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Farming News
Farmers on Brexit: ‘Farming is in my blood but the whole system is wrong’
We spoke to farmers at Raphoe Mart about the possible impact on Brexit on their businesses.
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Video: Entire island comes with six cottages, a house, livestock sheds - all for €6.75m
Proceed with caution when handing over title deeds, auctioneer advises farmers
Foxy farmers: Agricultural Adonises star in 10th edition of charity calendar
Women banned from attending award ceremony as it's deemed a 'men-only' event
Video - Sheep Farm of the Year: 'At the end of the day it's a business'
'We support people in their homes for as long as possible'
It is hard to know where to begin when describing CareBright, a social care enterprise based in rural Limerick employing 250 staff and caring for 800 people, the vast majority of whom live in their own homes.
Foxy farmers: Agricultural Adonises star in 10th edition of charity calendar
IT has featured topless farmers knitting in a field of sheep, and grimacing donkeys getting their teeth cleaned -the Irish Farmers Calendar is marking 10 years of the best photos through the years.
Judge orders farmer to appeal for alleged contempt
A judge has ordered a farmer to appear before the High Court next week over his refusal to comply with an order to vacate 50 acres of land he owns.
Proceed with caution when handing over title deeds, auctioneer advises farmers
When taking out a bank loan, a prominent Leinster auctioneer is advising farmers to only hand over the deeds to the portion of the property necessary to satisfy the lender’s requirements.
Brexit casts its shadow over one of the last marts of the year
There was a festive atmosphere at Raphoe Mart and fatstock cattle sale as hundreds of farmers from all over Donegal and further afield gathered for the finale of the mart's year.
A good dosing is essential to keep stock thriving in winter
Most of our stock are housed and settling in to their new surroundings for the winter.
Women banned from attending award ceremony as it's deemed a 'men-only' event
An agri show has come under fire for refusing to amend the ‘men-only’ policy they have in place for the show’s award dinner.
Shareholders of North Cork and Newtownsandes approve merger
At separately held SGMs, the shareholders of North Cork Co-operative Creameries (Kanturk, Co. Cork) and Newtownsandes Co-operative (Moyvane, Co. Kerry) have approved the merger of the two Societies, which had been unanimously recommended to members by their respective Boards.
Gift ideas for the machinery lover in your family this Christmas
When I was a kid I had a collection of Britains tractors that would rival Ryan Tubridy’s Late Late Toy Show studio.
Glanbia cuts November base milk price, co-op pays 'support measure'
Glanbia has announced it is holding its price at 32c/L for November milk, by introducing a 'support payment' after cutting its base price.
Kill numbers help factories keep prices on the floor
Factory prices for steers and heifers yet again remained static yesterday at bases of €3.75/kg and €3.85/kg respectively, and with last week’s kill settling at 40,090 you can see why.
Farmers to receive €38m as Genomics payments are issued
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, has announced that payments have commenced under the Beef Data and Genomics Programme.
What to consider when building a new cubicle shed
Construction of a cubicle shed for cows is a major project requiring significant design and financial planning before construction begins.
60,000t of skimmed milk powder sold out of intervention for millions less than cost
The EU sold 60,000t of skimmed milk powder (SMP) this week, for significantly cheaper than it bought the product into intervention.
Darragh McCullough: My GLAS 'eviction' has been reversed but I am left with much to stew on
A year ago, I wrote about the ridiculous situation I found myself in with the Department of Agriculture.
Sheep Factories: Prices stable after demand fuels brief surge
The trade rode the wave of stronger factory demand for the first half of last week, with reports that up to €5.20/kg was paid in places.
It's time to put our shoulders to the wheel on herd health targets
Last month I accompanied two Limerick-based discussion groups on a trip to Sweden. While we have a huge advantage by having a low-cost grass-based system, we have a long way to go to catch up to our Swedish counterparts in terms of herd health.
CAP budget facing more pressure as eastern European farmers protest over 'low' payments
The CAP budget is coming under more pressure, as eastern European farmers call for increased farm payments.
Rise in potato prices from summer drought contributed to higher consumer costs last month
HIGHER prices for potatoes due to the summer drought and energy price rises contributed to higher costs for consumers last month.
Coming to a plate near you - world's first lab-grown steak is served
The first lab-grown steak will be available to buy in two years after scientists finally produced meat with the correct appearance, shape and texture of a real slice of beef.
Local community devastated after farmer killed by bull
A rural community in Co Antrim has been left devastated after a well-known farmer was killed in an incident involving a bull.
Minister agrees to name factories found guilty of excess trim
The Minister for Agriculture has told the IFA that his Department will name factories found guilty of excess trim offences from the New Year .
Hill farmers call for direct payments to be front-loaded
Front-loading of Pillar 1 payments and increased national exchequer backing for Pillar 2 were the primary demands made by the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) at their National Rally held in Westport recently.
More efforts needed to reduce foodbourne illnesses, as downward trend stops
The downward trend of foodbourne illnesses has stalled, according to a new European report, and more must be done to push the figures down it says.
FarmIreland Instagram Takeover; see inside this pedigree beef farm
Beef farmer, Michael Danagher will be taking over the FarmIreland Instagram account today and will giving our readers an insight into his pedigree Charolais farm.
EU moves towards more environment-friendly fertilisers
EU ambassadors have endorsed a deal with the European Parliament on new rules for placing fertilising products on the EU market.
10 tips to cope with extreme weather events
While weather risk is a reality of farming, the multiple extreme weather events of late 2017 and 2018 really stretched farm resources – cash, labour and facilities.
Many farmers are two weeks' short of fodder - key advice on how to manage
Farmers should stretch the feed now during the dry cow period, rather than during calving time, if they are still seeing a deficit in their winter feed budget, according to Teagasc nutritionist, Brian Garry.
€110,000 settlement over farmer's death in hospital
Cork University Hospital (CUH) has apologised to the family of a 58-year old farmer who died more than two days after his admission with severe chest pain.
Major overhaul of land-mapping system to start in new year
A major update of the Department of Agriculture's land-mapping system that is used to monitor CAP payment schemes will be rolled out in the new year.
Ornua directors commit to 'resolving governance matters' at Board level
After its final board meeting of the year, which was held today, the Directors of Ornua released a statement saying they "recognise governance matters have recently arisen at Board level...all directors have committed themselves..to resolve these matters".
Warning: Graphic content - 'This is the gory reality of what dogs are capable of'
Dog owners are being asked to keep their dogs on a leash at all times after a recent sheep attack left one farmer with a dozen dead sheep and the remaining in risk of aborting.
Marts: Buyers defy naysayers by coming out in numbers
Mullinalaghta from Longford defied the odds to win the Leinster club senior football final, and the mart trade also defied the odds last week.
IFA stages sit in at Department, calling on Minister to name factories guilty of excess carcass trim
The IFA is leading a sit-in protest in the offices of the Minister for Agriculture in Dublin over the refusal of Minister Creed to name the meat factories found guilty of excessively trimming carcases.
Over 800 farmers face rejection from GLAS scheme as nutrient-management plans still outstanding
Over 800 farmers have yet to submit a nutrient-management plan as part of GLAS 3, with just weeks to the deadline.
Ireland 'needs to step up' its efforts to tackle global warming - Government tells UN climate talks
IRELAND "needs to step up" its efforts to tackle global warming, the Government has told the UN climate talks.
Hares in the spotlight as researchers study impact of intensive farming
The impact of intensive farming on Ireland's wildlife will be under the spotlight in a new survey of the country's hare population.
White House delays new farm aid payments on China trade hopes
The White House is delaying additional payments from a $12 billion aid package for farmers stung by President Donald Trump’s trade war with China because it expects Beijing to resume buying US soybeans, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Farmer wants to know what he owes 'vulture fund'
A farmer wants a High Court court order to allow him to sell 46 acres of land so he can pay off his debts to a "vulture fund".
Dairy farmers worked 12-hour plus days and got just one day off during stressful spring - Teagasc
Dairy farmers only got one day off and worked over 12 hour days during the stressful Spring period of 2018, according to a new Teagasc study on labour and stress issues.
Farmers must get ‘serious’ about crime prevention, warn Gardaí
Only a fraction of IFA members have signed up to the association’s anti-theft initiative, prompting calls for farmers to get serious about crime prevention measures.
Avoid panic buying when faced with fodder shortages – Teagasc
Farmers should take the time to evaluate the quality of the silage they are buying in times of deficits or preferably have a reserve of good quality silage on farm, according to Teagasc Advisor Joe Patton, speaking at the recent National Dairy Conference.
Munster and Leinster farm incomes thousands ahead of Connacht counterparts
Farmers in Waterford had on average the highest incomes during the period between 2014-2016, according to figures provided by Revenue.
55 agri-food companies have received €13m under Brexit loan scheme
New figures show that 55 agri-food companies have received €12.91m in funding through the Department of Agriculture's Brexit Loan Scheme.
UK supermarkets using robots to farm its food
British supermarkets are to start selling food farmed in the UK by robots for the first time in a project led by Waitrose, the Telegraph has learned.
Sterling slump piles pressure on beef prices
A sharp slide in the value of sterling has piled more pressure on the beef trade this week.
Lakeland Dairies milk price drops by one cent for November
Lakeland Dairies has reduced its milk price by one cent for the month of November.
Gardaí arrest man after woman (75) killed on farm
Gardaí investigating the circumstances of a farm death have arrested a man this morning.
Global milk glut and weather reasons for reduction in Fonterra's farmgate milk price
Fonterra said its reduction in farmgate milk price and drop in margin by €14 million for the first quarter of 2018 is due to the surge in global milk supply and adverse weather conditions.
Farmers say Christmas tree crop is bigger than ever despite summer drought
This year's crop of Christmas trees is fuller than normal thanks to our long, hot summer.
Dispute between Justice Minister and county council blocking roll-out of rural CCTV
A dispute between Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan's department and the county council in his Co Laois constituency is blocking the roll-out of rural community CCTV schemes.
Relief for US farmers as lawmakers set to vote on Farm Bill that includes subsidies and supports
US lawmakers have reached an agreement on the Farm Bill that drops a proposal to tighten food stamps restrictions backed by President Donald Trump, and are looking to vote on it this week, according to congressional staffers.
Beef slaughter weights down across the board
Average slaughter weights for most cattle are well back this year compared to 2017, confirming the growing impact of increased dairy numbers on the beef sector.
Small and medium farms must have access to good broadband - Hogan
Member States need to address poor rural broadband speed to ensure small to medium-sized farms are allowed to take part in the agri-tech revolution, EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said.
Insufficient amount of organic crops is inhibiting growth of organic dairy and meat sectors
According to research, the categories with the greatest growth potential in the domestic market are fruit and vegetables, and dairy, but insufficient organic cereals is stopping the growth of organic dairy and meat sectors.
New figures show UK's huge dependence on Ireland for beef
New figures from Northern Ireland's Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), show how dependant the UK is on Irish beef, but that it has in 2018 increased the level of beef imports from countries outside the EU including South America and New Zealand.
Public consultation on Hen Harriers to open shortly
The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is currently finalising the draft Threat Response Plan for public consultation on pressures facing populations within Special Protection Areas designated for breeding Hen Harriers.
Farmer loses case over €198,000 drop in investment
A farmer whose €350,000 investment dropped to €152,000, after it failed to perform as expected, has lost an appeal over whether he received financial advice before investing.
Mart canteen shut down after rodent droppings found by inspectors
The restaurant in a Co Westmeath mart was recently served with a closure order by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland after rodent droppings were found in the kitchen.
National sheep and goat census announced
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has announced that over 45,000 registered sheep and goat keepers will receive their Annual Sheep and/or Goat Census 2018 forms shortly.
Two more boats for live exports under inspection by Department
The Department of Agriculture is currently inspecting two further boats for live exports, it has confirmed, as total live export figures for the year are up 30pc.
New tractor sales power on, as second-hand imports slump
New tractor sales in November were ahead of those for the same month in the past two years, and overall figures for the year show that tractor sales are up 224 units (13pc), new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show.
Rainfall levels above normal, with more cold, wet weather on the way
Rainfall levels are above normal for the past two weeks, the latest figures from Met Eireann, with more cold and wet weather expected in the coming days.
Man accused of stealing from Ireland's oldest sheep drover (93) sent forward for trial
A 77-year-old west Cork man has been sent forward for trial to the next sitting of the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee, on a plea of not guilty, of allegedly stealing cash from a 93-year-old Kenmare man, known locally as Ireland’s oldest drover.
Farmer fined over dead calves and bones on land
A Co. Limerick farmer has been fined €1,650 after a veterinary inspector found dead calves on land he had rented.
Ireland ranked worst in Europe for tackling climate action for second year in a row
IRELAND has been ranked the worst country in Europe on taking action to tackle climate change for the second year in a row.
Irish agri-food exports to China worth €100m, but beef exports only worth €432,000
Irish agri-food exports to China are currently worth almost €100m, but beef exports for the first eight months of 2018 were only worth €432,000, new figures show.
Department set to launch new app for calf registrations
The Department of Agriculture is at an advanced stage of development to provide a calf birth registration application that will be accessible on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Exports of cattle to Northern Ireland for finishing now down 90pc from peak
Supermarket specification demands have decimated the trade in live cattle to Northern Ireland with exports down almost 90pc from their peak in 2010.
Henry Walsh: Fertiliser deadline extension has paid impressive dividends
Viva the Aviva! Last month I wrote I was looking forward to the All Blacks game and the occasion was everything I could have hoped for and more.
Teleporter used in killing due to be returned to farmer's family
The teleporter used as a weapon in the death of a farmer in Co Kerry during a row over a crow banger is to be returned to the killer's family.
Take the plunge in Wicklow - A swimming pool is part of the package with a striking country home on 41ac in Kilpedder
If you're looking for a dream property on a compact farm within shouting distance of the capital, then Belfield House on 41ac at Kilpedder in Wicklow could be the place.
Dan Ryan: 'Why we need a radical and new approach to winter milk'
The hum of milking parlours will gradually cease for the next six to eight weeks on over 80pc of dairy farms in the south of the country.
EU trade deal post-Brexit carve-up on quotas 'dangerous' for farmers
A row over post-Brexit import quotas has reared its head again, with the EU fighting battles both internally and internationally.
Maxxum appeal - The hi-tech Case IH model was a double winner at the 2019 Tractor of the Year awards
Case IH's Maxxum 145 Multicontroller tractor has been awarded the title of Tractor of the Year 2019. The tractor also scooped a Best Design 2019 gong at a special award ceremony at EIMA International, the farm equipment show held in Bologna, Italy. The other two tractors that made the three-model finalist line-up this year were McCormick's X7.690 and Zetor's Forterra HSX 140.
'What happens if we end up with a milk lake after all this expansion?'
This year's hot weather has had a measurable financial impact on John McCormack's dairy enterprise in Mayo.
Legal Advice: Don't get caught offside by planning laws' fine detail
Development and modernisation is key to business success and a farm is no different.
John Downing: Northern farmers will rue UFU's fence-sitting in Brexit campaign
The Ulster Farmers' Union, in some ways the IFA's counterpart north of the border, is at a very serious crossroads amid this ongoing Brexit crisis.
'We're an overnight success story after 40 years' - Dairy farmer of the year insists he's doing nothing out of the ordinary
Patrick Brennan was "totally surprised" to win the Farming Independent/Zurich Insurance Dairy Farmer of the Year 2018 and insists "we are doing nothing out of the ordinary".
Peat extraction firms say court judgement would bring the industry to "a standstill"
Two peat extraction firms have been refused permission to appeal a significant finding their activities are no longer exempt development.
Bird damage main threat to what looks to be exceptional winter crops
Fantastic sowing conditions this back end have seen a substantial increase in winter plantings particularly winter barley.
Horse sector faces labour crisis - The thoroughbred industry is struggling to fill job vacancies
With more young people leaving school and heading straight to college, the thoroughbred and sport horse industries are finding it increasingly difficult to find enthusiastic staff to join the pay roll.
Near miss after cattle disease stopped at Northern Ireland border
The Northern Ireland agricultural industry has had a near miss after a cow carrying a potentially economically devastating disease was stopped at customs.
Mayo lamb producer groups have stood the test of time
The long dark nights give me time to reflect on the year and also to attend sheep group meetings and gatherings.
Residential farm spanning 102ac hits the market in Meath for €1.75m
Co Meath was once criss-crossed by railway lines until the arrival of the motor car and bus service put paid to its viability. It may be called back into service sooner than we think.
Bayer cutting 12,000 jobs and exiting animal health business
Bayer AG plans to cut 12,000 jobs and exit its animal health business in an effort to reverse its share price slump since its $63bn takeover of Monsanto Company.
Cattle Marts: More slippage as confidence drains from the market
Despite the feeling that the mart trade is starting to wind down for 2018, a number of marts are seeing a mini-surge in buyer numbers.
New year hike in relief milking costs for farmers
Dairy farmers are likely to see an increase in the costs paid for Farm Relief Services (FRS) milkings this spring due to labour shortages.
Robin Talbot: 'Revamped diet going down a treat with the cows and our balance sheet'
They say every day is a school day. And I think that is certainly the case for us this year when it comes to feeding our suckler cows.
Seaweed feed not a 'silver bullet' for beef emissions
Seaweed-based feed is no silver bullet for methane reduction in cattle and further research is needed on its viability in Ireland given our island location and emission target challenges, a Teagasc scientist has said.
Keeping It Country: Agriculture students sorry for 'lewd' remarks on UCD radio show
Students at University College Dublin (UCD) have apologised for making offensive comments during a broadcast on college station Belfield FM.
Report criticises management and governance at industry-backed Greenfield dairy farm
Management and staff on the industry-backed Greenfield Farm in Kilkenny were not adequately prepared for Storm Emma that left six cattle dead, a new report has found.
Northern Ireland authorities confirm Bluetounge detected in imported heifer
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland has confirmed Bluetongue was detected in a heifer imported from France.
Payments to commence under 2018 Organic Farming Scheme
Minster of State with responsibility for Organics at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle T.D., has announced that 2018 advance payments for farmers in the Organic Farming Scheme will commence this Friday, 7 December.
€450m additional feed costs on farms this year is catastrophic - ICMSA
Advance estimates from the CSO on the output, input and income in agriculture for 2018 show that they had to absorb additional feed costs of €450m this year, have been described by ICMSA as "catastrophic".
Minister says factories will pay farmers for excess carcass trimming
The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has said that farmers will be notified and compensated in cases of excess carcass trimming by meat plants.
Forecasters issue two weather alerts as gusts of up to 130km/h expected in places
Forecasters have issued two weather alerts ahead of the next 24 hours and warned of a risk of coastal damage.
EU could supply close to 35pc of the increase in global dairy demand by 2030
Global trade in dairy products will grow at a significantly slower pace between now and 2030 than in the past decade, a new outlook report by the European Commission has said.
Suckler herds can reduce emissions by 10pc if they focus on producing more carbon efficient cows - ICBF
Suckler herds can reduce their Greenhouse Gas emissions by 10pc over the next 20 years if they use genetics to produce profitable and carbon efficient cows.
Bitter row over planned Kerry Greenway continues
The dispute over the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process undertaken by Kerry County Council to progress the controversial South Kerry Greenway project took a new turn this week with local councillors trading blows on the issue.
For dairy expansion to continue, we need to plant more trees - Teagasc
For continued expansion of our dairy herd, we need to be planting more trees, the head of Teagasc Gerry Boyle has said.
Fertiliser prices set to be 16% higher next year
Farmers are set to be hit with a significant increase in fertiliser prices next year, according to researchers at Teagasc.
Shortage of supply drives lamb prices upwards
"As is the general rule of thumb, the livestock trade is dictated by supply and demand. With numbers of sheep on offer remaining small, prices have lifted in response, resulting in many buyers not being able to fill their orders."
Production cuts needed to get beef prices back on track - ICSA
Significant cuts in domestic beef production to get supply and demand back into equilibrium is the only solution to the current cattle-price crisis, the ICSA has claimed.
Progress made on renewal of live trade with Egypt as exporters target lift in shipments to North Africa
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed , has welcomed the progress made on live exports during the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Egypt.
Mike Brady: It's time for us to ditch the 'moaning farmer' image and embrace change
As 2018 draws to a close, it is good to reflect on a difficult year for many farmers and see what lessons can be learned.
France delays food price rise for farmers after protests
France, reeling from violent protests over the cost of living, said on Wednesday it will delay until early next year minimum food price rises, incurring the wrath of the main farmers group which called on its members to take to the streets next week.
Macra na Feirme to carry out national consultation of members in wake of rural report
The Macra na Feirme Rural Youth Committee has announced it has begun a nationwide consultation with Macra members to develop a comprehensive overview of issues young people are facing in rural Ireland and how those challenges can be overcome.
Emissions from agriculture increase by almost 3pc in 2017 due to dairy expansion
Greenhouse gas emissions figures released today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that Ireland’s emissions decreased slightly in 2017.
Laois farmers escalate their protests against Eirgrid project
Landowners in Laois insisted they will not back down in their increasingly bitter dispute with Eirgrid over the construction of a major electricity substation near the village of Stradbally.
Global dairy price bounce could prove to be temporary as NZ supply ramps up
Global dairy prices rose for the first time in six months at a fortnightly auction held early on Wednesday as lower volumes of key products were offered at the sale.
Grim outlook for beef farmers as factories 'fearless' in turning screw
Factory prices are still being pressurised by high numbers presenting: last week's figure was 39,961.
Met Éireann issues wind warning for entire west coast as stormy conditions to hit Ireland
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow wind warning for the entire west coast as stormy conditions are expected to hit most of Ireland over the course of Thursday and Friday.
Department officials wash their hands of factories' dirty sheep row
The Department of Agriculture has refused to be drawn into the controversy around the charges being imposed for the clipping of what factories deem to be dirty sheep.
UN chief urges leaders to inject momentum at 2019 climate summit
The UN secretary-general on Tuesday urged world leaders to use a climate change summit he will host in 2019 to explain how they plan to ratchet up their efforts to reverse worsening global warming that is leading to a “very dramatic situation”.
Farmers hit with hefty settlements on latest tax defaulters list
Farmers are one of the largest groups to feature on the on the latest Revenue Defaulters list which details tax defaulters for the cases of failure to file a tax return, failure to remit tax, or delivery of an incorrect return.
How this melatonin-rich milk could help insomniacs sleep easy
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in milk, but four times as much of it is produced if the cows are milked during specific points in their sleep cycles, the producers of Lullaby Milk say.
German couple sue farmer due to 'clanging cow bells causing them depression'
A couple living in a rural village in Bavaria in Germany have sued a local dairy farmer due to the sound coming from her herd's cowbells which they say is keeping them awake and as a result is causing them "depression".
Average farm incomes declined by 15pc in 2018 but some growth is on the horizon for 2019 - Teagasc
Farm incomes were severely hit by the weather in 2018, with incomes estimated by Teagasc to be down across most sectors.
No legislation around the use of crow bangers, despite complaints
The Department of the Environment and other authorities receive complaints specifically over the use of crow bangers especially by people living in rural areas - however there is no legislation specifically to deal with the bird scarers, as they are also referred to.
Greencore operating profit grows 1.7pc as company focuses on core UK market
Operating profit at Greencore's continuing operations grew 1.7pc in the last year as the company said its rise in revenue has it well positioned to further grow its core UK market.
Australian sheep exporters to stop shipments to Middle East for 3 months each year
Australian livestock exporters have today written to Western Australian sheep producers, advising of a new three-month moratorium in sheep shipments to the Middle East during the Northern Hemisphere summer.
Dairy pair named Grassland Farmers of the Year
Limerick pair John and Olivia McNamara have been named Grassland Farmers of the Year.
China grain traders await lower tariffs before US return
China will need to drop steep tariffs it imposed on a range of American farm products earlier this year before it can fulfill its pledge to buy substantial volumes of U.S. goods, said Chinese traders on Monday.
Farm incomes for 2019 to be outlined by Teagasc
Brexit and fluctuating farm incomes are expected to be the main topics of discussion at the Teagasc Outlook event today.
Actors protest against possible pig farm near Game of Thrones set
A Game of Thrones actor, a TV chef and a duchess were among those who posed with a fancy dress pig outside Parliament to protest against the opening of a new farm.
Met Éireann warns of frost, freezing temperatures and 'stormy conditions' for the week ahead
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rainfall warning for three counties but wet and windy conditions are set to hit most counties over the coming week.
Eye in the sky technology set to replace farm inspections
Eye in the sky satellite surveillance with the precision to read livestock tag numbers is set to replace the physical inspection of farms for EU compliance.
Demands grow for new animal health probe in west Limerick
Health Minister Simon Harris is being urged to address claims that blood samples went missing during a State animal health investigation in the late 1990s.
TB proposals will 'stigmatise' farmers and devalue stock
Proposals that would publicly identify animals from herds categorised as high risk for TB infection would stigmatise farmers and devalue stock, Department of Agriculture officials have been warned.
'Reckless': Local farmers' group criticise decision to give Limerick's Aughinish Alumina go-ahead for rock blasting
AN Bord Pleanala has given the go-ahead to Aughinish Alumina to begin blasting and extracting rock close to the mud ponds at the Askeaton plant.
Richard Curran: 'Naughten cleared but potholes remain on road to rural broadband'
Broadband should be coming to a rural home near you. Just not any time soon. Peter Smyth's report published last week found that former Communications Minister Denis Naughten had not sought to influence the procurement process around the National Broadband Plan by having private meetings with the sole remaining bidder.
Farmers encouraged to demand higher lamb prices as market improves
There has been a major positive shift in the lamb trade this week with numbers tightening and prices rising, according to IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy.
'Justice had not been served' - family's anger as farmer sentenced to five years for killing neighbour with teleporter
A Co Kerry farmer who killed his neighbour with a teleporter has been jailed for five years.
Tom Cribbin buys last stores of UK butcher chain Crawshaw in £1.4 million deal
Butchers chain Crawshaw has been sold to meat entrepreneur Tom Cribbin for £1.4 million, securing 240 jobs.
Watch New Holland's new trailer breaking system in action
New Holland has patented a new Trailer Brake System onto its T7 and T6 tractors.
UK Judge warns of grave consequences of inadequate safety on farms after young woman dies using machinery from 1940s
A judge in the UK has warned of the grave consequences of inadequate safety on farms after a young woman died, having caught her hair in a piece of machinery from the 1940’s which did not meet modern standards.
See pictures and prices from the Charolais Society Christmas Cracker sale in Elphin
The Charolais Society held their Christmas Cracker Show and Sale of bulls at Elphin Mart on Saturday for which 101 bulls were catalogued.
UK cattle prices slide on back of high supplies
UK cattle prices slipped further last week on the back high supplies.
ICBF introduces bi-monthly genetic evaluations from new year
EBI evaluations are to undergo a fundamental change to their publication dates and their frequency with effect from the beginning of 2019.
Justice Minister says 'no plans' to change trespass laws despite farmer fears
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has said that he has no immediate plans to change the law regarding trespass on farmland.
'The company's preference is that there was no Brexit' - Lakeland boss tells Secretary of State
On a whistle-stop tour of Newtownards late last week, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley swept into Lakeland Dairies' factory, which bosses say exports 99.9pc of its produce outside Northern Ireland, and where chief executive Michael Hanley said that it would be the company's preference "that there was no Brexit."
Kevin Doyle: 'TDs have one eye on Brexit and the other on Christmas'
Leinster House is in total wind down ahead of the Christmas break, which is still more than a fortnight away.
'The beef men are working for nothing - and it just can't go on'
Sean Kilkenny is not a man to mince his words, and his message to the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed is simple: get out and meet the real farmers and find out if they are making ends meet.
10 steps to keeping your diet feeder on the move this winter
Diet feeders are made to work hard at this time of year. As the winter kicks off proper, some TLC in the form of machine maintenance can save costly breakdowns.
Farming finance: Leasing out land may be financially attractive - but beware the pitfalls
Making money from under-utilised land makes sense but there are various reasons farmers hold back, asks Martin O'Sullivan.
Wexford home rules on the Slaney - Renovated regency villa on 48ac guided at €850,000
The Deeps is the intriguing name given to a regency villa located near Crossabeg in Wexford, between Enniscorthy and Wexford town. Set on 48ac of grassland and woodland, and with frontage on to the tidal end of the Slaney, the renovated villa is for sale by private treaty. Selling agents Savills are guiding the price at €850,000.
Alan Matthews: 'How to move from our current land use structure to one that is compatible with our climate targets'
There has been a dramatic ramping up of interest in climate policy in the past two months. At the beginning of October, the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report underlined the acute nature of climate change, calling for immediate action.
Young Limousin breeder Orla makes her judging debut
Two in every three Limousin bulls on offer at the Limousin Society Show and Sale at Tullow Mart found a new home, with the sale returns recording an average of €2,620.
42ac residential farm hits the market in Cork with a range of useful outbuildings
At Carhue, 5km from Bandon, Ernest Forde is handling the sale of a 42ac residential farm with a range of dated but useful outbuildings.
Helen Harris: 'What is the value of having good back-up services for your machinery?'
What is the price of good service? What I'm really asking, is what is the value of having good back-up when you need it?
103ac of good ground in Delvin worth braving the elements for
It was raining with a vengeance as I made my way up across the country to Delvin in Westmeath. As they would say, it was a day for the fire and the last thing a fella would want to be doing is walking land. Even a 103ac farm wouldn't be sufficient to entice one to put on the wellies and fog up the specs.
'I want to show young women that farming is a very attractive career choice'
As likely candidates for the accolade of Farmer of the Year go, Gillian O'Sullivan wasn't always a front runner. To start with, she started her career far from her family's Dungarvan farm, as a vet caring for small animals in Bray. And then there is the fact that only for a family tragedy, O'Sullivan and her husband Neil might not have gotten involved in farming at all.
Pictures: Top-class dairy farm in West Cork comes with facilities for 120 cattle
It's been a very busy second half of the year in land sales for John Hodnett of Hodnett Forde, Clonakilty.
Over 6,500 farmers on Farm Assist to get Christmas Bonus next week
The Christmas Bonus will be paid to over 6,500 Farm Assist recipients next week (commencing Monday 3 December), with payments totalling €1.3m being to farmers in the Scheme.
Milk production up by 20pc as farmers make the most of autumn weather
Dairy farmers made the most of high prices and fair weather increasing milk production in October by over 20pc.
Live exports boost as Ireland and Libya agree wide-reaching veterinary certs
Ireland and Libya has agreed veterinary health certificates for the export of cattle to Libya, removing the need for individual boat-by-boat certification.
Agriculture and septic tanks source of dangerous E.coli found in 40pc of water sites
More than 40pc of groundwater sources that provide drinking water for two million people are contaminated with the dangerous bug E.coli, found in human and animal faeces.
We need a serious debate on the future of Irish beef farming
For a number of years with the arrival of winter, a large brown thrush takes possession of a berry-laden Cotoneaster shrub which grows outside our kitchen window.
Brexit: Ulster Farmers' Union remain amenable to alternate Withdrawal Agreement proposal
The Ulster Farmers' Union leadership team has said it would consider another option to the Prime Minister's Withdrawal Agreement from the EU - if there was one on the table.
North Cork and Newtownsandes suppliers to vote on merger proposal
The Boards of North Cork Co-operative Creameries (Kanturk, Co. Cork) and Newtownsandes Co-operative (Moyvane, Co. Kerry) have unanimously agreed to recommend the merger of the two Societies to their respective memberships.
Man (80s) dies after tractor strikes ditch
An 80-year-old man has died after his tractor struck a ditch in Co Leitrim on Thursday.
Minister for Agriculture wins appeal over repayment of €124k to farmer
The Minister for Agriculture has won his appeal over an order requiring him to pay €124,453, plus interest, to a farmer who had overstated the area of his lands eligible under the Single Payment Scheme.
Pig tail-docking ban floated by EU Commission
The routine tail-docking of pigs by farmers must be stopped, the EU Commission has insisted.
With mating, grazing seasons over, it's time to take stock
The recent cold weather has sent grass growth down to single-digit figures on the sheep platform at Lyons Farm in UCD, and the focus on the farm is now on finalising the 2018 grazing season. Ewes will finish grazing on December 10 and will then move on to redstart.
John Downing: Irish farmers should pray May can get deal over line
This time three years ago most of us had never heard the term 'Brexit'.
Major project in Cork will see on-farm anaerobic digestion plants heat homes and fuel lorries
Gas Networks Ireland has confirmed that a project to inject large volumes of renewable gas onto the natural gas network, has been shortlisted for €8m of funding under The Climate Action Fund.
Breeders gear up for sales bonanza
Pedigree breed societies have catalogued in excess of 200 bulls for the end-of-season shows and sales to be held over the next two week-ends, which traditionally have been among the most successful of the autumn run for the vendors.
Sickening cruelty as sack of drowned puppies washes up
A sack of drowned puppies has caused widespread distress among animal lovers following the horrific discovery of six dead collie pups near the shoreline at Reenagross in Kenmare, Co Kerry last week
Fungicides, fertiliser in the Brussels firing line
Environment MEPs will today vote on a new food law that changes how pesticides, GMOs and food additives are licensed for use within the bloc as legislators up the ante on agri-chemicals.
Workshy dairy farmer's son who 'hates cows' loses out on £1m inheritance
A dairy farmer’s workshy son who "hated the herd" and "made cows nervous" will be thrown out of his home after losing a High Court claim to inherit his parents’ £1million farm.
Adverse weather impact results at Donegal Investment Group
Dublin-listed Donegal Investment Group has reported revenue of €76.2m for the 12 months to the 31 August 2018, a decrease of €200,000 on the same period last year.
Irish milk prices among lowest in Europe, survey confirms
Irish milk prices were almost 2.5c/l below the average paid by 17 of Europe's top dairies for September supplies.
Wetlands CAP proposal may hurt farmers
The classification of peatlands and wetlands as 'carbon rich soils' under the current CAP proposals will have serious implications for farmers working this ground, the INHFA has warned.
Peter Hynes: Dairy farmers levy could fund a sexing machine
It's that time of year again - all stock are housed and thankfully it arrived six weeks later than last year so October and November have been a little more relaxed, allowing us more time off farm.
€444 million to be reimbursed to European farmers
The European Commission will reimburse €444 million to European farmers, in line with the regulation published today.
Northern Ireland farmers shoot down compensation cut suggestion for TB-infected cows
Northern Ireland farmers have shot down a suggestion compensation for cattle affected by TB should be cut, saying such a measure would not be accepted until "meaningful action" is taken to eradicate the disease in wildlife.
The Certainty of Fluke? - Now is the time to implement a dosing plan on your farm
Benjamin Franklin once wrote ‘But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes’.
€15m advance payments under year two of Sheep Welfare Scheme
Advance payments of €15m of the Sheep Welfare Scheme are being paid to farmers this week.
Factories: Good news for sheep farmers as prices rise by up to 10c/kg
I reckon you need a master's degree in marketing to understand what factory procurement officers are telling you about the retail sheep meat market.
EU sugar output could drop further as growers turn away from beet
Sugar production in the European Union could drop sharply in 2019/20 as farmers consider slashing plantings and switching to other crops amid depressed prices, industry participants said on Tuesday.
Ann Fitzgerald: The IFA cannot afford to dismiss the new Beef Plan Movement
Just as the government would be ill advised to ignore the Peter Casey vote, the IFA cannot afford to dismiss the new Beef Plan Movement.
UK competition authorities to probe Lakeland/LacPatrick merger
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that it is investigating the anticipated acquisition by Lakeland Dairies (N.I.) Limited of LacPatrick Dairies Co-Operative Society Limited.
Meet Knickers, the cow dubbed Australia’s largest steer who’s charming the world
An animal dubbed Australia’s biggest steer has been saved from the slaughterhouse – because he’s just too huge to deal with.
New Johne's programme launched with financial support for four years
Phase Two of the Johne's Control Programme have been announced, with financial support for four years available to farmers.
INHFA: 'We must address imbalance in ANC scheme'
INHFA is calling for "a fair and transparent review" of the ANC (Areas of Natural Constraints) scheme and insisted that farmers with the highest level of constraint must be compensated appropriately when setting rates per hectare.
Single word keeps some farmers from getting Trump's aid to offset tariffs
A Republican lawmaker wants to change a single word in the Trump administration’s farm aid program saying some soybean growers in Louisiana cannot qualify for the payments designed to offset farmers’ losses from tariffs against China.
7 things employees look for before working on a dairy farm
Making a dairy farm an attractive place to work is of increasing importance to Irish dairy farmers in recent years. Future predictions expect a further 2,000 further workers will be needed by 2025 to enter the sector, according to Teagasc.
Absence of young vets posing huge issue for rural practices
A shortage of vets is leading to succession issues in rural practices and the problem needs to be addressed, it has been warned.
Live Storm Diana: ESB working to restore power to customers as weather warnings lifted
ESB Network crews are working to restore power to homes, farms and businesses as Storm Diana lashed across Ireland.
Dairy farming systems must build in resilience to weather shocks - Teagasc
Dairy farmers are being warned by Teagasc that the weather is a reality of farming and they must build in resilience to weather shocks.
Sheepdog Jess found safe and well owner's jeep was hijacked
Sheepdog Jess, who went missing when the jeep she was in was stolen last week, has been reunited with her owner.
Farmers warned about safety at marts after incident at Maam Cross Mart
Farmers are being warned about safety at marts after an incident at Maam Cross Mart saw one mart worker taken to hospital.
Inventor says continuous-flow boiler is a 'game changer' for dairy farmers
Before inventing the portable water heater, Martin Deady was a distributor for a pressure washer.
Local authorities told to activate 'severe weather teams' as country braces itself for Storm Diana
Local authorities across the country have tonight been told to activate their “severe weather teams” as Storm Diana moves in.
UK Government must stop cheap post-Brexit food imports threatening UK farmers, MPs warn
Foreign food imports must be held to Britain’s high standards after Brexit or the nation’s farming community will be devastated, MPs have warned.
Mart trade: We need a plan to get poorer stock out of system
I shared a conversation with a mart manager over the weekend which probably encapsulates how many in the beef trade now see the end of 2018.
Masked raiders steal cattle trailer from Bunclody compound
Gardai are on the hunt for masked thieves who broke into a compound in Bunclody on Sunday afternoon, making off with a brand new trailer worth in the region of €5,000.
Live Ireland can expect widespread rain and gales to hit ahead of the tail-end of Storm Diana this coming weekend
Ireland can expect widespread rain and gales to hit ahead of the tail-end of Storm Diana this coming weekend.
£500m spent on failed bid to eradicate bovine TB in Northern Ireland
Around one in eight cattle herds in Northern Ireland are affected by bovine tuberculosis, a report has said.