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Ploughing Championships
Ploughing Championships extended to Friday due to Storm Ali
The National Ploughing Championships "would have been on the brink of emergency evacuation levels" if it opened today, organisers were told.
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National Ploughing Championships cancelled today due to extreme weather conditions
Day 2 of Ploughing Championship further delayed due to severe weather conditions
Opening of Ploughing day two delayed due to weather conditions
'The Ploughing Championships will never be the same again' - Family of well-known farmer (33) who...
WATCH: First look at storm damage inside the Ploughing Championships
Focus on the Ploughing Championships: How Lidl gave these growing companies a ‘Kick Start’
The food and drink industry can be extremely competitive so there is a fine margin between success and failure for start-ups or young companies.
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'It's codology asking men to be a priest and to be celibate' - Fr Brian D'Arcy
Father Brian D'Arcy has spoken about the difficulties priests face in being celibate, saying that he believes clergy should be allowed to get married.
Day 2 of Ploughing Championship further delayed due to severe weather conditions
Teams at the National Ploughing Championships are assessing any potential damage done to the site after Storm Ali wreaked havoc this morning.
A delayed start but the show must go on: All you need to know about Ploughing Day Two
THE second day of the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, will have a delayed opening to the public, but is to go ahead.
Grid penalties costing livestock farmers €32m
Livestock farmers are losing more than €32m a year to beef grid penalties applied to poorer-grading animals.
'Mr Rees-Mogg should remember that carnage is a two-way street'
From Brexit to climate change challenges, Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed is holding the office during a particularly challenging period for the Irish agri-food sector.
A hundred animal thefts among €1.4m stolen from Irish farms
Gardaí believe €1.4m of goods were stolen from farms throughout the country in the past year.
Ploughing 2018: Fine Gael accused of bungling over delay in low-cost loans
Fine Gael has been accused of ignoring farmers facing the challenges of Brexit as their wait for low-cost loans drags on.
Homelessness crisis now hits hard in rural areas as numbers jump by 30pc
More than 1,200 people are now homeless across rural Ireland - a 30pc increase since the beginning of the year, a homeless charity has claimed.
Nicola Anderson: 'Dragons' and Michael D plough up support on stump in Screggan
The Americans have their presidential campaign ground games that cost millions and employ complicated strategies to engage with voters.
Protect our family farmers from retail sector whims, urges Higgins
President Michael D Higgins has called for Irish farm families to be protected at all costs from the "vagaries" of the retail sector and challenges such as Brexit.
Opening of Ploughing day two delayed due to weather conditions
Day two of the National Ploughing Championships has a delayed start, due to adverse weather conditions.
Could Ireland be facing a crisp shortage?
Ireland could soon be facing a crisp shortage, according to one of Ireland’s leading crisp and potato producers.
'They deserve to be honoured and remembered’ - 32-county tractor ‘Drive to Remember’ completes its journey at the ploughing
The farm accident support network, Embrace FARM completed their 32-county ‘Drive to Remember’ trip at the ploughing championships today.
'It is time for them to put faces to their company' - Farmers on war footing over vulture fund forced sales
A nationwide battle on farm debt is brewing, with the IFA warning that it will strongly support landowners who are facing forced sales by vulture funds.
'I share pictures because I'm so proud of her' - Kathryn Thomas gushes over baby daughter Ellie
RTE star Kathryn Thomas said she has experienced the dreaded "mummy shamers" that most women in the public eye have become unfortunately accustomed to.
'Sandwiches just came back uneaten in our house' - Rachel Allen on the dreaded school lunches
TV chef and author, and mum-of-three Rachel Allen knows a thing or two about making school lunches.
Fodder deficit narrows but dairy farmers advised to cull 'stragglers'
The fodder deficit has narrowed from 28pc nationally in July to 11pc in September, according to the latest figures from the Teagasc Fodder survey.
'Lock gates and light up yards' advise Gardaí as €1.4m worth of goods stolen from farms in last year
Gardaí are advising farmers to lock gates, light up their yards and remove keys from vehicles to help prevent thefts from farms.
Focus on the Ploughing Championships: Exciting line-up announced for Lidl’s ‘Big Green Barn’
The annual National Ploughing Championships is Europe’s biggest outdoor event and the highlight of the Irish agricultural calendar.
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Payments worth over €185.6m issue under 2018 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme
Payments worth over €185.6 million under the 2018 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme and Areas of Specific Constraint (Islands) Scheme, have commenced issuing this week to almost 77,000 farmers.
Where’s the beef? Supermac's boss demands fairer deal for farmers
Fast food giant Supermac’s has warned its Irish meat suppliers not to look for price increases unless they agree to pass the benefits back to farmers.
LacPatrick Dairies sets August milk price
The board of LacPatrick Dairies has set a milk price for August supplies.
Samaritans: 'Anecdotally, we know farmers have contacted us over the Fodder Crisis'
One in three people who contact the Samaritans for support are struggling with loneliness or feelings of isolation, new research from the charity reveals.
Boortmalt agrees to top up final malting barley price - IFA
Following recent negotiations, the IFA has said that Boortmalt, the malting company has agreed to top up the final malting barley price paid to growers for the 2018 harvest by €30 per tonne.
Row over "B&B" arrangement for cattle ends up in High Court
An organic cheesemaker has brought High Court proceedings aimed at securing the return of 35 cows he claims belong to him.
Ploughing Championships Day One: Everything you need to know
Thousands of people are expected to descend on Tullamore today to attend Europe's largest outdoor event, the National Ploughing Championships.
The super eight - Our machinery expert previews 8 machinery stands not to miss at this year's Ploughing Championships
McHale will be displaying a full range of machinery on Stand 313, giving new and existing customers the chance to see the company's high output machines up close and personal. Forefront to the exhibition will be the recent development and expansion into the twin rotor centre delivery rake range.
Irish farming could follow the UK down the Brexit rabbit hole
'If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there," the Mad Hatter told Alice in Wonderland. That's what one source in Europe said to me recently, when I asked, 'how are the British really dealing with Brexit?'
Wellies at the ready as heavy rain makes for a wet start at Ploughing
The Ploughing Championship kicks off today - with some 300,000 people expected to attend over the course of the week.
Brexit risks for farmers as CAP payments to fall - Central Bank warning
Brexit could push at-risk Irish farms closer to the point of collapse, the Central Bank has warned.
'The Ploughing Championships will never be the same again' - Family of well-known farmer (33) who died during event
The family of a well-known farmer who died last year during the Ploughing Championships said that they will attend this year's event in memory of their late loved one.
Dairygold announces milk price for August supplies
Dairygold has announced its milk price for August supplies, stating that it will pay farmers 32c/L, which includes a 0.5c/L quality bonus and VAT.
Top stars and key writers on the Independent Talks stage at the Ploughing
Join our team of experts and commentators for some lively, entertaining and informative talks over the three days of the National Ploughing Championships
Gang stealing landcruisers across Ireland have network 'operating on both sides of the border'
A new system which stamps homeowners' Eircodes on to their possessions has resulted in a dramatic drop in burglaries and thefts in areas where it has been piloted by gardaí.
'Buyer beware' on Canadian cheese concessions, say European exporters
A trade deal meant to give European cheesemakers more access to the Canadian market is falling short of its promise in its first full year, government data show, frustrating the European industry, which blames a year-old Ottawa quota system.
US agritech is a new digital frontier for exporters
Disruptive digital technologies are opening up a new frontier of possibilities for Irish companies in the North American agricultural market, particularly across the midwestern states.
'Important to have a machine capable of testing the biggest tractors on the market'
Earlier this year, well-known UK dynamometer manufacturer Froment appointed DTE-Systems from Tullamore, Co Offaly, as its agent here in Ireland. Froment has been designing and building power test equipment for several decades. The UK firm is well known and respected throughout the agricultural machinery sector here in Ireland.
South Leinster farms guided at €12,000/ac
Laois land is making good prices and Rathdowney auctioneer William Mansfield will be hoping this trend continues when he brings to auction an 82ac non-residential farm at Mountoliver, Rathdowney.
Queen's cattle kept away from Highland shows amid disease fears
In the world of Highland cattle she is regarded, one might say, as the reigning champion.
Flood warning issued as ex-Hurricane Helene set to bring 'high intensity' rain tonight
Met Éireann has warned of "high-intensity" rainfall tonight as Storm Helene crosses over Ireland.
Calls for Beef forum to be reconvened as beef price cut by up to €80/hd in four weeks
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture and Food Charlie McConalogue has called on Minister Creed to immediately convene the Beef Forum.
Spiralling property prices make death taxes a live issue for more unsuspecting families
Death taxes are set to deliver a bountiful return to the Exchequer this year. But the chances of any changes in the Budget to benefit families look to have been ruled out by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. This is set to annoy many middle-income people.
Ten most expensive Irish country estates for sale
It's not quite all doom and gloom in the property market. While the housing crisis continues to spiral out of control, while demand pushes prices upwards at the lower end of the market, and while prestige Dublin homes are feeling the first cool breezes of a moderating wind, up at the very top of the market business is 'robust'.
How supermarket prices could soar if the UK leaves the EU with no deal
Shoppers are facing a €19 hike in the cost of their weekly supermarket spend as prices will shoot up in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Ploughing visitors told to bring their wellies as organisers prepare for a record turnout
All roads lead to Tullamore as the final day of preparations gets under way today ahead of 300,000 people descending on the National Ploughing Championships.
Land for sale by vulture fund removed from auction site
Two parcels of land in Co Meath, which was being sold by vulture fund Promontoria, has been removed from the online auction site.
Henry Walsh: Our grass growth has been exceptional over the last month
September is progressing along within average or normal parameters on our farm in Oranmore.
Former dairy manager for Clongowes Wood college on handing on a lifetime of experience
Pat Fanning has two jobs at the moment: managing the pedigree-registered Friesian Holstein herd of John Coakley Snr on the Coakley family farm in Co Kildare, and working with John Coakley Jnr, who has just got his Leaving Cert and has high-tailed it straight to Gurteen Agricultural College for his Green Cert.
Georgian style on 65ac in Clare for €1m-plus
Last week my travels took me to Springfield House on the outskirts of Sixmilebridge in Co Clare.
'I have learned several CPOs are proposed for my land. It will destroy my farm. What can I do?'
Q I am a farmer in north Dublin and have growing concerns about CPO's on my land. I would like to know if there are ways to refuse CPOs, and whether there are any limits to the number of CPOs that can be placed on property. There are currently several CPOs proposed for my land and I am concerned that what I will be left with will not allow me to farm my land in a viable way at all.
Pensioner drives his Massey from Mizen to Malin in memory of his wife
A pensioner is driving his 1961 Massey Ferguson 35x from Mizen Head to Malin Head in memory of his late wife.
Ann Fitzgerald: Get active to fend off gloom of the long dark nights after Samhain
So what are you going to do for the long winter nights?
Deere 9000 Series a cut above the rest
JOHN Deere has unveiled a new beast for the self-propelled forage harvester market in the form of the 9000 Series with the largest model touching 1,000 horsepower.
Tom Staunton: Why I'm giving my ewes five-star treatment ahead of the breeding season
A full year's sheep cycle is nearly complete as we start to get ready for 2019.
Man in court after 'Husky' type dogs attack sheep
A man has appeared in court after his three dogs attacked sheep near Carrickfergus.
Over 150ac of prime Kildare land hits the market for €9,000/ac
Larger farms continue to come on the market, with holdings of over 150ac regularly featuring in private treaty and auction sales.
Mayo Karin crowned Supreme Irish Angus All Ireland Champion 2018
Mayo Karin has been crowned Supreme Irish Angus All Ireland Champion 2018 and RDS Champion of Champions 2018 adding further glory to her most successful year ever in the show rings.
'They pay no heed to life beyond the Shannon' - Farmer's Áras bid about big issues facing the west of Ireland
'In comparison to the other candidates my lifestyle is very humble. This shouldn't be about money. It should be about taking part."
Pictures and Prices: Tentative signs of a price bounce at cattle marts
As mart prices tumbled over the last six weeks everyone associated with the business has wondered where the bottom might be.
Dairy farmer with 1,200 cows on new tech which could cut his fertiliser bills by 20%
A large dairy farm in Northern Ireland is trailing a new system that reduces ammonia emissions while producing liquid nitrogen fertiliser at the same time.
Traditional homestead on 93ac guided at €750,000
In the not too distant past, a residential farm on 93ac in Co Meath was a solid property, the size of holding needed to establish oneself as a member of the club among the local agristocracy.
Met Éireann 'will issue warnings if required' as they monitor Hurricane Helene
Forecasters at Met Éireann said they are monitoring Hurricane Helene in the Atlantic and will issue warnings, if required, closer to the time of landfall.
How to plan your trip to the National Ploughing Championships 2018
Europe's largest outdoor event, the National Ploughing Championships, takes place next week from Tuesday to Thursday in Screggan, Tullamore.
Dan Ryan: Empty cows need to be offloaded now to cut winter fodder costs
The fodder shortage has raised many questions about systems of milk production for spring calving.
Gardai treating major fire at Limerick farm as 'malicious'
Gardai are treating a hay barn fire in Cappamore, Co Limerick on Saturday night as “malicious”.
Gardai treating major fire at Limerick farm as 'malicious'
Gardai are treating a hay barn fire in Cappamore, Co Limerick on Saturday night as “malicious”.
Irish farmer set to enter Big Brother house tonight
A 23-year-old farmer from Tipperary is currently being guarded in a secret location in London as he prepares to join the cast of the next series of UK TV smash hit Big Brother.
Dryness after summer heatwave seen cutting EU rapeseed sowings
Dry soil after record-breaking European summer heatwaves means farmers have been unable to plant all the rapeseed they wished, experts said on Thursday.
Chief vet moves to reassure UK public on shipping of young calves
Scotland’s chief vet has insisted “high welfare standards” are in place when animals are transported overseas, branding a recent TV programme about the practice “alarmist”.
Darragh McCullough: Fatigue is a massive issue for farmers and the consequences can be deadly
We had our first Ear to the Ground editorial meeting last week ahead of production getting into gear for the new season.
Spring crop intakes back by up to 30pc and bean yields take a battering
Last week saw the 2018 harvest coming to a close. While there are still pockets of spring barley and particularly beans yet to be harvested, especially in the west, north-west and some parts of the north-east where some late sown crops on heavy land are still maturing the bulk of this years' harvest is over.
Stud farm of top trainer Tony Martin withdrawn from auction
Arodstown Stud, the residential 88ac stud farm belonging to trainer Tony Martin at Moynalvey, Summerhill in Co Meath was withdrawn from auction after being bid to €1.625m in its lots and €1.4m as an entire.
Glanbia announces August milk price and halts support payment
Glanbia will pay its Member milk suppliers 32 cent per litre (cpl) including VAT for August manufacturing milk supplies at 3.6pc butterfat and 3.3pc protein.
Michael Gove's reforms could see horsemeat reappear in the British food chain after Brexit, farmers warn
Michael Gove’s reforms to agricultural subsidies risks seeing the return of horsemeat into the food chain, head of the farmers’ union says today.
Despite recent progress significant fodder deficit remains however on many farms
A meeting of the Fodder Stakeholder group in Tullamore heard that progress has been made in filling the fodder gap for the winter ahead.
Hurricane Helene 'will not be a repeat of Ophelia' - says weather expert
A leading weather expert has reassured people that an oncoming Atlantic hurricane "will not be a repeat of Ophelia".
New player making waves in beef breeding
Seamus Nagle knows a thing or two about bovine genetics, so much so that his fledgling company BullBank is quickly making its mark on the beef industry.
Farmers encouraged to recycle used tyres at new bring centres
The Government is making €700,000 available to remove stockpiles of tyres from farms.
Gardai 'baffled' as 15 Landcruisers are stolen from rural farms
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has asked farmers to be vigilant in Meath after the theft of the 15th Landcruiser in three months has left gardai 'baffled.
Robin Talbot: Shape up or ship out is the bottom line on stock bulls
The Rose of Tralee is well behind us, the two All-Irelands are won and the Ploughing is only around the corner. So history tells us that, at this stage of year - even with the best possible conditions - not enough grass is going to be grown on this farm this season to make up for the shortfall.
Pig farmers' margins now at rock bottom warn Teagasc
Pig farmers have endured a 43pc drop in financial margins in the past year, according to Teagasc figures.
Tick Tock: Time is running out for daylight saving with new proposal to stop changing clocks next year
The EU could bring forward proposals to stop the annual daylight saving procedure or putting back and forward the clocks to next year.
Talks to resolve vets dispute recommence
Talks aimed at resolving an ongoing dispute between vets and the Department of Agriculture are expected to resume later this week under the chairmanship of former Labour Relations chairman, Kieran Mulvey.
IFA: Beef sector needs co-op model on prices
A radical change in the way meat processors and farmers do business is required to ensure beef finishers receive a sustainable price, IFA Livestock chair Angus Woods has urged.
Neighbours of farm family in debt row say any prospective buyer 'will be given cold shoulder by community'
Neighbours of a farm family who claim they are being forced to sell off some of their land by a vulture fund have vowed that any prospective buyer will be given the cold shoulder by the entire community.
Australian farmers risqué photos have peaked the worlds interest on Instagram
Ben Brooksby, founder of The Naked Farmer, will be taking over the FarmIreland Instagram this Thursday and will be talking about how he’s using the platform to highlight mental health issues among farmers.
First container of Irish beef reaches China
The first container (25t) of Irish beef has reached China, after being purchased by a Chinese online and foodservice sales.
Stability name of the game in the lamb trade
Stability appeared to be the name of the game in the sheep business.
Carlow farm beats its guide price by over €500,000
A 126ac tillage farm at Tomard, Leighlinbridge, in Carlow sold in two lots under the hammer last week, making a total of €2.19m or a huge €17,380/ac.
Farming community unites in protest of 'forced sale' of family farm online by vulture fund
Farmers are today protesting the forced sale of lands in Co Meath by vulture fund Promontoria, which it claims is trying to force a family to sell some of their land to settle debts.
Hogan lashes Mercosur ‘megaphone’ tactics
Another round of Mercosur and EU trade talks begins this week in Uruguay, with trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström on stand-by to attend (she will be in the region at a G20 meeting).
Michael Gove: farmers who protect the countryside will be rewarded most when Brexit ends 'perverse' EU farm subsidies
Farmers who protect the countryside will be first in the queue for post-Brexit state subsidies as they are freed from the “perverse” constraints of EU rules on handouts, Michael Gove says today.
Concerns raised after ferry firm’s decision to halt the transportation of live calves from Scotland
Scotland’s Rural Affairs Minister has raised concerns about ferry firm P&O’s decision to halt the transportation of live calves from Scotland.
Factories go in for the kill on beef prices
LAST week we reported on the factories’ push on prices — for those of you with stock to sell you known that situation still prevails.
Rural towns are left behind as numbers at work below pre-crash levels
The number of people at work remains below pre-crash levels in more than 70 towns across the State.
Bronagh, Deirdre and Saoirse: meet the storms blowing our way this winter
Ali will be the first storm to blow in across Ireland and Britain this winter, the new list of names for this year's strongest weather systems shows.
Marriage split fears holding back farm handovers to next generation
The risk of a successor’s marriage breaking down is one of the biggest factors preventing dairy farmers from handing on land to the next generation, according to new research.
Farmer pepper sprayed by Garda during seizure of horse
A 63 year old farmer ended up being pepper sprayed during a grapple with a Garda when his horse was being seized in a field by a contractor working on behalf of the County Council.
Farmers urged to mark property to beat thieves
Farmers have been advised to mark their property in a bid to make it more difficult for rural crime gangs to dispose of stolen goods.
Six finalists announced in FBD Young Farmer of the Year
Six finalists have been announced to go forward to contest tonight’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year Award in Dublin.
EU Auditors hit out at ‘very slow progress’ on reducing air pollutants from agriculture
EU action to protect human health from air pollution has not delivered its expected impact, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors.
Look what happened in the Netherlands – Hogan warns Irish dairy sector on environment
Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner, Phil Hogan has warned the Irish dairy sector that it must maintain its reputation for producing products of the highest standards of safety and sustainability.
Lakeland Dairies holds milk price for August milk supplies
Lakeland Dairies has held its base milk price at 32.78 cents per litre including VAT for August milk supplies.
EU wheat prices rebounds with Chicago as supply doubts persist
Euronext wheat rose sharply on Monday in step with Chicago futures in a technical rebound from a six-week low, encouraged by further signs of tightening supply in major export regions.
Coillte agrees €281m deal to sell its operating wind farm assets to Greencoat Renewables
State forestry company Coillte has agreed a deal to sell its operating wind farm assets to Greencoat Renewables for an enterprise value of €281m.
'Additional feed cost me €2,500 a week and stress is at an all-time high'
"We're after doubling our feed rates from this time last year, costing me an additional €2,500 a week in additional feed," Ballinhassing, Cork, dairy farmer, Peter Hurley has asid.
British beef would be 'uncompetitive overnight' after no-deal Brexit - food officials
Some British food, including beef and lamb, would become “uncompetitive overnight” on foreign markets in the event of a no-deal Brexit, food industry representatives told members of parliament yesterday.
Brazil farmers vie for soy contract during US-China trade war
Brazilian farmers said they are seeking support to develop a soybean futures contract that would ease deals between Brazil, the world’s largest soy exporter, and top importer China at a time of heightened US-China trade tensions.
Farmers under siege from soaring costs
FARMERS are facing a financial crisis ahead of the winter as the full impact of this year's extreme weather becomes apparent, farm leaders have warned.
Fair Deal residents to be given bonus for renting homes under plan to ease housing crisis
Residents of nursing homes who have a house lying unoccupied would be offered financial incentives to rent it out under a plan being considered to ease the housing crisis.
IFA calls for more rural Garda patrols as 'people have right to feel safe in home'
More gardaí on high-visibility patrols are needed to help stem the intimidation of farmers by criminal gangs, it has been warned.
'Spineless thugs kicked me in the head until I was unconscious' - dad-of-three brutally attacked by gang
A farmer who was kicked unconscious after he confronted trespassers on his land is the latest victim of a gang using lurcher dogs as a cover while carrying out surveillance for a crime spree.
Boy (10) with cancer raising money to help other sick children
Brandon Bolger, a 10-year-old boy from Carlow, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, is fundraising to buy a tractor to raise funds for other children receiving care in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin.
Is Ireland’s low cost pasture based system really a comparative advantage for the industry?
Ireland’s low cost pasture based system is seen as a significant comparative advantage for many in the industry. But is it?
Call for new 'Sustainable Suckler Cow Payment' of up to €3,500/herd to be provided for in Budget 2019
The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers are calling for the allocation of €120m in the upcoming budget to develop a new ‘Sustainable Suckler Cow Payment.’
Talks over trade deal with South Americans continue amid opposition from EU farmers
EU Commission officials are in Montevideo in Uruguay this week to reconvene the trade talks with the Mercosur trading bloc.
Equestrian buyers in the chase for another slice of Tipp land
A 70ac parcel of ground coming to auction at Graigue near Clogheen in south Tipperary is described by auctioneer John FitzGerald of Dougan FitzGerald as a “very interesting and practical piece of land”.
Creed: 'Greater efforts are required to achieve TB eradication by 2030'
The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has said that greater efforts are required to achieve TB eradication by 2030.
'Farmers need a minimum of €100 per lamb' - Concern over the scale of ewe kill
Figures released by the Department of Agriculture show that ewe and ram slaughtering's have increased by almost 52,000 compared to the same period last year, an increase of 19pc.
Ecology schemes are giving farmers a lifeline
Income derived from agri-environmental schemes is a lifeline that keeps farmers farming, says NPWS Head of Agri-Ecology Barry O’Donoghue.
UK government set to backtrack on plans to ban live exports
The UK government could be preparing to backtrack on a key post-Brexit pledge on animal welfare – a ban on live exports.
Hedgehogs face up to 'perfect storm' as they flee countryside
Hedgehogs are disappearing from the countryside because they are being devoured by badgers, a study has found.
'They were extraordinary' - sister of rugby star on grief of losing three family members in slurry tank tragedy
Nevin Spence, a talented centre with the Ulster rugby team, was on the cusp of Irish honours aged just 22.
How farmers can capitalise on fast-growing willow and eucalyptus
The recent Energy in Agriculture event at Gurteen College, Co Tipperary, highlighted energy crop options for farmers and in this article, I will focus on how farmers can benefit from growing energy wood on the farm.
Pictures: 241ac former beef fattening enterprise on the market for €1.71m
A 241ac residential farm with extensive farm buildings near Coleraine in Co Derry is for sale by private treaty in a sale handled by Savills and guided at €1.71m.
Despite spending his working life in Dublin city this Limerick man continues to pursue his farming ambitions
'I've only seen a corncrake about three times in my life. My father told me that when he was growing up in Kilkenny he used to shout at the corncrakes for croaking but sure now there's hardly any corncrakes left and they're all gone from Kilkenny. It's sad. I find it all very nostalgic."
Mike Brady: A week or two away from the land is time well spent in the long run
It has been a tough year all-round on farmers. The wet back end to 2017 followed by the wet spring and dry hot summer of 2018 have taken their toll on the resolve of farmers in all farm enterprises.
John Heney: First load of cattle are down €70/hd on last year but it could be a lot worse
After months of waiting, the recent downpours in this part of the country were very welcome.
The 'wow' factor: See behind the scenes of this magnificent 230ac farm on the market in Kildare
Last Friday morning, I headed for north Kildare to visit what turned out to be a magnificent 230ac farm.
'We need a cross border approach on TB problem'
Catherine Murtagh is crossing her fingers that her Co Cavan farm gets the right result in the Bovine TB test - which is being carried out this week - so that things can get back to normal at the family's dairy enterprise.
New tax reliefs make farm consolidation a 'no brainer'
Since August 1, the existing tax incentives for farm restructuring have been further enhanced by extending the 1pc Stamp Duty rate to approved transactions whether it be by way of purchase or exchange.
Silence on main street - Post office closure 'the last nail in the coffin' for this town
An Post's decision is 'the last nail in the coffin' for a border town whose residents are now facing a 30km round trip to their nearest post office.
IFA president says suckler sector on a 'cliff edge' as demo farm reports a tough year
IFA President Joe Healy warned that suckler farming is now on a cliff edge, due to EU agricultural policy which is asking farmers to produce beef at low prices while reducing direct payments and insisting on ever higher standards.
'Ideal opportunity' - 50ac residential farm with substantial farmyard hits market in Cavan
Cavan has seen quite a number of properties come on the market this year, included among them is a 50ac residential farm at Greaghlough, Mullagh guided at €300,000.
New Zealand facing reduced dairy herd and milk output
The dairy landscape may be about to change dramatically in New Zealand as environmental constraints impact on the sector.
Why this dairy farmer chooses high EBI Holstein Friesian bulls for his 480-cow herd
This dairy farmer milking almost 500 cows will be choosing high EBI Holstein Friesian bulls for his dairy herd in the future
Macra calls for Stamp Duty exemptions to be extended in Budget
With the 2019 Budget only around the corner, Macra na Feirme is calling for an extension of Stamp Duty exemption on the transfer of land to young trained farmers to 2023. This 100pc exemption is due to expire in 2020.
Gene editing could be the rural electrification of our time - US
Biotechnology advances such as gene editing could be the rural electrification of our time, according to Ted McKinney, the US Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
Sligo sheep farmer on plans to increase ewe numbers to 500
Philip Higgins is the latest farmer to join the Sheep Tech joint venture run by Teagasc in conjunction with Irish Country Meats.
Post-Brexit ‘hormone’ beef imports would create UK public health risk – report
Allowing hormone-treated US beef to be sold in Britain after Brexit would create “an unnecessary and unacceptable risk to public health”, a report has warned.
Man charged with 35 counts of handling stolen livestock
A man was this week charged in Donegal with 35 counts of handling stolen livestock when he appeared at Letterkenny District Court.
Bank of Ireland launch €100m fodder crisis fund
Bank of Ireland has announced a designated €100m fund to support farmers who are facing a shortage of fodder and increased feed costs this year.
Myth that milk's bad for asthma 'is not true'
The widely held belief that milk boosts phlegm production and worsens respiratory conditions from asthma to the common cold has been dubbed a myth, according to a children's health expert.
Sheep farmers face massive hike in tagging costs
Sheep farmers are facing a 70c increase in the price of a tag when new electronic tagging regulations come into effect on October 1, the owner of one of Ireland's leading tagging companies has warned.
Tommy Boland: The long awaited rainfall gives a timely boost to lambs' growth rate on aftergrass
Some normality has returned to the grass growth pattern at Lyons Farm, with a growth rate of 64kg of dry matter per heactare per day achieved in the week to August 27.
How this top dairy farmer is saving €180,000 in feed bills
When milk quotas were abolished, Cork dairy farmer Donal O'Reilly didn't just think about expanding his herd - he set about growing extra grass, which he says is worth €180,000 a year to his farm.
Drought unearths dozens of historic treasures across country
The dry and hot summer helped unearth many historic monuments during July and August, according to the National Monuments Service (NMS).
Rural Ireland is left to grow old as towns around capital attract all the young families
Most of the country's top 20 youngest towns are located in and around Dublin as families flock to the capital in search of work.
Marts: Reasons to be cheerful despite latest cattle price drops
The message from the latest ringside figures is that the trade remains under pressure. The tables below show that every section on both the bullock and heifer table fell, bar the poorer-quality 600kg+ heifer.
What’s needed to qualify for farm assist payments?
I have a small farm that I work on full-time but the profit margins are very low. I am married with two children. Is there any State support available?
GALLERY: Naas serves up a classic - Kildare auction pulls in some rare tractors
Some vintage tractors were among the items sold at a well-attended auction of agricultural and plant machinery held by Irish Machinery Auctions in Naas, Co Kildare.
Dubliner digs deep for 199ac Wexford estate
Kilgibbon on 199ac on the banks of the Slaney south of Enniscorthy sold under the hammer last week making €1.76m - about €8,800/ac
EU wheat prices subdued as Russia rumours fade, big US corn crop looms
European wheat futures edged lower on Wednesday, giving up earlier gains, as the absence of Russian export restrictions continued to dampen speculation about supply tensions.
Season in the sun - hot spells make it a summer for record books
The summer of 2018 will go down as one of the hottest and driest summers on record as weather conditions not seen for more than two decades were recorded across the country.
Tackling climate change should be 'rural-proofed', committee hears
Any measures to reverse failures to reach climate change targets should consider “rural-proofing” an Oireachtas committee has heard.
Brexit threats far outweigh opportunities - Love Irish Food
While Brexit presents some opportunities the threats facing the Irish agri-food sector are far greater, according to Love Irish Food.
Helen Harris: Poor take-up on fodder scheme is baffling - and ominous
We eventually completed our main harvest but instead of improving, the results just went from bad to worse as the harvest went on.
Chanelle Group to create 350 jobs in Galway with €86m investment
Chanelle Group is to create 350 jobs at its headquarters in Loughrea, County Galway, with an €86m investment.
End of an era for these sheep pioneers
One of the original four founding flocks of Beltex Pedigree sheep breeding in Ireland is to be dispersed, to make way for a ‘farm to fork’ commercial sheep enterprise.
FarmIreland Instagram Takeover: Follow all the action from Anna's Goat Farm
Emma O’Connor from Anna’s Goat Farm will be taking over the FarmIreland Instagram account today and will be talking about why her family chose to run a dairy goat farm.
London and EU on collision course over access for food and drink produce
The UK is threatening not to recognise EU specialty food and drink after Brexit unless it gets better market access to the bloc.
No scaling back on Food Wise 2025 targets
There will be no scaling back the ambitious expansionary targets set out for the agri-food sector in Food Wise 2025, a senior Government minister has stated.
A cut above: Irish sausage maker wins place in Guinness World Records Book
A Cavan butcher who can make nearly 80 sausages a minute has sealed his place in the annual Guinness World Records book for 2019.
Farmer (58) suffered 'catastrophic' head injuries after being kicked by cow
A 58 year old farmer suffered catastrophic head injuries after he sustained a suspected kick from a cow.
Bayer cuts forecasts on Monsanto delay as lawsuits pile up
Bayer cut its earnings forecast on Wednesday due to delays to its $63 billion takeover of Monsanto, and said sales of its consumer care products fell, hitting its shares, already reeling from a legal battle over the weed killer Roundup.
Prime Meath holding guided at €10,000/ac
Carnaross in Meath is famous for its mart and the area will be familiar to farmers from north Leinster and Ulster.
UK meat testing: Some meat sampled had up to four animals in it
Meat testing carried out by the UK Food Standards Agency contains the DNA of different animals than advertised.
Flying trade for top Texel rams
Texel rams met with a 'flying' trade at the Sheep Ireland Elite Eurostar Multi-breed Annual Sale where the breed accounted for the second-largest entry.
Farmers on the back foot as factories get ruthless
My wife's niece and her London-born husband came for dinner on Sunday, and while the various family dramas were discussed, myself and the Englishman settled in after the meal to watch the All Ireland football final.
Global Dairy Trade prices at their lowest since October 2016
Dairy prices at the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction dipped 0.7pc overall this week.
Sheep farmer rescued from cliff edge after trying to save his dog
An Achill sheep farmer had to be rescued from the bottom of a cliff after he went to retrieve his dog, who had fallen over the cliff while herding sheep.
Brexit: Creed highlights potential damage of 'no-deal' on agri-food sector in Ireland and UK
Despite Ireland being the biggest source of the UK’s food imports in relation to beef and dairy, agri-food trade across the Irish Sea is not one-way traffic, British Irish Chamber of Commerce seminar heard this morning.
Vegan campaign ad banned over ‘misleading’ pig claims
A vegan campaign advert that alleged 90% of pigs will never see the outdoors because they are factory farmed has been banned for “misleading” claims.
'Everybody's thoughts are with the family' - Farmer killed in accident while baling silage
An investigation has been launched after the death of a man in a farm accident.
Limerick infant formula firm pays €957m dividend
Wyeth Nutritional, the Limerick-based infant nutritional formula producer, last year paid out of a dividend of $1.1bn (€957m).
Suckler farmers need 120 cows for average wage
Suckler farmers now need a herd of more than 120 cows to generate the equivalent of the average industrial wage (€31,000), say beef analysts.
Meat sector must diversify to avoid Brexit 'catastrophe'
A no-deal Brexit would be “catastrophic” for Ireland’s €1.7billion meat exports trade with Britain, Meat Industry Ireland (MII) has warned.
Sheep farmers feel the squeeze
Anne Harkin, manager of Raphoe mart, has several things on her mind.
Investigation underway after man dies in farming accident near border
The Health and Safety Executive is investigating after a man in his 60s dies in a farm accident in Co Tyrone.
'Farmers are not crying wolf': TDs call on Minister Creed to introduce loan scheme for farmers
Politicians have called on Agriculture Minister Michael Creed to introduce a low cost loan scheme and to campaign for greater factory price fairness to help farmers weather the storm of the recent drought and fodder crisis.
Dairy farmer on getting dreaded phone call from the Department
As the schools re-open we suddenly realise the summer is over and autumn is upon us.
See inside Gurteen College's newly commissioned dairy unit
Gurteen College this week unveiled its new milking unit to its new students while the Tanaiste Simon Coveney was on hand to officiate at the event.
Diversifying from traditional enterprises supports viability
Diversification is not for everybody. Growing food is still the core business of most farmers but there are certainly areas on all farms that we know are not delivering a productive or sustainable return, and there is an increasing number of alternative options.
Environmental Group calls for halt to extraction of peat for animal bedding
Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, has been asked to exercise his powers under the legislation to stop Teagasc, promoting the use of deep peat for bedding in animal housing, by the environmental group Friends of the Irish Environment.
Hogan warns that farming and food production needs to get smarter, cleaner, and greener – and fast
Farming and food production needs to get smarter, cleaner, and greener – and fast, according to the EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan.
ICSA: Wildlife culling essential to beat TB
The culling of deer is essential if government authorities are to succeed in eradicating TB by 2030, the ICSA have said.
Vast majority of agri-food SMEs have no succession plan in place - IFAC
New research released by accounting body IFAC shows that 83pc of Irish agri food small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have no clear succession plans in place.
Will 100 cows be enough to provide a viable farm income in 10 years’ time?
That was the question Cork dairy farmer Donal O’Reilly asked himself three years ago when he joined the Teagasc/Glanbia Monitor Farm Programme in January 2015.
Trailer and farm equipment seized after garda chase
A Co. Wexford man was stopped with a stolen trailer containing stolen items by Gardaí after a chase in New Ross.
Localised drought conditions still hitting grass growth in south and south-east
The drought may be officially over but grass growth in some parts of the country is still significantly below average figures for this time of the year.
China bans pig shipments from areas hit by African swine fever as disease spreads
China reported a new case of African swine fever in Xuancheng in Anhui province on Monday, the second in the city in as many days, raising the risk for farmers as the disease spreads rapidly in the world’s top pork producer.
Irishmen take first and second at world ploughing championships
Two Irishmen, Eamonn Tracey and John Whelan won 1 and 2nd places respectively for Ireland in at the World Ploughing Contest.
FBD hotels group delivers strong performance as profits hit €22.8m
PRE-TAX profits increased four-fold at Irish hotel group FBD Hotels and Resorts to €22.78m last year.
With the Farmer of the Year entries now open, we chat to last year’s winners
Do you have what it takes to be this year’s winner?
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Finalists announced for 2018 Quality Milk Awards
Finalists for this year’s NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards have been announced.
Farmers and villagers hit out at plans to hunt for gold in beauty spot
A plan to search for precious metals including gold in the hills of Mid-Ulster is angering locals.
EU Commission proposes settling beef dispute with United States
The European Commission has proposed to open negotiations with the United States in order to settle a longstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute on the export of US beef.
'Autumn plan essential for this year’s most limiting resource - winter feed'
With the significant variance in rainfall levels having been received across the country, this year’s autumn management decisions will need to be specific to your farm.
Hundreds of farmers get CPO notice for Greenway
Hundreds of farmers in Kerry have received notification that part of their lands are to be acquired for a greenway through compulsory purchase.