Dairy

'Irish dairy would be the biggest loser in a US/EU trade war' - Rabobank

Irish dairy would be the biggest losers if a trade war was to occur between the US and EU, according to a new report published by Rabobank.

Almost 600 feedlot type beef farms in operation in Ireland - Bord Bia
'If Brexit hadn't happened the only thing we would be talking about is climate change'- Bord Bia CEO
Top dairy farmer demands 'zero tolerance approach' to the mistreatment of Irish calves
Darragh McCullough: 'Bruton's big decision will save us from another decade of broadband stagnation'

Fatalities on farms year to date are close to the total for 2018 and the Heath and Safety Authority has pleaded for a calming of the intensity of farm operations during the first cut silage season.

Machinery

'Pure Lunacy': Silage contractors 'working round the clock' pleaded with to slow down as accidents peak

Silage harvesting, which hit near 'round the...

Beef

Almost 600 feedlot type beef farms in operation in Ireland - Bord Bia

There are over 580 feedlot type farms that are all slaughtering 300 cattle a year in...

EU Commission proposes to increase transparency on how food prices are reported

Having banned unfair trading practices and improved producer cooperation, the...

Environment

'If Brexit hadn't happened the only thing we would be talking about is climate change'- Bord Bia CEO

If Brexit hadn’t happened the only thing...

Hooked: Dominic Feely at his abattoir ‘Feely Meats’ near Daingean in Co Offaly. Photo: Steve Humphreys

'We'll never go back to the days of having three butchers in a town'

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The Farming Independent brings together the experience...

Farming Independent

Farmer killed instantly while singlehandedly knocking down an old farm shed, inquest hears

'Pure Lunacy': Silage contractors 'working round the clock' pleaded with to slow down as accidents...

'We don't like killing them' - Export firm giving bull calves away for free

Top dairy farmer demands 'zero tolerance approach' to the mistreatment of Irish calves

Battle lines drawn on €100m beef bailout fund

It might be too early to put the election posters on lamp posts but Keith Suffin is getting his message out early as the Fine Gael local elections candidate goes about his daily business in Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Photo Brian Farrell

Politics

Farming politicians focus on the grassroots issues

A week in politics is a long time. A lot of things can change: you're loved on a Monday and loathed by the time the seventh day rolls around. Well a week is a long time for...

Leap of faith: Richard Bruton has bitten the bullet on delivering high speed broadband to rural communities

Comment

Darragh McCullough: 'Bruton's big decision will save us from another decade of broadband stagnation'

Call it a coincidence. After voicing my...

Farming News

New strategy unveiled for Mayo's €500m farming sector

A roadmap for Mayo farming aims to improve farm incomes and maximise the sustainable contribution of agriculture to the county's economy.

In Focus

Are you just following the herd or is there logic behind your dairy expansion plans?

Last Autumn a client of mine walked into my office and said he intended milking 20 extra cows in 2018.

The constant demands of dairy farming can be challenging for those farmers nearing or in the pension age bracket

Is land leasing as lucrative as dairy farming?

Are beef and sheep farmers better off planting forestry in their land?

The true costs involved in setting up a dairy farm

Joe Kelleher: How many replacements do we need?

The pros and cons of robotic milking systems

How much should you be paying for silage ground?

Fertilising silage ground: 'Cheaper Cut Sward' sounds like a great deal - but is it?

Is there a role for high input/high output dairy systems in Ireland?

How to cut your taxes while saving on energy bills

Global dairy prices fall, ending record gaining streak

Global dairy prices slipped at a fortnightly auction held early on Wednesday, snapping a record gaining streak.

Top dairy farmer demands 'zero tolerance approach' to the mistreatment of Irish calves

A zero tolerance approach to the mistreatment of animals has been demanded by the one of the country’s leading dairy farmers.

Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan. Photo: Getty Images

'Irish agri sector needs to restore public trust'- Hogan

The Irish agri sector needs to restore public trust as climate change is the “single biggest issue” across Irish doorways in the run up to the EU elections, EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said.

Mayo University Hospital Photo: Google Maps

Farmer killed instantly while singlehandedly knocking down an old farm shed, inquest hears

The often lethal dangers associated with farm activities was highlighted by a coroner at an inquest into the death of a 50-year-old Co. Mayo farmer who was pinned beneath a slab of concrete which collapsed upon him while he was demolishing an outhouse.

EU auditors to visit Ireland over biodiversity in farming

The European Court of Auditors will visit Ireland as part of an audit to assess whether the EU’s agricultural policy helps maintain and enhance biodiversity.

Calls for CPOs to be used for graveyards as farmers ramp up prices

Farmers are demanding development prices for lands that County Councils require to carry out vital extensions to cemeteries.

Battle lines drawn on €100m beef bailout fund

Sharp divisions over the share-out of the €100m Brexit beef package emerged this week, with the farm organisations expressing divergent views over who should qualify for supports.

The European Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan (Niall Carson/PA)

Big Phil may give Leo an election 'dig-out' but there's no such thing as a free burger

Rural Ireland is fast becoming the winner from the local and European elections.

'We are not ready for EID tagging' warn sheep marts

Many of the country's marts are not prepared for the introduction of electronic tagging of sheep (EID) and will not have tag reading systems in place by June 1.

Minister Flanagan said An Garda Síochána have advised that

Lurching can't be categorised as a crime - Justice Minister

Gardai cannot categorise 'lurching' as a crime on its Pulse system, the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has confirmed.

'We don't like killing them' - Export firm giving bull calves away for free

Friesian bull calves are being advertised for free by an Irish live export company.

Margaret Donnelly: Beef bailout may cause more problems than it will solve for some

Even the most optimistic of us would find it hard not to adopt a cynical outlook at the announcement of a €100m beef support package days out from European and local elections. Despite what the politicians say, the timing would strongly suggest that it's merely another sweetener after the €3bn National Broadband Plan.

The €100m question: how did Big Phil arrive at that bailout figure?

Factory prices appeared to have stabilised after their recent resurgence. Yesterday I could find no agent willing to push beyond €4.00/kg for bullocks and €4.10/kg for heifers.

Calls for use of CPOs to buy land for graveyards as prices soar

Calls have been made for compulsory purchase orders (CPO) to be used for graveyards as farmers ramp up prices for land.

Thomas Reid of Hedsor House, Leixlip, Co. Kildare pictured outside the Four Courts

Council gives green light to $4bn Intel plan - in spite of farmer's objection

Kildare County Council has given the green light to plans by Intel for its planned new $4 billion (€3.53bn) manufacturing fabrication (FAB) facility at its Leixlip plant.

Farmer loses appeal over receiver's appointment over his EU farm payments

A Co Meath farmer has lost his Supreme Court appeal over a bank’s appointment of a receiver over annual payments of some €170,000 to him under the EU Basic Payment Scheme.

Richard Bruton: Responded to criticism of the broadband plan. Photo: Gareth Chaney, Collins

Broadband still value for money even if only 10pc of farmers use it - Bruton

Even in the worst case scenario – if just 10pc of farmers use the technology - it would still be worth the massive sums the Government is investing, Communications Minister Richard Bruton has claimed.

FILE PHOTO: A French farmer harvests wheat, during sunset, in Bourlon, France July 19, 2018. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol/File Photo

EU wheat in good shape after rain eases concerns over dry spring

Welcome rain in the four largest European Union wheat producers raised hopes for a good harvest this summer after a dry spring sparked fears of a repeat of last year’s drought-damaged crop, experts said on Friday.

Farmers at a previous ICSA protest in Monaghan

'We might as well be giving lambs away for free': Sheep farmers protest over 'savage' price cuts

ICSA’s sheep committee is today protesting at Irish Country Meats (ICM), Camolin, Co Wexford, as it claims processors across the board continue to hammer sheep farmers with savage price cuts.

Tipperary farmer Liam Minehan says the proposed Shannon pipeline will permanently disrupt and damage his holding. Photo: Liam Burke/Press 22

Anne Fitzgerald: 'Time to take stock as new battle lines are drawn for our MEPs'

Just over 15 years ago, my then editor Mairéad McGuinness called to tell me that, instead of posing the hard questions as she had for many moons previous, she was going to move to try to answer them, by running for Europe. Duly elected, her star has fittingly risen steadily and hopefully it still has a way to go.

The holding comes to auction in an executor sale with a guide price of €12,000/ac

East Cork 80ac farm holding has mass appeal

East Cork land is valued ground and dairy farmers in the area will be closely watching the progress of an 80ac residential farm at Coneybeg, Watergrasshill.

Timber! How contracting is felling old ways

The forest industry in Ireland has evolved in recent years to a situation where contracting is the norm. There may now be many links in the chain between 'forest owner' and 'forest worker'.

Water gate: Some landowners feel the construction of a road scheme through their holding significantly damages the drainage of the retained land

What compensation are farmers entitled to for disturbance during the construction of a motorway

Disturbance during the construction of a motorway through a farm can be massive, particularly if the holding is a dairy, bloodstock or other livestock farm.

Man arrested over the slashing of bales on Limerick farm

GARDAI have arrested a Limerick man in connection with 16 bales of silage being slashed to pieces in the dead of night.

The Tánaiste said the reality of rural isolation is stark. Photo: Gareth Chaney, Collins

Rural isolation and suicide pose major concern - Tánaiste

Suicides across rural Ireland now pose one of the greatest challenges to society, Tánaiste Simon Coveney has acknowledged.

Trial hears dairy farmer among five men deceived into transferring approximately €1.765 million into bank accounts

A man has gone on trial charged with deceiving five men into transferring approximately €1.765m total into bank accounts he controlled.

Pictured (l-r) are Cathal Swan, his wife Julie, their son Shane and David Hogan, Agri Manager at Drummonds Ltd.

Ewe can rely on this Royal contractor

Cathal Swan, his wife Julie and their son Shane farm at Skyrne, close to Tara in Co Meath.

'Heavy soil farmers may have to work more land, but return on assets is high'

A new study has found that efficient dairy farms operating on poorly drained soils can be as profitable as those on drier land.

Te Mana sheep are seen in a wool-shed at a farm near Lumsden, Northern Southland, New Zealand, January 31, 2017. The Omega Lamb Project/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

Omega lambs and fitbit cows: New Zealand responds to alternative protein threat

At Dave Harper’s family farm in New Zealand’s scenic Canterbury region, a painstakingly bred flock of lambs is grazing, not on grass, but on a field of herbs selected to unlock healthy omega-3 fatty acids in the animals’ meat.

Legal advice: Neighbouring farmers leaving our road in an awful state. Can I use a right away to stop them?

Q.We live at the end of a 'right of way' and are the only house on this right of way. Ourselves and three other farming families have the right of way on the road. However most of the rest of the land, except our own, is rented to other farmers. Between ourselves and the three other families, we spent a lot of money to get the road resurfaced and up to proper standards.

'We'll never go back to the days of having three butchers in a town'

'There's a time for everything - working in an abattoir is a young person's game." That's according to farmer, butcher and abattoir owner Dominic Feely, who has decided to put his abattoir facility in Daingean, Co Offaly up for sale.

Senior championship: Kieran O'Harte, with Coraghy Monkeytricks ET the Senior Male Champion of the show exhibited by Thomas O'Harte, Leonards Island, Clones, Co Monaghan.

Mourinho set for transfer to Scotland after auction sale

Export interest in Irish Limousin genes boosted the trade at the Irish Limousin Cattle Society Premier Show and Sale at Central Auctions Mart in Roscrea last Saturday.

Ernest Gregg from Ballybollem Pedigree Livestock farm in Randalstown, Co Antrim, with his two-year-old bull Moore at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn

Hard-hit Northern beef farmers switching to dairy as outlook for milk improves, says bank

Northern Ireland's dairy farm industry is growing amid improving conditions for the sector, the head of agriculture at Ulster Bank has said.

John Large has a 620 strong flock in mid Tipperary.

John Large: How we shield lambs from surge in grass growth

When grass growth is high at this time of year the challenge of managing this grass is usually trying to get swards grazed out satisfactorily without any adverse effects on lamb performance.

Analysis: Bayer bets on 'silver bullet' defense in Roundup litigation; experts see hurdles

Bayer AG plans to argue that a $2 billion jury award and thousands of U.S. lawsuits claiming its glyphosate-based weed killer Roundup causes cancer should be tossed because a U.S. regulatory agency said the herbicide is not a public health risk.

123ac Tipp farm sale marks end of an era

The sale of a 123ac farm at Lisnagaul near Bansha in Tipperary will mark the end of an era in farming for the O'Brien family.

Mark Goodman, Commercial Director ABP Food Group.

Interview: Mark Goodman on why we can't expect any Asian country to replace the UK beef market

Demand for beef is growing in Asia, but we can't expect China or any Asian country to replace the UK market, according to Mark Goodman of ABP.

Hunt accident horse riders loses High Court case against hunt and land owner

A woman who sued after she was injured in a horse riding accident on a fox hunt has lost her High Court action.

Unacceptable if beef package directed at 'handful of factory agents' - Marts

ICOS Marts Committee have warned that if a new €50m beef support package announced by EU Commissioner Phil Hogan amounts to slaughter only assistance it could be directed to a handful of factory agents.

Beef farmer Edmond Phelan officially puts name forward for ICSA top job

Waterford beef and tillage farmer Edmond Phelan has officially put his name forward to run for ICSA president it has been confirmed.

Aurivo holds its April milk price

Aurivo today announced its April milk price, saying it will pay a base 30.5c/L - the same as for March milk.

Aerial footage of the blaze on Slieve Bloom

Drones to help fight spread of wildfires

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has teamed up with Coillte to tackle wildfires using drones.

Minister announces removal of under 30 month restriction for beef exports to Japan

Irish beef bound for Japan will no longer be bound by an under 30 month rule, after the terms of exports health certificates were changed.

Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller atomizers are displayed for sale at a garden shop near Brussels, Belgium November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo

Bayer confident of appeals of glyphosate weed killer court defeats -executive

Bayer AG is confident its appeals of recent court rulings that its glyphosate weed killer Roundup caused cancer will be successful, a senior executive said on Thursday, amid a steep selloff of the company's shares this week.

Benny Greene, Greene Agricultural Contractors mowing silage for Michael and Gerard Gowing, Kilminchy, Portlaoise with a yield of 15-18 tonne per acre.
Picture: Alf Harvey.

It was good while it lasted: Sunny weather coming to an end says Met Eireann

The much welcome spate of warm weather is soon coming to an end, according to Met Eireann.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has suggested US demands for the UK to change food standards are a political stance for ‘the domestic audience in America’ (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

Gove says US food standard demands unlikely to affect UK

American demands for the UK to accept chlorinated chicken and use of hormones in food is to “appeal to aspects of the domestic audience” rather than a workable trade negotiation, Michael Gove has claimed.

John Joyce: 'Copper injections a major boost to cow fertility'

There is an unusual silence around the farmyard these mornings, with the bawl of a newborn calf or the odd rattle of a feed barrier having been replaced with the chirping of the nesting birds in the trees.

Bidding opened up at €325,000 and went rapidly up to €490,000.

Meath farm sells for €27,000/ac

A local dairy farmer outbid two others to buy a 25-acre non-residential farm at Powderlough, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath at a sensational price of €675,000 or €27,000 per acre.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan. Photo: Reuters

Concern over factory controlled feed-lots access to €100m beef fund

The distribution of a new aid package for beef farmers has been greeted by some with concerns raised that factory owned feedlots may have access to the supports.

Ben Buckley, a Dublin native who got his agri. background from Cork, has joined Farmhand for the next six months to demonstrate the new BigM450 throughout the country.

Krone BigM450 plans to 'mow the country'

Farmhand, the Krone distributors for Ireland, claim to be 'mowing the country' with their huge demonstrator BigM450 self-propelled mower.

Big Phil may give Leo an election 'dig-out' but there's no such thing as a free burger

Rural Ireland is fast becoming the winner from the local and European elections.

Dairygold CEO Jim Woulfe. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Dairygold announced milk price cut, days after saying prices are more than market returns

Dairygold has announced that it is cutting its April milk price to 30.69c/L.

Election candidate shocked after muck and farm waste dumped on her car overnight

A CORK City Council election candidate who has fearlessly campaigned against illegal dumps and unlicensed refuse collectors had her home targeted in a vile attack.

'I didn't pull the zip up on my coat. I lost my arm and nearly died because of it'

A Co Tyrone farm accident survivor has issued a stark warning on farm safety.

A Tuffmac 20' Cattle Trailer sold at €8,650

100pc clearance of 90 lots at Laois auction

Hennessy Auctioneers of Laois held a retirement auction on behalf of a local retired dairy farmer last Saturday. Almost 200 farmers registered for a bidding number, with a huge array of machinery for sale.

Kerry Group announces its April milk price

Kerry Group has announced its base price for April milk supplies at 30.5c/L (VAT inclusive).

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with European Commissioner Phil Hogan. Photo: Mark Condren

Big Phil's €100m election bailout for Leo

A week out from crucial local and European Elections, former Fine Gael Minister and now EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has announced a package of €50m for under pressure beef farmers.

Over 100,000 guns could be banned under new EU rules

New legislation proposed by the EU means farmers could have to pay millions of euro to replace obsolete guns.

'Coupled payments an MII cop-out'

The ICSA has slated calls for a coupled payment on suckler cows and called instead for the factories to pay more for beef and for the return of a 'REPS-type' scheme for beef producers.

10/5/2019 Roscommon Mart
Busy Ringside at Roscommon
Price. €
Photo Brian Farrell

Marts: Prices improve - but don't gamble the Communion money just yet

Heifers continued to improve last week building on their steady performance of two weeks ago. Fourteen days ago the majority of heifers on our Ringside table saw small price improvements.

'Quality of calves from dairy herd won't change overnight' Glanbia

Improving quality of calves coming off the dairy herd won’t happen overnight, Head of Glanbia Beef Martin Ryan has said.

Farmers refusing to take on 'snowflake' vet students

Farmers are refusing to take on "snowflake" veterinary students who do not have a farming background.

Ploughing for votes: Mark Wall (left) and Aoife Breslin canvassing Seamus Harris, from Ballyroe Churchtown. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Council hopefuls can't do much about price of a pint - but need to know how much it is...

The man in the farmyard has a very simple set of questions for the two visiting politicians: "How much is a pint?"

Man (50) dies following farm accident in Cork

A MIDDLE aged man has died in a farm accident in Cork.

Centre of attention: The house in Strokestown where a family was evicted

KBC seeks injunction against Roscommon eviction family

KBC Bank is seeking an injunction against the family at the centre of the Co Roscommon eviction controversy.

Kurt Kaser, 63, amputated his own leg with a pocket knife after it became trapped in a grain hopper on his isolated farm in Nebraska, US.
KETV

Farmer saws off own leg with pocket knife and crawls for help after falling into piece of machinery

A farmer cut off his own leg with a pocket knife after it became trapped in a piece of machinery on his isolated land.

A young calf is the most vulnerable on the farm

'Glanbia and Kepak Twenty20 Club a 'strait jacket' on farmers'- Cahill

The Twenty20 Beef Club offering by Glanbia and Kepak is a “strait jacket” on farmers and anti-competitive, Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill has stated.

Martin Coughlan: Farmers asking - where has all that cold-store beef gone?

The squeeze on supplies continues with last week's kill reaching just 29,641. The general run of quotes yesterday morning saw bullocks on €3.90/kg, with heifers at €4.00/kg.

Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine Michael Creed with Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Changfu.

'Accelerated process agreed for sheepmeat and enhanced beef access to China'- Creed

Chinese authorities have agreed an accelerated process for inspection and registration of a further tranche of beef plants, as well as an inspection visit to progress sheepmeat access, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has said.

Bruton: Farmers need to make 'profound and difficult changes'

Minister for Climate Action Richard Bruton has given his strongest indication yet that farmers will be faced with difficult changes under new climate action plans being developed by Government.

Goat farmers and best of friends Yvonne Hamilton, Jean Jones and Marie Kerry

Balmoral Show: 'You couldn’t wish for anywhere better when the sun shines’

It's sun hats at the ready with crowds of 120,000 expected over the next four days of the Balmoral Show.

Serious differences have emerged in recent months between the Kerry Co-op board and a section of its shareholders

Row over Kerry Co-op shares escalating as shares in Kerry Group break €100 barrier

A row between shareholders in Kerry Co-op is escalating as share price of Kerry Group plc broke through the €100 barrier for the first time in its history this month with the company now valued at just over €18bn.

Two-horse race for ICSA presidency

The ICSA presidential battle looks likely to be a south Munster contest between Edmond Phelan and Dermot Kelleher.

Farmers' hold on land lasts beyond the grave

The most active class of land sellers are executors or others making probate sales, according to a new report.

Farm organisations have been calling for a review of the QPS beef grid for some time.

'Engaging with Department and Teagasc would be first step in reviewing Grid'- Meat Industry Ireland

Meat Industry Ireland (MII) have said engaging with the Department of Agriculture and Teagasc would be the 'first step' to reviewing possible changes to the QPS grid.

The European Chemicals Agency and other regulators around the globe have also found glyphosate not likely to be carcinogenic to humans. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Weedkiller 'portrayed as monster' is vital to our sector, say farmers

Irish farmers have defended controversial weedkiller glyphosate which they say is wrongly being portrayed as a "monster" and "poison" by people who don't understand agriculture and food production.

Crews from Ennis fight a gorse fire near Ruan, Co Clare. Photo: Press 22

Firefighters battle gorse blaze after Orange wildfire warning

Fire crews battled 20-foot-high flames from a gorse fire as a Status Orange fire-risk warning for the rest of the week was announced.

Welcome to the new-look Farming Independent

Dear readers, welcome to the new-look Farming Independent.

'Idea that rural broadband isn’t worth investing in is unfair'-ICMSA

Spending on Dundrum in Dublin and Dundrum in Co Tipperary must be provided on an equal basis if projects like rural broadband are to work, ICMSA president Pat McCormack has said in reaction to criticism of the spend on the National Broadband Plan.

Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller that contains glyphosate for sale in France. REUTERS/Charles Platiau

'Roundup isn't a monster or poison'- tillage farmers defend controversial weed killer

Tillage farmers have defended controversial weed killer glyphosate which they say is wrongly being portrayed as a “monster” and “poison” by people who don’t understand agriculture and food production.

Alliance members want to sell their remaining 13.7pc stake in Kerry Group PLC

Kerry Alliance demanding full liquidation of their shares

Kerry Co-op Shareholders Alliance are to set call for the full liquidation of their shares at a shareholder meeting tonight in opposition to the recent cash for shares scheme proposed by the co-op.

Balmoral Show due to kick off tomorrow

Balmoral Agricultural Show, one of the island of Ireland’s most prestigious farming events is due to kick off tomorrow for a four-day stint.

Clare family battling the land and the weather to become one of the country’s top dairy farms

The Bermingham family are battling on two fronts — against the weather and the land to make a living on their farm in picturesque Doonbeg, Co Clare.

More than 11,200 lawsuits in the US are linking Roundup to cancer. Photo: Bloomberg

Couple who claimed Roundup weedkiller caused their cancer awarded $2bn

A California jury on Monday awarded more than $2bn (€1.78bn) to a couple who claimed Bayer AG's glyphosate-based Roundup weed killer caused their cancer, in the largest U.S. jury verdict to date against the company in litigation over the chemical.

Trump says U.S. farmers to get $15bn in aid amid China trade war

President Donald Trump said on Monday that his administration was planning to provide about $15 billion in aid to help U.S. farmers whose products may be targeted with tariffs by China in a deepening trade war.

Exclusive Goodman: Don't turn the beef industry into dairy by-product

Intervention is needed if Irish beef is to be prevented from turning into a by-product of the dairy industry, Mark Goodman, managing director of ABP International, has warned.

Darragh McCullough: 'One of Ireland's most capable dairy men has turned out to be a killer'

Convicted murderer Pat Quirke confirms our worst suspicions that Ireland's most ambitious dairy farmers are greedy so-and-sos that will stop at nothing in their thirst for more.

Large Roscommon holding with a good range of sheds 'one of the finest' in the county

Last week, I found myself in Roscommon at a substantial c167ac farm at Ballinaheglish, about 15km west of the county town. The holding, with a good range of farm buildings, was once the property of the Franciscan Order and is for sale with a guide price of €1.4m.

Entitlements sales spike ahead of BPS closing date

A major spike in entitlement trading has been reported in the run-up to tomorrow's application deadline for CAP area-based schemes such as the BPS, ANC and GLAS.

One-in-five lambs 'free' to factories

"Factories have sheep-men in a headlock." The words of one sheep farmer yesterday on the current relationship between factories and their suppliers. And "headlock" it is in relation to prices, with quotes for everything from ewes to hoggets to lambs less yesterday than a week ago.

Care needed as BPS application deadline looms

Tomorrow is the deadline for BPS applications, and May 31 the deadline for amending BPS applications without a penalty. BPS applications made after May 15 will incur a 1pc penalty per working day up to June 9, after which no payment will be made.

Motorists told to 'expect the unexpected' as busy silage season begins

All rural dwellers and visitors have been urged to be extra vigilant as silage harvesting gets under way.

Sligo University Hospital (Photo: Google Maps)

Elderly farmer airlifted to hospital after quad bike incident

An elderly man whose quad bike toppled on top of him has been airlifted to hospital.

Firefighters attempt to contain the huge blaze that has consumed hundreds of acres of gorse moor in Donegal. Photo: Pacemaker Belfast

Forest fire warning issued as dry conditions forecast in coming days

The Forest Service has issued a Status Orange fire risk warning as dry conditions are forecast in the coming days.

Appeal for extra vigilance on rural roads as silage season kicks off

All rural dwellers and visitors to rural areas have been urged to be extra vigilant over the next few weeks which tend to be a particularly busy period on Irish farms.

Glanbia and Lakeland Dairies hold milk price

Glanbia and Lakeland Dairies have both held their milk price for the month of April.

Pictured at the Kerry Agribusiness/Teagasc joint programme 25th Anniversary celebration in Awbeg, Lixnaw are Nora O'Donovan, Teagasc Adviser, Pat Murphy, Kerry Agribusiness, Sean McCarthy, Kerry Agribusiness, host Eddie McCarthy, Ger Courtney, Programme Co-ordinator, Professor Gerry Boyle, Director Teagasc & host Padraig McCarthy. Photo O'Gorman Photography.

Kerry/Teagasc monitor farms milk composition improvement worth €16k a year

Kerry Agribusiness and Teagasc celebrate 25 years of working collaboratively on the Joint Programme which commenced in 1994 and was an innovative concept of peer-led learning and knowledge transfer.

IFA backs Commissioner Hogan's intervention on competition fertiliser market

The IFA has backed moves by EU Commissioner Phil Hogan request of Competition Commissioner Vestager to take swift action to ensure the proper functioning of the EU’s internal fertiliser market.

Mid-east in agtech top 10 - global report

Ireland's mid-east region has created $150m (€135.6m) worth of startup "ecosystem value" over the past two-and-a-half years, according to a major international report.

Silage season to kick up a gear as sunshine to bring an early taste of summer this week

The silage season is set to kick up a gear as Ireland is set to enjoy the finest weather of the year to date, with spells of glorious sunshine and temperatures climbing to a balmy 20C.

Model inmate: Patrick Quirke has settled into prison life well. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Killer Patrick Quirke runs dairy farm from jail cell

Killer Patrick Quirke has spent most of his time in prison outlining how his Tipperary dairy farm should be run in his absence.

Proposed quad bike laws won't affect farmers - Fianna Fail

Fianna Fail has said that farmers have nothing to fear from new laws it's proposing to address anti-social scrambler and quad bike use in urban areas.

Eddie Brennan, Coon East, Coon, Co Kilkenny, receiving the Hall of Fame Award for his contribution to the Salers Cattle Society from Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran.

Top Cats crowned with National Hall of Fame awards

Three Kilkenny farmers have been honoured for their lifetime committment to excellence in bovine, ovine and equine breeding sectors of farming on the nominations of their peers.

'You have to be committed - forestry is no free lunch'

Seller and buyer beware - that's is the advice of Teagasc's Steven Meyen to farmers who are in the market to sell their forestry, writes Claire Fox.

Under the Fair Deal Scheme, the person in need of care makes a contribution and the State pays the balance

Advice: Nursing-home care costs need to be factored into farm succession plans

Q One of my parents is in need of full-time care. Although we have been managing home care up to this point, it is putting too much pressure on family members and the need for nursing-home care is becoming urgent. My other parent is quite well and plans to continue to live in the family home. I am a farmer and find my workload too much to balance with caring for a relative. The farm was...

The P5 Fastrac was the fifth prototype of 13 built in the late 80s

Back on track - Fastrac enthusiast on sealing a deal to secure the prototype model of a revolutionary tractor

A significant piece of tractor engineering history was snapped up when Fastrac enthusiast Johnny Hamill made a flying visit from Northern Ireland to attend one of JCB's regular plant auctions across the water.

Philip Higgins on his farm in Skreen, Co Sligo. Photo: Brian Farrell

Grass growth has trimmed Sligo farmers concentrate feed bills by €7/ewe

'A little bit of everything and not a lot of anything" replies Philip Higgins when asked how the lambing went this year.

Breda McWeeney and Patsy Keenan, Irish Angus Cattle Society after receiving their awards with John O'Sullivan, President, Irish Angus Cattle Society.

Irish Angus Cattle Society's 'unsung heroes' honoured

Twenty years of sterling service to the administration of the Irish Angus Cattle Society was recognised at the National Hall of Fame Awards at Athlone on Sunday night where the "unsung heroes of the organisation" were honoured.

Stuart Fulton of DeLaval outlining the system to the farmers

Robotic unit ups milking ante - System installed on a Waterford estate can milk up to 400 cows

One of the largest VMS V300 robotic milking systems in Europe has been installed on a Co Waterford estate.

2019 Macra Mr Personality John Martin Carroll of Kerry Macra (centre) with runners up, Conor Ryan (North Tipperary Macra) and Ciaran O Donnell (Roscommon Macra) at the recent competition in the Springhill Court, Kilkenny.

'Joining Macra saved me after the deaths of parents'

A brain tumour diagnosis and the death of his two parents before he was 30 meant that newly crowned Macra Mr Personality John Martin Carroll has had to show plenty of courage over the years.

Pat Hennessey measures the volume of a 28-year-old Sitka spruce on his land in Ballaghmore, Co Laois. Photo: Alf Harvey

'I'm as fond of trees as anybody but it galls me to see people plant good land'

Beef farmer Pat Hennessey's decision to plant forestry on his farm in Laois was thought of as peculiar by his neighbours in 1991 - now almost 30 years on, he is hailed as a pioneer.

'I believe the provision of high-speed broadband can be life-changing, whether for fledgling enterprises, e-health programmes and remote monitoring, e-education, new farming technologies or working from home' (stock photo)

David C McCourt: 'My pride at being able to bring a bright future to rural Ireland'

Last Tuesday afternoon marked a milestone for this country. After seven years in gestation, the Government unanimously agreed to sign off on the National Broadband Plan. It will end the urban/ rural digital divide and bring unprecedented benefits to Ireland for decades to come.

Cows on a dairy farm in New Zealand — the huge increase in dairy production in that country has exacted a heavy environmental toll. Can Ireland tread a different path as it ramps up milk production? Picture: William West/AFP/Getty Images

Milking it: weighing up the cost of dairy farming on the environment

Irish milk output is soaring, with 2019 likely to be another record-breaking year. But is this huge increase in production putting unsustainable pressure on the environment?

Staff members are seen at the booth of Nestle promoting its baby food and NAN infant formula products at a maternity and baby industry fair in Beijing, China July 25, 2013. Picture taken July 25, 2013. REUTERS/Stringer

Long Read: Nestle, rivals vie for big baby formula prize in China's smaller cities

Nestle plans to launch a new line of baby formula in China this year under an existing brand, targeted at smaller cities, as the world’s largest packaged food company tries to lengthen its lead in the world’s biggest baby milk market.

Tadhg Furlong will be up against Mako Vunipola when Leinster take on Saracens in the Champions Cup final. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ann Fitzgerald: In the name of tolerance, I urge Munster fans to support Leinster

At the end of this column I am going to do something that I'd never have thought possible.

Tom Staunton: The best of our pedigree lambs are gaining up to 460g daily

We are continuing to keep track of how our lambs are growing - and in particular our pedigree Bluefaced Leicester lambs. They were weighed last week while we had them in for a white wormer and a trace element drench.

John Skehan Jnr and John Skehan Snr on their farm in Kilmeaden Co Waterford with their herd of milking cows. Photo: John D Kelly

'We are in the milk price league relegation zone'

The hazards of farming were brought home to John Skehan this time last year when both he and his father, John Snr, were involved in farm accidents on the same day at the family's 121-acre holding in Kilmeaden in Co Waterford.

Cloneyhurke House on 56ac is located 8kms from Portarlington

Pictures: Georgian style on 56ac of 'good ground' for €800,000 in the midlands

Cloneyhurke House near Portarlington in Co Offaly is a beautiful two-storey over basement Georgian house fully restored and standing on 56ac of land.

Signals: Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan wants to hear from the Law Reform Commission. Photo: PA

Shane Phelan: 'Compelling case has been made for further change - but don't expect things to move quickly'

The recent report by family law expert Dr Geoffrey Shannon on divorce in Ireland makes a pretty compelling case for reform - not just of our divorce laws, but also of the courts in which they are applied.

Many people in rural Ireland hold the fear of the family farm being lost

Divorce law in limbo as pre-nups shelved

Key divorce reforms called for by the country's leading family law expert are being parked by the Government - and may not be acted upon for years.

Silage season set to get into full swing this week.

At last! Summer on the way with temperatures set to soar to 20 degrees

AFTER something of a false start in recent days it appears summer is - finally - set to arrive.

Miscanthus yields are back by 40pc due to 2018 drought

Miscanthus yields are back around 40pc this year due to last summer's drought.

Darragh McCullough: Wanted... someone with the vision to create a global brand for Irish beef

It's ironic that beef farmers are the poor relations compared to their dairy brethren these days.

The MooMonitor+ technology is extremely labour-saving, enhancing both the animals and the farmers quality of life.

Dairymaster MooMonitor+ first in class for monitoring cow behavior

Dairymaster’s MooMonitor+ is one of the most accurate systems to monitor cows behaviour, according to two new studies conducted in the US and Ireland.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed. Picture: Damien Eagers

'If there are failings with BDGP, lets resolve it' Minister Creed

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said he is open to discussing possible “failings” within the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) and issues farmers have with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

Dragon flies flag: Peter Casey will run for a seat in the European Parliament. Photo: David Conachy

Peter Casey at risk of being a one-hit wonder as he is locked in battle with Fianna Fail for MEP seat - latest poll

PRESIDENTIAL runner-up Peter Casey is locked in a battle with Fianna Fáil for a MEP seat in the Midlands-North West constituency.

Brexit remains 'major source of uncertainty' for FBD

Brexit and its likely impact, continues to be "a major source of uncertainty for FBD", Irish farmers and Irish businesses, the insurer has said.

Farmer accused of breaking neighbour's cheekbone in row over straying cow found not guilty

A farmer accused of breaking his neighbour's cheekbone in a row over a straying cow has been found not guilty.

Hogan says agriculture not on agenda for US talks

The European Union intends to keep agriculture off the agenda in its trade talks with the United States and continues to support rules-based, open and predictable international commerce, the EU’s agriculture commissioner said on Friday.

Robin Talbot pictured on the family farm in Ballacolla, Co Laois is a lifelong suckler farmer. Photo: Alf Harvey

Robin Talbot: 'Farmers need to be wary of the hype surrounding new dairy beef schemes'

I read with interest some results that came out of the Gene Ireland test centre in Tully on dairy-bred bulls.

Ernest Mackey and his son Lionel on the family farm in Co Wicklow

Wicklow man on swaping intensive dairy farming in Meath for an organic livestock holding in Wicklow

'We were running an intensive dairy farm at the time and I needed a change," says Ernest Mackey about his move in the late 1970s from Meath to run a beef and sheep farm in west Wicklow.

IFA's farm business chairman Martin Stapleton

Farmers urged to engage with Pepper after ACC loans sale

The IFA has urged farmers to engage with the loan service provider Pepper, which will take charge of all former ACC Bank debt.

Michael Geoghegan says weight range is critical

Kepak boss: 'We don't want heavy sheep'

Producers should not put weight on lambs that they are not going to get paid for, according to Michael Geoghegan, general manager of Kepak, Athleague.

Farmer awarded damages of almost €16,000 after being sold infertile bull

A farmer was awarded nearly €16,000 in damages when a court ruled he had been sold an infertile bull.

Hundreds of beef farmers protest in Ballinasloe

Hundreds of beef farmers have protested against “corporate greed and factories hanging them out to dry” at a beef meeting where Minister for Agriculture and major industry professionals are speaking this evening.

'Farmers across the continent are getting a higher milk price'

Milk processors right across the continent are paying a higher price for their farmers’ milk with the three major Irish companies languishing in the ‘relegation zone’ of the European Milk league table, according to ICMSA's Ger Quain.

Fall off in sales of land as leasing becomes more popular - report

The land market in Ireland saw increases in values, on average, of 12pc in the past 12 months, with long term leasing becoming more prevalent, particularly for younger entrants to agriculture.

Farmers face hold for funds due to TAMS demand

It is unclear whether farmers who made applications for grant aid under the last tranche of TAMS will get funding in the current round.

Farmer awarded huge damages over infertile bull

A Co Galway farmer was today awarded nearly €16,000 in damages when a court ruled he had been sold an infertile bull.

Four handy-sized properties in Leinster up for sale with prices from €200,000

The auction season continues to get busier, albeit at a steadier pace than recent years. This week sees a number of smaller properties go to auction in the Leinster region.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed. Photo: Arthur Carron

Minister hints at issues getting beef support package over the line in EU

The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has said that less of an understanding in the EU of the immediate issues facing beef farmers.

Dan O'Brien: 'Voters should care how their money is spent - broadband saga shows they don't seem to mind'

Do we care what happens to our money once we have handed it over to the Government in taxes? It often seems we don't, and that in the public consciousness "public money" materialises from some magical source unrelated to taxes paid.

Revenue clarifies tax relief worry for young farmers

Macra na Feirme has said it welcomes clarification from the Revenue Commissioners on stamp duty rates for young farmers.

Dairy farmer and leader of the BRIDE biodiversity project, Donal Sheehan from Castlelyons, Co Cork.

'Every farmer should have nettles on their farm to improve biodiversity'- dairy farmer and activist

Every farmer should have a bunch of nettles on their farm to increase the land’s biodiversity value, well-known dairy farmer and environment activist Donal Sheehan has said.

The farm is located at Beaufort close to Killarney and the Macgillycuddy Reeks

'It belongs to the children of Kerry' - Don't sell care home farm, Franciscan order urged

Parents of residents of a Kerry care home are urging the religious order who once ran the facility to halt its plans to sell its 110 acre farm as they say it belongs to the children of Kerry.

Zurich Farm Insurance Farming Independent Farmer to the Year 2017 winners, Paula and Peter Hynes, with their daughters, Chloe, Georgie and Becky

Peter Hynes: Do Bord Bia deserve the criticism they get? I don't think so....

The year really is flying by and with silage crops bulking up, it won't be long before the smell of cut grass fills the countryside where there will be a hum of silage harvesters and mowers late into the evenings.

Feeding time: The Bray family with the triplets. PHOTO: SEAMUS FARRELLY

Cattle be the day: Cow gives birth to triplets

A limousin cow in Co Meath has defied odds of up to a million to one by giving birth unassisted to triplets.

Sheep enrolled in school to boost numbers and save class

Fifteen sheep have been enrolled at a French primary school after a class was set to close due to lack of pupils.

Farmer accused of assault says his land is 'constantly' overrun by cattle

A farmer accused of breaking the cheekbone of his neighbour in a row over a straying cow claims his land is constantly being over-run by cows, horses, sheep and even ducks.

Ornua increases its PPI Index due to higher butter prices

Ornua’s Purchase Price Index has risen to 105.9 from 104.1 for April 2019.

Factories: Optimists dealt a blow as lamb prices hold

The optimism of a month ago when those with lambs to sell were convinced that with Easter in the offing and Ramadan to follow prices for lamb and hogget must surely improve were dealt another blow yesterday morning as quotes remained yet again static.

Clare grassland farm guided at €8,000/ac

A 68ac residential grass farm with a range of impressive farm facilities at Cloghera near Clonlara in Co Clare will be sold at auction tomorrow in an executor sale guided at €8,000/ac.

Global dairy prices rise for 11th time in a row

Global dairy prices rose for the 11th time in a row at a fortnightly auction held early on Wednesday, as waning New Zealand production provided support.

Next level: The new Raptor version of the Ford Ranger pickup

Ford's new Raptor 4WD picks up where ordinary Ranger leaves off

It wasn't the Baja 1000, the famous 'let it all hang out' race for 4WD and other off-road vehicles on the Baja Peninsula in Mexico.

Armagh man accused of £25k machinery theft spree while on the run

An Armagh man has been remanded in custody after he was accused of stealing vehicles and machinery worth £25,000 while on the run.

Offaly man sued over claims he sold infertile bull

An Offaly man is being sued by a Co Galway farmer who claims he was sold an infertile pedigree bull.

Stock photo. Picture:Jessica Shapiro/Fairfax Media via Getty Images

New Zealand to become carbon neutral by 2050

New Zealand's government has introduced a bill that aims to make the nation mostly carbon neutral by 2050.

Thomas Duffy on the family farm in Maghera, Co Cavan. Photo: Lorraine Teevan

'Macra needs to compete with Netflix to tackle rural isolation'- president elect Duffy

Macra needs to compete with Netflix in order to reduce rural isolation of young people and recruit new members, president elect Thomas Duffy has said.

Knockmaroon Red Holstein Friesians in the mart pens at Carnaross prior to the auction.

Guinness family 'thrilled' with full clearance of dairy herd at successful auction

The Guinness family had full clearance of their North Dublin dairy herd at a sale on Saturday, which was understood to be one of the last milking operations within the M50.

Clare farmer Seamus O'Grady at the IFA beef protest in City Hall, Cork last week

Beef supports could be squeezed out by EU's budget crunch

EU election season has kicked off, with climate change and the EU's post-Brexit future looming large in the campaign.

Dairygold: milk prices more than market returns

Dairygold is currently paying more for milk than it is getting back from market returns, chief executive Jim Woulfe told the co-op's AGM last week.

Ireland is on target for another record year of milk supplies

Dairy processors sound alarm as milk supplies head for record highs

Dairy processors are facing a wall of milk for the next fortnight as they battle to keep supplies processed through the peak production period.

Tight numbers drive on beef prices for all grades

The united line on factory prices, such a feature of the factory trade since late last year, has continued to fracture as the search by agents for fit stock has increased competition.

Sizzling shares: Ethan Brown, founder and CEO of Beyond Meat, centre, after ringing the opening bell during the company’s IPO at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York. PHOTO: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg

No cows, but plenty of bulls: fake meat market a big draw

As hot corporate trends go, crypto and pot are so yesterday. Now, the rush is to get in on anything that smacks of vegetarian meat products.

John Downing: 'Time to give all rural areas the fast networks to grow and bloom'

It is impossible to argue people in any part of the country should be deprived of access to diversions like Netflix.

The epic 'Vote for Joe' slogan constructed using a power harrow by farmer Ciaran Slattery.

Field of dreams - Tipperary farmer helps friend plough his election furrow

A farmer in Co Tipperary is hoping that his ploughing skills will help his friend running in the local elections to reach for the sky.

Farmer accused of breaking neighbour's cheekbone in row over straying cow

A man has denied attacking his neighbour fracturing his cheekbone after a cow strayed onto his land in Co Donegal.

Communications Minister Richard Bruton. Photo: Tom Burke

Explainer: Five things you need to know about the broadband plan

Group Political Editor Kevin Doyle explains in simple terms the five things you need to know about the broadband plan.

'Options to reduce fertiliser use will need to be implemented at farm level' - EPA

The EPA today said that options to reduce fertiliser use will need to be implemented at farm level, after it found that ammonia levels are on an upward trend.

Prumplestown House in Co Kildare was built as a hunting lodge for the Dukes of Leinster. It is on the market with extensive farming facilitie

Get behind the scenes: €4.5m is the asking price for stunning 298ac tillage beef farming enterprise

Prumplestown House near Castledermot in Co Kildare was built as a hunting lodge by the Dukes of Leinster.

Consumers shell out €29m on fresh lamb over the Easter break

Irish consumers shelled out €44m on Easter eggs and €29m on fresh lamb over the Easter break.

The abuse was filmed by activist group Eyes on Animals

Farmers outraged at abuse of Irish calves at French lairage

Farmers have described the brutality shown towards calves in holding facility Cherbourg as despicable.

Farmers risk burning out, says McGuinness

Workloads on farms are taking a heavy toll on farmers and up to one in seven is at risk of "burnout", European MEP Mairead McGuinness has warned.

Track record: Henry Walsh has gone from milking 50 cows with 230,000 litre of quota in 1996 to 250 cows and 1.2m litres.

Henry Walsh: Nitrates review will pose big issues for thousands of dairy farmers

So far so good. As we begin the month of May conditions continue to be favourable for dairy farming. The cows are milking very well with the entire herd averaging 2.1kg/ms/day.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Meat factories call for coupled supports

Meat Industry Ireland have called for coupled supports to be reintroduced in the next CAP for suckler cows and sheep.

Ministers ready to agree €3bn broadband plan across the State

The Government looks set to go ahead with the €3bn broadband rollout to rural Ireland - in spite of strong warnings that it may not represent value for money.

Increasing cattle numbers blamed for Irish people contracting potentially fatal strain of E-coli

Increasing cattle numbers are a major factor in Irish people contracting a strain of E-coli that is potentially fatal, with rates of the food-borne disease 10 times higher here than the rest of Europe, leading health professionals have warned.

Teagasc dairy specialist George Ramsbottom

Breed more beef, dairy farmers urged

Teagasc is now advising dairy farmers to reassess their breeding policy for the 2019 season, on the back of animal welfare concerns and poor prices.

Teagasc Greenfield farm open day in Kilkenny. Photo: Roger Jones.

Exclusive Greenfield blow as landowners decide to return to 'more traditional' farming

Hopes of a reversal of the decision to call time on the Greenfield dairy farm programme were dealt a shattering blow this week when the owners of the land, the Phelan family, announced that they were taking back control of the property.

Cattle grazing at Ballyloughan Castle in Bagenalstown, Co Carlow. Photo: Roger Jones

Farmers urged to attend a special meeting on TB

Farmers have been urged to attend a special meeting on TB in Monaghan tomorrow evening which is being hosted by the ICSA.

Green Party calls for live export ban after footage of abuse of calves released

The Green Party has claimed that live export of cattle is unethical and called for trade to be banned.

Acquiring authorities are now strongly resisting the provision of underpasses

Case Study: 'Farmer's milking operation wrecked by CPO that could become a nightmare bottleneck'

This is the story of a south Leinster dairy farmer who lost seven acres in a CPO and had a further 31 acres of his grazing platform cut off from his milking parlour and residence.

Police and forensic officers attending the scene at the farm (Jane Barlow/PA)

Two men killed as farm wall collapses

Two men have died and two others were injured as a wall collapsed at a farm.

Long Term Leasing has proven to be the most popular arrangement type, mainly driven by the tax benefits to landowners

Breakdown of long-term leasing arrangements as rents soar

Soaring rental prices have become “an issue” for long-term land leasing, with a number of the farm arrangements now under pressure for survival.

National Reserve and Young Farmers scheme deadline is fast approaching

Earlier this year the National Reserve and Young Farmers schemes were launched by the The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D.

Lisa Keenan, Carrickmacross and Jenny McGowan, Stabannon at the launch of ABP and DkIT's new partnership.

ABP and Dundalk IT confirm meat industry research partnership

ABP Food Group and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) have confirmed a new partnership to develop a talent upskilling pathway and increased research collaboration which will include the development of a dedicated meat industry R&D facility at DkIT.

Review: CountryWide, the family jewel hidden away in the attic

It's a real shame CountryWide (Radio 1, Sat 8.10am) goes out at such an unreasonable hour, tucked away in the schedules like Bertha in Rochester's attic: the rest of the radio family knows it's there, but more-or-less pretends it doesn't exist.

Burger King Whopper - a meat free version is being trialled

Vegan burger maker sees share price more than double

Shares of vegan burger maker Beyond Meat Inc rose more than 160pc in their market debut last week, as investors look to cash in on the first publicly listed veggie meat company and the growing popularity of plant-based meat alternatives.

'Game-changing' technology keeps milk fresh for 60 days

An Australian company has developed the world’s first technology which keeps milk fresh for 60 days.

Celtic Tiger helped corncrake comeback

THE corncrake is an iconic and once widespread bird which has all but disappeared from Irish shores after being driven to the brink of extinction by modern farming techniques.

The debt that led to death - Quirke's €1m losses in a tale 'more of money than love'

PAT QUIRKE racked up losses of more than €1m gambling on stocks and shares and ploughing money into property investments in eastern Europe, a former friend has claimed.

Jim O'Brien: 'A dread of eviction is burned into our folk memory'

Everyone likes to be on the side of underdog. In Ireland, our passion for the 'small man' burns a molten red when land is involved.

'I worry about the current indebtedness of young farmers to financial institutions'

Veteran Co Offaly farmer Joe Gaffney has an uncomplicated view of farming, summed up in his pithy observation: "Enjoy life, stay alive and pay the banks".

The IFA staged a protest outside the AIB AGM last Wednesday. Photo: Finbarr O’Rourke

'I never neglected a loan in my life'- Farmer on vulture fund nightmare

Dairy and beef farmer Seamus Davern faced every farmer's nightmare in 2016 when his dairy herd of over 120 cows was hit by TB.

Pop star Rihanna shooting her new music video in a field outside Bangor, Co Down.

Farmer who objected to Rihanna outfit loses council seat

A farmer who objected to how Rihanna was dressed as she filmed a music video in his field has lost his council seat.

Exclusive Revealed: €300m bill for 27,110 to have broadband

The Government has been told that extending high-speed broadband to the remotest 27,110 homes, business and schools in rural Ireland will cost at least €300m, Independent.ie can reveal.

The residential stud farm is located in Castleshane, close to Adare and Croagh

No expense was spared on 74ac bloodstock breeding complex on the market in prime Limerick location

The day after I visited Castleshane Stud near Adare in Co Limerick, I realised I had cut silage there in my youth. At that time it was a beef and dairy farm but has since been transformed into an immaculate 74ac residential stud with state-of-the-art equestrian facilities.

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Calls for CPOs to be used for graveyards as farmers ramp up prices

East Cork 80ac farm holding has mass appeal

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