects.
They said: ‘It certainly isn’t an easy decision but with the continued rise in energy, fertiliser and seed costs, amidst a sharp slump in local sales we feel a high-risk crop like potatoes is becoming too expensive to risk growing for our business.
‘We would like to thank all our customers who have supported us over the last 50 years, and those who support local produce in general. We have enough supply to last this summer 2024.’
Kevin said they are both looking forward to future projects and his dad is looking forward to enjoying semi-retirement.
As well as Manx spuds, the farm also produces beef cattle, sheep, firewood, hay and haylage.
