Derek and Mary Deane took over the family farm in Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, south of Dublin in the 1970s, continuing a family tradition which stretches back to the 17th century. The 160-acre farm includes 40 acres which are rented and the entire farm is under grass.

The farm supports a herd of 90 suckler cows and 110 ewes. The cows are predominately Limousin crosses and are mostly bred to a Belgian Blue bull. All the cows calve in spring and Derek strives, as much as possible, to keep the calving season between February and April. He finds the combination of sheep and cattle to be particularly beneficial for the quality of the farms pastures. Prior to joining the REPS scheme, Derek initiated a planting programme to grow broadleaf trees on his farm as well as maintaining and replacing the hedgerow system.