Refund issue: Ploughing organiser Anna Marie McHugh pictured with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the Ploughing. Picture: Steve Humphreys

Ploughing Championships

Latest 'People didn't do what we asked so don't blame us for shutdown' - Ploughing organiser

Ploughing organiser Anna Marie McHugh robustly defended the handling of the ad-hoc shutdown during Storm Ali, saying: "We can't be accountable for people not doing what they were asked to do."

Motoring

Changes to VRT add to cost of key farm vehicles

Since July 31 a special low VRT rate for ‘commercial’ SUVs which had been operating for years was eliminated by the Revenue authorities.

News

Hill farmers call for Basic Income model to replace Farm Assist

The INHFA has called for a Universal Basic Income model for farmers in receipt of the...

Tom Phelan of IFA said the price decisions taken by Glanbia, Lakelands and Kerry Group had

Milk Prices

Milk processors under fire for failing to match Ornua returns

Farm organisations have hit out at dairy processors for not matching Ornua's increased returns for August milk.

Munster Farm Sales

Pictures: 'The first place in the whole area to have a 100 cow dairy herd' - North Cork dairy pioneers calling it a day

I ventured south last week towards the real...

RTEs, Marty Morrissey and Dancing with the Stars Anna Geary, during the National Ploughing Championships

National Ploughing Championships 2018

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Major row breaks out over TD letting slip 2019 Ploughing Championships venue

'People didn't do what we asked so don't blame us for shutdown' - Ploughing organiser hits back at...

Farmer convicted after 40 dogs found chained and neglected on property

Explainer: How do speed vans work and is there a person inside them - all your questions answered

Victim: Farmer Patrick Walsh, who was attacked and knocked unconscious at his farm at Lispopple last week. Photo: Frank McGrath

'We live in fear' - farmer left with smashed bones and broken arm after attack by crime gang

Cattle arriving to Carrick on Suir Mart. Picture: Pat Moore

Beef Trade

Weather issues and instability in export markets at root of beef price drop-off - Bord Bia beef expert

Weather-related difficulties have impacted...

'We cannot grow viable crops without robust fungicide programmes'

Tillage

'EU Commission plan on fungicides will devastate our grain crop profits'

This year has clearly demonstrated the importance of native grain for both dairy...

Vincent Dolan with his grand-daughter Dervla Dolan (19 months). Photo: Gerry Mooney

Ploughing Championships

Show must go on amid visible scars of storm damage

The blimps had returned, swaying gently in the sky - a sign to far and wide that the Ploughing was back in business.

Hands full: Edel Mullane is all smiles at the Ploughing. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Over 61,000 hardy souls brave the elements

It is safe to say that this is not the natural terrain of our very urban Taoiseach.

National Ploughing Championships 2018. Lucy Ryan (4) from Thurles, Co. Tipperary has a handy way of getting around with her mother Clara. Picture; Gerry Mooney

GALLERY: Best pictures from historic 2018 National Ploughing Championships

Without a doubt 2018 will go down in history as one of the toughest years for the farming community in Ireland, but who could have thought it would almost bring the largest show in Europe to its knees? When Storm Ali hit the Ploughing Championships in the early hours Wedensday morning, it was in many ways a reflection of the past 12 months in farming.

Farmer convicted after 40 dogs found chained and neglected on property

A Limerick man has been convicted and fined in Kilmallock for a number of offences which include causing unnecessary suffering to dogs, and having chained, unburied carcasses of two adult dogs and one puppy on his property.

Sterling falls after EU warns UK of a no-deal Brexit

The British pound fell from near two-month highs on Friday after European Union leaders warned Prime Minister Theresa May that they are ready for a no-deal Brexit if she failed to give ground on trade and the Irish border by November.

Dairy farmers facing a 50pc hit on incomes

At the outset of 2018 the main concern for Irish dairy farming was the anticipated fall in milk price - when would it happen, how bad would it be and how long would it persist?

The situation has been exacerbated by a shortage of tractor drivers. Stock Image

Seasonal labour shortage hits farm contractors

A shortage of seasonal workers available to complete autumn silage and maize harvests is putting extra pressure on Irish contractors, according to the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors of Ireland (FCI).

Attacked: Farmer Patrick Walsh speaks about his ordeal in the Irish Independent tent at Screggan. Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Garda overtime is cut despite farmers warning that 'it's a war zone out there'

Gardaí have reacted angrily to moves to cut overtime - just as farmers affected by rural crime said it was a "war zone out there".

Major row breaks out over TD letting slip 2019 Ploughing Championships venue

A major row broke out at the National Ploughing Championships after the location for next year's event was prematurely let slip by a Fine Gael TD keen to give some good news to his own constituency.

Official figures put the attendance on the first day in the region of 97,000, while yesterday’s official attendance figures were announced as 81,500. Photo: Gerry Mooney

East takes top two ploughing titles as more than 80,000 brave the rain

Wexford man John Whelan and Eamonn Tracy of Carlow will represent Ireland at the World Ploughing Championships in the US next year, after taking the top two titles in Tullamore yesterday.

Explainer: How do speed vans work and is there a person inside them - all your questions answered

Despite the wind and rain that battered the Ploughing Championships in Tullamore this week, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Garda GoSafe display managed to draw crowds in as they explained how speed cameras work.

Seamus Sherlock,ICSA in the Independent Tent at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan Co Offaly.

VIDEO: ‘It’s like a war zone out there’ - Farmers urged to ‘stand by their brothers’ during lively debate on rural crime at Ploughing Championships

FARMERS under threat from intruders and burglars have been told to “stand by their brothers, stand by their neighbours… because they’ll be there far quicker than the gardai will”.

Workers repair damage to the Fine Gael stand. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Ploughing expected to head to Carlow in 2019

Next year’s National Ploughing Championships is set to take place in Carlow, although NPA officials would not confirm it after Carlow TD Pat Deering let it slip that it would be held in his constituency next year.

Pat Spillane chatting in the Independent Tent at the Ploughing Championships in Screggan Co Offaly.

Pat Spillane: If someone asked me tomorrow to help out with the Kerry team, I’d be the first man in the door

Pat Spillane has admitted he would 'love' to manage the Kerry team, but that 'no-one rings' him back whenever he has volunteered to help out.

Fodder concerns put spotlight on contract-rearing

Drystock farmers and dairy farmers are being urged to explore the possibility of entering into mutually beneficial contract-rearing agreements.

'Supermarkets must stop discounting fresh milk': Farmers challenge retailers at Ploughing to support fresh milk producers

Retailers which have a strong presence at this year’s Ploughing Championship have been challenged to show real solidarity with some of the farmers hardest hit by the fodder crisis by pledging to desist from their aggressive, unsustainable discounting of fresh milk under their private labels.

Good British Friesian weanlings generally sold for around €1/kg. Stock image / PA

Market for plain weanlings is the 'most depressed in years'

THE most depressing market for plain weanlings for many years has seen Friesian animals selling for well below €1/kg and struggling to make 75c/kg in cases.

Outstanding in its field: Cows stand on a hill at a dairy farm that supplies milk to Fonterra Cooperative Group as Mount Taranaki stands in the distance in Hawera, New Zealand. Fonterra is the world’s top dairy exporter. Photo: Bloomberg

Further dairy sector mergers 'inevitable'

Further consolidation in the dairy processing sector is "inevitable" according to Conor Mulvihill, director of Dairy Industry Ireland.

Dale Farm facing £1m in losses after collapse of bakery firm

Dairy giant Dale Farm, flour firm Andrew's and an egg company face combined losses of nearly £1m following the collapse of McErlain's Bakery, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal.

Ploughing Day 3 - heroic efforts overnight see site back in action

Heroic efforts overnight by the staff at the National Ploughing Championships have turned the site around and back open to the public, after it was shut yesterday.

Factories still ploughing into sheep prices

It's the week of the Ploughing and with the factories dropping their prices for both lamb and cull ewes by 5-10c/kg, the obvious pun is that processors continue to plough down sheep prices.

Beware the pitfalls of switching to joint farm ownership

It is not uncommon for farming spouses to decide to place all or part of the family farm in joint names.

Crowds make their way away from the exhibition site after day two of this year's championship was called off. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Ploughing Championship exhibitors fear small crowds and more insurance on extra day

Exhibitors planning to showcase their wares at the extra day of the National Ploughing Championships tomorrow are worried they may have to fork out for extra insurance costs and see smaller crowds.

Jane Jackson tries to clean up her stand. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Picking up the pieces as Storm Ali brings devastation to Ploughing site

Amid the still-howling winds and furiously flapping canvas, some of the exhibitors who had waited in their cars for hours were finally allowed to go in and survey the wreckage.

Rural communities are being terrorised by mobile criminal gangs targeting homes and farms across the country. Stock image

'It's the mental fear that it leaves behind that gets you' - farmer's agony as thieves strike three times

A recent spate of burglaries in rural parts of the country has lead to fears that the crime rate will only get worse as the winter nights draw in.

'We live in fear' - farmer left with smashed bones and broken arm after attack by crime gang

A farmer who was badly injured when thugs rammed a gate with their truck while he was trying to shut it is living in fear that his attackers will return.

WATCH: The efforts by one company at the Ploughing to rebuild its stand

The efforts of one agri-business Agri Lloyd typifies the spirt of the thousands of people hard at work on the National Ploughing Championships site in Screggan, Tullamore recovering in the wake of Storm Ali.

Watch: Farmer feared for his cattle's safety at Ploughing during storm

Farmer Edward Dudley said “every hour felt like an eternity” when he was unable to access his heifers at the National Ploughing Championships due to site safety issues this morning.

National Ploughing Championships 2018. Stewards Richard Sunders and Mark Kennedy make their way throufgh a deserted site as storm Ali arrives . Picture; Gerry Mooney

Ploughing Championships extended to Friday due to Storm Ali

Tomorrow at the National Ploughing Championships will go ahead organisers have confirmed and it has also confirmed that the event will take place on Friday.

Increase in long term leases holds land prices steady

In the opening half of the year agricultural land values have risen by 1.8pc, according to Sherry FitzGerald Research.

Traditionally Ploughing week can see cattle numbers easing back slightly. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Factories: Deals being done for the right stock

Traditionally Ploughing week can see cattle numbers easing back slightly. However, with the kill a fortnight ago running at almost 38,000hd, any fall-off would have to be pretty dramatic to make an immediate impression.

Focus on the Ploughing Championships: How Lidl gave these growing companies a ‘Kick Start’

The food and drink industry can be extremely competitive so there is a fine margin between success and failure for start-ups or young companies.

'It's codology asking men to be a priest and to be celibate' - Fr Brian D'Arcy

Father Brian D'Arcy has spoken about the difficulties priests face in being celibate, saying that he believes clergy should be allowed to get married.

Analysis: How sustainable is our future when farmers are working harder for less?

This year has been a real test for the resilience of farmers. Regardless of enterprise, or stocking rate, the prolonged drought in June and July brought challenges that very few farmers were equipped for.

WATCH: First look at storm damage inside the Ploughing Championships

The National Ploughing Championships "would have been on the brink of emergency evacuation levels" if it opened today, organisers were told.

'Farmers are used to this kind of thing' - Thousands forced to return home as day 2 of 'The Ploughing' cancelled

Disappointed crowds have flocked from the Ploughing Championship to Tullamore town, following the announcement earlier this morning that today’s event has been cancelled as a result of Storm Ali.

Damage done to a tent at the Ploughing Championships

National Ploughing Championships cancelled today due to extreme weather conditions

The National Ploughing Championship will not open today following extreme weather conditions.

Day 2 of Ploughing Championship further delayed due to severe weather conditions

Teams at the National Ploughing Championships are assessing any potential damage done to the site after Storm Ali wreaked havoc this morning.

National Ploughing Championships 2018. People run for cover in the heavy rain at the championships. Picture; Gerry Mooney

A delayed start but the show must go on: All you need to know about Ploughing Day Two

THE second day of the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, will have a delayed opening to the public, but is to go ahead.

Motorist had a lucky escape after a tree fell on car Photo: An Garda Siochana

Live 'Stay off the roads': AA Roadwatch issue warning as Storm Ali brings 'severe and damaging' 150km/h gusts

People were asked to "stay off the road" and "not to make unnecessary journeys" as Storm Ali wreaked havoc nationwide today.

Cattle unloaded by farmer. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Grid penalties costing livestock farmers €32m

Livestock farmers are losing more than €32m a year to beef grid penalties applied to poorer-grading animals.

'Mr Rees-Mogg should remember that carnage is a two-way street'

From Brexit to climate change challenges, Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed is holding the office during a particularly challenging period for the Irish agri-food sector.

A hundred animal thefts among €1.4m stolen from Irish farms

Gardaí believe €1.4m of goods were stolen from farms throughout the country in the past year.

Ryan Tubridy gets all country as he tries to milk a cow with the assistance of Caitriona Mullin from Mountbellew in Galway at the Volac/IHFA stand. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Ploughing 2018: Fine Gael accused of bungling over delay in low-cost loans

Fine Gael has been accused of ignoring farmers facing the challenges of Brexit as their wait for low-cost loans drags on.

Homelessness crisis now hits hard in rural areas as numbers jump by 30pc

More than 1,200 people are now homeless across rural Ireland - a 30pc increase since the beginning of the year, a homeless charity has claimed.

18/09/2018 Jerry Dennehy, from Tralee, Kerry with his horses Mutt and Jeff at the Under 40 horse Plough class at the ploughing championships at Screggan, Co. Offaly. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM

Nicola Anderson: 'Dragons' and Michael D plough up support on stump in Screggan

The Americans have their presidential campaign ground games that cost millions and employ complicated strategies to engage with voters.

Walkabout: President Michael D Higgins meets well-wishers. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Protect our family farmers from retail sector whims, urges Higgins

President Michael D Higgins has called for Irish farm families to be protected at all costs from the "vagaries" of the retail sector and challenges such as Brexit.

Star attraction: Up to 300,000 people are expected at the event. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Opening of Ploughing day two delayed due to weather conditions

Day two of the National Ploughing Championships has a delayed start, due to adverse weather conditions.

Kate Gannon,Corporate Affairs Manager at Irish Water and Tom Keogh from Keogh’s Crisps in the Independent Tent at the Ploughing Championships in Screggan Co Offaly.

Could Ireland be facing a crisp shortage?

Ireland could soon be facing a crisp shortage, according to one of Ireland’s leading crisp and potato producers.

Brian Rohan of Embrace Farm , John Kelly , Principal Teagasc Ag College, Ballyhaise, John Bryan, Kilkenny, former IFA President, Michael Duffy, Teagasc Poultry Adviser, Monaghan, Larry O’Loughlin former Teagasc Regional Manager & Norma Rohan of Embrace Farm.

'They deserve to be honoured and remembered’ - 32-county tractor ‘Drive to Remember’ completes its journey at the ploughing

The farm accident support network, Embrace FARM completed their 32-county ‘Drive to Remember’ trip at the ploughing championships today.

Gerry McCann puts up a sign on the McCann farm in Meath, opposing the forced sale of the farm which is due to take place in the coming week. Over a 100 people from the community came out in a show of support.
Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke

'It is time for them to put faces to their company' - Farmers on war footing over vulture fund forced sales

A nationwide battle on farm debt is brewing, with the IFA warning that it will strongly support landowners who are facing forced sales by vulture funds.

Kathryn Thomas and fiancé Padraig McLaughlin, left, and their baby daughter Ellie, right

'I share pictures because I'm so proud of her' - Kathryn Thomas gushes over baby daughter Ellie

RTE star Kathryn Thomas said she has experienced the dreaded "mummy shamers" that most women in the public eye have become unfortunately accustomed to.

Celebrity chef and writer Rachel Allen. Photo: INM

'Sandwiches just came back uneaten in our house' - Rachel Allen on the dreaded school lunches

TV chef and author, and mum-of-three Rachel Allen knows a thing or two about making school lunches.

Wayne Smyth of GWM Smyth contractors cutting a second crop of silage in Knockdrumagh, Co Carlow last week Photo: Roger Jones

Fodder deficit narrows but dairy farmers advised to cull 'stragglers'

The fodder deficit has narrowed from 28pc nationally in July to 11pc in September, according to the latest figures from the Teagasc Fodder survey.

'Lock gates and light up yards' advise Gardaí as €1.4m worth of goods stolen from farms in last year

Gardaí are advising farmers to lock gates, light up their yards and remove keys from vehicles to help prevent thefts from farms.

The Lidl Big Green Barn will be one of the main attractions at the championships

Focus on the Ploughing Championships: Exciting line-up announced for Lidl’s ‘Big Green Barn’

The annual National Ploughing Championships is Europe’s biggest outdoor event and the highlight of the Irish agricultural calendar.

Payments worth over €185.6m issue under 2018 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme

Payments worth over €185.6 million under the 2018 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme and Areas of Specific Constraint (Islands) Scheme, have commenced issuing this week to almost 77,000 farmers.

Supermac’s boss Pat McDonagh. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Where’s the beef? Supermac's boss demands fairer deal for farmers

Fast food giant Supermac’s has warned its Irish meat suppliers not to look for price increases unless they agree to pass the benefits back to farmers.

LacPatrick is one of the biggest dairy co-ops in the Border region

LacPatrick Dairies sets August milk price

The board of LacPatrick Dairies has set a milk price for August supplies.

Incidence of occupational stress is on the rise again

Samaritans: 'Anecdotally, we know farmers have contacted us over the Fodder Crisis'

One in three people who contact the Samaritans for support are struggling with loneliness or feelings of isolation, new research from the charity reveals.

Boortmalt agrees to top up final malting barley price - IFA

Following recent negotiations, the IFA has said that Boortmalt, the malting company has agreed to top up the final malting barley price paid to growers for the 2018 harvest by €30 per tonne.

Row over "B&B" arrangement for cattle ends up in High Court

An organic cheesemaker has brought High Court proceedings aimed at securing the return of 35 cows he claims belong to him.

Ryan Tubridy pictured vacuuming a Aberdeen Angus Bull on the first day of The National Ploughing Championships 2018. Picture: Kinlan Photography.

Ploughing Championships Day One: Everything you need to know

Thousands of people are expected to descend on Tullamore today to attend Europe's largest outdoor event, the National Ploughing Championships.

The McHale ProGlide mower range in action

The super eight - Our machinery expert previews 8 machinery stands not to miss at this year's Ploughing Championships

McHale will be displaying a full range of machinery on Stand 313, giving new and existing customers the chance to see the company's high output machines up close and personal. Forefront to the exhibition will be the recent development and expansion into the twin rotor centre delivery rake range.

Wellies at the ready as heavy rain makes for a wet start at Ploughing

The Ploughing Championship kicks off today - with some 300,000 people expected to attend over the course of the week.

Good clean fun: Sean Esmonde from Carlow at the National Ploughing Championship in Screggan, Co Offaly, yesterday. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Irish farming could follow the UK down the Brexit rabbit hole

'If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there," the Mad Hatter told Alice in Wonderland. That's what one source in Europe said to me recently, when I asked, 'how are the British really dealing with Brexit?'

Brexit risks for farmers as CAP payments to fall - Central Bank warning

Brexit could push at-risk Irish farms closer to the point of collapse, the Central Bank has warned.

Willie John Kehoe on the family farm in Foulksmills Co Wexford. Photo: Kyran O'Brien

'The Ploughing Championships will never be the same again' - Family of well-known farmer (33) who died during event

The family of a well-known farmer who died last year during the Ploughing Championships said that they will attend this year's event in memory of their late loved one.

Dairygold announces milk price for August supplies

Dairygold has announced its milk price for August supplies, stating that it will pay farmers 32c/L, which includes a 0.5c/L quality bonus and VAT.

President of the ICMSA John Comer, Joe Healy President of The IFA with Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed TD chatting to Kevin Doyle at the Ploughing Championships in 2017

Top stars and key writers on the Independent Talks stage at the Ploughing

Join our team of experts and commentators for some lively, entertaining and informative talks over the three days of the National Ploughing Championships

Gang stealing landcruisers across Ireland have network 'operating on both sides of the border'

A new system which stamps homeowners' Eircodes on to their possessions has resulted in a dramatic drop in burglaries and thefts in areas where it has been piloted by gardaí.

FILE PHOTO: French farmer Cedric Briand inspects cheese that ages in a storage room at a farm in Plesse, France February 21, 2017. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo

'Buyer beware' on Canadian cheese concessions, say European exporters

A trade deal meant to give European cheesemakers more access to the Canadian market is falling short of its promise in its first full year, government data show, frustrating the European industry, which blames a year-old Ottawa quota system.

Dairymaster's 'MooMonitor' app can alert farmers when animals are coming in-calf or battling the early stages of disease

US agritech is a new digital frontier for exporters

Disruptive digital technologies are opening up a new frontier of possibilities for Irish companies in the North American agricultural market, particularly across the midwestern states.

Adam McDonald DTE-Systems (left) with Barth Landy, General Manager at the Cooney Furlong Machinery Company, Enniscorthy

'Important to have a machine capable of testing the biggest tractors on the market'

Earlier this year, well-known UK dynamometer manufacturer Froment appointed DTE-Systems from Tullamore, Co Offaly, as its agent here in Ireland. Froment has been designing and building power test equipment for several decades. The UK firm is well known and respected throughout the agricultural machinery sector here in Ireland.

South Leinster farms guided at €12,000/ac

Laois land is making good prices and Rathdowney auctioneer William Mansfield will be hoping this trend continues when he brings to auction an 82ac non-residential farm at Mountoliver, Rathdowney.

Cattle stand in a field on the Queen's Balmoral Estate. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Queen's cattle kept away from Highland shows amid disease fears

In the world of Highland cattle she is regarded, one might say, as the reigning champion.

This enhanced satellite image made available by NOAA shows Tropical Storm Florence, upper left, in the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. EDT. At center is Tropical Storm Isaac and at right is Hurricane Helene. (NOAA via AP)

Flood warning issued as ex-Hurricane Helene set to bring 'high intensity' rain tonight

Met Éireann has warned of "high-intensity" rainfall tonight as Storm Helene crosses over Ireland.

Calls for Beef forum to be reconvened as beef price cut by up to €80/hd in four weeks

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture and Food Charlie McConalogue has called on Minister Creed to immediately convene the Beef Forum.

Spiralling property prices make death taxes a live issue for more unsuspecting families

Death taxes are set to deliver a bountiful return to the Exchequer this year. But the chances of any changes in the Budget to benefit families look to have been ruled out by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. This is set to annoy many middle-income people.

Ten most expensive Irish country estates for sale

It's not quite all doom and gloom in the property market. While the housing crisis continues to spiral out of control, while demand pushes prices upwards at the lower end of the market, and while prestige Dublin homes are feeling the first cool breezes of a moderating wind, up at the very top of the market business is 'robust'.

The price of everyday necessities including bread, milk, cheese and eggs imported from the UK will soar by up to 46pc in a worst-case scenario. Photo: PA

How supermarket prices could soar if the UK leaves the EU with no deal

Shoppers are facing a €19 hike in the cost of their weekly supermarket spend as prices will shoot up in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Ploughing visitors told to bring their wellies as organisers prepare for a record turnout

All roads lead to Tullamore as the final day of preparations gets under way today ahead of 300,000 people descending on the National Ploughing Championships.

Brendan Stafford, Gerry McCann, Meath IFA Chairman John Curran, Michael McCann, David Farrell & Farm Business Chairman Martin Stapleton putting up a sign on the McCann farm in Meath, opposing the forced sale of the farm. Photo: Finbarr O'Rourke

Land for sale by vulture fund removed from auction site

Two parcels of land in Co Meath, which was being sold by vulture fund Promontoria, has been removed from the online auction site.

Henry Walsh: Our grass growth has been exceptional over the last month

September is progressing along within average or normal parameters on our farm in Oranmore.

Pat Flanagan and John Coakley on the Old Carton Farm, Maynooth, Co Kildare.
Photo: Tony Gavin

Former dairy manager for Clongowes Wood college on handing on a lifetime of experience

Pat Fanning has two jobs at the moment: managing the pedigree-registered Friesian Holstein herd of John Coakley Snr on the Coakley family farm in Co Kildare, and working with John Coakley Jnr, who has just got his Leaving Cert and has high-tailed it straight to Gurteen Agricultural College for his Green Cert.

Georgian style on 65ac in Clare for €1m-plus

Last week my travels took me to Springfield House on the outskirts of Sixmilebridge in Co Clare.

'Compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) are often controversial'

'I have learned several CPOs are proposed for my land. It will destroy my farm. What can I do?'

Q I am a farmer in north Dublin and have growing concerns about CPO's on my land. I would like to know if there are ways to refuse CPOs, and whether there are any limits to the number of CPOs that can be placed on property. There are currently several CPOs proposed for my land and I am concerned that what I will be left with will not allow me to farm my land in a viable way at all.

Pensioner drives his Massey from Mizen to Malin in memory of his wife

A pensioner is driving his 1961 Massey Ferguson 35x from Mizen Head to Malin Head in memory of his late wife.

Ann Fitzgerald: Get active to fend off gloom of the long dark nights after Samhain

So what are you going to do for the long winter nights?

Deere 9000 Series a cut above the rest

JOHN Deere has unveiled a new beast for the self-propelled forage harvester market in the form of the 9000 Series with the largest model touching 1,000 horsepower.

Tom Staunton with his pen of lambs at the Mayo Mule & Greyface Group sale in Ballinrobe Photo: Conor McKeown

Tom Staunton: Why I'm giving my ewes five-star treatment ahead of the breeding season

A full year's sheep cycle is nearly complete as we start to get ready for 2019.

Man in court after 'Husky' type dogs attack sheep

A man has appeared in court after his three dogs attacked sheep near Carrickfergus.

The 157ac block of land is located at Blackrath, Colbinstown, near Kilcullen in Co Kildare

Over 150ac of prime Kildare land hits the market for €9,000/ac

Larger farms continue to come on the market, with holdings of over 150ac regularly featuring in private treaty and auction sales.

Supreme Irish Angus All Ireland Champion 2018 and RDS Champion of Champions 2018, Mayo Karin, with Gerard Kilgallon, Mayoabbey, Claremorris, exhibitor, Pat Murphy, judge, Michael Brady, sponsor, A W Ennis, and John Appelbe, President, Irish Angus Cattle Society.

Mayo Karin crowned Supreme Irish Angus All Ireland Champion 2018

Mayo Karin has been crowned Supreme Irish Angus All Ireland Champion 2018 and RDS Champion of Champions 2018 adding further glory to her most successful year ever in the show rings.

John Groarke pictured in his home near Tulsk, Co Roscommon. Photo: Brian Farrell

'They pay no heed to life beyond the Shannon' - Farmer's Áras bid about big issues facing the west of Ireland

'In comparison to the other candidates my lifestyle is very humble. This shouldn't be about money. It should be about taking part."

13/Sept/2018. BAllymote Mart
Lot Number 1046
Weight 360Kg
DOB 11/5/17
Sex Male
Breed LMX
Price. € 850
Photo Brian Farrell

Pictures and Prices: Tentative signs of a price bounce at cattle marts

As mart prices tumbled over the last six weeks everyone associated with the business has wondered where the bottom might be.

Dairy farmer George Bingham is trialling the system on his farm at Templepatrick, Co Antrim

Dairy farmer with 1,200 cows on new tech which could cut his fertiliser bills by 20%

A large dairy farm in Northern Ireland is trailing a new system that reduces ammonia emissions while producing liquid nitrogen fertiliser at the same time.

Traditional homestead on 93ac guided at €750,000

In the not too distant past, a residential farm on 93ac in Co Meath was a solid property, the size of holding needed to establish oneself as a member of the club among the local agristocracy.

Met Éireann 'will issue warnings if required' as they monitor Hurricane Helene

Forecasters at Met Éireann said they are monitoring Hurricane Helene in the Atlantic and will issue warnings, if required, closer to the time of landfall.

How to plan your trip to the National Ploughing Championships 2018

Europe's largest outdoor event, the National Ploughing Championships, takes place next week from Tuesday to Thursday in Screggan, Tullamore.

Cattle eating silage on Hook Head during the recent good weather

Dan Ryan: Empty cows need to be offloaded now to cut winter fodder costs

The fodder shortage has raised many questions about systems of milk production for spring calving.

Gardai treating major fire at Limerick farm as 'malicious'

Gardai are treating a hay barn fire in Cappamore, Co Limerick on Saturday night as “malicious”.

Gardai treating major fire at Limerick farm as 'malicious'

Gardai are treating a hay barn fire in Cappamore, Co Limerick on Saturday night as “malicious”.

Irish farmer set to enter Big Brother house tonight

A 23-year-old farmer from Tipperary is currently being guarded in a secret location in London as he prepares to join the cast of the next series of UK TV smash hit Big Brother.

A rapeseed field in front of Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Dryness after summer heatwave seen cutting EU rapeseed sowings

Dry soil after record-breaking European summer heatwaves means farmers have been unable to plant all the rapeseed they wished, experts said on Thursday.

Chief vet Sheila Voas has insisted high animal welfare standards are in place when calves are transported from Scotland (Animal Equality/PA)

Chief vet moves to reassure UK public on shipping of young calves

Scotland’s chief vet has insisted “high welfare standards” are in place when animals are transported overseas, branding a recent TV programme about the practice “alarmist”.

Darragh McCullough: Fatigue is a massive issue for farmers and the consequences can be deadly

We had our first Ear to the Ground editorial meeting last week ahead of production getting into gear for the new season.

A combine harvests wheat in a field of the Solgonskoye private farm outside the Siberian village of Talniki in Krasnoyarsk region, Russia September 7, 2018. Picture taken September 7, 2018. REUTERS/Ilya Naymushin/File Photo

Spring crop intakes back by up to 30pc and bean yields take a battering

Last week saw the 2018 harvest coming to a close. While there are still pockets of spring barley and particularly beans yet to be harvested, especially in the west, north-west and some parts of the north-east where some late sown crops on heavy land are still maturing the bulk of this years' harvest is over.

Stud farm of top trainer Tony Martin withdrawn from auction

Arodstown Stud, the residential 88ac stud farm belonging to trainer Tony Martin at Moynalvey, Summerhill in Co Meath was withdrawn from auction after being bid to €1.625m in its lots and €1.4m as an entire.

Glanbia Ireland has a 2.4 billion litre milk pool from 4,800 suppliers

Glanbia announces August milk price and halts support payment

Glanbia will pay its Member milk suppliers 32 cent per litre (cpl) including VAT for August manufacturing milk supplies at 3.6pc butterfat and 3.3pc protein.

Michael Gove's reforms could see horsemeat reappear in the British food chain after Brexit, farmers warn

Michael Gove’s reforms to agricultural subsidies risks seeing the return of horsemeat into the food chain, head of the farmers’ union says today.

Despite recent progress significant fodder deficit remains however on many farms

A meeting of the Fodder Stakeholder group in Tullamore heard that progress has been made in filling the fodder gap for the winter ahead.

Hurricane Helene 'will not be a repeat of Ophelia' - says weather expert

A leading weather expert has reassured people that an oncoming Atlantic hurricane "will not be a repeat of Ophelia".

New player making waves in beef breeding

Seamus Nagle knows a thing or two about bovine genetics, so much so that his fledgling company BullBank is quickly making its mark on the beef industry.

Farmers encouraged to recycle used tyres at new bring centres

The Government is making €700,000 available to remove stockpiles of tyres from farms.

Toyota Landcruisers are amongst the popular makes to be stolen.

Gardai 'baffled' as 15 Landcruisers are stolen from rural farms

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has asked farmers to be vigilant in Meath after the theft of the 15th Landcruiser in three months has left gardai 'baffled.

Robin Talbot: Shape up or ship out is the bottom line on stock bulls

The Rose of Tralee is well behind us, the two All-Irelands are won and the Ploughing is only around the corner. So history tells us that, at this stage of year - even with the best possible conditions - not enough grass is going to be grown on this farm this season to make up for the shortfall.

Irish pig prices are currently trading below €1.40/kg

Pig farmers' margins now at rock bottom warn Teagasc

Pig farmers have endured a 43pc drop in financial margins in the past year, according to Teagasc figures.

Tick Tock: Time is running out for daylight saving with new proposal to stop changing clocks next year

The EU could bring forward proposals to stop the annual daylight saving procedure or putting back and forward the clocks to next year.

IFA: Beef sector needs co-op model on prices

A radical change in the way meat processors and farmers do business is required to ensure beef finishers receive a sustainable price, IFA Livestock chair Angus Woods has urged.

Talks to resolve vets dispute recommence

Talks aimed at resolving an ongoing dispute between vets and the Department of Agriculture are expected to resume later this week under the chairmanship of former Labour Relations chairman, Kieran Mulvey.

Neighbours of farm family in debt row say any prospective buyer 'will be given cold shoulder by community'

Neighbours of a farm family who claim they are being forced to sell off some of their land by a vulture fund have vowed that any prospective buyer will be given the cold shoulder by the entire community.

Australian farmers risqué photos have peaked the worlds interest on Instagram

Ben Brooksby, founder of The Naked Farmer, will be taking over the FarmIreland Instagram this Thursday and will be talking about how he’s using the platform to highlight mental health issues among farmers.

First container of Irish beef reaches China

The first container (25t) of Irish beef has reached China, after being purchased by a Chinese online and foodservice sales.

LAIRG, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 14: Potential buyers watch as sheep farmers gather at Lairg auction for the great sale of lambs on August 14, 2018 in Lairg, Scotland. Lairg market hosts the annual lamb sale, which is one of the biggest one day livestock markets in Europe, when up to fifteen thousand sheep from all over the north of Scotland can be bought or sold. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Stability name of the game in the lamb trade

Stability appeared to be the name of the game in the sheep business.

The 126ac farm in Tomard in Carlow sold in two lots.

Carlow farm beats its guide price by over €500,000

A 126ac tillage farm at Tomard, Leighlinbridge, in Carlow sold in two lots under the hammer last week, making a total of €2.19m or a huge €17,380/ac.

Meath IFA Chairman at protest on farm. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke

Farming community unites in protest of 'forced sale' of family farm online by vulture fund

Farmers are today protesting the forced sale of lands in Co Meath by vulture fund Promontoria, which it claims is trying to force a family to sell some of their land to settle debts.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan. Photo: Reuters

Hogan lashes Mercosur ‘megaphone’ tactics

Another round of Mercosur and EU trade talks begins this week in Uruguay, with trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström on stand-by to attend (she will be in the region at a G20 meeting).

British Environment Secretary Michael Gove Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Michael Gove: farmers who protect the countryside will be rewarded most when Brexit ends 'perverse' EU farm subsidies

Farmers who protect the countryside will be first in the queue for post-Brexit state subsidies as they are freed from the “perverse” constraints of EU rules on handouts, Michael Gove says today.

Questions have been asked in Holyrood about the practice of shipping bull calves overseas (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Concerns raised after ferry firm’s decision to halt the transportation of live calves from Scotland

Scotland’s Rural Affairs Minister has raised concerns about ferry firm P&O’s decision to halt the transportation of live calves from Scotland.

Factories may attempt to pull beef prices by another 5c/kg this week. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Factories go in for the kill on beef prices

LAST week we reported on the factories’ push on prices — for those of you with stock to sell you known that situation still prevails.

The figures suggest many areas are being left behind and highlight how the regions struggle to compete

Rural towns are left behind as numbers at work below pre-crash levels

The number of people at work remains below pre-crash levels in more than 70 towns across the State.

Brewing up a storm: Storm Eleanor hits Lahinch, Co Clare, last January. Photo: Press 22

Bronagh, Deirdre and Saoirse: meet the storms blowing our way this winter

Ali will be the first storm to blow in across Ireland and Britain this winter, the new list of names for this year's strongest weather systems shows.

Majority of dairy farmers said potential marital breakdown of their successor was one of their biggest concerns. Stock image.

Marriage split fears holding back farm handovers to next generation

The risk of a successor’s marriage breaking down is one of the biggest factors preventing dairy farmers from handing on land to the next generation, according to new research.

Farmer pepper sprayed by Garda during seizure of horse

A 63 year old farmer ended up being pepper sprayed during a grapple with a Garda when his horse was being seized in a field by a contractor working on behalf of the County Council.

Farmer Patrick Walsh who was attacked and knocked unconscious at his farm,last sunday week, pictured on his land at Lispopple, North County Dublin.Picture Credit:Frank McGrath

Farmers urged to mark property to beat thieves

Farmers have been advised to mark their property in a bid to make it more difficult for rural crime gangs to dispose of stolen goods.

Last year FBD Young Farmer of the Year PJ O'Keeffe on the family farm in Callan, Co Kilkenny. Photo: Pat Moore.

Six finalists announced in FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Six finalists have been announced to go forward to contest tonight’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year Award in Dublin.

EU Auditors hit out at ‘very slow progress’ on reducing air pollutants from agriculture

EU action to protect human health from air pollution has not delivered its expected impact, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors.

EU Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan

Look what happened in the Netherlands – Hogan warns Irish dairy sector on environment

Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner, Phil Hogan has warned the Irish dairy sector that it must maintain its reputation for producing products of the highest standards of safety and sustainability.

Lakeland Dairies milk powder plant Bailieboro.

Lakeland Dairies holds milk price for August milk supplies

Lakeland Dairies has held its base milk price at 32.78 cents per litre including VAT for August milk supplies.

The price of wheat for bread rose by a fifth between March and July (Gareth Fuller/PA)

EU wheat prices rebounds with Chicago as supply doubts persist

Euronext wheat rose sharply on Monday in step with Chicago futures in a technical rebound from a six-week low, encouraged by further signs of tightening supply in major export regions.

Coillte agrees €281m deal to sell its operating wind farm assets to Greencoat Renewables

State forestry company Coillte has agreed a deal to sell its operating wind farm assets to Greencoat Renewables for an enterprise value of €281m.

Peter Hurley shows his land which has sufferred from drought in August. Pic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

'Additional feed cost me €2,500 a week and stress is at an all-time high'

"We're after doubling our feed rates from this time last year, costing me an additional €2,500 a week in additional feed," Ballinhassing, Cork, dairy farmer, Peter Hurley has asid.

British beef would be 'uncompetitive overnight' after no-deal Brexit - food officials

Some British food, including beef and lamb, would become “uncompetitive overnight” on foreign markets in the event of a no-deal Brexit, food industry representatives told members of parliament yesterday.

A trailer is filled with soybeans at a farm in Buda, Illinois, July 6, 2018. REUTERS/Daniel Acker/File Photo

Brazil farmers vie for soy contract during US-China trade war

Brazilian farmers said they are seeking support to develop a soybean futures contract that would ease deals between Brazil, the world’s largest soy exporter, and top importer China at a time of heightened US-China trade tensions.

Farmers under siege from soaring costs

FARMERS are facing a financial crisis ahead of the winter as the full impact of this year's extreme weather becomes apparent, farm leaders have warned.

Health Minister Simon Harris. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Fair Deal residents to be given bonus for renting homes under plan to ease housing crisis

Residents of nursing homes who have a house lying unoccupied would be offered financial incentives to rent it out under a plan being considered to ease the housing crisis.

IFA calls for more rural Garda patrols as 'people have right to feel safe in home'

More gardaí on high-visibility patrols are needed to help stem the intimidation of farmers by criminal gangs, it has been warned.

Vicious: Patrick Walsh was left bloodied and unconscious after the attack at his farm in Lispopple, Co Dublin

'Spineless thugs kicked me in the head until I was unconscious' - dad-of-three brutally attacked by gang

A farmer who was kicked unconscious after he confronted trespassers on his land is the latest victim of a gang using lurcher dogs as a cover while carrying out surveillance for a crime spree.

Brandon Bolger on his campaign to raise money to buy a tractor.

Boy (10) with cancer raising money to help other sick children

Brandon Bolger, a 10-year-old boy from Carlow, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, is fundraising to buy a tractor to raise funds for other children receiving care in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin.

Is Ireland’s low cost pasture based system really a comparative advantage for the industry?

Ireland’s low cost pasture based system is seen as a significant comparative advantage for many in the industry. But is it?

Stock image. Picture: Alf Harvey/HRPhoto.ie

Call for new 'Sustainable Suckler Cow Payment' of up to €3,500/herd to be provided for in Budget 2019

The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers are calling for the allocation of €120m in the upcoming budget to develop a new ‘Sustainable Suckler Cow Payment.’

Talks over trade deal with South Americans continue amid opposition from EU farmers

EU Commission officials are in Montevideo in Uruguay this week to reconvene the trade talks with the Mercosur trading bloc.

This 70ac tillage farm located between the villages of Clogheen and Ardfinnan.

Equestrian buyers in the chase for another slice of Tipp land

A 70ac parcel of ground coming to auction at Graigue near Clogheen in south Tipperary is described by auctioneer John FitzGerald of Dougan FitzGerald as a “very interesting and practical piece of land”.

Minister Michael Creed. Photo: Arthur Carron

Creed: 'Greater efforts are required to achieve TB eradication by 2030'

The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has said that greater efforts are required to achieve TB eradication by 2030.

'Farmers need a minimum of €100 per lamb' - Concern over the scale of ewe kill

Figures released by the Department of Agriculture show that ewe and ram slaughtering's have increased by almost 52,000 compared to the same period last year, an increase of 19pc.

Ecology schemes are giving farmers a lifeline

Income derived from agri-environmental schemes is a lifeline that keeps farmers farming, says NPWS Head of Agri-Ecology Barry O’Donoghue.

Trucks line up before cattle are loaded into a vessel. Stock image. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

UK government set to backtrack on plans to ban live exports

The UK government could be preparing to backtrack on a key post-Brexit pledge on animal welfare – a ban on live exports.

Researchers have said hedgehogs, which are increasingly having to move to urban areas, are now present in just a fifth of the countryside (stock picture)

Hedgehogs face up to 'perfect storm' as they flee countryside

Hedgehogs are disappearing from the countryside because they are being devoured by badgers, a study has found.

'They were extraordinary' - sister of rugby star on grief of losing three family members in slurry tank tragedy

Nevin Spence, a talented centre with the Ulster rugby team, was on the cusp of Irish honours aged just 22.

Thinning is an essential operation to produce quality broadleaf timber. Poor quality stems are removed providing great wood fuel

How farmers can capitalise on fast-growing willow and eucalyptus

The recent Energy in Agriculture event at Gurteen College, Co Tipperary, highlighted energy crop options for farmers and in this article, I will focus on how farmers can benefit from growing energy wood on the farm.

The 241ac farm is located near Colraine.

Pictures: 241ac former beef fattening enterprise on the market for €1.71m

A 241ac residential farm with extensive farm buildings near Coleraine in Co Derry is for sale by private treaty in a sale handled by Savills and guided at €1.71m.

Mike Brady: A week or two away from the land is time well spent in the long run

It has been a tough year all-round on farmers. The wet back end to 2017 followed by the wet spring and dry hot summer of 2018 have taken their toll on the resolve of farmers in all farm enterprises.

Feargal Ó Cuinneagáin became a vet due to his love for animals and wildlife - now, he works in Dublin while also running a farm 300km away in Co Mayo
Photo: Damien Eagers

Despite spending his working life in Dublin city this Limerick man continues to pursue his farming ambitions

'I've only seen a corncrake about three times in my life. My father told me that when he was growing up in Kilkenny he used to shout at the corncrakes for croaking but sure now there's hardly any corncrakes left and they're all gone from Kilkenny. It's sad. I find it all very nostalgic."