'Tradition' trumping economics to keep hill farmers on the land 

End of further meat factory blockades welcomed 

The lifting of further blockades over beef prices has been welcomed.

Farmer who appeared in DUP campaign regrets Brexit vote 

A farmer who appeared in a DUP election broadcast has said he now regrets voting to leave the EU.

Tillage and grazing farm 'jewel' in the heart of the Boyne Valley 

A 42ac holding at Assey, Bective, near Navan in Co Meath is what one might call a property with class and charm. It comes for sale by public auction with a guide price of €700,000.

Fr Brian Darcy: 'Why I fear for the future of rural Ireland' 

I was born in rural Ireland; I live in rural Ireland; I love rural Ireland. Now I fear for rural Ireland. The pillars on which the social fabric of life in the country was built are fast disappearing, and there is no obvious plan to replace them.

Father-of-five who raised more than €50,000 for children's hospital named AXA Farm Hero 

A FATHER-OF-FIVE who raised over €50,000 for a children's hospital has been named the AXA Farm Hero.

Beef farmers call off pickets at ABP Cahir: 'Enormous courage in challenging a sector that was unjust' 

BEEF farmers have called off their pickets outside of meat processing ABP Cahir, they confirmed this evening.

'I'm very worried for the future of the beef industry' - Varadkar 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that that he is "very worried" for the future of the Irish beef industry and that continuing blockades are "making a bad situation worse".

Five in calf cows electrocuted on Clare farm 

A farmer whose five in calf cows were electrocuted and killed by fallen cable wires on a farm in Co Clare this week has said he was shocked when he saw the dead animals in his field.

€2m of beef caught up in blockade at Charleville factory - Dawn Meats 

Over €2m of local beef is caught up in illegal blockade at Charleville facility, according to Dawn Meats.

Darragh McCullough: 'Department inspectors are just like Revenue auditors - nobody wants to see them coming' 

Last week I had a little whinge about feeling overwhelmed with the workload on the farm.

Trade in jeopardy with at least 12 plants still blockaded by protesters 

At least 12 meat plants are still blockaded by protesters as they ignore calls by seven farming organisations and a range of politicians to end the ongoing protests.

'Hail Mary' named as Ireland's best-loved prayer 

The 'Hail Mary' has been named Ireland's favourite prayer after a landslide victory.

Revealed: Ireland's favourite prayer has landslide victory at Ploughing Championships 

The Hail Mary has been named Ireland’s favourite prayer after a landslide victory.

WATCH: 'They’re not actually looking for road frontage’ - meet the matchmaker who specialises in finding farmers love 

Finding love can be difficult for farmers according to love expert Mairéad Loughman, but in the last three years, the Westmeath woman has set up almost 5,000 dates.

'I came second last year so I said I’d have one more shot at it' - winner of National Brown Bread Baking competition announced 

IT was second times a charm for the winner of the National Brown Bread Baking competition at the Ploughing Championships.

We have seen no evidence that blockades at our plants are set to cease - Liffey Meats 

Liffey Meats has said it has seen no evidence that blockades at its plants are set to cease.

We trade on our reputation and it's in jeopardy - Creed 

Ireland's agri-food reputation has been damaged by the recent blockades, the Minister for Agriculture has said.

‘The throwing gets very competitive’- Ploughing punters give it welly for charity 

PUNTERS at this year’s National Ploughing Championship have been giving it welly in a record-breaking boot throwing contest for charity.

New farming group who won't step down blockades may form 

There are reports a new farming group may form, of the farmers who remain at the picket lines at meat factories.

Paul Williams on Mayo shooting: 'When whole communities live in fear, tragedies like these are inevitable' 

The killing of an innocent neighbour who appears to have been mistaken for an intruder by his friend, an elderly farmer, is ultimately a tragic consequence of the scourge of rural crime.

Elderly farmer shoots friend dead 'after mistaking him for intruder' 

A man was shot dead by his friend in a remote townland in Co Mayo after being mistaken for an intruder, gardaí believe.

Declan O'Brien: History repeating itself as farmers take to the picket lines 

The ongoing meat factory protests rank among the most widespread, prolonged and bitter disputes that the farm sector has experienced in recent years.

Conor Mulvihill: Is dairy heading for choppy waters? 

Ireland is currently seen as a tiger economy in the global dairy industry, with one of the fastest growth rates on the planet. Since the lifting of the quota regime the industry has flourished, jumping from producing just over five billion litres of milk in 2015 to surpassing eight billion litres today.

Beef farmers and local GAA club splash out on Wexford holding 

Brexit and poor prices didn't dampen the confidence of beef farmers when, along with the local GAA club, they shared the spoils at the auction of a 216ac Wexford farm recently.

Farmers lift one protest with hope others will follow suit 

Protesters lifted a blockade at Dawn Meats' Slane plant yesterday, with a statement from the Independent Farmers saying it hoped farmers throughout the country would follow suit.

Ploughing 2019: What is going on for the final day of festival? 

Today will see a number of ploughing classes take place in the Fenagh fields, including the special horse plough and junior classes.

Is small-scale dairy a viable alternative for beef farmers? 

The mood amongst beef farmers is currently at a low ebb and many are looking at possible alternatives. Could dairying on a small scale be an alternative?

Sun-drenched fiesta savoured as a record crowd bids farewell to summer 

Down at the bandstand, an impromptu hooley had erupted, the crowd rocking and jiving as Derek Ryan sang two firm favourites - 'Wagon Wheel' and the Saw Doctors' hit 'I Useta Love her'.

Kepak says 100,000/hd backlog of cattle in market will take 'months' to clear 

Kepak Group his this evening issued a stark warning over the implications of any further increase to the backlog of cattle and sheep caused by the prolonged illegal blockades of its processing plants.

Fianna Fáil attacks government's record on helping farmers as Dáil debates beef crisis 

FIANNA Fáil has attacked the government's record on helping farmers as the Dáil debated the party's motion aimed at highlighting the crisis in the beef sector.

Farmers call off one protest with hopes 7-week beef pickets to end 

Protesting farmers lifted a blockade at Dawn Meats’ Slane plant today, with a statement from the Independent Farmers saying they hoped farmers throughout the country at other pickets would follow suit.

'We need to be really careful beef protests does not split farm families’ 

The Tanaiste Simon Coveney has reiterated his call for protesting farmers to end their pickets, saying “we need to be really careful this does not split farm families and farm organisations”.

VIDEO: 'I use the same techniques as wine tasting’ - meet the world’s first milk sommelier 

“You swirl the glass, take it in your mouth, swish it and suck in” - that’s the correct way to taste milk, according to the world’s first milk ‘sommelier’.

Backstop is not a ‘makey up’ problem to frustrate Brexit – Coveney 

The backstop is not a ‘makey up’ problem Ireland is using to frustrate Brexit with, the Tanaiste Simon Coveney has said.

74 acres on west Waterford's Hill of Gold at €10k/ac 

I have had occasion to spend a lot of time in west Waterford of late, practically a county in its own right it prides itself in the quality of its land and the progressive nature of its farming. And indeed it has a lot to crow about as the birthplace of Dungarvan Co-op, one of the most progressive in the country that eventually transmogrified into Waterford Foods and Glanbia.

Dawn considering legal proceedings against Beef Plan Chairman 

Dawn Meats is considering legal proceedings against Hugh Doyle, Chairman of the Beef Plan movement.

Ploughing 2019: Hunt is on to find out Ireland's favourite prayer - and there's a frontrunner already 

THE hunt is on to find out Ireland's favourite prayer - and there's a frontrunner in the race already.

'I'm not a celebrity, not at all' - Marty Morrissey on why he keeps his personal life private 

As Marty Morrissey took to the National Dairy Council stage at the National Ploughing Championships stage for 'Grá Island', a tumultuous roar could be heard across the grounds in Fenagh, Co Carlow.

Angry farmers to face off with NZ's Fonterra over financial woes 

Fonterra, the world’s biggest dairy exporter, will face off this month with farmer shareholders angry about the New Zealand company’s ill-fated foreign expansion and resulting poor returns.

Angus Woods calls for halt to factory protests 

IFA National Livestock Committee Chairman, Angus Woods, has called for all protests outside beef processing plants to stop to allow the cattle trade normalise and farmers move stock as they need to.

Balaclava-clad protesters join meat plant demo 

Gardai have been contacted after balaclava-clad protesters gathered outside a meat plant in Kilkenny.

Day Two: What's going on today at the National Ploughing Championships 

TENS of thousands of farming fans will descend on Ballintrane in Co Carlow for day two of the National Ploughing Championships on Wednesday.

‘How could I ask my son to give up his job to go farming?’ 

A farmer who was protesting at Bord Bia today at the Ploughing Championships asked how can he ask his son to give up his job to go farming.

Darragh McCullough: 'It's been death by a thousand cuts for beef farming over the last 20 years' 

It was recently revealed that subsidy cuts over the last decade for Ireland's top third of beef farmers have amounted to over €1/kg.

€168.5 million in payments issue under 2019 ANC Scheme 

Payments worth €168.5 million under the 2019 Areas of Natural/Specific Constraints Scheme and Areas of Specific Constraint (Islands) Scheme, have commenced issuing this week to almost 79,000 farmers.

'Irish dairying is going through a similar growth stage as New Zealand a decade ago' 

Tell us a little bit about yourself/your background… you grew up on a dairy farm -were your parents also from farms?

No comment from Boortmalt on claims it has imported malt during harvest 

Boortmalt has declined to comment on claims that it has imported at least one shipload of malt over the last month.

Trevor Donnellan: Dairy expansion cannot continue without a step change on emissions 

Agriculture's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are now very much in the spotlight, with the need for a reduction stressed by the Climate Change Advisory Council annual report as well as the Government's Climate Action Plan.

Trade 'on fire' at dispersal sale of leading Charolais herd 

Near-record prices were paid for pedigree Charolais stock at the dispersal sale of the Skidoo Herd on Saturday when leading breeders vied for some elite bloodlines, reports Martin Ryan.

Prices could collapse, mart managers tell protesters 

Both Brendan Egan of Castlerea Mart and Maurice Brosnan of Gortatlea feel that the factory protests are starting to have a noticeable effect on the mart trade.

Far from the madding crowd - tranquil fields offer welcome escape from Brexit woes and beef crisis 

The fields were the place to be - where the golden stubble of corn stalks crunched underfoot and the ploughmen focused on carving smooth, chocolatey furrows through the soil.

Problems face those with factory sheep 

The men with factory sheep to sell continue to encounter problems in getting their produce away.

Dairy farmers driving rising demand for land leases 

Demand for leasing land is continuing to rise, mainly driven by dairy farmers, according to auctioneers around the country. 

Farmers fear ruin as Germany pushes for cuts in EU spending 

Further cuts to farmers' EU subsidy payments could be on the cards as Germany signalled it wants less EU spending.

Farmers urged to end pickets as beef supplies running low 

Beef could soon be off the menu, with restaurants warning they may run out of supplies, as the Taoiseach and Tánaiste both called on protesting farmers to end their pickets.

Beef protests causing 'immeasurable damage' - Michael Creed 

Protests at meat processing plants are causing “immeasurable damage” to the beef sector and Ireland’s reputation abroad, agriculture minister Michael Creed has warned.

Simon Coveney urges beef farmers: 'Stop before you do irreversible damage' 

TÁNAISTE Simon Coveney has issued an impassioned plea for beef farmers to end the boycott of factories before they do “irreversible damage to this sector”.

‘There has to be a compromise... even if it’s a few cents extra on a patty’ - Supermac’s boss Pat McDonagh on beef talks 

SUPERMAC’S founder Pat McDonagh has said that there has to be a compromise “on both sides” of the beef price debate – even if it means he’s paying more for his burgers.

Knackeries to reopen after agreement with Department 

Knackeries around the country are to temporarily resume operations after talks between the Animal Collectors Association (ACA)and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine.

Taoiseach appeals to protesting farmers to “end their blockades now” 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has appealed to protesting farmers to lift their factory blockades immediately before a strong Irish industry is destroyed.

Farmers warned over hidden dangers from confined spaces on farms 

Exposure to dangerous gases in confined spaces such as in a grain silo, slurry pit or storage tank is a real risk in modern farming.

Bord Bia tent forced to shut as farmers stage protest at National Ploughing Championships 

A group of farmers staged a small protest at the Bord Bia tent, forcing it to shut down to visitors during the incident, at the National Ploughing Championships.

In Pictures: Ploughing Championships 2019 

WATCH: 'I've been through the long dark tunnel' - meet the champion sheep shearer who's an advocate for mental health 

The first day of the 2019 National Ploughing is in full swing as a record crowd is expected through the gates in Fenagh, Co Carlow.

Hundreds queue outside Ploughing in early hours - but traffic delays were minimal 

Hundreds of people queued outside the gates of the Ploughing Championships after arriving early to avoid queuing in their cars to get to the Carlow site.

WATCH: Five things to watch out for at this year's Ploughing Championships 

Horse ploughing, livestock and the retail area are among the top picks for this year's National Ploughing Championships, according to the organisers.

More than 350 people laid off at ABP Cahir as Meadow Meats owners talk of closure 

More than 350 people have been temporarily laid off at the ABP meat-processing plant in Cahir, Co Tipperary.

Exclusive We can't set the price of beef, but we are trying to help - Varadkar 

No government action is going to be able to increase the price of beef to the level farmers want, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned.

Two more NI processors licensed by Bord Bia 

Bord Bia has confirmed that additional processors in Northern Ireland have been licenced by the marketing body to use various versions of the Bord Bia quality mark.

No future for rural Ireland without fibre broadband - Taoiseach 

Rural Ireland "does not have a future in the 21st century" unless fibre broadband is delivered to every home, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned.

Factories warn of lost customers as cattle glut surges to 70,000 head 

A glut of 70,000 cattle has been created as a result of the marathon beef dispute between farmers and meat protestors.

Margaret Donnelly: Farm leaders should spend more time listening to farmers 

As the beef dispute looks set to slip into its seventh week, the defiance of some of the protesting farmers appears to be deepening, despite numerous rounds of talks and an agreement in principle over the weekend.

Kevin Nolan: We can't grow profitably without GM tech 

With the harvest complete on my farm, it's almost time to put the combine away for another year, bar a few days cutting beans for local farmers.

Aurivo invests €6m to improve Donegal milk processing plant 

AURIVO, one of Ireland's largest milk producers, said yesterday it has completed a €6m investment in Donegal that will double production and slash fossil fuel use at its milk processing plant in Killygordon.

Ploughing Championships 2019: 'Ideal' weather conditions expected as temperatures to reach up to 22C 

The sun is finally set to shine on the National Ploughing Championships this week.

Milk price cuts: 'I was getting 28c/L when I started farming in 1982' 

Co-ops have been slammed over 'cynical' cuts to their milk price for August supplies. Glanbia announced last week a reduction of 1c/l from its July base price to 28c/l including VAT.

Red C poll: Beef slaughter age not an issue for most consumers 

The age at which cattle are slaughtered is an important consideration for just one in eight beef consumers, a major survey has found.

Exclusive Varadkar: 'There is no government action that can increase beef prices' 

No government action is going to increase beef prices to the level farmers want, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned.

Agri-food alliance brings in big guns to fight negative press 

An alliance of high profile farming organisations has been formed to promote a positive message about meat and dairy.

Scanning shows lower than normal conception rates 

Lower than normal conception rates in dairy herds are being blamed on high milk yields off grass this spring.

Hogan: agreement on CAP budget will be reached by end of year 

A critical agreement on the CAP budget post 2020 should be reached by the end of the year, EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan has said.

Factories to call for EU to support beef prices as protests continue 

The meat industry is set to ramp up pressure on the Government to ask the EU for money to support beef prices.

Tensions flare over claims IFA members broke beef picket lines 

There were sharp exchanges between farmers at a meeting of Limerick IFA after it was alleged that "prominent IFA members" had broken picket lines placed by beef protesters on meat factories.

Combination of size and power a big hit for new Landini 6-H 

A highly successful record as a sales, service and parts dealer for Landini tractors in the west of Ireland has been rewarded with an expansion of the territory covered by Pat Brogan Tractors.

'Future of the Irish Beef Sector is in your hands. Please don't be responsible for its destruction' - Creed tells protesting farmers 

Agriculture Minister Michael creed has told protesting farmers "the future of the Irish Beef Sector is in your hands. Please don't be responsible for its destruction," in an open letter.

Call for BEAM payment to be increased if scheme undersubscribed 

ICSA beef chair Edmond Graham has said if the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) scheme is undersubscribed, any unused funds should be directed to increase the compensation for eligible farmers.

Ploughing Championships 2019: Met Éireann predicts farmer's tans as temperatures set to hit 22C 

WEATHER at this year's National Ploughing Championship will be the polar opposite of last year with temperatures of up to 22C expected during three days of sunshine.

Minister Creed announces reopening of BEAM application facility 

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., today reopened the online application facility for the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM).

In the footsteps of giants: Valerie Cox recounts her journey in search of legends of the ploughing 

It was a muddy sort of a day when I went to East Cork last year in search of the family of the late Thady Kelleher.

New initiatives: How the agreement will work 

Under the deal, beef producers will benefit from an immediate increase in a range of bonuses, including:

Donegal double in the bullock championships 

The All Ireland Beef Bullock Championship Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend was described as "the best in years".

Going Dutch in Mayo as 170ac makes €4,800 an acre 

A 170ac portion of a 186ac residential farm at Bohola, Co Mayo sold by public auction last week, making €820,000, well in advance of its guide.

'Timing of protests is wrong - numbers are piling up' 

Storm Powell went to Templemore Mart to get farmers' views on the beef protests and forestry planting.

Be patient: it can take years to see results from rewetted bog 

It can take up to 20 years to see results from a rewetted bog so farmers must be patient, a University of Limerick scientist has said.

Gerry Giggins: High-quality Irish cereal can deliver on two fronts 

The second half of the harvest season has been challenging but thankfully the end is in sight in most regions. In the north-east, where winter wheat is the most prominent crop, a lot of fields were lodged and at risk of sprouting.

'Splash plate ban would curb emissions' 

Banning the use of the splash-plate slurry spreading on derogation farms would cure a lot of agriculture's emission issues, a Teagasc scientist has maintained.

Jim O'Brien: 'Don't let life pass you by on the last few laps' 

No matter how far we are from our school days, our body clocks seem to follow the academic calendar. I think we are more inclined to look at serious changes to our lives in September than we are in January, the time of year associated with resolutions.

Loss of access at the heart of CPO claims 

Public Authorities cannot always be blamed when CPO compensation is inadequate or totally lost. Owners are always invited to submit detailed claims for compensation, and the authority must respond.

Protesting farmers attempt to secure deals with individual meat plants 

Representations from groups protesting outside meat factories are attempting to secure beef price rises from individual meat plants it has emerged.

Doubt emerges over protesting farmers support for beef reform deal 

It is still uncertain if protesting farmers will accept a new agreement reached this afternoon between Meat Industry Representatives and farm organisations to resolve a marathon dispute over beef prices.

Dept of Agriculture and knackery owners to meet next week 

The Animal Collectors Association (ACA) whose members operate knackeries, says it will attend a meeting with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Monday.

Rollout of €3bn National Broadband Plan delayed yet again 

The rollout of high-speed broadband to rural Ireland has been further delayed, communications minister Richard Bruton has confirmed.

Creed happy to negotiate by candlelight to address crisis 

A power outage at the Department of Agriculture created massive upheaval last week. It had nothing to do with talks to end the ongoing row over beef prices, Brexit or climate change.

America's farmers need more than a trade truce as history repeats itself 

US President Donald Trump would love nothing more than to announce an end to the trade war with China and relief for his country's farmers, who have been hit especially hard - but history is likely to get in the way.

'There is huge pressure on Johnson to do deal' - Hogan 

Newly-appointed EU Commissioner Phil Hogan believes inroads could be made as early this week in Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU.

Call for burger bosses to attend beef talks 

With beef talks scheduled to resume today, Wicklow livestock farmer and IFA’s National Livestock Committee Chairman, Angus Woods, has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, to invite Supermac’s boss, Pat McDonagh, and the leadership of McDonalds and Burger King into the talks to set out what they are paying for prime, fresh, high quality Irish beef used as the key ingredient in their burgers.

'Hard Brexit would lead to existential crisis for cross border dairy trade' 

A hard Brexit tariff scenario would lead to an existential crisis for cross border dairy trade and Northern Irish milk, Dale Farm CEO Nick Whelan has said.

How best to have your autumn calvers in top condition 

If cows are too fat or too thin, farmers face difficulties at or after calving. It is key to have cows calving down in the right condition.

'Nobody cares' - workers laid off by meat row face poverty as they wait for dole payments 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his ministers are wrapped up in the potential fallout from Brexit on thousands of jobs in the agri-food industry.

Farmers want clarity over 'Irish' beef coming in from UK 

Farmers have called for clarity over the importation of beef from the United Kingdom that is certified as Irish and carrying a Bord Bia stamp.

From grass to grub: farm that Brexit-proofs Croke Park 

Croke Park is preparing for the disruptive winds of Brexit with a new farm in north Dublin where the association grows everything from the grass to the grub for the stadium.

No plan to increase security at National Ploughing Championships 2019 amid beef protests 

Organisers for the National Ploughing Championships have said they don't "feel the need" to increase security at this year's event amid the ongoing beef protests.

Ploughing Championships 2019: What's on, tickets, how to get there and what is the weather forecast 

The National Ploughing Championship 2019 at Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow is now officially in full swing. From traffic, weather, and events, below is everything you need to know.

Farmer Thomas Reid denied request for oral hearing into $4bn Intel plan 

Farmer, Thomas Reid has been denied the opportunity to have Intel Ireland executives cross-examined over their planned $4bn Leixlip investment at a public planning forum.

Talks over beef crisis dispute to reconvene 

Talks aimed at resolving the beef crisis dispute will reopen again on Saturday.

IFA sets out its position on 30-month age rule 

The IFA has moved to clarify its position on the 30-month age rule and other criteria applied by factories for farmers to receive a 12c/kg ‘In-spec’ bonus payment.

Brady pulls out of IFA president race 

Joe Brady has withdrawn from the IFA presidency race.

'We just want to live' 

Mattie White's farm in Bannow Bay has been in the family for more than 200 years, passed down from one generation to the next, the land and the animals upon it cared for, nurtured, season in, season out.

Verona Murphy: 'A hard Brexit would be much worse than a recession' 

Hauliers are the lifeblood of Irish agri-business, with 37pc of the country's produce going by truck to the UK and another 34pc to Europe, mostly via land bridge through Britain - so what's bad for the lorry driver is usually bad for the farmer too.

Pioneering family are selling a 100ac Tipperary estate once home to the Denny bacon dynasty 

Ballybrada House near Cahir in Tipperary was built by the Denny family of Waterford, who made their fortune in the bacon industry with the famous Denny's brand.

Beef row to hit store shelves as meat stocks run low 

A dispute which has gripped the beef industry for several weeks is now set to affect supermarket shelves.

Beef crisis hits supermarket shelves as Aldi confirms some meat being processed in UK 

A dispute which has gripped the beef industry for several weeks is now set to impact supermarket shelves. Aldi has become the first major retailer to confirm difficulties in stocking its shelves with Irish beef.

Glanbia cuts its August milk price, its second cut in two months 

Glanbia has announced has cut its base milk price, for the second time in two months.

Warm and sunny weather with high temperatures forecast ahead of National Ploughing Championships 

Warm sunny spells have been forecast ahead of the National Ploughing Championships next week.

Joyce withdraws from IFA deputy president race 

Padraic Joyce has withdrawn his name from the IFA deputy presidency race.

EU wheat prices ease as bumper French harvest boosts stocks 

European wheat futures in Parisended lower on Wednesday, with stocks set to climb following a bumper harvest in France, while there remained stiff competitionin export markets from the Black Sea region. 

Minister must intervene in Knackeries strike to 'protect public health' 

The Minister for Agriculture has been called on to intervene in the nationwide strike by Knackeries which has entered its second day.

Explainer: What is Yellowhammer? 

A secret Whitehall dossier has outlined the disruption the UK could face in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Johnson urged to recall UK parliament after Operation Yellowhammer documents released 

Boris Johnson has faced renewed pressure to recall UK parliament after the British Prime Minister was forced to reveal that a no-deal Brexit could trigger medical shortages, food price rises and major cross-channel trade delays.

'Constructive' talks offer hope of new beef breakthrough 

A breakthrough is understood to have been reached last night which may end the protests that have brought the beef processing sector to a halt in recent weeks.

'It's madness, I'm not surviving financially' - laid-off meat workers 

Lithuania-born Loneda Curma said she is "not surviving" financially at the moment after being laid off from her job at a pet food packaging plant due to the beef blockades.

Agreement reached on re-establishing talks to solve beef dispute 

It’s understood a breakthrough was reached last night that might end the protests which have brought the beef-processing sector to a halt in recent weeks.

'We are not looking for an arm and a leg - all we are looking for is our fair share' 

FARMERS protesting over beef prices escalated their action in Cork by mounting a demonstration outside the distribution centre of supermarket giants, Musgrave.

UK Badger cull expanded in effort to tackle TB in cattle 

Licences have been granted for badger culling in 11 new areas as part of efforts to control tuberculosis in cattle, the Government has announced.

VIDEO: 216ac Bunclody farm sold for €3m at auction 

A farm holding in Bunclody was told for €3.05m when it went up for auction last week.

China clears 25 Brazil meat plants for export 

China granted export licenses to 25 Brazilian meatpacking plants, Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry said on Monday, allowing the country’s fast-growing protein industry to feed more people in the Asian nation where disease has hurt local supply.

Beef Plan to protest at Musgraves calling for 'transparency' on price 

The Beef Plan Movement is to protest at Musgraves in Cork today, as the ongoing beef dispute continues.

Cork dairy ground sells for €10,000/ac 

A 132ac farm at Ballyshonin, Berrings, Co Cork, sold under the hammer recently, making €1.37m, or over €10,300/ac.

Landowners need to fight for their rights and seek compensation on powerlines 

I am frequently asked if it is worthwhile for landowners to resist the construction of electric powerlines across their property. Because the powers held by ESB/ Eirgrid are so strong, based on my experience, I must admit that it is doubtful.

Mike Brady: Now is not the time for beef farmers to jump ship 

Beef farmers are in the eye of the perfect storm. Brexit, low market prices, poor profitability margins, climate change accusations and beef factory protests all combine to feed the downbeat mood of the beef industry in Ireland.

Brexit nerves on rise for farmers, food producers 

LEVELS of anxiety over Brexit have doubled in an agri-food industry beset by "increasing pressure on multiple fronts", according to professional services firm Ifac.

Martin hints FF will try to put brakes on €10 carbon tax increase 

Fianna Fáil will seek to veto a €10 increase in the carbon tax in the Budget, Micheál Martin has signalled to his party.

3,000 workers laid off temporarily as farmers' blockades shut meat factories 

The country's main meat factories shut their doors yesterday, resulting in the temporary lay-off of 3,000 employees, as hundreds of farmers continue protests over beef prices.

Editorial: 'Hogan's promotion is good news for Ireland and EU' 

Phil Hogan went to Brussels under a cloud this time five years ago. As the author of two unpopular taxes - one of which did not fly at all - he was characterised as a "busted flush" in Irish politics, with speculation he might not retain his Dáil seat in the following election.

3,000 factory workers temporarily laid off as protesters threaten tractor blockade in Dublin 

The country’s main meat factories shut their doors today, resulting in the temporary lay-off of 3,000 employees, as hundreds of farmers continue protests over beef prices.

Vets issue warning to Government over Brexit preparations 

Veterinary Ireland has expressed concern over the Government’s lack of preparedness for the provision of veterinary inspection services at our ports and/or borders in the event of Brexit.

Hundreds of staff face lay offs as beef protesters target Goodman-owned pet food factory 

Hundreds of workers in the Midlands face being laid off due to the unlawful blockade of a pet food manufacturing plant, the High Court has heard.

Farmers venting anger without structure of farming organisation is dangerous - Coveney 

The Tanaiste Simon Coveney has warned that farmers not buying into collective leadership and expressing their anger without the structure of farming organisations is dangerous for the sector.

Knackeries around the country close their gates 

Knackeries around the country have closed their gates this morning according to the chairperson of the Animal Collectors Association, Michael McKeever.

Number of suitable lambs 'tightening' 

"Collateral damage" was the phrase used by one factory sheep agent yesterday after his factory was targeted and closed by protesting farmers.

Explainer: Why are beef farmers protesting outside supermarkets? 

The Beef Plan Movement will protest outside several supermarkets this week against a stipulation placed on farmers that beef cattle must be under 30 months when slaughtered.

Harvest yields 'inconsistent' as wet weather takes its toll 

Close to 90pc of spring cereal crops remain to be cut in Donegal as continuous heavy rains have brought the harvest in the county to a standstill.

Richard Hackett: 'Brexit has laid bare our shocking dependence on UK flour imports' 

One of the few positives that has come from the Brexit debate that continues apace is the realisation of how dependent we are on imports to feed ourselves.

Getting rank-and-file members out to vote may be the biggest challenge for IFA contenders 

While it's far too early to consider who might have a chance of actually winning the IFA presidency, what is interesting are the activities of the declared and undeclared candidates.

Kilkenny contractor hasn't looked back since switching to a Pottinger butterfly combination treble mower unit 

Which is better - a thrifty butterfly mower linked to a 250hp tractor, or a powerful self-propelled mower tailor-made for the job?

Darragh McCullough: 'Treading the fine line between being under capacity and being competely overwhelemed' 

I was lucky enough to be part of the action on RTÉ's Big Week on the Farm last week. It was only up the road from me, on the farm of Ivan Curran, who runs a state-of-the-art tillage and potato operation just outside Stamullen, Co Meath.

Factories and Creed under pressure to deliver on Chinese beef exports' hype 

Pressure is mounting on meat processors and the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, to deliver a return for beef farmers from the Chinese market.

What is the perfect cow for winter milk? Ignore colour, size and shape 

The often-criticised EBI is delivering more milk solids and greater profitability at farm level, a breeding expert has said.

John Fagan: Brazen thieves have made off with my quad bike 

Look busy, the Chinese are coming.

Forestry planting 'grinding to a halt' over Department backlog 

Forestry consultants have warned that the approval process for planting and clear-felling plantations is about to "grind to a halt".

Farmers could hit jackpot after Kerry Group ruling 

An arbitration process which is understood to have ruled in favour of Kerry Co-op suppliers in a milk-price dispute with Kerry Group plc could see farmers receive significant top-up payments.

'I can't afford to put diesel in my van with the beef price I'm getting' 

Clare farmer Patrick Crowe is one of those who have stood outside factory gates in recent weeks in the battle for a fair return from their cattle.

Ann Fitzgerald: 'Problem with beef protests is different farmers want different things' 

There is a scene in the unholy 1979 movie, Life of Brian, in which the eponymous Brian approaches a small group and asks them if they are the Judean People's Front (JPF).

Beef industry shutdown: Deadlock deepens as factories walk out of talks 

The battle between beef farmers and the meat processors remains deadlocked after the collapse yesterday of negotiations convened by Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, to resolve the increasingly bitter dispute.

Dairygold under fire on grass-fed campaign 

The absence of any reference to meal feeding in the promotional material for Dairygold's new Pastureland quality mark has raised the hackles of both tillage farmers and environmental activists.

Levelling of payments across Europe offers new threat to farmers 

THE likely next Commissioner for Agriculture, Poland's Janusz Wojciechowski, has supported faster levelling of EU subsidies paid to farmers across Europe.

Martin Coughlan: Protests start to bite as kill falls back to just over 22,000hd 

The ongoing factory protests are starting to really bite supplies. Last week's kill was back to just 22,068hd compared to the 38,459 that went through the system this week last year, or the 30,300 two weeks ago.

Split calving ‘subsidising poor fertility’ on farms 

Spring-calving dairy herds are building a false economy by calving ‘a few’ cows in the autumn, a leading figure on winter milk systems has said

Beef Industry shutdown: No end in sight as watchdog rejects claims prices could be discussed at talks 

Efforts to resolve the long-running dispute causing turmoil in the beef industry have been struck a further blow as the competition watchdog refuted claims beef prices could be discussed at stakeholder talks.

'Some burning needs to be allowed if we are to maintain the mountain' 

'In five years parts of these mountains will be unsuitable for walkers," says farmer Willie Drohan on the impact that a ban on burning in recent years has had on the Comeragh Mountains which lie on his back door in Co Waterford.

Rich pickings close to the Curragh 

The bigger farms have been a feature of much of the farm property market of late.

Serious Limerick fish kill started in Cork farm 

A “Serious fish kill” in County Limerick this summer started in County Cork.

Action against protestors outside Co Wexford beef processing plant struck out 

High Court proceedings brought against several protesters outside a beef processing plant in Co Wexford have been struck out following an agreement between the parties.

Beef Protests: Plans for beef talks collapse at last minute as protests continue 

Meat Industry Ireland (MII) has said it is adjourning its participation in today's beef talks, as protests continue at 20 meat factories around the country.

Minister dismisses post-Brexit proposal for agrifood as 'insufficient' to replace the backstop 

A post-Brexit proposal for agrifood has been dismissed as insufficient to replace the backstop by Ireland's finance minister ahead of a meeting between Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar.

Why can't we keep Ireland clean? #Sorrymehole and our fondness for fly-tipping 

To go from Dublin into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, you journey along the Old Military Road from the foothills of Rathfarnham and within minutes you are in a place so wild and remote it is scarcely believable that the city is just around the corner, out of sight.

No-deal Brexit to spark rural recession as cities prosper 

Parts of rural Ireland will be plunged into recession by a no-deal Brexit, but urban areas will continue to grow.

Are you making the most of this bumper year for grass growth? 

As autumn draws in, 2019 will be marked in my memory as one of the greatest years for grass growth.

All-island agri-food solution is floated in bid to deliver backstop alternative 

Ireland's agri-food industry is hoping that events in Westminster this week will lead to a more sensible resolution to cross-Border trade post-Brexit.

Locals dig deep as Wexford farm lots sell for over €2.2m 

A 171ac residential farm at Ballyconlore and Coolnagloose, Inch in Co Wexford exceeded its €2m guide by almost €260,000 when it sold in six separate lots for a total of €2.26m making an average price of €13,210/ac.

'Switching to dairy has provided great opportunities and a constant cashflow' 

Eamon Sheehan firmly believes farmers aren't getting enough credit for the effort they put in to looking after the environment while contending with weather and market challenges.

Danone wins accolade for green, social commitment 

Danone Dairy Ireland has won accreditation from B Labs, a US non-profit that promotes social and environmental responsibility, in recognition of its commitment to green causes and progressive labour practices.

Supermarket warehouses new target of beef protests 

The Beef Plan Movement has begun protesting outside distribution centres owned by supermarkets, despite distancing itself from ongoing demonstrations at meat factories.

Beef Plan to stage 'peaceful' protests as beef talks set to resume tomorrow 

The Beef Plan Movement, which has distanced itself from the ongoing protests at factories, is to protest at a number of retailer distribution centres tomorrow.

The environmentalist supporting farmers and an unlikely hero 

The last place picketing beef farmers would expect to find support is from an environmentalist millionaire businessman who thinks we should move away from the cow and look to vegetables, solar power and green technology to protect Ireland's future.

'Independent farmers' not expected to attend beef talks 

It's understood the new farming body, Independent Farmers, which represents farmers still protesting at factory gates won't be attending talks between farming organisations and the meat factories on Monday.

Ann Fitzgerald: 'Stories emerging of mass food waste are almost incomprehensible' 

Food waste should be tackled with the same kind of urgency as the Amazonian forest clearance. While recent climate change reports have targeted the reduction of livestock numbers, slashing food waste could have a very significant and faster impact.

Make sure your ram is in peak condition for mating 

Summer is drawing to a close so preparation for the breeding season should be well under way. Management decisions between now until mating in mid-October will have a big influence on a successful lambing next spring.

Ciarán Moran: 'Threats of violence and sexual blackmail cast a shadow over beef talks' 

After a week that saw claims of workers being blackmailed in a "menacing email" which hinted at exposing an alleged sexual affair and threats of violence, the disputing parties in the ongoing beef row now have agreed to sit down together on Monday.

'An increased number of plants are being blockaded' - MII 

Doubt has been cast on Monday's talks to end a long-running beef dispute as Meat Industry Ireland (MII) claimed this evening (Friday) that an increased number of meat plants are being blockaded. 

Phil Hogan set for influential EU trade portfolio 

IRELAND’S nominee to the European Commission, Phil Hogan, appears set to secure the powerful trade portfolio next week.

Applications to attach and commit protesters at beef plants struck out following agreement 

High Court proceedings that could have resulted in the imprisonment of persons protesting outside two beef processing plants have been struck out following an agreement between the factory owners and the protesters.

Back from brink: Why grey partridge numbers are soaring once again 

Ireland's own partridge family is celebrating a new release that could make the record books.

One of the largest and longest-established Charolais herds set for auction 

The end of an era in pedigree Charolais breeding has arrived for one of the largest and longest-established herds in the country with the dispersal of the well known Skidoo herd in Co Dublin.

Paisley’s ‘Irish cows’ quip may be beginnings of a solution to backstop issue, PM suggests 

The late Ian Paisley's 'Irish cows' could hold the "germ" of a solution to the border backstop, Boris Johnson has suggested.

US, China agree to resume trade talks, markets jump 

China and the United States on Thursday agreed to hold high-level talks in early October in Washington, cheering investors hoping for a trade war thaw as new U.S. tariffs on Chinese consumer goods chip away at global growth.

Close to 90pc of Donegal harvest remains in the ground 

Close to 90pc of spring cereal crops remain to be cut in Donegal as continuous heavy rains have brought the harvest in the county to a standstill.

How to secure your fair share of the farm's 'pot' after marriage breakdown 

Two weeks ago I wrote about the issues the main asset-owning spouse should consider when faced with a family law case. In my experience over the past 30 years, in virtually all such cases, one side wanted to part with as little as possible while the other side wanted to extract as much as possible.

Auction sales starting to pick up as prices top €17,000/ac 

While August is traditionally quiet, it has been a busy month in the auction rooms for some auctioneers, including Meath-based Raymond Potterton.

Farm loan delinquencies surge in US election battleground Wisconsin 

Farm loan delinquencies rose to a record high in June at Wisconsin’s community banks, data showed on Thursday, a sign President Donald Trump’s trade conflicts with China and other countries are hitting farmers hard in a state that could be crucial for his chances of re-election in 2020.