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Farmers warned felling licences taking a year to process - IFA
Forestry felling licenses are taking up to a year to process farmers are being warned by the IFA.
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Turmoil in Countrywomen's Association amid proposals to postpone elections
'Everyone thought the world of him' - Cousin’s tribute to apprentice mechanic tragically killed in...
Third of farmers are over retirement age, while the number of young farmers declines
Major pollution incident sees 100,000 gallons of slurry released into Northern Ireland river
Gallery: Massive 341ac estate on the market includes a 220-cubicle dairy unit
Teenager killed in border farm accident 'involving tractor'
Less stainless steel and more added value is the way forward for our dairy industry
Dairy farming brothers to tantalise taste buds with new ice cream
Watch: Reward offered after brazen thieves target livestock auctioneer
Major pollution incident sees 100,000 gallons of slurry released into Northern Ireland river
An investigation has been launched after a major pollution incident in which 100,000 gallons of slurry inadvertently released into a Co Tyrone river.
Turmoil in Countrywomen's Association amid proposals to postpone elections
Allegations of misappropriation of expenses and voting irregularities and attempts to postpone its elections to determine a new President and national officers have rocked the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA).
Less stainless steel and more added value is the way forward for our dairy industry
After an exceptionally good year in 2017, Irish dairy farmers have come through a difficult few months.
Milk price cuts cast a cloud just as the sun begins to shine
What a welcome boost it is to get some pleasant weather which allows the cows eat their fill of nutritious grass and lie on dry ground while enjoying some occasional sunshine. This is the first time this year that I can say the cows are content.
Top-class Kilkenny ground guided at over €10,000/ac
Bigger farms continue to be the order of the day. In Kilkenny, Ger Walsh of Walter Walsh Estate Agents is handling the sale of a 117ac farm at Earlsgrove, Ballylowra, near Thomastown.
Grain growers calls for auditing system to track all grain traded in Ireland
Irish Grain Growers has called for an auditing system to be introduced to track all grain traded in Ireland.
'Everyone thought the world of him' - Cousin’s tribute to apprentice mechanic tragically killed in farming accident
The cousin of a Fermanagh teenager who died in an accident involving farm machinery says everyone thought the world of him.
Factories: Spring lamb faces factory price crunch
Early this week saw all factories attempt to crunch spring lamb prices as they dropped their official quotes by 10-20c/kg. The short story is that lamb is now being quoted at €6.60-6.80/kg, while Dawn and the two ICM plants are the only plants officially quoting for hoggets.
Brazilian beef back in the dock as MEPs highlight traceability issues
Renewed doubts about traceability and sanitary standards in the Brazilian beef industry have been raised in a new report from the European Parliament (EP) Agriculture Committee.
US wants China to approve more biotech crops under trade deal
The United States is seeking better access for imports of genetically modified crops into China as part of a trade deal currently under discussion between the two sides, said two people familiar with the matter.
Third of farmers are over retirement age, while the number of young farmers declines
Almost a third of farmers are at retirement age or above, while more than half are over 55.
Farm payments need radical overhaul: MEPs
A radical overhaul of the current CAP payments regime has been proposed by the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee.
Massive hike in maize plantings driven by dairy farmers
A massive hike is reported in the land area sown to maize this year, with some estimates putting the lift in the plantings at over 7,000ha.
Difficult spring conditions sees huge fall in winter crops
Farmers across the country have been forced to adjust their cropping plans this year due to the poor weather in the autumn and the subsequent poor weather in the spring.
Gallery: Massive 341ac estate on the market includes a 220-cubicle dairy unit
One of the biggest estates to come on the market this year is Fortgranite, a 341ac farm with a period house and a range of other accommodation along with an current dairy operation, farm buildings and ancillary buildings in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow.
Levy disadvantage forces FRS depot to halt farm plastics collection
WASTE plastic from farms will no longer be collected by the Farm Relief Service (FRS) in Wicklow because the business does not qualify for the recycling levy.
CSO Farm Structure Survey: Everything you need to know about Irish farming
There were 137,500 farms in Ireland in 2016, of which 137,100 were family farms. This represents a fall in farm numbers by 2,100 since 2013.
Dan Ryan: Identify cows that aren't fit to breed - and earmark them for culling
This has been an extremely difficult season to date. Grazing conditions and indeed the opportunity for zero grazing have been challenging.
Explainer: Key changes to EU organic rules
The European Council to adopt the text of the Regulation providing new rules for organic farming clears the final hurdle for the modernisation of the sector and the harmonisation of rules covering organic production both within the European Union and in non-EU countries.
Teenager killed in border farm accident 'involving tractor'
A young man has died in an incident on a farm in Northern Ireland
Fire warning issued: 'Landowners found burning illegally could face fines, imprisonment and farm payment penalties'
The Forest Service has issued a status orange fire warning with dry weather and high temperatures forecast for the coming days.
EU agrees to start Australia, New Zealand trade talks with 'sensitive' agricultural products on the table
European Union countries cleared the way on Tuesday for the bloc to begin free trade talks with Australia and New Zealand in a drive to forge new alliances as trade tensions with the United States increase.
Fonterra boosts farmgate milk price but says higher costs trim annual profit
New Zealand’s Fonterra Co-operative Group cut its full-year profit and dividend forecasts, sending its shares down 7pc as the company takes longer to pass on higher milk costs to its customers.
Spring lamb faces factory price crunch
This week saw all factories attempt to crunch spring lamb prices as they dropped their official quotes by 10-20c/kg.
Bord Bia reject MEP's claims on Origin Green marketing campaign
Bord Bia has strongly rejected criticism of its Origin Green marketing campaign by Irish MEP, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan.
Dairy income soars as beef and sheep farms survive on support
The income gap between dairy and other farmers continues to widen with new Teagasc figures showing almost one-third of dairy farmers earned more than €100,000 in 2017.
Watch: Reward offered after brazen thieves target livestock auctioneer
A substantial reward has been offered by a well-known livestock auctioneer in County Tyrone for the recovery of machinery and family valuables stolen from his farm on Sunday night.
UK demand for beef keeps marching on and on
We were an odd bunch watching the royal wedding in my kitchen. Myself -the farmer with little in the way of royal leanings; my wife, the unabashed royalist and lover of weddings in general; my vet, a German with strong views on matters military.
Milk price divide now over €2,200 per month
A €2,200 difference in April milk returns for the average 90-cow herd has opened up because of wide variation in the prices paid by processors.
Robots fight weeds in challenge to agrochemical giants
In a field of sugar beet in Switzerland, a solar-powered robot that looks like a table on wheels scans the rows of crops with its camera, identifies weeds and zaps them with jets of blue liquid from its mechanical tentacles.
Dairy sector drives average farm incomes higher in 2017
An increase in average incomes on farms last year was almost completely driven by the very large increase in income observed on dairy farms, according to new figures from Teagasc.
Kilkenny farmers use glasshouses to deliver on potato deal with Aldi
Kilkenny farmers used glasshouses to deliver new season potatoes to Aldi on time as part of a huge €70m deal with the retailer.
High horsepower from Massey on show at Grass & Muck
The Massey Ferguson offering at Grass & Muck last week in Gurteen included the latest mid to high horsepower S Series tractors, the smaller MF 4700 and 5700 tractors ranging from 75 to 110hp, as well as new round balers and telehandlers.
EU official sees trade deal with Mercosur toward year-end
The European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc could reach a trade agreement this year, the president of the European Council said on Monday, following tensions between the two regional blocs during negotiations last month.
Beef breeders and ICBF set for public showdown
Beef breeders and the ICBF are set for a very public clash today on the value of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), and the operation of the Euro-Star system of measuring animal breeding merit.
As Asians get rich and healthy, 'smart crops' replace rice on future menus
Lunchtime in Taipei’s Ximending district is a test of wills and patience as tourists and locals jostle at restaurants and street stalls to choose from steamed and fried dumplings, flat and thin noodles, stuffed pancakes, grills and desserts.
Silvermines area deemed 'safe for farming' after investigation into lead poisoning
Ongoing monitoring of lead levels in soil, water supplies, animal tissue and farm produce in the Silvermines area of North Tipperary has been recommended by an inter-agency group following an investigation into animal deaths on farms in the area.
Department deny EID move is linked to food safety audit
The Department of Agriculture has denied that the controversial decision to introduce mandatory electronic tagging (EID) of all sheep from October 1 was prompted by the findings of a major Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) audit of its sheep identification and traceability controls.
Stolen cattle found in neighbour's shed with new ear tags
A Bangor farmer has been found guilty of stealing five pedigree cows from a neighbouring farm worth £12,250.
Exclusive IFA refuse to clarify details of president's €120k salary
THE Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) is facing major questions over its president's salary two years after a row over pay rocked the organisation.
Impact of possible UK live export ban on Northern Ireland highlighted
In recent weeks, the UK has moved towards a ban on exporting live animals for slaughter after announcing a major review of laws regulating their transport.
Bathers at famous Murder Hole Beach warned they risk bull attack
Bathers at one of Ireland’s most stunning beaches have been warned they risk being attacked by a randy bull.
High maintenance - key points for your silage mower
Silage season has really burst into life in the last fortnight, with many farmers already having completed first cut.
Bees are being 'driven to the edge': Beekeepers hit out at removal of hedgerows and ditches
A third of Irish bee species are threatened with extinction with bumblebee populations falling year-on-year due to removal of hedgerows and ditches, use of pesticides and insecticides and climate change.
Eddie Cunningham: 'Potholes are so bad on Irish roads that people even say they'd grudgingly pay more tax to get rid of them'
The man was on his knees as far as I could see.
Donegal puts yogurt business up for sale
Dublin-listed Donegal Investment Group has put its speciality dairy business, Nomadic, on the block.
Warm weather helps EU maize planting but raises yield risk
Warm, dry weather in the past month has helped European farmers catch up on maize planting but crops could start to suffer unless regular rain returns, analysts said.
Mowers at the ready: Met Eireann says dry and settled weather could extend into next week
The silage season is set to get into full swing later this week with Met Eireann forcasting a sustained period dry weather.
Laois residential farm brings out the bidders
A fine compact residential farm located at Ballinakill in Co Laois sold in lots after auction last week beating its reserve of €500,000.
Dairy farming brothers to tantalise taste buds with new ice cream
Three brothers who have feasted for years on their mother’s home-made frozen yoghurt and ice cream have turned her recipes into a family business.
'Farmers need to stop allowing their work to cause long-lasting health problems'
Farmers need to stop allowing their work to cause long-lasting health problems and become a generally healthier people, a conference on farmer health has heard.
Farmers worried about fallout from 'cow dung' court case
A MAJOR talking point in the County Limerick, and indeed, national farming community in the last week has been the result of a court case in Kilmallock.
The beans are up and have beaten the crows
At last we have the sowing finished.
Compact tillage farm with guide price of €1m
The south-east continues to supply a steady stream of lovely properties to the market.
Could the humble pea solve our protein demand problems?
In a joint venture at a Wisconsin plant, flour milled from Iowa yellow peas is mixed with water and spun at high speed through stainless steel drums, separating the protein from starch and fiber.
Balmoral Show: Belfast pupils collect unusual but moo-ving spot prize
Students from a Belfast grammar school travelled to the Balmoral Show to collect an unusual competition prize - five Aberdeen Angus-cross calves.
China’s purchases of US corn slow significantly
China’s purchases of US corn have slowed significantly due to worries the grain might be drawn into the trade spat between the world’s two largest economies, and as Chinese customs keeps the brakes on clearances for cargoes, four traders told Reuters.
Carlow cracker - A top class farm is on the market for €800,000 in the heart of Carlow
Last week I visited a charming 65ac residential farm with a wide range of farm buildings on the Carlow side of the border with Kilkenny. The roadside holding is for sale by private treaty with a guide price of €800,000.
Exclusive 'This is not a site, it's a farm' - The farmer who took on the State and won fears he could still lose in the end
Thomas Reid hit the headlines when he took on the might of the IDA over its attempt to compulsory purchase his 72-acre farm in Kildare just yards from tech giant Intel's massive Leixlip campus.
Opinion: 'Staycations' can bear fruit for your family and local economy
I was driving along (in the sunshine) one day last week when an ad came on the radio that made me say out loud, right there on the spot, "what a good idea!".
'Every day of bad weather reduces our crop margins'
Mark Browne used the fleeting few days of warm weather earlier this month to play catch-up on preparing his 200-acre farm in Caim near Enniscorthy.
The limits of agricultural relief - How not to get hit with a massive tax bill when inheriting land
If a day passes that I do not receive a query on the tax implications of farm succession it's probably because the day is good and farmers are out making the metaphorical hay while the sun shines.
Tidy holdings hit the market in heart of dairying country
While bigger farms appear to be the order of the day in the current market, smaller parcels are also selling.
Calls for rethink of CCTV scheme as funds go unused
Calls have been made for Department of Justice to consider amendments to the scheme introduced to help local communities install CCTV systems to prevent crime.
Mountain rescue - how hill farmers are fighting to preserve their way of life
'It's my field. I nursed it. I nourished it. I dug the rocks out with my bare hands and made a living thing of it." This quote by Bull McCabe in John B Keane's famous play The Field rings true for all farmers, but perhaps particularly so for upland farmers.
Department under pressure to make payments on time with applications now 100% online
Over 129,700 farmers applied online for their 2018 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in advance of the May 15 deadline.
'I had never grown a carrot in my life... but I'm now studying at Organic College'
'Horticulture is not for everyone and I sort of stumbled into it," says Andrea McCann, farm horticulturist for the Amber Springs and Ashdown Park Hotels for the past two years.
Extension to slurry spreading deadline on derogation farms
A one-month extension to the deadline by which derogation farmers must have 50pc of the their slurry spread, has been announced.
France steps closer to exporting beef to China
France has taken another step closer to starting beef exports to China’s huge market after Chinese officials last week inspected seven of the European country’s meat plants, a French industry official said.
Former soldier Paul Hayles on his new business selling Irish produce in Bulgaria
It's a big jump from serving with the Irish Army to running a food distribution company in Bulgaria, but for Paul Hayles, all the obstacles were cleared last week when his first consignment of Dawn Meat barbecue beef skewers arrived in Sofia.
Receivers to sell former 135ac dairy farm in Offaly
A 135ac grass farm at Edenderry in Co Offaly with a range of agricultural potential has come on the market to be sold by public auction, writes Jim O’Brien.
Jagger struts his stuff at last of the Simmental sales - Cavan bull stars at Roscommon Mart
A County Cavan herd took home the cream of the rosettes and the prices from the last of the season's Simmental bull sales which was held at Roscommon Mart on Friday evening.
Farmers worldwide struggle with rising fuel costs
Farmers worldwide are feeling the pinch as fuel costs rise to near four-year highs just as they plant and harvest their fields, eroding agricultural income already hamstrung by depressed crop prices.
Irish beef set for Chinese shelves by mid-summer
Irish beef should be on the market in China by mid-summer - and the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, is challenging the meat companies to maximise its potential.
61-year-old farmer saves wild goats causing havoc in small town
A 61-year old farmer from the Cooley Peninsula in Co Louth has come to the rescue of the herd of wild goats that have been roaming free and upsetting locals in residential areas in Ennis.
Kepak Group signs €35m five-year contract with China-based company
Kepak Group has announced that it has signed a five-year distribution contract with China-based Esen Agro Group.
Teagasc drive new water quality campaign
Thirty sustainability advisors will start work with farmers next month as part of a major collaboration between Government and industry to improve water quality across the country.
New law aims to prevent ‘blackmail value’ of challenges to wills
Independent Senator Michael McDowell has introduced a new bill in the Seanad which aims to reform the law regarding the payment of costs to unsuccessful parties who challenge wills.
Beef trade: Agents are 'very keen' for cattle
In the ongoing cattle game between factories and farmers, it has become obvious even to the most casual observer that things have ratcheted up several gears over the last couple of weeks.
Dairy farmer pays €12,000 per acre for Louth property
Bellewstown Bridge Farm extending to 41.65ac at Bellewstown in Co Meath sold in recent weeks making €500,000 or around €12,000/ac.
Watch: Two injured as runaway bull goes on two-hour rampage through town
Two local people were injured in Macroom in Cork last week when a runaway bull went on the rampage around the town for more than two hours after he escaped from the mart area, where he was being sold.
AIB says family farm homes excluded from non-performing loan sale
AIB has said that family farm homes are not included in its sale of its non performing loans (NPLs) to a consortium lead by Cerberus Capital.
Economist says €60k cap on farm payments ‘will not happen’ due to loopholes
In proposals, announced last month on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which need to be approved by member states, EU countries will have to cap subsidies for large farms — with the Commission suggesting a limit of €60,000.
MEPs launch new investigation into glyphosate and herbicides
The much-maligned weedkiller, glyphosate, is back in the news, as MEPs launch a report into its health effects and an inquiry into the EU's overall pesticides authorisation system.
Little change as lamb prices level off across the board
Broadly speaking, prices for hogget, spring lambs and cull ewes remain fixed at last week's levels.
Zoetis to buy veterinary diagnostics firm Abaxis for $1.9 billion
Top animal health company Zoetis Inc will buy Abaxis Inc for $1.9 billion, looking to capture a bigger slice of the fast-growing market for diagnostics services that cater to household pets and farm animals.
Beef rivals to follow Ireland into China
France and the Netherlands could gain beef access to China in the coming weeks and months, but the market is big enough for everyone, says Agriculture Minister Michael Creed.
CAP direct farm payments will be linked to EU climate change targets
Farmers will be asked to do more to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions from livestock and fertiliser use in the upcoming overhaul of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Creed rules out slaughter premium for suckler cows
Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed, has rowed back from suggestions that an early slaughter premium could be employed to support suckler cow numbers.
Vegan group's advert wrongly linking cow's milk to cancer gets UK ban
A vegan group's "misleading" advert linking cow's milk to cancer has been banned.
Felling of 300-year-old trees halted in dispute between neighbours
A judge has continued orders restraining further felling of trees on lands in Co Offaly amid allegations up to 300 trees in a heritage woodland where trees - some up to 300 years old - have been felled.
Opinion: Even the 'love of the land' has its limits
One swallow never makes a summer and unfortunately neither did the beautiful four days we got in late April make a spring.
Rural publicans want 'Drink -Link' tax incentives
Publicans have called for tax breaks to help boost rural transport services.
Calls for 'common sense' approach to new slurry rules
The ICMSA are calling on the Department to adopt a common-sense approach to new slurry spreading rules for farmers operating with a nitrates derogation.
Balancing GLAS payments to be made to farmers this week
The balancing GLAS payments to farmers in the agri-environmental scheme will be paid by this Friday, the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has confirmed.
Weather plays havoc with potato planting
Just one third of the potato crop is in the ground in many parts of Cork, as the continuing poor weather plays havoc with plantings.
€50m China beef deal will 'Brexit proof' ABP - Goodman
A €50m three-year deal between the Larry Goodman-owned ABP group and Asian restaurant chain Wowprime Corporation, to supply beef to its restaurants across China, will secure the Irish meat company from Brexit.
Father of 10 and well-known builder dies in digger accident
Tributes have been paid to popular and well-known east Clare builder and farmer, Pat O’Connor, who died in a workplace accident.
Cutting edge silage harvesting technology to be on show at Grass & Muck
All roads lead to Gurteen College for the much anticipated FTMTA Grass & Muck Show 2018 this Thursday.
Balmoral Show: Farming women tell of life on the land and the event they wouldn't miss
As all roads lead to the Balmoral Show this week, it will be an extra special event for the Ulster Farmers' Union as it celebrates its centenary.
Farm leaders battling to postpone compulsory tagging plan
Farming organisations were battling this week for some formula to delay the imposition of electronic (EID) tagging of sheep and to shift the cost of the measure off farmers.
Mike Brady: The CAP proposal that could have a seismic effect on Irish farming
The forgotten sector in Irish agriculture is part-time farming. Over 50pc of the 140,000 farmers in this country farm on a part-time basis: ie, either the farmer or spouse work off-farm to supplement household income.
Larry Goodman's ABP signs €50m beef contract in China
Larry Goodman's ABP has secured an exclusive three-year agreement valued at €50 million, with Asian restaurant chain Wowprime Corporation, to supply beef to its restaurants across China.
Forward cattle up to €80/hd higher than 2017 figures
With the weather improving, cattle marts last week saw a continuation of strong numbers and strong prices for good cattle.
Agriculture Minister urges Irish meat industry 'not to drop the ball' on China access
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has urged the Irish meat industry "not to drop the ball" if it wants to maintain a good trade relationship with China.
Dairy prices jump to eight-month high, but whole milk powder lags
Global dairy prices rose to a nine-month high at a fortnightly auction held early on Wednesday but prices for the key product, whole milk powder, were largely flat.
Farmers responsible for bulk of gorse fires claims Coillte
The majority of gorse fires are caused by farmers, Coillte risk manager Mick Power has claimed.
Farmers remove access to walkers in protest at fire penalties
Farmers have withdrawn access to several walkways on rural mountains in South East Sligo in protest at what they see as unfair penalties for last year's gorse fires.
MEPs call for fairer CAP funding across the EU and within member states
The post-2020 EU farm policy must be smarter, simpler, fairer and more sustainable, but also well financed and truly common to continue deliver food security throughout the EU.
Fodder census aims to prevent repeat of winter crisis
A national fodder census will be completed this summer to establish winter feed levels on the country's farms.
Farmers welcome court decision as hillwalkers fail to prove public 'right of way' over landowner’s property
The Irish Farmers Association has welcomed the decision by the Court of Appeal to reject a claim that a public right of way existed over a landowner’s property in Co. Wicklow.
'They want to intimidate us off the land so they don’t have to pay for it': Farmer forced off his land in ongoing row
A Sheep farmer claims he’s being forced off his own land by a man who left a woman paralysed in a savage rape attack 30 years ago.
Man dies in machinery accident in Clare
Gardai have confirmed that an elderly man has died in a workplace accident in Clare.
Tommy Boland: Grass management is a powerful but undervalued tool in sheep farming
Conditions have improved somewhat at Lyons since my last article. We had received our total average April rainfall by April 12, but experienced more normal rainfall for the final two weeks of the month.
Pictures: Northern Ireland castle on 207ac of top quality land could be yours for €2.6m
One of Northern Ireland's most prestigious castles and estates has gone on the market for £2.3m (€2.614m) in what is an "extremely rare" opportunity for developers.
Research shows GM potato variety combined with new management techniques can cut fungicide use by up to 90%
Teagasc have concluded their field study which investigated both the environmental and agronomic impact of a GM potato variety genetically engineered to resist late blight disease, caused by Phytophthora infestans.
Irish beef exports must be cut above to break China
IRISH beef will have to stand out in order to break the growing Chinese ecommerce retail store market, according to Bord Bia.
Non-EU farm workers must be paid at least €22k under new permit scheme
A new pilot, quota-based scheme to address immediate labour shortages in the horticulture, meat processing and dairy sectors has been announced.
Hungary and Poland unite on opposing CAP budget cuts
The prime ministers of Hungary and Poland, allies in a series of disputes with Brussels, united on Monday in opposing cuts under the European Union’s new budget.
Operation Thor thwarts gangs as burglaries down by 43pc
A special operation targeting roaming crime gangs across the country has led to a 43pc drop in burglaries, according to gardaí.
Scores of young farmers affected by a Government decision denying them payment top up
Scores of young farmers who established in their own right between 2010 and 2014 have been shocked by a Government decision which denies them entitlement to a 25pc top up on their annual basic payment which revised EU regulation provides may be paid for a period of up to five years.
Consultants burn midnight oil on BPS
Farm consultants and Teagasc advisors are battling to lodge the last of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications before the midnight deadline tonight (May 15).
Farmers urged to take precautions on Lyme Disease
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre is advising farmers, in particular, to take precautions in order to avoid contracting this disease which is spread by tick bites.
Concern over new road works plan which could see stone walls replaced with fencing
Thousands of miles of Ireland’s dry stone walls may be knocked and replaced with steel fencing as part of a national road upgrade scheme.
Strabane man Tom Perry making a buzz in sheep shearing world
Tom Perry wants to be the world champion - but not in football, boxing, snooker or athletics.
Limerick farmer fined €300 over his Effin cows’ dung
A county Limerick farmer has been convicted and fined €300 over his Effin cows’ dung.
Glanbia announces April milk price
Glanbia will pay its Member milk suppliers 31 cent per litre (cpl) including VAT for April manufacturing milk supplies at 3.6pc butterfat and 3.3pc protein.
More Irish beef plants gain access to Chinese market
On the first day of the Trade Mission to China beef Market access was confirmed for a number of additional Irish beef plants.
Supermarket merger fear for beef farmers
The proposed merger of ASDA and Sainsbury's could be bad news for Irish beef farmers as the move is like to put significant downward price pressure on suppliers.
Janet McCollum appointed as a non-executive of Director of Glanbia Ireland
Glanbia Ireland has today announced the appointment of Janet McCollum as a non-executive Director of the Company.
New pricing structure as factories turn on the charm
Around the turn of the year, I heard that some factory bosses had instructed their agents to find out what cattle their clients had in sheds.
'Aubrac beef has a very nice flavour and texture,' says award-winning Donegal producer
One of the five holders of the office of chairman since the Irish Aubrac Breed Society was established two decades ago is Liam Walsh, who has become even better known in recent years for his marketing of Aubrac beef and multi award winning products.
Work permits announced for agriculture workers from outside the EU due to labour shortage
The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys has signed off on changes to Employment Permit Regulations, which will make it easier for certain businesses in the agri-food sector to source workers from outside the EEA.
Derry farmer dies after quad bike accident
A farmer from the Coleraine area has died after a tragic quad bike accident on Saturday.
Protest planned over introduction of full EID tagging in sheep
ICSA is to mount a protest in opposition to the mandatory introduction of EID tagging for all sheep.
Opinion: Unpunished criminals are ruining lives
While every community has its challenges in terms of crime, I was shocked this week to hear the scale of what is happening in many isolated areas around the country on a far too regular basis.
Sunshine and soaring temperatures on the way after last week's shivers and showers
The summer could finally be on its way, according to Met Éireann.
Creed examining options for future farm payments system
A lot of modelling must be done to ensure the right decision is made in regard to the future funding of the Common Agricultural Policy, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed told the Dáil last week.
Welsh farmer helping to fight Alzheimer's by growing high-altitude daffodils to combat disease
Welsh farmer helping fight Alzheimer's by growing high-altitude daffodils which have been proven to help combat the disease.
VIDEO: Stately country house on 102ac in Meath to generate huge interest
On a bright spring day with the cattle finally - finally! - out in the fields, the rhododendrons in bloom, and Gerry the robot mowing the front lawn, Co Meath is looking its best and nowhere is it more lush than at Boltown Hall, a fine 19th Century country house with 430 sqm of living space on 102 acres located close to the historic town of Kells.
Lawyer warned on conflict of interest after sheep dipping tank case
A barrister has been reprimanded for acting in a case where he ought to have known he had a conflict of interest.
Trade mission to China to raise profile of Ireland as a source of quality food
A large delegation of Irish food industry representatives, begin a weeklong trade mission to China and Hong Kong today.
Could alternative fodder crops improve animal performance?
Forage imports from the UK, France, Spain and further afield have been an unfortunate reality during two of the past five years.
Six steps towards switching to Continuous Cover Forest
Continuous Cover Forestry (or close-to-nature forestry) is the norm in Europe but the exception in Ireland.
Three Fine Gael ministers receive EU farm payments
Three Fine Gael ministers receive EU-funded farming grants, the Sunday Independent can reveal.
Michael Healy-Rae is Dail's biggest landlord, along with land and plant hire company
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae is ranked second on today's Sunday Independent Political Rich List with an estimated value of €5.4m.
Political rich list - some TDs give the size of their land down to the last acre
The Sunday Independent is today publishing a first-of-its-kind Political Rich List.
Deer and rhododendron are the biggest challenges Irish native woodland plantations face
Managing deer and rhododendron are the biggest challenges native woodland plantations face, a leading ecologist has warned.
Legal advice: Don’t let right of way issues be a no-go area
Our resident solicitor tackles this sensitive issue
'Derisory attitudes' undermining small farmers' confidence
A “derisory attitude” to small farmers from the general public and even within elements of the farming community has been identified as a major threat to the survival of the country’s high nature value (HNV) holdings.
Tagging bombshell will push some farmers over the edge
Parachuting mandatory electronic tagging of factory lambs on top of farmers without first consulting them is a text book way of how not to bring about changes in sheep farming.
Gallery: 150ac farm in Kilkenny with €1.5m price tag
Kilkenny land can be hard to come by but when it makes its way to the market there are plenty of potential customers for it.
How this family switched from a traditional farm to a thriving equestrian holiday business
The Molloy family ran a traditional farm near Holycross in Tipperary for generations, but you won't find cattle and sheep grazing there any more.
Analysis: Why dairying can't prosper in isolation from other farming enterprises
This spring has focused attention on the growing dairy industry and the ability of a grass-based model to weather the storms - in some cases literally
'When a quad bike falls on you, you choke with the weight of it'
Calling quad bikes ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) gives farmers a "false sense of confidence", an Australian safety expert has told a Teagasc safety conference.
More butterflies and flowers to be a 'key requirement' of new CAP
The next CAP will be more results-based from an environmental perspective and will have to deliver quantifiable benefits on biodiversity and climate change.
Why diesel will continue to power farming despite the drive for zero-emissions vehicles
Apart from the weather these past months, few topics have dominated the talk at marts, or anywhere farmers meet up, as much as the future of diesel.
Opinion: It's time for us all to start striving for balance in a world of extremes
We have become a people of extremes - is it because we can?
Opinion: Will this scandal be a crucial lesson that we need a seismic shift in the promotion of gender equality?
IT was lovely to smell the vegetation as the sun warmed the ground and that persistent cold wind eventually took its leave of us.
It's 'eyes across the ditch' time for a cracking west Limerick holding
I never tire of admiring the wonders of the Shannon Estuary and my journeys keep taking me back there. Every time I see that mighty stretch of water rolling quietly to the sea I'm revived and renewed.
'I have never seen it as bad in 40 years of farming'
James Barrett has spent several months looking in horror at weather forecasts, and the rain was still pouring down outside his dairy in Watergrasshill in Co Cork when we were chatting last week.
A financial 'tipping point' is needed to persuade farmers to plant native trees - Greenbelt
More cash incentives are needed to make planting native woodlands more attractive to landowners, according to Greenbelt CEO John O'Reilly.
Reward offered after €30,000 worth of fencing equipment stolen
Approximately €30,000 worth of fencing equipment and a quad bike were stolen this week from a farm in Meath.
Tipperary dairy holding sells for €11,500/ac at auction
Dairy farmers were again to the fore in Munster land sales when a traditional house and yard on 46.185ac at Gortnabarna, Monard, Co Tipperary, sold under the hammer last week.
Why continuous cover forestry could be your 'suckler beef' system with trees
Continuous cover forestry provides regular income while rejuvenating forests and could be looked as like a suckler beef system but with trees.
Lakeland Dairies first to declare an April milk price
Lakeland Dairies has announced its milk price for April supplies - the first of the major processors to do so.
How these French cattle arrived in Ireland 20 years ago
It was the early 1990s when a number of breeders, mainly from the south of the country travelled to the homeland of the breed in France and subsequently imported the first embryos at a cost of around £800 each.
Watch: John Deere's new self-propelled sprayer with 36m spraying width
Featuring the new PowrSpray solution system, a larger 5000-litre capacity spray tank and an ultra-lightweight but extremely strong carbon fibre boom, John Deere’s R4050i self-propelled sprayer will be demonstrated for the first time in the Sprays & Sprayers arena at Cereals 2018 in June.
Sowing date won't determine final yield; the weather during grain fill next July will determine the final outcome
Winter crops in general have enjoyed the spring - about the only living organisms that have.
Bulls versus AI debate comes into sharp focus this breeding season
Rainfall was an unprecedented 144ml for the month of April in our part of Kerry, so last weekend's turn in the weather was a long overdue boost to both dairy prospects and farmers' morale.
Call for review of veterinary services amid shortage concerns
The IFA has called on the Department of Agriculture to carry out a full review of veterinary services to address increasing concerns about the shortage of vets in many parts of the country.
Meat plant that closed with €1.4m debts re-opens
The former owner of a Lifford meat plant, which had been occupied for several months in a dispute with a bank-appointed receiver in 2016, is back working there as manager.
Stable Ornua PPI means the worst of dairy returns are over - IFA
The Ornua PPI stabilising for the first time since last October is a clear indication that Irish co-ops have seen the worst of dairy returns, according to IFA National Dairy Chairman Tom Phelan.
Why we are years away from credible alternatives to diesel power in farming
When it comes to high-powered tractors and other big self-propelled farm machines like combine harvesters, we are still years off finding credible alternatives to diesel power.
Animal sanctuary in limbo after 'freak' accident
One of Ireland's leading animal charities has had to stop taking in animals after a freak accident.
First female winner of Aurivo milk quality awards
A female farmer from Donegal has been named the Milk Supplier of the Year with Aurivo, the first in the history of the awards.
Contractors call for voucher scheme to help farmers clear contracting debt
Contractors have called on the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, to establish a dedicated fund to help farmers pay outstanding debts.
Watch: These singing farming sisters have taken the world by storm with viral hit
Their video has gained over 20 million views since it was posted on Facebook last month - and it doesn't seem like stopping.
'Never trust a cow' - Farmer tells of near death experience after being attacked by cow
A Co Donegal farmer has described how he was knocked unconscious after one of his own cows turned on him.
Sellers hope sun can get prices rising in marts
The message from the marts last week was one of "measured fluctuations", especially among the prices for bullocks and heifers.
'In Boston I never saw my wife or son due to daily six-hour commute - so we bought a farm in Ireland'
I've been a contracts negotiator for the past 25 years. For the last six years I was a contracts manager for the company's transportation department.
US pork sits in ports as China ramps up checks in potentially costly slowdown
China has ramped up inspections of pork shipped from the US, importers and industry sources said, the latest American product to be hit by a potentially costly slowdown at Chinese ports in the past couple of weeks.
Creed urged to follow French lead in opposing 'drastic' CAP reform
The pushback against the EU's post-2020 budget has begun, with France, Hungary, the Netherlands and even Ireland having a go, although for very different reasons.
Ireland to be bovine TB free by 2030 under new Government plans
The Government has committed to eradicate bovine TB from the national herd by 2030, FarmIreland.ie can reveal.
Minister pours cold water over possible u-turn on electronic sheep tagging
There will be no U-turn on the decision to introduce compulsory electronic tagging (EID) for all sheep from October 1, Agriculture Minister Creed has said.
Dispute over amateur jockey Bunny Cox's estate settled
A High Court dispute over the valuable Co Louth estate of the late and legendary amateur jockey Bunny Cox has been resolved.
LacPatrick under the spotlight on April milk prices
LacPatrick will be back in the spotlight this week as dairies announce their April milk prices.
WATCH: 'You’re letting down the people of Kerry' - Danny Healy-Rae and Brendan Griffin's blazing row over 'drink-link' buses
THE Dáil was brought to a standstill today after Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae was involved in a blazing row about new ‘drink-link’ buses to help rural people have access to towns and villages across Ireland.
Sunny days ahead but is the big chill looming?
Ireland can expect at least 40 sunny days this summer, according to New Zealand weather forecaster Ken Ring.
Watch: Happy Limerick Llama looking for a new home after being rescued
A Llama in Limerick city has been taken into foster care after hundreds of social media users expressed concern for its wellbeing over the Bank Holiday weekend.
How to calculate now how much silage you will need next winter
This spring has tested the mental resolve of farmers up and down the country. It has been a huge battle to ensure that our cattle have had enough feed in front of them and for many, the battle continues.
Why Irish fields could soon be filled with grass fit for footballers
If the latest tetraploid grass seeds are able to withstand the impact of stampeding football players, there's no reason why they can't cope with the footfall of cows.
Farmer puts his cows up for 'adoption' as drought hits
An Australian farmer had made a desperate plea as drought conditions sweep the area - by asking people to 'adopt' a cow on his farm.
Gove snubs Brexit meeting with Creed for a second time
The UK's environment secretary has snubbed a meeting with Agriculture Minister Michael Creed for the second time.
Farmers 'need more low-cost loans'
More low-cost loans need to be introduced to help farmers deal with the financial fall-out of the fodder crisis, members of the Oireachtas Agricultural Committee have urged.
Elderly farmer fined for neglect of cattle but neighbour intervenes to help him keep herd
An elderly farmer who was prosecuted for neglecting the welfare of his cattle will be able to keep his herd after a neighbour gave an undertaking to continue to help him on his farm.
Sheep Factory Prices: Kill stats give lie to factory complaints
If you were to believe what you hear from some processors, the trade is "not altogether great" right now.
Milk production controls 'inevitable' to counter price volatility
The "honeymoon is well and truly over" for dairy farmers, who are now facing a very challenging period, IFA National Dairy Committee chairman Tom Phelan has warned.
Where's the beef? New figures show exactly where all the beef cattle are
New figures from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) show the 2017 Irish beef cow population figures across the country.
Milkflex loans facility rolled out to dairy farmers nationwide
Finance Ireland, supported by funding from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and Rabobank, has announced that it plans to make the MilkFlex loan product available through participating Co-Ops across Ireland.