Celebrating humor, heart, and haystacks, the Irish Farmer’s Calendar captures rural life on the Emerald Isle with unmistakable charm. Depicting Irish life from a pastoral perspective – with a little cheek thrown in – it is the perfect combination of the craic and the iconic for producer Shauna Byrne.

Launched by Ciara Ryan 16 years ago, Byrne took over the helm and couldn’t be more pleased.

“This year is only my second year running the show. When the opportunity came up, I thought it was a no-brainer. How often do you get the chance to carry on a tradition that is basically part of Irish culture at this point?”

Often referred to as “Ireland’s favorite calendar,” the annual agenda captures the land’s most handsome farmers in fun and festive poses that bring a touch of pride and plenty of smiles.

Although Byrne herself isn’t from a farming family, she’s no stranger to the rustic spirit the calendar celebrates. “I grew up in Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow. Farming was part of the backdrop of my childhood, and being surrounded by that rural charm, the fields, the animals, and the sense of community definitely shaped me.”

She, in turn, has been instrumental in shaping the calendar. “In the short time I’ve had it, it’s grown legs and a personality of its own. The photo shoots have become bigger, bolder, and even funnier. I’ve also brought a more modern, social-media-savvy feel to it, and people love seeing the behind-the-scenes chaos. But at its core, it’s still the same cheeky, charming celebration of farm life that people adore.”

Byrne adores the work, even if it means wearing many hats.

“I basically run the entire operation myself. I’m the PR team, the social media manager, the press office, the website developer, customer service, logistics, and the person who packs every single order. I’m a one-woman show, but I also rope in my family during packing season. It’s definitely a balancing act, but that is all part of the fun.”

And fun is the actual operative word, for buyers and Byrne alike, along with her resolve to carry on a quirky Irish tradition.

“The best part is the reactions. Seeing people laughing, smiling, hanging it in their kitchens, or sending it to relatives abroad ‘for the craic’ is honestly priceless…”

“Photoshoot days are a real highlight. There’s always at least one moment where everyone is crying-laughing, usually because an animal decides to steal the show.”

Putting the calendar together is quite a show in itself, as Byrne recalls many memorable moments that make the photo sessions sound like slapstick. “Honestly, you couldn’t make up half the things that happen. We’ve had goats doing their business at the most inopportune times, tractors that refused to start, and farmers who come out with spontaneous poses so outrageous they end up being the main image for the month. It’s chaotic and hilarious.”

Even with all the fun, the depiction of Irish farm life is authentic. Although the calendar is known for handsome men, Byrne is not necessarily looking for models but ‘real farmers with real personality.’ “I want charm, humour, a glint in the eye, and someone who’ll have fun with it.” She also requires that her subjects have an actual day-to-day involvement in rural life. “You need to actually be involved in farming – dairy, beef, sheep, tillage, horses, veg – I’m not fussy. As long as you’re willing to muck in, enjoy the process, and maybe take your top off if the moment calls for it, you’re in the running.”

Beyond the laughs, Byrne is aware of a deeper aspect to her work that blends the craic with classic Irish culture, which she brings not only to farming families but to those with a soft spot for rural Ireland. “And then there is the diaspora: thousands of Irish people abroad who want a little taste of home – specifically, a home with farmers posing with hay bales. We reach them through social media, national press, TV, radio, and word of mouth. Once people buy one year, they tend to become loyal. It’s like an addiction, but wholesome.”

Byrne is keen on fulfilling that demand by making the calendar available in bigger Irish stores and growing its international presence. She is also considering producing special editions during the year and possibly some merchandising items. “There’s so much potential, and I’m only getting started.”

www.farmercalendar.com
@irishfarmercalendar