Farmers to protest over 'sell out’ trade deal 

Europe's food waste is 'a scandal', says agency chief 

Europe’s high levels of food waste are an ethical scandal at a time when hundreds of millions of people around the world are going hungry, the head of the region’s food safety watchdog said on Friday.

BackPac system aiming to leave rivals trailing in its wake 

German manufacturer Vogelsang is launching the BackPac2, a special system for umbilical slurry application with working widths up to 30 meters.

Louth breeders score a double at final Hereford show and sale of the season 

Father-and-son duo Eamon and John McKiernan took home the top price of €3,700 from the final show and sale of the season for Herefords, at Nenagh.

40ac farm on market for €650,000, plus house and 78ac lands for €2m in Tipp 

Last week found me traipsing around south Tipperary, where I came across Castlegrace, a complex and historic 120ac Quaker property that has been in the Grubb family for over 200 years.

'We have some of the best Charolais cattle in the world in this country'- new society president 

Noel McGoldrick has never forgotten the advice he received when he took his first steps into the world of pedigree beef breeding as a teenager.

'I no longer have neighbours with cattle' - one of Dublin's last dairy farmers on urban pressures 

The Mexicans built a wall and so will Padraig Ó Scanaill, if that is what it takes to secure one of the last remaining dairy farms in North Co Dublin.

Lourdes to Knock farming cyclists due to land in Ireland 

Some would say that a 2,000km cycle is a hell of a journey, but for Mayo farmer Alan Heaney, who is cycling from Lourdes to Knock, it is more of a pilgrimage.

'It's all about grass, breeding and culling cows at the right time' - top dairy farmer 

Darran and Denise McKenna created a slice of farming history last year when they became the first winners from Ulster of the "All-Ireland Championship for dairy farmers".

How Fair Deal works: The new plan that delivers a truly fairer deal for farm families 

Last week Ministers signed off on proposals to overhaul the Fair Deal scheme, which will cap the payments to be made by farm families when a person enters the care of a nursing home.

Fair Deal: What to do when payment falls due and transferring/leasing the farm 

Our solicitor Theresa Murphy answers your questions about Fair Deal.

Margaret Donnelly: Is the green agenda finally about to change the face of farming? 

Is there a seismic change about to take place in farming? The green agenda was a dominant issue during the local and European elections.

Warning: Graphic content - Department photos of animals show level of neglect on farm 

Photos released today by the Dept of Agriculture show the level of neglect endured by the animals on land-holdings controlled by farmer, Martin Gerald Foley.

Man killed in tractor accident in Roscommon 

A farmer has died following a farm accident in Co Roscommon.

EU Commission public stocks of skimmed milk powder fully sold off 

At the last tender sale, the remaining 162 tonnes of skimmed milk powder out of a total, original amount of 380,000 tonnes in public stocks were sold, fully emptying as a result the total stocks bought and managed by the Commission.

Summer to finally arrive? Met Éireann says temperatures to hit 25C and 'possibly higher' next week 

Met Éireann has finally delivered some good news on the weather front as temperatures are to hit 25C and "possibly higher" next week.

Cost of basket of food here is 20pc higher than average across the EU 

Food prices in this country are among the highest in the European Union, despite Ireland being an agricultural nation.

Cork group hosting cycle to buy tractors for local priest's mission in Africa 

Teach a man to farm and you feed him for a lifetime - that could very well be the motto of one west Cork priest who has been passing on farming skills to locals in Mozambique for several decades.

US disaster aid for farmers who couldn't plant corn or soybeans due to severe floods 

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Thursday announced a new measure to help farmers who were unable to plant corn and soybeans due to widespread flooding across the US Midwest.

Pig prices soar as China chases stocks due to African Swine Fever impact 

Pig prices have rocketed over the last six weeks as the impact of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in China has transformed global markets.

Community service for woman involved in fatal tractor crash 

A woman who killed a farmer when she crashed into his tractor was ordered to complete 120 hours community service.

Kerry Co-op to go ahead with cash for shares scheme 

Kerry Co-op will go ahead with cash for shares redemptions scheme following its Special General Meeting in Tralee.

Older farmers need help to plan for retirement - Teagasc 

A senior official in Teagasc has said the next CAP should contain incentives to assist older farmers who want to exit the sector.

Limerick roadside holding expected to top €750,000 

Adare in Co Limerick has been particularly fertile hunting ground for Tom Crosse and GVM auctioneers over the last year.

New woodlands to pave way for diversity are planned by Coillte 

Forests transformed into recreational spaces and new woodlands to encourage native species and diversity are part of a plan announced by Coillte.

Four things you should know if you're going to the Highland Show 

The Highland Show which is beloved amongst Irish fans is due to take place in Edinburgh, Scotland from today to Sunday, June 23. Whether you’re boarding a 6am flight for a day trip to the show or making a weekend out of it, below is some key advice on attending one of farming’s most famous events:

Compact 14ac residential stud farm on the market for €400,000 in Waterford 

Lismore in Co Waterford is one of the hidden gems of the country. Built around one of the best preserved and most picturesque castles in Ireland, it has the feel of English and French villages that grew up around the local great house or château.

Coillte to establish non-profit entity to focus on the environment and non-commercial forests 

Coillte is to establish a non-profit entity, Coillte Nature, with specific focus on the environment and non-commercial forests.

Land mobility 'match-making' service increasing production by two thirds on farms 

Land and farm collaboration between young trained farmers and older farmers is delivering a 65pc increase in farm production on average, according to Macra na Feirme's 2019 Land Mobility Report published today.

Intel denies 'political collusion' claims made by Irish farmer 

The US chip-giant company made the statement on Wednesday when asked to comment on claims of political collusion between Intel and Fianna Fáil in the planning arena by Kildare farmer, Thomas Reid.

Quality heifers jump 16c/kg despite mixed prices 

With grass continuing to grow very well across the country, marts also continue to see strong demand from farmers for stock to help manage that extra growth.

Irish dairy herd growth is starting to slow down and could stall by 2022 

Growth in the dairy herd is forecast to slow significantly this year and could stall by 2022, the latest industry figures indicate.

Gerry Giggins: Why visiting a US feedlot was an eye opener - both good and bad 

Last month I had the pleasure of attending the annual Alltech ONE conference in Lexington, Kentucky.

Mercosur deal would be 'disastrous' for Ireland's Climate Action Plan warns farm organisations 

A Mercosur deal would be completely ‘contradictory’ and ‘disastrous’ in light of Ireland’s recently published Climate Action Plan, farm organisations have warned.

Twenty farmers a week dropping out of BDGP scheme 

Unclaimed funding for the Beef Data Genomics Programme has increased to close to €9m a year and almost one in every four of the original applicants are no longer "active" participants in the scheme.

Over a third of Irish beef farmers uncertain if they will be farming in five years - new report 

More than a third of beef farmers are uncertain if they will be farming in five years, a report published by IFAC has stated.

Farmer faces legal action if he doesn't remove animals from land earmarked for unbuilt prison 

A farmer who placed animals on land earmarked for a ‘super prison’ which was never built is facing legal action if he does not remove them.

'British beef access to China a huge opportunity' - Ulster Farmers Union 

Exports of Northern Ireland beef can now be sent to China after an agreement - potentially worth tens of millions of pounds to the industry here - was signed between the UK and China.

Department of Agriculture accounts to be analysed by Public Accounts Committee tomorrow 

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will meet tomorrow with officials from the Department of Agriculture to examine account information from 2017 which includes funding given to Bord Bia and Teagasc.

'CAP budget cuts could be a reality if countries aren't ambitious on environment' - Hogan 

CAP budget cuts could become a reality if EU countries aren’t ambitious on the environment, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan has said.

Darragh McCullough: Milking robots can teach Kerry Co-op a thing or two about moving with the times 

You know you're getting old when you start remarking on the passage of time. So I was confirming my oldie status last week marvelling over technological advances in farming over the last 20 years.

Global dairy prices fall for third time in a row 

Global dairy prices slipped for the third time in a row at an auction held early on Wednesday, as the volume of product on offer climbed.

Trading in Ireland offsets 'challenging' backdrop in Continental Europe for Origin agri firm 

Origin Enterprises has said favourable trading in Ireland and the UK more than offset the impact of a "challenging" market backdrop in Continental Europe, mainly in the Ukraine, in the three months to 30 April.

Gardeners more of a priority for Government than farmers, claims IFA 

Gardeners and green keepers are now a greater priority for policy makers than productive and commercial farmers, the IFA has claimed.

Factories claim lamb market is 'softening' 

While ICM have pulled their quote for lamb by 10c/kg to €5.40/kg plus bonuses, Kildare Chilling remained unchanged yesterday at €5.60+10c/kg QA, with Moyvalley coming in at €5.50/kg.

'Health is a serious issue for farmers - we need to start talking about it' 

Storm Powell visited Roscrea Mart and asked farmers their views on silage cutting, forestry on farms, the health implications of using Roundup and their succession plans

Slow progress on CAP deal giving EU officials the 'jitters' 

EU officials are becoming increasingly frustrated at the deadlock in post-2020 farming talks.

John Fagan: This year's summer is shaping up ominously like the washout of 2012 

I was hoping for the usual 'Leaving Cert weather' so I could make mountains of silage and haylage, but I expect the exam results will be better this year as most students would have remained inside as there was no temptation to leg it outside given the weather we have been having.

'Deep concerns' on possible Mercosur deal outlined by Taoiseach in letter to EU Commission 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and three other European leaders have sent a letter to EU Commission President Jean Claude Junker highlighting their “deep concern” on a potential EU trade deal with Mercosur being passed next week that could “threaten agriculture” in Europe.

Mercosur deal could be agreed next week despite 'difficult agriculture issues' - Hogan 

A Mercosur deal could be agreed by the end of next week if the right circumstances are in place, EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said.

Cattle and horses were left to die under the control of farmer, court told 

Horses unable to stand up were left to die in excruciating pain on lands in west Clare under the control of a 66 year old farmer three years ago.

Dairygold announce unchanged milk price for May supplies 

Dairygold has held its milk price for the month of May.

Eddie Cunningham: 'Government wants diesel dead, but is it as feasible for those who need large SUVs to tow trailers' 

One thing you can be sure of: you'll never look at your car the same way again. Not after you've heard what the Government has in store for you in the climate strategy.

Kerry deal may go ahead without member approval 

The Kerry Co-op shareholder redemption scheme may be introduced even if it is not approved by shareholders at the Special General Meeting (SGM) tomorrow.

Farmers on the Shannon callows alarmed over the rising water levels 

Farmers on the Shannon callows have raised concerns over the rising water levels on the river.

Farmer puts brakes on Intel €3.5bn plan - Thomas Reid only third party to appeal Council decision 

A farmer has appealed Kildare Co Council’s planning permission for Intel’s planned new $4 billion (€3.53bn) facility at its Leixlip plant to An Bord Pleanála.

Large rise in judgments being sought by vulture funds over farmers' debts 

There has been a large rise in the number of judgments being sought by vulture funds on farm-related debt, an agrifinance specialist has warned.

Farming faces 'challenging' goals with 30 action points 

The agriculture sector faces challenging targets under the Government's Climate Action Plan, with more than 30 action points to help reduce emissions by 10-15pc from the sector.

Vulture funds upping the ante on farm debts 

There has been a large rise in the number of judgements being sought by vulture funds on farm-related debt an agri finance specialist has warned.

Labour shortages now the biggest threat to farming's growth targets 

Why are farmers finding it difficult to get people to work on farms?

Climate targets won't hold back farm growth like quotas - Creed 

Climate action measures will not become the new quota for farming, holding back growth, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has insisted.

'Huge' rise in judgements being sought by vulture funds on farm-related debts 

Farmers whose loans are in the hands of so-called vulture funds may be able to save both their family home and farms, through a Personal Insolvency Arrangement, according to a farm finance specialist.

Beef bailout fund a 'bribe' to scale back the suckler sector, claim hill farmers 

The EU Commission has been accused of targeting the suckler sector in the conditions attached to the €100m Brexit support package for the Irish beef industry.

Richard Hackett: Next two weeks could dictate if the harvest proves bountiful or a complete washout 

With the weather taking a turn, it looks like the wheat septoria programmes we have been using are going to be really tested over the next few weeks.

Beef Prices: 'Magnificent Seven' badly needed by beef farmers 

"If God did not want them sheared, He would not have made them sheep."

The radical actions aiming to slash farming emissions 

The Government's Climate Action Plan has 35 action points for agriculture. These include bringing forward the introduction of the Teagasc Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions report.

Plenty of road frontage land up for grabs in Leinster auctions this week 

While the land market in north Leinster has been slow to kick off this year, Murtagh Bros Mullingar have a flurry of auctions coming up.

The 'invincible' virus -African swine fever is ravaging China's pig sector and eliminating it could take decades 

The deadly pig virus that jumped from Africa to Europe is now ravaging China's €113bn pork industry and spreading to other Asian countries; an unprecedented disaster that has prompted Beijing to slaughter millions of pigs. But stopping African swine fever isn't so easy.

North-south divide has opened up on farmland sales 

A GROWING north-south divide is the story from the auction rooms during the first five months of 2019. Sales in Munster and south Leinster continue to be buoyant, while auction sales have all but collapsed north of a line between Dublin and Galway.

Topping value - Plenty of Irish options for farmers looking for grass toppers priced around €5,000 or less 

Topping is a really important grass management tool at this time of year. This most understated of farm machines can be a dairy farmer's best friend when it comes to planning grazing rotations.

Reducing the age cattle are finished among proposals in Government's Climate Action plan 

Almost every aspect of our daily lives will be affected by a new climate strategy which will be unveiled today.

Large rise in meat and dairy manufacturing drives New Zealand's economy 

The largest rise for five years in volumes of meat and dairy products drove manufacturing up for the second quarter in a row, according to new figures from New Zealand.

Sheep farmers can only be pushed so far on prices 

We have most of our March-born lambs dosed for the second time. We use a ivermectin type product and this should see them stay clean until after weaning.

Excluding dairy farmers from 'disadvantage' scheme because of stocking rates branded 'unfair' 

Excluding dairy farmers from the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme due to their high stoking rate has been branded as unfair by Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill.

'Our coast is being destroyed by the force of the Atlantic Ocean' 

'It would've been silly to cut silage last week or even consider spreading slurry with the downpours we got, with or without Trump's visit."

Why these US farmers give up on planting crops and throw a party instead 

Dozens of corn farmers and those who sell them seed, chemicals and equipment gathered last Thursday at the restaurant in Deer Grove, Illinois, after heavy rains caused unprecedented delays in planting this year and contributed to record floods across the central US.

Storied 286ac Limerick stud farm back on the market for €5.5m 

Now that President Trump has been and gone, he has trodden a path that's almost a rite of passage for American leaders - a visit to the Emerald Isle.

Farmers being misled €50m beef fund must see production drop - McConalogue 

Farmers misled by government that fund contingent on reducing production, according to Fianna Fail spokesperson on agriculture Charlie McConalogue.

Investigation underway after 100 sheep stolen in Meath 

Kells gardai are investigating the theft of more than 100 sheep from land at Ross, Mountnugent, Oldcastle.

Ann Fitzgerald: Farmers are so busy feeding the world, we no longer feed ourselves 

One evening last week, I was sitting back savouring a tasty meal comprising several home-grown ingredients when a sudden realisation nearly triggered indigestion.

Prime Offaly arable land guided at €10,000 per acre 

A 55ac farm at Ballykean, Geashill in Co Offaly made up of excellent arable land and a derelict cottage is coming to public auction with a guide price of €10,000/ac.

Glory days as O'Keeffes pull off Cillin Hill clean sweep 

Showing champions in two breeds on the same day, and landing an overall Inter Breed Supreme Championship double, is something dreams are made of.

Beyond Meat's home in the meat aisle sparks US food fight 

In a bid to directly compete with ground beef and pork sausage, Beyond Meat Inc bills itself the world's first plant-based burger sold in the meat case of U.S. grocery stores.

'No more sitka Please!' - Farmer blocks road over Coillte's tree planting policy 

Members of a Leitrim community have taken matters into their own hands, taking a stand against Coillte, who they feel have no consideration for their local area.

Package needed to help farmers retire – Teagasc 

A senior official in Teagasc has said the next CAP could and should look at packages to assist older farmers who want to exit the sector.

Aurivo announces May milk price and warns of weak butter markets 

The Board of Aurivo has announced it is holding its milk price at 30.5c/L including vat for the month of May.

Longford farmer mulls over whether to buy a bull or tractor after €238,000 Lotto win 

A Longford farmer who claimed a cheque for a cool €238,673 that he won on last weekend’s Lotto draw was mulling over what he was going to buy with his newfound Lotto windfall.

Claim milk price 'shortfall' worth €2k to average milk supplier 

The shortfall between the Ornua PPI price-per-litre and the average price actually being paid by Irish Co-ops will cost the average milk supplier “around €2,000” over the peak production period, according to the ICMSA.

Weekend weather: Temperatures to reach up to 16C but rain to stay 

For once, Ireland is not getting the worst of the weather - although things still look bad for the coming week.

John Joyce: Why we introduced Simmental bloodlines into our herd 

The latest addition to our breeding policy has been the purchase of a Simmental bull in the spring. While we use some AI and a Limousin bull, I have a number of reasons for introducing some Simmental bloodlines into our herd.

Make combine hygiene a priority ahead of the harvest 

Any issues with moisture stress were solved with last week's rainfall. Winter barley, which is filling rapidly, escaped lodging but further rainfall this week will test varietal straw strength and growth regulator programmes.

Bayer to invest €5bn in new weed killers 

Bayer said it would invest €5 billion in developing new weedkillers and reducing its environmental impact by 30pc by 2030, as it seeks to address the fallout from U.S. class-action litigation over glyphosate.

Darragh McCullough: 'Technology will transform farming efficiency - but I fear the big boys will benefit most' 

My main farm enterprise is cut flowers, so instead of ringing my local Teagasc advisor when I've got a question, I get on a plane to Holland.

Back on the market: 123ac in south Tipp 

Tipperary hurling tails are up and rumour has it that All-Ireland tickets are already being promised and traded, such is the confidence in the Premier destiny of 2019.

Trade deal with Mercosur is No. 1 priority: EU trade chief 

Sealing a free trade agreement with South American bloc Mercosur after 20 years of talks is the European Union’s top priority, EU trade chief Cecilia Malmstrom said on Thursday.

EU agrees deal to boost US beef imports 

The European Union has agreed a deal to allow US farmers a larger share of Europe's beef market.

Elderly farmer airlifted to hospital after serious dog attack 

An elderly farmer was airlifted to hospital following a dog attack in Co Cavan this week.

EU countries vote in favour of €50m Irish Brexit beef fund 

EU Member States today agreed to a proposal from the European Commission to make €50 million available to Irish beef farmers, which can be matched by national funds to reach a maximum of €100 million.

Lakeland and Kerry follow Glanbia in announcing unchanged milk price for May supplies 

Lakeland Dairies and Kerry have both announced unchanged milk prices for May supplies

A new approach to ending the boom and bust milk price cycle 

Price volatility is a spectre that haunts every dairy farmer in particular. It was not always so. During the 30 years from 1977 to 2007 milk prices were extraordinarily stable, apart from regular seasonal variations.

Tractor sales see steady increase on last year 

Tractor registration figures issued by the Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) covering the period to the end of May indicate a steady level of sales activity.

Dan O'Brien: If Trump makes us choose between agriculture and exports, farming will have to be a sacrificial lamb 

Ireland could be facing a very painful choice in the near future. The choice looming is between the farming sector, which is in long-term relative decline, and the non-agricultural export sector, which is many times bigger and the main driver of growth in the Irish economy.

Farm Assist scheme needs an overhaul, warn hill farmers 

The Farm Assist scheme needs to be overhauled, farm leaders have warned.

'All our good bulls are gone to the UK' 

Siobhan English talks to the farmers at Tullow Mart about the Beef Bailout Fund, the ICBF ratings and their plans to cut silage this year

To buy or not to buy, that is the question in beef trade 

My daughter Emily returns this week from her trip to Tanzania, where she and a group from her school were involved in a rural building project.

Save Leitrim group claim afforestation rate in the county is double the official figure 

The Save Leitrim Group has disputed a recent Department of Agriculture report that stated that 18.9pc of the county is in forestry, with the group claiming that the figure could be double the official figures

Kerry co-op share redemption scheme can be introduced without vote from members 

The Kerry Co-op shareholder redemption scheme may be introduced even if is not approved by shareholders at a Special General Meeting (SGM) next week it has emerged.

IFA quashes speculation around rule change to allow extended presidency 

An election to determine the next IFA president will take place later this year as planned, the IFA has confirmed, after days of speculation that a rule change could be sought to allow Joe Healy continue in the role.

Greens pushing for total review of CAP reform plan 

A new group of Green MEPs could push for a total review of the CAP 2020 reform proposals.

Glanbia holds milk price for month of May 

Glanbia has announced that it has held its milk price for the month of May.

Trump simplifies reviews of genetically modified farm products 

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing federal agencies to streamline the review process for agricultural biotechnology including genetically modified livestock and seeds.

Over 20 farmers feature on Revenue's tax defaulters list 

Farmers are one of the largest groups to feature on the on the latest Revenue Defaulters list which details tax defaulters for the cases of failure to file a tax return, failure to remit tax, or delivery of an incorrect return.

New Zealand considering ban on live exports to 'protect farming brand' 

The New Zealand Government is considering banning live exports which are worth over $30 million to its economy in order to protect its farming brand.

Georgian style in the Midlands: 99ac farm on the market after three centuries in same family 

A 99ac farm with a Georgian house that has been in the one family for 300 years is about to come on the market

Marts won't be EID ready for at least a month, admits Creed 

It will be the end of the month before the first of the country's marts are fully operational for EID, the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, has admitted.

Farmers warned of 'extreme danger' of slurry gas after four narrow escapes in Northern Ireland 

Farmers have been warned to be careful of the extreme dangers of slurry mixing after four "narrow escapes" at farms in Northern Ireland over the past two weeks

Light at end of tunnel for sheep farmers as prices start to rise 

Reports from various marts around the country indicate that sheep prices are rising, with factories being forced to follow.

Fair Deal Q&A: What changes are being made? 

Overhaul of Fair Deal to help farmers will cost €10m a year 

Changes to the Fair Deal scheme aimed at reducing "the stress and uncertainty" experienced by farm and business owners will cost €10m a year.

Lee bows out from farming beat after five years 

'Prime Time' reporter Fran McNulty has been announced as RTÉ's new agriculture and consumer affairs correspondent as George Lee revealed it was time for him to change his focus.

Suckler farmers will get a slice of €100m beef bailout fund 

The country's 65,000 suckler farmers will share in the €100m Brexit aid package for the beef sector, the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, has confirmed.

Exclusive: Reasons behind changes at Ornua as new Chairman takes over 

Ornua has announced that Denis Cregan has been appointed the Chairman of Ornua following the resignation of Aaron Forde. 

Margaret Donnelly: Our focus needs to be on the bigger picture rather than once-off bailouts 

At the moment it seems everyone's mind is concentrated on the €50m EU beef fund that is coming down the tracks. The fund will be bolstered by a further €50m from the Government and few would argue that the €100m is not needed within the beef sector.

Farmer paid nine years redundancy to worker who had laboured on family farm for 30 years 

A FARM owner has been ordered to pay a worker over €18,000 after making him redundant after 30 years of service.

Over a quarter of British farmers back a 'no-deal' Brexit 

Over a quarter of British farmers back leaving the EU with no deal, according to a new survey.

Beef Prices: Numbers game leaves farmers in a cloud of despondency 

Strong supply numbers continue to dominate all discussions around factory prices.

Construction boss goes back to his farming roots for a good cause 

One of Kerry's most successful businessmen has come to the rescue of a charity by paying close to €2m at auction for a prime farm in the Kingdom.

Environment watchdog calls for radical action on fertiliser usage 

A radical raft of measures to halt a slide in quality standards in the country's waterways is being proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Exclusive: Reasons behind changes at Ornua as new Chairman takes over 

Ornua has announced that Denis Cregan has been appointed the Chairman of Ornua following the resignation of Aaron Forde. 

Stricter Fair Deal rules to stop heirs from cashing in 

The long-awaited overhaul of the Fair Deal scheme to reduce the burden on farm families and small business owners has been approved.

Rain disrupts silage season 

Unsettled weather has halted silage cutting in many parts of the country, but last week west Limerick agricultural contractor Michael Barrett and his crew (pictured) were at work at Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry.

'No sign of any change in weather patterns' - East to get two times average rainfall this week 

Met Eireann projections indicate that the eastern half of the country will have 1.7 to 2.0 times average rainfall this week.

Brazil's Bolsonaro says Mercosur will soon sign EU trade deal 

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday the Mercosur bloc of South American countries will soon sign a trade deal with the European Union, and he thanked Argentine President Mauricio Macri for his role in pushing for the commercial pact.

Farmers among victims of former psychic convicted of theft and money laundering 

A former psychic has been convicted by a jury of the theft and money laundering of €1.6m.

Automated tillage moves closer to becoming a reality 

Extra funding has been made available to a unique autonomous arable farming project aiming to deliver 'hands-free' harvesting.

Land prices in west of Ireland have fallen, new data shows 

Land prices in the West of Ireland have fallen for three consecutive years, according to new data from Sherry FitzGerald Research.

Claims and counter claims over Kerry Co-op cash for shares initiative 

Claims and counter claims continue about the merits of Kerry Co-op Creameries Share Redemption Scheme continue this week ahead of a crucial vote in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee on June 19.

British online supermarket invests £17m in vertical farming deals 

The British online supermarket Ocado has announced a pair of major investment deals to expand into vertical farming.

The wettest and wildest planting season US farmers can remember 

There has never been a spring planting season like this one. Rivers topped their banks. Levees were breached. Fields filled with water and mud. And it kept raining.

358 acre farm in Meath fails to sell after falling short of €11m guide 

A Meath estate on 358ac of grass and tillage was withdrawn from auction during the week after being bid to €9.5m.

Creed refuses to back down in fisheries row over Rockall 

The minister responsible for fisheries has said he will not ask Irish fishermen to leave waters around Rockall, despite a renewed threat of enforcement action by the Scottish authorities.

Serial inventor stole the show with solar-powered feeder 

First place in the Inventions in Agriculture Class last year went to Seamus Hession of Connacht Agri for his solar-powered feeder invention, the Solar 1200 Feedsman.

Greens want ban on 'unethical' live exports 

Live exports should be phased out due to their "unethical nature", Green Party agriculture spokesperson Pippa Hackett has said.

Qatar is fighting its boycott with an army of cows 

Two years after flying in thousands of dairy cows to beat a trade embargo, Qatari milk producer Baladna has made its first exports.

Samantha McCaughren: 'Dairy sector be warned, China's not always a land of milk and honey' 

The Irish dairy industry recently got a sharp reminder that Brexit is not its only area of vulnerability. Fonterra, the huge New Zealand dairy cooperative that has long been admired by the Irish dairy industry, issued its second profit warning in three months and announced plans to sell some of its overseas businesses as well as closing processing plants internationally.

Revised Fair Deal rules on contribution from farmers to be backdated 

The overhaul of the Fair Deal scheme to make it easier for farmers and small business owners to pay for nursing home places will apply retrospectively.

Margaret Donnelly: The tide may be going out on EU supports for non-viable farms 

Could a move to pay unprofitable farmers to stop farming solve a number of problems?

'Origin Green is painting a false image to the world and it will come back to bite us' - newly elected Green councillor Pippa Hackett 

While questions were raised last week whether the farming community had actually voted for the Green Party, newly elected Green councillor Pippa Hackett is certain that they did as, after all, she is a farmer herself.

A capital farming opportunity - 30ac holding located close to Dublin city is on the market at €1.15m 

The notion of having a house with a few acres on the outskirts of the city is the dream of many a Dublin resident with roots in the land.

'It's the right thing to do' - Why the brothers behind millenial favourite Sprout & Co took over a 30-acre farm 

Jack and Theo Kirwan are the brothers behind Sprout, which they set up three and a half years ago. Their first branch on Dawson Street in Dublin, a favourite with Trinity students, closed earlier this year as the premises had been earmarked for re-development, but there are five other branches in Dublin and one in Meath, and plans to open another in the capital before the end of the year.

Henry Walsh: Processors must halt the downward pressure on milk price 

It's been another excellent month for farming. Dry ground, growth matching and slightly exceeding demand, some grass bales made, some reseeding completed, pit silage on target for early June, breeding on or even ahead of target.

'Conventional online shopping doesn't work for farmers' 

John Garvey doesn't believe his new app FarmHedge is online shopping for farmers - he feels it goes beyond that and is game-changing for both farmers and suppliers.

A traumatic depopulation provided be blessing in disguise for Cork dairy family 

Depopulations were a nightmare for dairy farmers in the late 1980s, but one such traumatic event 32 years ago proved to be a blessing in disguise for the one family in Co Cork.

Ann Fitzgerald: Our children need to take their exams seriously but not too seriously 

Let the games, sorry, exams, begin! I breathed a sigh of relief when I dropped our daughter Sarah to school this week, as she joins 60,000 or so others in doing the Junior Cert and a similar number doing the Leaving. The wait is over.

LacPatrick Dairies fined for polluting waterway 

LacPatrick Dairies (NI) Ltd pleaded guilty and was fined £2,500 plus £15 Offenders Levy at Coleraine Magistrates Court today for causing a polluting discharge to enter a waterway.

New ICOS President says 'complete imbalance in fortunes' between dairy and livestock sectors needs to be addressed 

Following a meeting of the Board of ICOS, Jerry Long has been elected as President succeeding Michael Spellman who has completed his term of office.

€50m EU beef fund: Key details revealed of draft conditions 

Draft details of the €50m EU beef fund have been revealed from the European Commission, which state that the measures taken by Ireland will be aimed at reducing production as part of the scheme.

Fermanagh farmer rescued after collapse while mixing slurry 

A farmer required medical attention after he was overcome by fumes while mixing slurry.

Couple don't kid about with 1,000 goats for charity 

A farming couple who have reared almost 1,000 goats that have been sent to African families as part of the Bothar charity have been honoured by their local community.

Tom Staunton: Factories are shaving every last cent off lamb returns 

All the lambs have been treated with pour-on against Blowfly strike.

Farming faces 'massive challenges' on safety, warns Teagasc 

The farming sector faces "massive challenges" in reducing its level of work-related fatalities and injuries, Teagasc director Gerry Boyle has warned.

IBEC climate plan won't halt expansion, say dairy bosses 

The dairy industry has strongly denied that processors have put a quota on further milk expansion by accepting that carbon emissions from agriculture must be capped at current levels.

Gardaí probe if unfit horsemeat processed here for export 

Gardaí are investigating if horsemeat unfit for human consumption was processed here before being exported to continental markets in an organised and sophisticated fraud operation.

Margaret Donnelly: 'We must fight any threat to our hard-won reputation on food standards' 

The revelation in 2013 that some Irish beef burgers had up to 29pc horsemeat put the Irish agri-food sector in the headlines worldwide.

ICMSA and Farming Independent to hold urgent farm debt and vulture funds meeting 

ICMSA and the Farming Independent are coming together to host a meeting to discuss farm debt, mortgage problems and vulture funds next week.

Farmers demand milk price rise as Ornua returns hit 32.1c/L 

The argument for a milk price rise to be announced by all Co-ops when they set May milk price is irresistible, the Chairperson of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee Ger Quain has said.

Meat processors claim price transparency plan could undermine beef returns 

Beef processors have raised serious concerns regarding plans for greater transparency in the food supply chain.

Agricultural emissions set to grow by 4pc over next decade - EPA 

Agricultural emissions are set to grow by four per cent over the next decade due to increasing cattle numbers, according to a new report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Suspected horsemeat contamination: Garda criminal investigation unit carries out searches on farms 

A number of farms were searched this morning by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation in connection with suspected horsemeat fraud.

EU wheat falls for second session to near two-week low 

European wheat prices fell for a second session on Wednesday on technical elements and following a fall on U.S. markets due to easing concerns about potential crop damage.

New Zealand tightens oversight of how Fonterra sets farmgate milk prices 

New Zealand’s government on Thursday said it would tighten its oversight of how the giant Fonterra dairy cooperative sets the price it pays farmers for milk.

Rainfall three and a half times normal in the northwest - Silage work halted by downpours 

Recent heavy rain has seen land saturated over much of Ulster, Connacht and parts of Leinster and brought the 2019 silage season to a compete halt in many parts.

'No-one really knows what's happening with the EID tagging' 

There has been much confusion among sheep farmers in relation to the new EID tagging system since it came into force on June 1.

Budget concerns sees agreement on future CAP pushed back 

An agreement on a common approach to the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy is set to be further delayed as Member States seek clarity on the policy's future budget.

Mart prices reflect fall-off in quality 

Barney O'Connell of Listowel and George Candler of Kilkenny both mention a drop in the quality of stock coming under their hammers in my mini mart reports this week.

Cork dairy farm breaks the million mark 

An 80ac residential farm in Cork sold at auction last week, making €1.205m or €15,000/ac.

No indication of any 'stable summer weather' ahead - Met Éireann 

Met Éireann says the rain is set to continue and there is no indication of any "stable summer weather" ahead. 

Global dairy prices fall 3.4% at auction as butter market softens 

Global dairy prices sank for the second time in a row at an auction held early on Wednesday due to strong supply as prices eased off a long rally earlier in the year.

Brazil expects China to lift ban on Brazilian beef soon - minister 

Brazil’s Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina Dias said on Tuesday she expects China will soon lift a ban on Brazilian beef, which was announced Monday, following a case of atypical mad cow disease found in the state of Mato Grosso.

Record number of French farms convert to organic production 

 A record number of French farms switched to organic production last year, helped by the grains sector catching on to the trend, the country’s organic food agency said on Tuesday.

Fair Deal overhaul to be brought to Cabinet 

NEW legislation that will make it easier for farmers and small business owners to pay for a nursing home place will finally be brought to Cabinet this month.

'Lessons have been learned from Cash for Ash' - Energy chief on new biomass scheme for farmers 

Lessons have been learned from mistakes made in Northern Ireland’s ‘Cash for Ash’ programme in the designing of the new Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) , CEO of Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) Sean Finan has said.

Doonbeg farmers advised not to cut silage or spread slurry during Donald Trump visit 

Farmers living in Doonbeg have been advised not to cut silage or spread slurry for the duration of President Donald Trump’s visit.

Dairy debt burden hits €1.3bn - Average borrowings total €118,446 in 2018 

Overall debt levels on Irish dairy farms have increased over the last five years and now stand at €1.3bn, according to the latest National Farm Survey.

Factories: Bank holiday blues as supply surge sends cattle prices south 

Prices at the factory gate appeared to be under further pressure yesterday with some quotes from agents back another 5c/kg on last week.

Global dairy prices fall for second time in a row 

The GDT (Global Dairy Index) fell for the second time this year following a record gaining streak from December to May.

Cow fostering foals proves she's not a one trick pony 

One Friesian cow has proved that she’s not a one-trick pony by fostering foals on a farm in Co Wexford.

Ulster farming show celebrates 107th year in style 

Thousands turned out as Lurgan Horse and Cattle Society celebrated its 107th annual farming showcase on Saturday.

Government announces support scheme for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion 

The second phase of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH), which will provide operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems has opened.

MCPA could be banned if farmers don't improve control measures 

One of the most commonly used farming herbicides could be banned if excessive residues of the chemical continue to be found in public water supplies.

Beef bailout fund to get Brussels green light this week 

The proposed regulation governing the €100m Brexit beef package is expected to be cleared by EU Commission officials this week.

Grain growers call for launch of premium brand for Irish cereals 

A new logo for food, drink and animal feed producers that use only Irish cereals is being sought by the Irish Grain Growers group (IGG).

Thousands of farmers facing 'serious poverty' warns Teagasc 

UP to 30,000 farms are classed as economically vulnerable and at risk of poverty.

Factories: Lamb quotes hold at a €5.50/kg base 

It is hard to judge whether last week's farmer meetings with various sheep processors around the country has yielded anything tangible on prices for producers.

Distillers deny vast majority of grain used to make Irish whiskey is imported 

The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) has disputed claims that the bulk of grain used to make Irish whiskey is imported.

EU audit questions environmental benefits of beef data scheme 

An EU farming review has raised concerns around the environmental benefits being delivered by Ireland's €300m Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP).

Controversial Kerry farm sells for just short of €2m to local buyer 

A 110ac non-residential farm at Whitefields, Beaufort, near Killarney in Kerry, sold at auction last week, making €1.925m or a strong €17,500/ac.

Darragh McCullough: Distillers have big questions to answer on role of grain imports in the great 'Irish' whiskey boom 

How Irish is 'Irish' whiskey? This is a valid question that our cereal growers have been asking for years. But nobody has been listening.

How can Irish beef producers survive in global race to the bottom on standards? 

On a recent visit to a supermarket I was shocked at the sight of soft drinks being sold in gallon containers and giant packs of cheesy puffs that were as light as air, among a vast array of foods that were processed within an inch of their life.

Search starts for the 2019 FBD Young Farmer of The Year 

Young farmers involved in sectors such as Dairy, Drystock (beef and sheep), Land Mobility and Other Enterprises (including horticulture, pigs, poultry, tillage) are invited to enter and the winner of each sector will compete to be crowned the 2019 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.

Women and retirees urged to consider driving diggers and plant machinery as a career 

An estimated 1,500 vacancies has led to a crisis in recruitment of driver/operators of plant machinery in Ireland and a call by one industry leader to issue an appeal for women, retirees and people who want to upskill to consider the sector as a new or even a second career in order to sustain the building economy.