All Manx farms have a rich history, but few — if any — can compare to the story of the Cannell family at Ballacarnane which spans 30 generations.
They have farmed land on the west coast road between Peel and Kirk Michael for more than 500 years, so the family’s agricultural history dates back to the time when Henry VIII was on the throne in England, the Island was ruled by the Earl of Darby, and Leonardo da Vinci was in Florence painting the Mona Lisa!
Today, Chrissy Cannell takes the leading role in looking after 250 acres and a flock of around 300 breeding ewes that includes Texels, Poll Dorsets, mules and Charollais and a small number of Cheviots. This diversity, says Chrissy, makes it possible to work out what works best for the current market and which are best suited to rugged Manx farmland. Last year was a good one for the Cheviot flock with Ballacarnane getting the top price at the annual tup sale. The farm is also home to a herd of 20 Galloway and Galloway/Angus cattle that are well-suited to the local environment. Being hardy breeds means they can be kept out in the fields during the winter and grass fed, which produces delicious, top quality beef.
Chrissy’s dad, John, aged 82, has a lifetime of experience in Manx farming and is always there as a source of sound advice. For over 50 years he’s been Captain of the Parish which today is a ceremonial role, but one that can be traced back to Viking settlers in the 11th century when trusted members of the community were chosen to look out for invaders. So there’s no one better qualified than Cannell snr to keep a watchful eye over the farm. Chrissy is also helped by her nephews Finlo and Ben; her sister, Ruth; and mum, Marilyn, whose cake baking skills are appreciated by all, especially after a hard day’s work in the fields.
Chrissy was working at The Community Farm (run by The Children’s Centre) before deciding to follow in her father’s footsteps. She says: “Whilst at The Community Farm I realised that I had a farm at home which needed a future, and that I was really proud to be part of such a long standing farming family, on both sides of my family. Dad had been ‘retired’ for a number of years, keeping just a handful of sheep, and the majority of the farm was let out. Over the next few years we gradually took land back from the tenant and increased flock numbers and reintroduced cattle. I initially reduced my working hours, first from The Children’s Centre and then from Manx Blind Welfare Society, before going full time four years ago when I moved into the farm workers’ cottage.”
As if working on a busy farm and being actively involved in the Island’s agricultural community wasn’t enough, Chrissy has recently joined the Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service as a retained firefighter with the crew based at the station in Kirk Michael! As you can see from this brief history of Ballacarnane, the role that Manx farmers have played in Island life for centuries is about much more than a passion for producing the finest livestock and high quality meat.
Young farmers such as Chrissy fully understand the duty they have to the local community and local economy — and that can be clearly seen in the care and commitment shown day in, day out, by our hard-working network of 220 Manx producers.
Click here to watch videos of Captain of the Parish, John Cannell, talking about the fascinating history of Ballacarnane Farm.
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