Independent.ie - News & Features RSS Feed

Sale of coveted limestone ground is one to watch

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The executor sale of a 40ac residential farm at Farnamangh near Cashel, Co Tipperary, will be one to watch as land in this part of the country comes with centuries of recommendation. The farm, which will be offered in lots, comes with a guide price of €8,500-10,000/ac.

Surge in demand for ag courses

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Demand for places on agricultural courses looks set to remain sky high as Leaving Certificate students submitted their college choices through the Central Applications Office (CAO) ahead of last Wednesday's deadline.

High demand sees farmer grading for equipment scheme

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

THE latest Dairy Equipment Scheme tranche looks set to be substantially over-subscribed and will result in farmers being graded for entry into the scheme.

Whey in high demand as dairy market growth set to continue

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It was once the by-product of cheese. But the increasing value of milk fractions such as protein and lactose have turned whey into one of the most sought after outputs of the dairy industry.

IFA against rise in diesel rates to fight laundering

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The IFA has rejected calls for the equalisation of excise rates on diesel as a means of tackling illegal fuel laundering.

Tree Week can help us appreciate their value

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Timber growers tend to focus mostly on the financial aspects of owning woodland, but as trees bring us so many benefits that we often ignore or take for granted, we should take a more rounded look at trees and how we could not exist without them.

Conception rates have dropped since last year

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The ewes were all scanned at the beginning of January. We do not have as high a conception rate as last year since we're back to 68pc from last year's 75pc.

Vets urged to flag suspect Schmallenberg virus signs

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Vets across the country have been urged to contact Department of Agriculture regional veterinary laboratories if they suspect any cases of Schmallenberg virus.

Big push to get 3 litres fed in 2 hrs

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Spring is in the air. I heard recently that a hedgehog had come out of hibernation a month earlier than he should have due to the mildness. He was being told to go back to sleep for another month. We would all love to be told that.

Credit Review Office proves help still at hand in obtaining loans for farm sector

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

One in 10 cases being considered by the Credit Review Office (CRO) are farmers, according to one of its directors, John Trethowen.

Shake-up urged for the SCWS

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Major changes to the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme (SCWS) are included in a comprehensive review of the programme.

Pigs don't fly but chase computers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Forget about pigs flying -- they're too busy playing computer games to be bothered with that.

Finding racing's speed machines

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Scientists at University College Dublin have traced the origin of the 'speed gene' in Thoroughbred racehorses back to a single mare that lived in Britain more than 300 years ago.

Tesco pulls plug on carbon scheme

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Tesco is pulling out of its carbon footprint initiative due to the complexity of the work involved and the rate of uptake across the rest of the retail sector.

€13,232/ac paid by local farmer for Enfield lands

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It was smiles all around when 49.55ac of land at Enfield, Co Meath, sold under the hammer last week for €655,000 or €13,232/ac. The property came in 45pc ahead of its guide of €450,000.

Fat culls set standard

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The sheep trade at the marts stayed steady over the past week. Fat cull ewes were probably the best sellers, making up to €140. Ewes either in-lamb or with lambs at foot generally sold for €170-270. Heavy lambs made €65-80 over the weight. Factory types made €60-72 over, while stores went for €60-100.

Variety choice is key for growers seeking to maximise crop yields

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Department's recommended cereal seed list is essential farmer reading

Russian cheese market grows

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The Russian cheese market continues to grow, with volumes showing a rise of 20pc last year despite higher custom duties being imposed on imports.

Fendt goes greener with fresh crop of machines

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

In the middle of last year, Fendt unveiled the first half of its new 700 series with the introduction of three new models, the 200hp Fendt 720, 220hp Fendt 722 and 240hp Fendt 724.

Going eco-friendly makes good sense

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

THE United Nations has stated that by 2030, the planet will need to produce 50pc more food to feed the ever-growing world population. This increase in food production will have to be achieved with less land, water and energy while greenhouse gas emissions are also reduced. Major global food players have already started taking the issue of carbon footprint very seriously and are looking for suppliers at all levels to play their part. Agriculture, and in particular ruminant livestock production, is widely perceived to contribute a significant proportion of carbon emissions and is therefore very much in the spotlight.

525c/kg base but bargain for 545c

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Despite our Tanaiste not being willing to "give an inch" over the Irish embassy in the Vatican, there must still be someone in a high place praying for Irish sheep farmers. Quotes are solid, prices are high and the weather throughout the winter has been extremely mild.

Nothing 'immoral' in organic agriculture

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

While John Shirley's recent article ("Is organic farming immoral when millions are starving?") reflects the views of Dr Keith Dawson, the language and the headline used were over dramatic.

'Frontloading' plea on DES

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Frontloading the Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES) could generate business worth €50m for the rural economy, ICMSA deputy president Pat McCormack has claimed.

Sheep trade is focus of ICSA event

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The outlook for the sheep trade is the primary focus of a major seminar next week, which will feature speakers from Bord Bia, the British-based National Sheep Association, Kepak and the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland.

Register horse premises

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

From May 1, horse owners will be required to record their details on a register of horse premises compiled by the Department of Agriculture.

Should Tesco's axe alter our carbon audit?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

When one of the biggest retailers in the world pulls the plug on its carbon count initiative, it's a serious blow to all the stakeholder organisations that advocate the importance of carbon footprints for today's consumer.

iKeenan in remote control

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Carlow firm Keenan has improved its feed ration mixing technology with the introduction of the iKeenan mixer wagon (right).

Amazone aims to adapt with its GreenDrill seeder

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

New from German firm Amazone is the GreenDrill seeder. It is suitable for sowing grass seed and other catch crops.

Experience counts when selecting spring barley

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A deterioration in weather and field conditions over the past week has limited the amount of field work going on and has impacted on the appearance of winter crops.

Only 20pc of cattle on QPS premiums

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

ONLY 20pc of cattle killed in 2011 scored higher than the base price in the Quality Payment System (QPS) cattle grid.

Revamp for Castlelyons

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Glanbia has sought planning permission for a redevelopment of Castlelyons Creamery in Cork.

Five-point plan outlined to avert borrowing 'intimidation'

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A prominent IFA campaigner has come up with a five-point plan to address the problems faced by distressed borrowers under pressure from their lenders.

Co-ops 'to hold milk prices'

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Responding to the Rabobank report, the IFA's dairy chairman, Kevin Kiersey, said that the forecast of solid annual growth of 2.5pc per annum, compared to 1.6pc last year, would allow co-ops here to hold milk prices for the next few months.

Farmhand appointed as UH's Ireland distributors

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Farmhand, the Dublin-based agricultural machinery importer and distributor, has been appointed Universal Hobbies (UH) distributor for Ireland.

Glanbia plans for the summer

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Glanbia has confirmed that a decision on its dairy processing expansion plans will not be forthcoming until the second quarter of the year.