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Agri-Business
'Get with the program': US officials press EU to address beef hormones and GMOs in trade talks
US officials on Thursday ratcheted up pressure on the European Union to address longstanding agricultural issues between the two regions
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Britain threatens to favour Brazilian beef over Irish as new trade war looms
Trade wars - dairy next in the Brexit firing line
Revealed: Brexit fightback as EU bends rules to fund Irish farms and businesses
Coveney: EU will bail us out of beef trade war with UK
President Higgins questions environmental benefits of agricultural subsidies
Midlands residential 60ac farm guided at €450,000
While February might not be regarded as the prime time to walk land a compact 60ac residential farm at Davidstown, Rathconrath in Co Westmeath on the private treaty market and guided at €450,000 is well worth a look.
Why it pays to make most of February nitrogen window
There is an abundance of grass on most farms this spring due to the mild winter which led to almost a doubling of grass growth rates over the closed period. As a result many may be contemplating skipping an early fertiliser application. But is this wise?
John Large: It's all systems go for lambing
With only 20 days before the start of lambing, all ewes to lamb first are housed and on a diet of meal and round baled haylage.
Revealed: Brexit fightback as EU bends rules to fund Irish farms and businesses
The Government has received EU backing to open the purse strings to help businesses at risk from Brexit.
Sherlock: I needed to step back from 24/7 role on farming frontline
Former ICSA rural development chairman Seamus Sherlock, who stepped down from the role last week, said he needed a break from a position which was taking over his life.
Reliant: Ireland is more exposed on exports than any other EU country - no deal could cost €1.7bn
Why would WTO tariffs being imposed by the UK be so significant to Ireland?
Herbicide-resistant plants spreading in 'tillage triangle'
Herbicide resistant plants have been identified in every county in the 'tillage triangle' with moves afoot to raise awareness.
John Joyce: The mild winter has made for a very welcome stress-free spring
It is hard to believe the difference between the weather - and the stress levels - this spring compared to last year.
It's a battle in Ballybrophy as land hungry dairy farmers vie for acres
The high prices being achieved for letting land continued this week with Rathdowney auctioneer William Mansfield reporting a hectic tussle for 44ac of grassland in Ballybrophy, Co Laois.
Some farmers being quoted up to €500 in vet call-out fees, claims IFA
Some farmers are being exposed to veterinary call-out fees of up to €500, according to the IFA.
Coveney: EU will bail us out of beef trade war with UK
Tanaiste Simon Coveney said the EU Commission will bailout out Ireland’s beef industry if a no-deal Brexit sparks an agri-food trade war.
Coveney: EU will bail us out of beef trade war with UK
Tanaiste Simon Coveney said the EU Commission will bail out Ireland’s beef industry if a no-deal Brexit sparks an agri-food trade war.
President Higgins questions environmental benefits of agricultural subsidies
President Michael D Higgins has questioned whether agricultural subsidies have done enough to capture the goodwill of farmers to farm in a manner that benefits the environment.
Lakeland is 'Brexit-ready' with logistics team in place
A dairy co-op on track to become one of the largest processors on the island with 1,500 suppliers locally has said it is Brexit-ready, but anticipates a "considerable volume" of extra work to keep trade flowing.
€1.95m for 39 acres in Clonee with residential potential
Philip Byrne of Coonan Property is guiding a price of €1.95m for 39 acres of land at Clonee in west Dublin with long-term residential development potential.
Glanbia stockpiling materials in UK as it prepares for hard Brexit
Glanbia has contingency plans to deal with a hard Brexit next month, but said that the impact of such an exit on the group would be marginal.
Smooth transition essential for next CAP to ensure no 'forgotten farmers' - Macra
Macra na Feirme National President James Healy has said that a smooth transition from the current CAP to its successor is essential to avoid creating another group of ‘forgotten young farmers’.
Calf prices slide to €40-€60 per head as marts' numbers increase
Calf prices have taken a hit this week with shipping-type Friesian bulls dropping back €40-60/hd as the numbers on offer rose sharply.
PJ Phelan: Tillage farmers are now fighting on two fronts for access to land
All sectors of farming are facing ever increasing challenges and uncertainty.
'It's a liquidation job if EU and Government don't help beef farmers'
Denis Large is a third-generation beef and tillage farmer outside Urlingford, in Co Tipperary.
EU probes possible salmon farm price-fixing
European competition authorities carried out a number of unannounced inspections at the premises of several companies involved in farming Atlantic salmon, the Commission announced yesterday.
Britain threatens to favour Brazilian beef over Irish as new trade war looms
Britain has upped the ante in the battle over the Brexit backstop, by threatening to favour Brazilian beef over Irish using a system of tariffs and quotas.
Beef producer groups could strengthen the power and profits of farmers - Department
The establishment of increased producer groups could strengthen the power of farmers, the Department of Agriculture have said, amidst being slammed by TDs for not doing enough to put pressure on the factories to increase prices.
Murder accused told family relation he hit a 90-year-old farmer because he would not give him money
A man accused of murder rang a family relation and told her that he had hit a 90-year-old man because he would not give him money, a jury has heard.
Czechs order inspection of all Polish beef imports: report
Czech authorities will inspect all beef imported into the Czech Republic from neighboring Poland following the discovery of salmonella in a 700 kg batch of imported Polish beef, news agency CTK said on Wednesday.
2019 Basic Payment Scheme opens to applications
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, today announced the early opening of the application process for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the Greening Scheme.
The time is now for soil sampling
It is the time of year to take soil samples if you have not previously done so. It is critical piece of information that is needed to see what the status of your soil is.
'Nothing has changed on the ground' says TD as Supreme Court dismisses appeal over north-south interconnector
The Supreme Court, yesterday dismissed an appeal over An Bord Pleanála’s approval for the planned 138 kilometre north-south electricity interconnector.
Calving dates pushed back by three to five weeks
The calving date in the dairy herd has been significantly pushed back by several weeks, after farmers faced extreme hardship with weather and fodder difficulties last spring, the latest official figures show.
Glanbia shakes up its boardroom with new appointments
Glanbia today announced two new members to its board, as independent non-executive directors, as it announced plans to reorganise the composition of its Board of Directors.
Animals ban for Northern cattle farmer after causing unnecessary suffering
A Lisburn farmer has been banned from keeping or owning animals for 16 years for causing unnecessary suffering to cattle.
European milk processor to pay out all of its €290m profit to farmers following drought
Dairy firm Arla Foods will dish out all €290m (£252 million) of its annual profit to farmers following last summer’s drought across Europe.
China to expand agriculture reforms to bolster rural economy
China will deepen reforms of its agriculture sector to promote its rural economy, the government said in its first policy statement of 2019, as it seeks to bolster growth and offset trade challenges.
British farmers face Brexit date shipment conundrum
British farmers and food producers must decide whether to proceed with shipments next week because exports could face tariffs if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal, a farming leader said on Tuesday.
Lurpak maker Arla Foods reports revenue of €10.4bn
Arla Foods, one of the world’s biggest dairy companies, has reported revenue of €10.4bn for 2018, compared to €10.3bn in 2017.
Earnings per share up 9pc at Glanbia, group acquires non-dairy ingredient business for $89m
Glanbia has reported 9pc growth in adjusted earnings per shares for 2018, according to full year results from the company.
'CAP delays a further possibility as reform vote not taking place until April'- McGuinness
The European Union will not vote on CAP reform files until April which will may delay the implementation of CAP reforms said MEP and Vice President of the EU Parliament Mairead McGuinness.
Bord Bia is not marketing our products as good as they could - Healy Ray
Politicians have criticised Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture for inspecting farmers and not doing enough to expand markets to help alleviate the current beef crisis price.
Eddie Punch: 'Tariffs threat from Gove puts entire future of Irish beef industry on the line'
Michael Gove's comments illustrate the many contradictions in the pro-Brexit position. It is at odds with the pro-free-trade ideology espoused by many Brexiteers.
UK tariffs pose €1.7bn threat to agri-food sector here
Food producers and farmers will see their businesses decimated by tariffs and quotas that the UK is planning in a no-deal Brexit scenario.
GDT rises for sixth time in a row on the back of strong supplies
The most recent Global Dairy Trade Index (GDT) has seen prices rise by 0.9pc, which is the sixth consecutive increase.
We're fitter and faster says farmer health group with no plans to give up meat
A group of “Fit Farmers” who have come together to beat the bulge say the initiative has improved their physical and mental wellbeing but that they won’t be giving up meat anytime soon.
UK government to announce 'robust' protections for farming shortly - Gove
The UK government is to make an announcement on new UK tariffs in a no deal Brexit scenario - with specific and robust protections for farming shortly, according to its Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove.
Lab-grown steak could be worse for climate than flatulent cattle - scientists
Scientists and companies working to grow meat from animal cells will need to minimise energy use and avoid fossil fuels if claims that cultured meat is better for the climate than real meat are to hold true, researchers said.
IFA says Minister 'incorrect' to call four-movement rule a 'purely private arrangement'
IFA has described as “highly misleading” and “incorrect” the use of the term “a purely private arrangement” which was used by the Minister for Agriculture to describe the four movement rule or any other specification criteria applied by the meat plants.
Hogan says Brexit the reason for 'disproportionate' number of meetings with Irish farm groups
A new report highlighted how EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan carried out a “disproportionate” amount of meetings with Irish farm organisations and lobby groups since he began his role in 2014.
Investigation underway after dead animals found on farm
A number of dead animals have been found on a farm in north Tipperary.
Google unearthed: More of our hidden history is revealed by satellite pics
The heatwave of last summer revealed a hidden treasure trove of ancient monuments across Ireland, satellite pictures reveal.
British supermarkets battle to secure stocks as chaotic Brexit looms
Britons could face shortages of fresh food, price rises and less variety if the country leaves the European Union next month without agreeing trade terms, food industry officials say.
UK government will use tariffs and quotas to protect UK farmers after Brexit, minister warns
The British government will use tools including tariffs and quotas to make sure its farmers are not left at a competitive disadvantage by Brexit, environment minister Michael Gove will say today.
Profits and revenue up at Kerry, but shareholder return falls
Total shareholder return at Kerry Group declined by 6.8pc in 2018, despite the company reporting an increase in revenue and profits.
Strong grass growth drives store price rally
Lively competition among grass finishers has pushed on prices for stores by €40 to €100/hd, despite the continuing concerns over low prices in the beef trade.
Fertiliser and feed inputs have to be cut, warns senior inspector
Reduction in stocking rates on intensive livestock farms will not be immediately required to counter falling water quality levels, a senior Department of Agriculture official has said.
It's make or break for UK sheep sector as Brexit D-Day looms
For the sheep on Alan Hutton's farm outside Basingstoke, about 50 miles west of London, the outcome of Brexit will mean life or death.
Margaret Donnelly: 'Leo said farmers were the lifeblood of our economy, but now they are feeling forgotten'
Rural Ireland firmly believes the Government has forgotten about it. While just 12 months ago, the Taoiseach said farmers were the heartbeat of rural Ireland and the lifeblood of the recovered economy, he seems to have forgotten a couple of important things, so it is little wonder he is far from popular among farmers at the moment.
Ian O'Doherty: 'Labour split offers little for us as the clock ticks down towards a no-deal disaster for all concerned'
Only 38 days to go. To the continuing amazement of those who clung to the forlorn hope that calm heads and political professionals would come together for the sake of the common good and thrash out some sort of agreement, we are now further away from any sort of rational compromise on Brexit than ever before.
'Serious' concern over Brexit no deal brings buyers south
After a slow start to the season for pedigree breeders, the first spring shoots of the year lifted the trade for bulls at the opening official breed society show and sale for 2019 at Tullamore.
Government help for wind farm jeopardised by farmer - company claims
A company claims Government assistance for a €26m wind farm project is being jeopardised by a farmer's refusal to comply with an agreement he made to permit cabling work to be carried on his land, the Commercial Court heard.
How sheep farmers can have enough grass supply in time for the 'Magic Day'
Walking the farm and keeping it simple are sheep farmer Dan O'Loughlin’s main grassland management tips for reaching the 'magic day' (when grass growth equals demand) on his farm near Monasterevin, Co Kildare.
Gardaí arrest two suspects after recovering stolen trailer in Wexford
Gardaí have arrested two suspects after recovering a stolen trailer in Wexford.
No-deal Brexit will push up UK food prices 'by up to 20pc' - Birds Eye chief
A no-deal Brexit will lead "virtually instantaneously" to price rises on popular food products in shops, the head of Birds Eye in the UK has warned.
70pc of 2017 agri graduates in full-time work, but receive second lowest pay
Agriculture/forestry/fisheries/veterinary graduates have the second lowest pay rates after leaving college, a new survey reveals.
Authorities develop new DNA tool to detect food fraud and expose misleading labelling
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has a new DNA scanning tool to identify the entire DNA content of a food.
My Pet: Stellar Della is an utter pet and loves to chew the cud
Just because I am a bit of a cow doesn't mean that I cannot be someone's pet!
Barley growers fear prices slump as buyers 'aren't biting'
FARMERS with stocks of dried barley are struggling to source buyers for their grain, and there are growing fears that prices could fall by €35/t from the post-harvest high.
Consumers asked if they would eat ‘gene-edited’ animals
Consumers are being asked their views on eating meat from “gene-edited” animals as researchers aim to eradicate livestock disease.
Ireland to be hotter than the French Riviera as temperatures set to reach 15C
Ireland is set to prove warmer than the French Riviera by the weekend as a front of African and Mediterranean weather helps deliver an exceptionally mild spring.
Caitlin urging other girls to join her on charity Tractor Run
A TEENAGE girl who is taking part in a tractor run in memory of her grandfather is calling on other females to take to the road with her this Easter.
Nutrition management of ewes during late pregnancy has a significant impact on profitability
The energy requirement of single, twin and triplet-bearing ewes increase by 40, 60 and 70pc respectively during late pregnancy.
Funding announced for energy efficient dairy farm equipment (40% grant aid available)
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton has announced funding for energy efficient dairy farm equipment.
Should the Government ditch the National Broadband Plan and focus on wireless for rural areas?
Should the Government ditch the National Broadband Plan and trust a wireless operator to follow through on a promise to connect 400,000 rural homes and businesses? This is now a big question for Richard Bruton, the Taoiseach and more than a million Irish people in badly-served broadband areas.
Eir says plan to provide 30,000 farms with high-speed fibre broadband will be complete in June
Eir says by June of this year some 30,000 farms will have access to high-speed fibre broadband under its fibre to the home rural rollout.
Colm McCarthy: 'Punishing Ireland will only send carbon emissions higher still'
Irish livestock farmers and Chinese steel producers have something in common. Both are successful exporters, both generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions and both are in the firing line in the debate on climate policy.
The pros and cons of putting the farm into company status
Q I am a young trained farmer and my father, having reached retirement age, has decided to transfer the family suckler farm to me.
Tom Staunton: 'Factories need to get real with their quotes'
All sheds are cleaned out for lambing and have been disinfected and sprayed with probiotics. I'm gathering up gates around the farm for the lambing pens and making sure I have all the supplies I need for lambing.
Precious antibiotics still being used to boost animal growth in some countries -OIE
Farmers in 45 countries still use antibiotics to boost animal growth, despite warnings from health experts and bans on the practice in many parts of the world, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said on Thursday.
Urgent need for no-deal Brexit action, warn agri-food groups
EU agri-food operators are clamouring for extra aid as the clock ticks down to cliff-edge Brexit.
'Juggling a dairy farm with polocrosse can be hectic' - Wicklow farmer getting ready to compete in World Cup
Farming and polocrosse do not exactly go hand in hand, but somehow Arklow-based Stephen Nuzum finds the time to combine his busy workload and his love of the sport.
Henry Walsh: Spring is off to a positive start but after 2018, we are taking no chances
The spring 2019 calving season is kicking off on a positive note.
Blaney targeting wide range of markets with new loaders
Blaney multipurpose wheeled loaders have been designed to be compact to aid manoeuvrability and mobility.
Pat Minnock: 'Farmers are being bamboozled by this inspections bureaucracy'
Field work is usually at a minimum in January and February but the mild winter meant that this January was an exception and some sowing and spraying was carried out.
France fears border lorry queues as it braces for no-deal Brexit
France will be ready to handle border inspections in the event of a no-deal Brexit but fears long tailbacks at the Channel as goods flow between Britain and Europe, its agriculture minister said.
'The 30-month age limit has to be scrapped'
The beef grid system has to go - and while the authorities are dismantling it, they can also scrap the 30-month age limit for selling cattle: that's the verdict of Tim MacRaith, a lifelong beef man from Garryspillane in Co Limerick.
Budding business ... meet the founding member of Ireland's leading hemp business
'After 61 years, I've finally become an overnight success' - although Celtic Wind Crops CEO Joe Gavin jokes about the speed at which the hemp oil business he set up six years ago has grown, there is plenty of truth in his statement.
Man who operated 'chop shop' for stolen parts from tractors jailed
A man who operated a 'chop shop' for stolen parts from luxury cars including BMWs and Audis as well as high-tech tractors has been jailed for two years.
Young couple secure 91ac holding for €1.42m in bidding marathon to consolidating suckler farming operation
A 91ac residential farm at Blackwater, between Enniscorthy and Wexford, sold under the hammer last week making €1.42m - €420,000 more than its guide price and more than €15,600/ac.
Prosecco pops Champion fizz - Cavan-bred bull crowned at Angus and Hereford Show at Carrick-on-Shannon
A Northern Ireland Angus breeder outbid strong competition from ringside for the top price pedigree bull at Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday where the overall trade was much improved on the previous week.
Robin Talbot: 'We took a leap of faith last week when we bought two Stabiliser bulls'
We took a leap of faith last week when we bought two Stabiliser bulls.
Komatsu targets contractors and farmers with newly designed loader
Komatsu has launched its latest version WA100M Dash 8 compact wheel loader on the market in Ireland
Farmers warned of dangers of taking videos and selfies of freshly calved cows
CALVING season is in full swing on Irish farms.
TB levels at historically low levels, but progress towards eradication has slowed - Department
New figures from the Department of Agriculture show that while TB is at historically low levels, progress towards eradication appears to have slowed since 2015.
Creed resists calls for higher forestry payments to full-time farmers
The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has rejected call's for full-time farmers to receive higher forestry payments.
'They have let us down' - local IFA members shut down branch, but senior officials vow to go on
Members of IFA in Mayo have shut down their own local branch, but senior IFA officials say it will be re-established.
Cork paid quarter of TAMS dairy funds
Over 60pc of Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES) grant aid went to farmers in Munster over the last four years, figures from the Department of Agriculture show.
Microplastics in sewage sludge spread on land to come under microscope
Research is intensifying on the impact of spreading sewage sludge on farmland in spreading microplastics into watercourses.
Farmers and residents near airport fear night flight restriction will be lifted
A group of residents who are fighting plans to overturn night flights in and out of Dublin Airport are determined not to let it happen.
Tassos Haniotis: 'If we want to be politically correct about climate change, we had better start by being factually correct'
I think it can be fair to say that beef has not had its best days lately. From the LANCET report linking diets to health and sustainability, to the recent food safety scandal in Poland, the beef sector is once more on the receiving end of news headlines.
Dairy farmer pays €18,000/ac for prime Cork holding
The auction season has started with a bang in Co Cork, where a 46.2ac holding with a derelict dwelling and a habitable chalet at Knockadooma, Templemartin near Bandon made €840,000, or €18,181/ac.
Resistance to dosing products growing at "alarming" rate, warns vet
A deterioration in the effectiveness of some of the most commonly used animal remedies is spreading at an "alarming" rate, a leading vet has warned.
Ulster farmers angry at increase in cattle imports from south of the Border
The Ulster Farmers’ Union says it is frustrated that meat plants in the North have increased direct imports of cattle from the Republic for slaughter.
MEP's want EU countries to move away from live exports (Irish farmers hope for increase)
The EU and its member states must develop a strategy to shift from live animal transport to transport of meat-and-carcass and germinal products, when possible, the European Parliament said on Thursday.
Dan Ryan: 'Cutting corners in the calving season is piling stress on cows and stockmen'
Spring calving programmes have begun on the vast majority of dairy farms. This is an extremely challenging period for farm staff, freshly calved cows and new-born calves. In this column I will look at how these challenges can be addressed.
Milk price to remain at 30-32c/l predicts Ornua
Milk prices look set to remain at 30-32c/l over the coming months, despite Brexit and potential weather volatility, according to Ornua.
National Broadband Plan may face new state aid challenge from Irish operator
The chief executive of a wireless broadband firm will warn the government today that proceeding with state-subsidised broadband for 540,000 rural homes under the National Broadband Plan represents “unnecessary state intervention” and ”could lead to difficulties with state aid approval” in the EU.
"Border buster" shows why Brexit frontier checks in N.Ireland would matter
Near one of the scores of small border crossings on the island of Ireland, a yellow digger stands as a monument to the lengths communities went to to keep roads open during Northern Ireland's violent "Troubles".
Factories: Lamb prices steady at €5.20/kg
The trade for sheep appears to have levelled off, with factory quotes for lambs remaining unchanged from last week. Dawn, ICM and Kepak held their official base quotes steady at €5.20/kg plus various bonuses.
Why a magnifying glass might be the best purchase for tillage farmers to make this year
Farmers need to use more holistic methods of pest control this springtime with important management chemicals in danger of being removed from the marketplace, it has been urged.
Fianna Fail call for emergency meeting with Minister to address live exports blockage issues
Fianna Fail members have written to the chair of the Oireachtais Joint Committee on Agriculture calling for an emergency meeting with the Minister of Agriculture Michael Creed to address issues that are preventing the current expansion of live exports of calves.
'Our inputs costs only ever go in one direction and that’s upwards' - Surging input costs hit farmers pockets just as prices slump
Farmers have said they have been caught in a 'costs-price squeeze' as overheads continue to rise while farmgate prices flatline or fall.
Glanbia offers milk price of 31.5c/L in new Fixed Milk Price Scheme
Glanbia Ireland (GI) has launched a new two-year Fixed Milk Price Scheme (Phase 13) offering a milk price of 31.5 cent per litre (cpl) (including VAT).
Lakeland Dairies holds price for January milk supplies
Lakeland Dairies has held its milk price and will pay 32.06 cent per litre, inclusive of VAT and lactose bonus, for January milk supplies.
Instagram: See inside Roscommon dairy farmer Ed Payne's once-a-day set up
Today we're out on the farm of Ed Payne, a dairy farmer in Roscommon who has two herds - one milking the traditional twice a day and the other once a day.
Martin Coughlan: Factories keep cattle men on the back foot
I'm not going to pretend there is any real good news on the factory price front. Bullocks and heifers remain the same price as they have for weeks: €3.75/kg and €3.85/kg respectively.
IFA sets out its demands from Government and EU if there's a no-deal Brexit
The IFA set out demands today for a multi-million euro package for ‘the beef sector in case prices plummet in a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario.
Bertie Ahern says hard Brexit would be 'devastating' for agri-food sector
A hard Brexit would be devastating for the agri-food sector, according to the former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Varadkar under pressure over delivery of low-cost loans for farmers announced 'two budgets ago'
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar came under pressure in the Dail yesterday over the delivery of a low-cost loan scheme for farmers.
Less people buying farms for 'love of the land', says auctioneer
Business men and developers were key figures in auction rooms during the Celtic Tiger years, eager to bolster the small holdings they may have come from, or 'go back to their roots'.
How to reduce your suckler cow feeding costs
Feeding suckler cows based on their body condition score is essential to reduce feed costs on suckler cow farms where maintaining cows can take up 70pc of the total feed costs, according to UCD Lecturer and Pedigree Beef farmer Alan Kelly speaking at a Teagasc suckler cow conference held in Mayo.
Farming's great growth dilemma - Can farmers maintain growth while delivering on climate action obligations?
Last week's spat in the Dáil between Agriculture minister Michael Creed and Independent TD Mick Wallace was a foretaste of what is likely to be an increasingly emotive debate about the environmental impact of farming.
Ann Fitzgerald: It's time to beef up the good news message about our food industry
McDonald's is the world's largest restaurant chain. Founded in America in the 1940s, it currently serves some 69 million customers a day, across more than 37,000 outlets. Over 150,000 customers a day visit Ireland's 92 McDonald's.
Catastrophic threat to world's ecosystems as farm pesticides 'driving insect extinction'
Pesticide use is driving an "alarming" decline in the world's insects that could have a "catastrophic" impact on nature's ecosystems.
Alan Matthews: Our 'green' farming credentials are set to come under greater scrutiny
Irish production of beef and milk is relatively carbon-efficient on a global scale, although our ranking within the European Union is less clear.
Grass growth surge worth €1.5m a day to farmers
Grass growth is surging ahead, with estimates that early cover could be worth up to €1.5m a day to farmers.
Finishers facing six-week wait to get young bulls killed
Finishers are finding it extremely difficult to get young bulls killed, with some facing a six-week wait, it has emerged.
Glanbia holds milk price for January supplies
Glanbia will pay its Member milk suppliers 32 cent per litre (cpl) including VAT for January manufacturing milk supplies at 3.6pc butterfat and 3.3pc protein.
Career fraudster jailed once again for conning farmers into handing over tractors
A convicted sex offender and fraudster was jailed once again this week for conning farmers into handing over tractors.
Watch: As Trump's Ag advisor buys the world's most expensive bull
Donald Trump's main agricultural advisor spent what is thought to be a record breaking $1.5m on an Angus bull in recent days.
IFA reviews its communication with members
Communication between the IFA and its thousands of members countrywide has been brought under the microscope as the organisation conducts a review into the issue.
Cows found living with rotting carcasses in Tyrone, court told
A judge has expressed "deep concern" about the state of a farm in County Tyrone where carcasses were found lying amongst livestock.
Letting land supply hits a record low
The supply of letting land has hit a record low and prices have climbed as high as €350/ac for grazing and up to €600/ac for potato ground.
Alternatives to milk boom as consumers turn to vegan diet
Sales of plant-based milks have soared in the last year amid the increasing popularity of vegan diets.
Strong farmer demand driving early calf sales
Lively demand and fine prices are reported in early calf sales, despite growing fears that a combination of restricted lairage capacity and shipping schedules could seriously hit the live export trade this spring.
5 ways to reduce carbon emissions on your farm
Although agricultural green-house gases (GHGs) are difficult to reduce, it is not impossible and can done by improving efficiencies on farms, according to a recent report by Teagasc.
Residential north Kerry holding ideal for starter farmers
Unlike most regions on the western seaboard, north Kerry has a thriving dairy sector and is of course home to the Kerry Group, one of the most successful food companies in the world. The global player began its life in Listowel.
Leinster land sales crank up as new small and medium-sized farms come on the market
Land sales are slowly cranking into action after the seasonal lull and a selection of good quality small to medium-sized farms are now on the market in Leinster.
Mild winter has extended our grazing season by five weeks
With the exception of 90 ewes on a late pregnancy feeding trial, all other ewes and ewe lambs at Lyons are still outdoors.
'Golden age for EU sugar producers over - Sugar industry in turmoil since EU scrapped quotas
Cristal Union, France’s second-largest sugar group, said on Monday the “golden age” for European Union sugar producers was over and that it expected significant changes in the EU sugar sector.
Department of Agriculture seize illegal meat imports at Dublin Port
The Department of Agriculture, as a result of a recent joint operation with Revenue’s Customs Service, seized illegal meat at Dublin port recently.
Are sprayer issues hitting your pocket?
It's amazing how year after year farmers pay big money for fertiliser and yet don't bother setting up their spreader properly.
'Reasonable' demand for pedigree Angus bulls while prices remain under pressure
Pedigree Angus bulls met with reasonable demand while prices continued under pressure at the first sale of the year for the breed hosted by the Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society at Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday.
Hopes of an early spring as temperatures to rise to 15C
Spring is set to announce itself this week as temperatures are expected to rise to 15 degrees.
My Dog: Beautiful Blackie loves guarding farm
My name is Blackie. I am a female German Shepherd who lives on a farm in Co Waterford.
Tax worries and income fears the biggest stumbling blocks to smooth farm transfers
I could write an article every week on farm succession and I'm not sure I would be able to satisfy the demand for information on this topic. I have dealt with the many aspects of succession in previous articles, but the queries keep on rolling in.
More cattle exported to Northern Ireland during January
In the last week of January there were 529 prime cattle were exported to Northern Ireland for direct slaughter in local plants which took total imports for January 2019 to 1,398 head.
New report gives snapshot of the antimicrobial use on farms in Ireland
The Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine recently published the Ireland - One Health Report on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance.
Concern over proposal to impose a 30-day pre-movement TB test on animals
Concerns have been raised over a proposal to impose a 30-day pre-movement TB test on animals the New EU Animal Health Law.
Scanning results point to a hectic lambing season for this Donegal farmer
A lot has happened since our last report from Michael Duffy's farm in October.
How social farming and Google translate helped Syrian olive farmers get back to their roots in Mayo
For two olive farmers from Syria, integrating into the rural town of Claremorris, Mayo, was not necessarily going to be easy.
Brexit triggers sale of Reynolds stake in C&D Foods to Goodman
Businessman Philip Reynolds, son of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, has sold down his last remaining 15pc stake in the family business, C&D Foods, to beef baron Larry Goodman.
Wildlife poaching soars as gangs target deer, hares and small birds
Wildlife poaching by criminal gangs has reached levels not seen since the 1980s, gardaí have warned.
Beware of jargon and agendas when dealing with 'sound science'
Around this time of the winter, I usually get that "glass half-empty" feeling when I look at my rapidly shrinking silage pit.
'I was on the brink of ruin until the man from Revenue gave me one last chance'
In 1997, Oliver Walsh's home farm outside Ballinasloe was on the brink of collapse. "That's how close it got. I was drinking heavily and about to lose everything," he recalls.
Why a profit monitor is an essential for all dairy farmers
The mild weather since Christmas came to an abrupt end last week with the first snow of the winter arriving. Thankfully it didn't last or hang about.
Meet the woman who gave up the vocation of nursing for farming
Last week, the nurses of Ireland braved the wintry elements in a strike calling for improved wages and working conditions.
Analysis: Five simple steps to make sure you can get the loan your farm business needs
In Ireland, there are effectively only three mainstream banks lending to farmers for long-term agricultural projects such as purchasing land or farm building developments.
'She was everything to us' - Owner mourns Marmalade the super world record-holding hen
MARMALADE was no ordinary hen.
Mart accident claims must be 'fair and rational' - ICOS
Legal professionals must ensure all cases involving mart accident claims are "fair and rational", a marts spokesman has urged.
Video: See inside this 246ac farm with horse walker, 7-bedroom house and €2.3m guide
Rarely does a farm this quality and size come on the market, according to Quinn Property, who are offering a 246ac residential farm for sale outside Enniscorthy.
Contractors say 5pc rise in charges on the way
Contractors are quoting a 5pc increase on charges in order to meet with the increases in costs of machinery and higher labour costs since the start of 2019.
US farm finances 'relatively stable' despite China trade war
US farmers are in “relatively stable” financial health despite a bruising trade war between the United States and China that has weakened crop prices, the chief executive of farm supplier Nutrien Ltd said this week.
Norbrook chief calls for transition period with no-deal Brexit 'off table'
Veterinary pharmaceutical firm Norbrook Holdings has said it is in the process of stockpiling six months worth of products for its EU customers ahead of Brexit day on March 29.
Farmers to protest at Denny plant using foreign meat to make 'made in Wicklow' chicken
Poultry farmers are today protesting outside the Kerry Foods plant in Wicklow that produces its Denny slow cooked ‘made in Wicklow’ chicken.
Farmers warned to 'lock up' diesel after spate of fuel thefts
Famers and local business owners are being advised to secure their fuel tanks, after a spate of thefts of diesel from premises.
'Many farmers aren't bothered reporting sheep kills anymore'
A North Louth farmer who lost eight pregnant ewes carrying up to 17 lambs in a savage attack by marauding dogs claims many sheep owners aren’t bothering to report kills any more.
€10 million allocation for improvements to non-public rural roads
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, has announced that he will make €10 million available in a new round of funding for Local Improvement Schemes (LIS).
'Big M' set to rock FTMTA machinery spectacular
Dublin-based machinery distributors Farmhand will have a big presence at this year's FTMTA show at Punchestown Racecourse, Co Kildare this week.
The FTMTA Show ... 30 years a-growing
The FTMTA Farm Machinery Show marks its third anniversary when the sector's flagship event comes to Punchestown from Thursday to Saturday this week.
Wallace lashed for 'brass-necked hypocrisy' after remarks comparing farming to fracking
The President of ICMSA has responded furiously to remarks made in the Dail yesterday by Mick Wallace, TD, when the Wexford independent described Irish dairy and beef sectors as a “short-sighted cash generator” and lumped our farming and food industries in with coal-mining and gas-fracking.
Northern Ireland man who took sheep to Lidl wins jail term appeal
A man who assaulted a store detective after being asked to leave a supermarket where he had taken his pet sheep has spoken of his relief after avoiding jail.
Storm Erik: Met Éireann issues Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings as gale force winds to hit
Met Éireann has issued Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings for Ireland as Storm Erik is set to bring gale force winds.
Farmer proposes with message visible from space
A farmer in Australia has set a high bar for wedding proposals ahead of Valentine’s Day by asking the big question in 70-metre high letters carved into a field of wheat.
'Never turn your back on a cow after calving'
THE Health and Safety Authority is currently carrying out an intensive farm safety inspection campaign, where some 250 farms nation wide will be inspected with a focus on the safe management of livestock during calving season, when the risk of injury to farmers increases significantly.
'My daughter found me lying in a pool of blood' – One farmer on surviving a cow attack
A farmer has revealed how he was attacked and crushed against a wall by a cow trying to protect her calf.
Michael Creed: ''Veganuary', Brexit and climate change - why our beef farmers are a resilient breed'
It has been a difficult new year for beef farmers. Poor market conditions have been compounded by continued Brexit uncertainty.
Factories: Numbers don't add up as lamb prices start to level off
At first glance, the sheep trade continues to push on well, with Kepak Athleague yesterday raising their quote by 15c/kg to €5.20+ 15c/kg QA.
Return of French farmer's case keeps Monsanto in legal spotlight
A decade-old lawsuit in which a French farmer with neurological problems accuses Monsanto of not providing adequate safety warnings for a weedkiller returned to court on Wednesday, adding to health claims faced by the Bayer-owned firm.
'Entitlements today relative to 20 years ago, bear little or no resemblance' - Creed
The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has responded to criticism of the continued use of references years in formulating farmers' EU farm payments.
Fianna Fail demands clarity for farmers on hard Brexit plans - Creed says no such clarity exists
Fianna Fail has demanded clarity in the coming days from the Government on what preparations are being made and what farmers can expect in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
French, German farmers destroy crops after GMOs found in Bayer seeds
Bayer said on Wednesday that farmers in France and Germany were digging up thousands of hectares of rapeseed fields after traces of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) banned for cultivation were found in seeds sold by the company.
Watch: 'Cold stores are absolutely jammed with beef' - Dail row as TD compares Irish agriculture to gas fracking
Both the beef and dairy sector and the gas fracking sector are carbon emitting and have to be scaled back massively, according to Wexford Independent TD, Mick Wallace.
Northern Ireland parties sceptical over reported border technology proposal
Reports that a technology company has proposed a solution to the Irish border after Brexit have been greeted with scepticism in Northern Ireland.
Martin Coughlan: Factories are beefing up their tactics
Prices for bullocks and heifers remain fixed in recent days week at €3.75 and €3.85/kg respectively.
Calls for BVD testing to be made compulsory and for suckler compensation to be €400
ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chairman Hugh Farrell has said that many farmers who have never had a BVD positive test result in their calves are fed up with a scheme that has gone on for seven years and he said that it is now time to make 2019 the last year of full scale compulsory testing.
Kerry farmer fined for polluting groundwater
A Lauragh farmer was convicted and fined €750 at Kenmare District Court for failing to ensure that livestock manure and other effluent from silage and manure pits was stored properly to prevent run-off or seepage into ground water.
Calls for increased culling and fencing of deer in Killarney
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has ruled out fencing off sections of the Killarney National Park alongside public main roads where deer are crossing onto the paths of motorists.
Varadkar seeks EU aid as no deal plans speed up
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will travel to Brussels today to lobby key EU leaders to pledge major emergency aid for Ireland if the UK crashes out next month.
A three-step approach to tackling the most common soil fertility issues
New research from Teagasc shows that while there is finally some improvement in in terms of pH, Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) levels, our soils are still far from optimum fertility and the requirement for significant investment in fertilisers continues.
Putting down roots: how to get started in forestry
Over the last two weeks, Teagasc ran it largest ever nationwide series of Forestry Advisory Clinics.
Two farmers who got scratch cards after hip replacement surgeries thank their lucky stars!
Just days after being released from hospital with hip replacements, two farmers will appear on this week's Winning Streak after their lucky stars were pulled from the drum.
Mart numbers slump on back of Brexit fears
A 10-20pc drop in cattle numbers in the marts has been reported over the last week as poor factory prices and the continuing Brexit debacle in Britain fuels uncertainty in the trade.
Thinking of doing the Green Cert? Here's some options
Agricultural courses have always been a big part of education in counties Galway and Clare with courses available in Teagasc Centres and in Mountbellew Agricultural College. Courses are still in demand and intake has been steady over the last number of years in both counties.
'Please take a look at these pictures - this is what your dog can do' - devastated farmer asks dog owners
Cavan sheep farmer Daphne Scott is asking dog owners to look at the pictures of her dead sheep, after her flock was attacked over the weekend by a dog, leaving eight ewes dead.
Calf export trade faces shipping bottleneck
Difficulties with ferry schedules and lairage capacity could significantly restrict calf exports this spring, industry sources have warned.
Five ways to reduce lamb mortality this spring
Only 85pc of lambs are all lambs conceived are alive at weaning time. While it’s not possible to save every lamb, a few simple changes can go a long way to reduce lamb mortality on farm. Here are Teagasc's guidelines on how to best prevent lamb deaths:
Move towards higher ‘wealth taxes’ could be leaving farmers out of pocket
It's essential for all farming families to take into account all aspects included in farm transfers, now more than ever because of the move towards higher ‘wealth taxes’, according to IFAC Accountants Head of Tax Declan McEvoy.
Farmers warn 'well-insulated executives' against underplaying Brexit as 'an economic hiccup'
The President of Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) has warned of “well-insulated executives” against underplaying Brexit as “an economic hiccup”.
Breeding for resilience is essential for sustainable tillage farming in the future – Teagasc
Although the Irish climate bestows high yield potential for its primary tillage crops, it also supports the prevalence of many crop diseases, presently controlled using pesticides, according to Ewen Mullins.
Country's largest exporter of dairy stockpiles 'Cheddar mountain' as a Brexit buffer
The country's largest exporter of dairy products has moved to store over six months of Cheddar cheese in warehousing in the UK as a Brexit buffer.
Helen Harris: I can't understand the huge jump in price of fertilisers
With the wintry weather, we have plenty of time to get our Nitrates Plan finished and soil samples out. We need to study them for the upcoming season to see what's needed where.
Louise Hogan: Rabble-rousing IFA can't have it every way on EU payments
Sometimes it can be easy to grab headlines. Beef barons, sheikhs and Coolmore Stud in one soundbite is enough to catch anyone's eye.