Michael Eamon Herbst
Michael Eamon Herbst | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1941, January 31 (age 83) Berlin, Germany |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Diversified involvement in agriculture, animal export, grain trading, and technology sectors in Ireland |
| Notable work | Innovation in peat and energy technology |
Michael Eamon Herbst (born on January 31, 1941, in Berlin, Germany) is an Irish businessman known for his diversified involvement in the agriculture, animal export, grain trading, and technology sectors in Ireland.
Early life and education
Born to Julia Kearney from Mullingar, Co. Meath, Ireland and Walter Herbst, a German, Michael's early life was influenced by the agricultural practices of his family's farm in
Career
Farming and animal export
Herbst started his career with sheep farming but soon shifted to raising Aberdeen Angus cattle and grain cultivation. He introduced new feeding practices for cattle and built modern sheds for them for better livestock management. His business expanded into exporting livestock to Europe,[1] especially after Germany's reunification, exporting thousands of cattle to East Germany.
In 1963, the Herbst family bought a 70 acre tillage & beef farm in Kilpoole.[2] This became his family home in 1967 where he has lived ever since. The farm was expanded to a 360 acre-farm in Kilpoole Ballyguile & Blainroe, which he developed into an agricultural and industrial site. This includes the 27 acre folio 6223 which from the early 1970s has been developed and used as both an agricultural and industrial hub.[3]
The yard was upgraded to allow assembly and testing of animals before shipping from Wicklow port to Europe. Herbst also operated a testing facility in Wicklow Port for final checks by the Department of Agriculture. In those days, each shipment of animals was herded on foot from Kilpoole to Wicklow Port.[4]
Grain trading
Herbst established the first major grain storage facility in Wicklow. He expanded his grain business by acquiring additional facilities and introducing innovative storage solutions, significantly improving the efficiency of grain handling and storage.
Herbst Group
The Herbst Group,[5] established from 1963 to 2021, included:
- Agricultural and Industrial Operations: Starting with a 70-acre farm, the family expanded to 360 acres, developing it into a significant agricultural and industrial site.
- Polo Wicklow: This is Ireland's only all-year polo club founded in 1995. The club offers various equestrian services and events.
- Expansion into Agri-Business: From the 1970s as his grain merchant business grew, providing comprehensive services for grain storage and distribution.
PrecisionVet.com
In partnership with a veterinary and sport equipment supplier in Sialkot, Pakistan, Herbst established a distribution centre in Kilpoole for equestrian medical and dentistry products, marketed under PrecisionVet.com. The range later expanded to include leather goods such as sport balls and motorcycling clothes.
Herbst Computer Systems
An early adopter of personal computers in Ireland, Herbst formed a partnership with a Hong Kong-based PC assembly company to import PCs into Ireland for resale. This venture laid the groundwork for Herbst Software, a company specializing in business management software, now led by Michael's son, Orson Herbst, with offices in Dublin, Cork, and the head office at Kilpoole Hill.
Herbst Peat and Energy Ltd
In the 1980s, the increase in oil prices led to an interest in Ireland's boglands for energy independence. Herbst Peat & Energy, together with Ballintubber Enterprises, led this initiative by developing and marketing the Herbst Difco Turfcutter,[6] a machine designed for operation by small plot holders with a single tractor. These machines were distributed from Kilpoole Hill and reached markets in the USA, Canada, Indonesia, and Africa, where they continue to be used.
Advancements in Peat and Energy Technologies
Herbst Peat & Energy acquired boglands[7] in Mayo and Scotland to improve their inventions and extend their product range to include gasification technology. This led to the creation of a turf-powered truck, which completed a round Ireland journey starting from Kilpoole Hill. The gasifiers were produced in Kilpoole Hill.
Transition
As the demand for peat as an energy source declined, the business scaled down, leading to the shutdown or sale of parts of the company. The boglands in Scotland and Mayo have been converted into nature reserves. The company now focuses on providing spare parts to customers worldwide.
Continued Impact and Global Reach
Since 1980, Herbst Peat & Energy has developed and sold peat production machinery and systems globally. The technology has been implemented in the U.S.A., Canada, Burundi, the Falkland Islands, and European peat producing countries.
Michael Herbst has lectured on peat harvesting and energy production internationally. He invented cost efficient "Milk Man System" and the "One Man Peat Production" system.
Worldwide Consultancy and Product Innovation
The Herbst Group offers consultancy to the peat industry worldwide. Their products include:
- Herbst Turbo Peat Cutter: Known for its practicality in producing peat from boglands worldwide.
- Herbst PST Conveyor: Introduces a new concept for drive stations by gripping and pulling the slack belt, reducing strain on bearings and rollers.
- Herbst Gasmiser: Employs technology for converting solid fuel to energy, based on a combustion process that releases energy from solid fuels.
Personal life
Herbst is married to Wendy, and they have five children. He has been actively involved in community and professional groups, including the Royal Dublin Society and Wicklow Chamber of Commerce, among others. He is also a founding member and the first president of the Wicklow Chapter of Rotary International.
References
- ^ Export cattle to Germany 1998, retrieved 2024-03-08
- ^ "Variety is spice of life for gentleman farmer". Independent.ie. 2009-04-08. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ Herbst Group Kilpoole Hill Farm and wicklow town 1980, retrieved 2024-03-08
- ^ "Wicklow Port | Wicklow.ie". www.wicklow.ie. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ "Herbst Group". 2017-04-13. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ "Herbst Turbo Peat Cutter | Herbst Group". 2017-07-03. Retrieved 2024-04-07.
- ^ Revolution on the Boglands - Michael Herbst - Turf Cutter - Herbst Difco, retrieved 2024-03-08