Frank Whitney

Frank Whitney, along with his wife and three daughters, farm 42 hectares along the banks of the river shannon in Co. Leitrim. The farm has been in his family since 1898 and Frank represents the fourth generation to manage the land. Today it operates as an organic suckler farm, with a long tradition of breeding Shorthorn cattle — a heritage breed he has worked with for over 50 years through the family line. In recent years Frank has developed the pedigree herd with notable success, including winning an All-Ireland heifer class in 2024. Frank and his wife are gradually introducing their three young daughters to farm life through small enterprises like hens and egg sales, helping them develop an early connection with the farm.

The farming system is low-input and operates under organic principles. Stock numbers have been reduced to around 18 cows and their followers. Some cattle are sold as breeding stock, while others are sold through the organic mart in Drumshanbo. Fertility is maintained through farmyard manure and an organic soil conditioner that supports soil nutrients and pH levels.

Wetlands, callow land and riverbanks support swans, geese and ducks. While hedgerow restoration, wild bird cover and hay meadows provide habitats for pollinators, farmland birds, foxes and squirrels. Parts of the farm are left largely undisturbed, creating valuable wildlife and biodiversity rich areas. The farm also contains interesting heritage features including ringforts, a Norman castle ruin and monastery abbey ruin. Frank is heavily involved in community initiatives, including local farming groups, biodiversity projects and historical societies, helping connect farming, heritage and nature within the wider rural community.

Nomination (Julien Carlier, ACRES)
Frank Whitney is an organic pedigree Shorthorn suckler farmer farming at Port Shan Farm on the
banks of the River Shannon, just outside Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim. The Whitney family has farmed
here for four generations, and Frank continues this tradition alongside his wife and children while
also working off-farm. His deep connection to place, family farming and stock is central to how he
farms today.

Frank is a passionate advocate for the traditional native Irish Shorthorn breed. A breeder “through
and through,” he takes great pride in his herd, which has received recognition for quality, breeding
and lineage through various awards and achievements. He actively promotes the breed as Secretary
of the Croghan Shorthorn Breeders Club, supporting genetic diversity and sustainable suckler farming
that is well suited to the land and climate of the northwest.
In recent years, Frank has consciously shifted from viewing the farm as a private space to seeing it as
a shared resource that can deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits. He has embraced
opportunities for diversification linked to the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway, which is
under development. Plans to develop a small coffee shop and self-catering accommodation at an old
granary site aim to create a viable additional income stream while inviting the passing public onto a
working farm to learn about food production, heritage and nature.

Frank is actively involved in protecting and enhancing biodiversity on his farm. He manages a range
of habitats across three blocks of land, two of which stretch down to the River Shannon. While some
areas are considered improved grassland, areas of species rich grassland and woodland are also
present and protected. As an ACRES Breifne participant, he has enhanced biodiversity by
implementing actions such as wild bird cover strips, new hedgerow planting and tree planting. He
has also expressed interest in wildlife ponds and has plans for bird and bat boxes and a traditional
orchard. He understands that many farms in Leitrim and the wider northwest retain high-quality,
unspoilt biodiversity, and he believes farmers have a responsibility to protect and support it so it can
thrive into the future.

Frank generously shares his knowledge and passion with others. He has previously attended Farming
for Nature farm walks and the Burren Winterage Weekend to network with and learn from other likeminded farmers. He has also hosted numerous walks and demonstration events himself for Leitrim
County Council, National Heritage Week, the Irish Shorthorn Society and ACRES Breifne. He also
generously gave his time to be filmed as part of the ACRES Ireland Farmer Stories video series,
openly sharing his experience to encourage and motivate fellow farmers.

Frank’s approach is progressive, practical and grounded. He demonstrates how Irish family farms can
work with nature while remaining viable and resilient. The ACRES Breifne CP Team think that he is an
excellent local champion deserving of recognition, open and willing to share his experience while
also striving to gain more valuable knowledge from others.