Irish Farmers Journal Weekly Podcast

In this episode of Young Stock, hosts Daire Cregg and Sarah McIntosh sit down with one of Ireland’s most recognisable and outspoken business figures, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary. Blending sharp insight with candid conversation, the episode explores the mindset, decisions, and realities behind success across both aviation and agriculture.From the outset, the discussion dives into Michael’s early years, unpacking when his entrepreneurial instincts first took shape. The conversation then shifts to his deep roots in farming, where he explains the thinking behind his move into pedigree breeding and his preference for Angus cattle.Hiring and people management take centre stage as Michael shares why he values employees from farming backgrounds and how that perspective translates into business performance. Looking ahead, the trio tackle big-picture questions around the future of beef farming, including profitability, land consolidation, and whether scaling up is essential for survival in today’s agricultural lan