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Leinster Farm Sales
Compact tillage farm with guide price of €1m
The south-east continues to supply a steady stream of lovely properties to the market.
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'This is not a site, it's a farm' - The farmer who took on the State and won fears he could still lose in...
The limits of agricultural relief - How not to get hit with a massive tax bill when inheriting land
Carlow cracker - A top class farm is on the market for €800,000 in the heart of Carlow
Compact tillage farm with guide price of €1m
Watch: Two injured as runaway bull goes on two-hour rampage through town
61-year-old farmer saves wild goats causing havoc in small town
Mountain rescue - how hill farmers are fighting to preserve their way of life
China’s purchases of US corn slow significantly
Farmers urged to take precautions on Lyme Disease
Opinion: 'Staycations' can bear fruit for your family and local economy
I was driving along (in the sunshine) one day last week when an ad came on the radio that made me say out loud, right there on the spot, "what a good idea!".
The limits of agricultural relief - How not to get hit with a massive tax bill when inheriting land
If a day passes that I do not receive a query on the tax implications of farm succession it's probably because the day is good and farmers are out making the metaphorical hay while the sun shines.
Tidy holdings hit the market in heart of dairying country
While bigger farms appear to be the order of the day in the current market, smaller parcels are also selling.
Calls for rethink of CCTV scheme as funds go unused
Calls have been made for Department of Justice to consider amendments to the scheme introduced to help local communities install CCTV systems to prevent crime.
Mountain rescue - how hill farmers are fighting to preserve their way of life
'It's my field. I nursed it. I nourished it. I dug the rocks out with my bare hands and made a living thing of it." This quote by Bull McCabe in John B Keane's famous play The Field rings true for all farmers, but perhaps particularly so for upland farmers.
Department under pressure to make payments on time with applications now 100% online
Over 129,700 farmers applied online for their 2018 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in advance of the May 15 deadline.
'I had never grown a carrot in my life... but I'm now studying at Organic College'
'Horticulture is not for everyone and I sort of stumbled into it," says Andrea McCann, farm horticulturist for the Amber Springs and Ashdown Park Hotels for the past two years.
Extension to slurry spreading deadline on derogation farms
A one-month extension to the deadline by which derogation farmers must have 50pc of the their slurry spread, has been announced.
France steps closer to exporting beef to China
France has taken another step closer to starting beef exports to China’s huge market after Chinese officials last week inspected seven of the European country’s meat plants, a French industry official said.
Former soldier Paul Hayles on his new business selling Irish produce in Bulgaria
It's a big jump from serving with the Irish Army to running a food distribution company in Bulgaria, but for Paul Hayles, all the obstacles were cleared last week when his first consignment of Dawn Meat barbecue beef skewers arrived in Sofia.
Receivers to sell former 135ac dairy farm in Offaly
A 135ac grass farm at Edenderry in Co Offaly with a range of agricultural potential has come on the market to be sold by public auction, writes Jim O’Brien.
Jagger struts his stuff at last of the Simmental sales - Cavan bull stars at Roscommon Mart
A County Cavan herd took home the cream of the rosettes and the prices from the last of the season's Simmental bull sales which was held at Roscommon Mart on Friday evening.
Farmers worldwide struggle with rising fuel costs
Farmers worldwide are feeling the pinch as fuel costs rise to near four-year highs just as they plant and harvest their fields, eroding agricultural income already hamstrung by depressed crop prices.
Irish beef set for Chinese shelves by mid-summer
Irish beef should be on the market in China by mid-summer - and the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, is challenging the meat companies to maximise its potential.
61-year-old farmer saves wild goats causing havoc in small town
A 61-year old farmer from the Cooley Peninsula in Co Louth has come to the rescue of the herd of wild goats that have been roaming free and upsetting locals in residential areas in Ennis.
Kepak Group signs €35m five-year contract with China-based company
Kepak Group has announced that it has signed a five-year distribution contract with China-based Esen Agro Group.
Teagasc drive new water quality campaign
Thirty sustainability advisors will start work with farmers next month as part of a major collaboration between Government and industry to improve water quality across the country.
New law aims to prevent ‘blackmail value’ of challenges to wills
Independent Senator Michael McDowell has introduced a new bill in the Seanad which aims to reform the law regarding the payment of costs to unsuccessful parties who challenge wills.
Beef trade: Agents are 'very keen' for cattle
In the ongoing cattle game between factories and farmers, it has become obvious even to the most casual observer that things have ratcheted up several gears over the last couple of weeks.
Watch: Two injured as runaway bull goes on two-hour rampage through town
Two local people were injured in Macroom in Cork last week when a runaway bull went on the rampage around the town for more than two hours after he escaped from the mart area, where he was being sold.
Dairy farmer pays €12,000 per acre for Louth property
Bellewstown Bridge Farm extending to 41.65ac at Bellewstown in Co Meath sold in recent weeks making €500,000 or around €12,000/ac.
AIB says family farm homes excluded from non-performing loan sale
AIB has said that family farm homes are not included in its sale of its non performing loans (NPLs) to a consortium lead by Cerberus Capital.
Economist says €60k cap on farm payments ‘will not happen’ due to loopholes
In proposals, announced last month on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which need to be approved by member states, EU countries will have to cap subsidies for large farms — with the Commission suggesting a limit of €60,000.
MEPs launch new investigation into glyphosate and herbicides
The much-maligned weedkiller, glyphosate, is back in the news, as MEPs launch a report into its health effects and an inquiry into the EU's overall pesticides authorisation system.
Little change as lamb prices level off across the board
Broadly speaking, prices for hogget, spring lambs and cull ewes remain fixed at last week's levels.
Zoetis to buy veterinary diagnostics firm Abaxis for $1.9 billion
Top animal health company Zoetis Inc will buy Abaxis Inc for $1.9 billion, looking to capture a bigger slice of the fast-growing market for diagnostics services that cater to household pets and farm animals.
Beef rivals to follow Ireland into China
France and the Netherlands could gain beef access to China in the coming weeks and months, but the market is big enough for everyone, says Agriculture Minister Michael Creed.
CAP direct farm payments will be linked to EU climate change targets
Farmers will be asked to do more to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions from livestock and fertiliser use in the upcoming overhaul of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Creed rules out slaughter premium for suckler cows
Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed, has rowed back from suggestions that an early slaughter premium could be employed to support suckler cow numbers.
Vegan group's advert wrongly linking cow's milk to cancer gets UK ban
A vegan group's "misleading" advert linking cow's milk to cancer has been banned.
Felling of 300-year-old trees halted in dispute between neighbours
A judge has continued orders restraining further felling of trees on lands in Co Offaly amid allegations up to 300 trees in a heritage woodland where trees - some up to 300 years old - have been felled.
Opinion: Even the 'love of the land' has its limits
One swallow never makes a summer and unfortunately neither did the beautiful four days we got in late April make a spring.
Rural publicans want 'Drink -Link' tax incentives
Publicans have called for tax breaks to help boost rural transport services.
Calls for 'common sense' approach to new slurry rules
The ICMSA are calling on the Department to adopt a common-sense approach to new slurry spreading rules for farmers operating with a nitrates derogation.
Balancing GLAS payments to be made to farmers this week
The balancing GLAS payments to farmers in the agri-environmental scheme will be paid by this Friday, the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has confirmed.
Weather plays havoc with potato planting
Just one third of the potato crop is in the ground in many parts of Cork, as the continuing poor weather plays havoc with plantings.
€50m China beef deal will 'Brexit proof' ABP - Goodman
A €50m three-year deal between the Larry Goodman-owned ABP group and Asian restaurant chain Wowprime Corporation, to supply beef to its restaurants across China, will secure the Irish meat company from Brexit.
Father of 10 and well-known builder dies in digger accident
Tributes have been paid to popular and well-known east Clare builder and farmer, Pat O’Connor, who died in a workplace accident.
Cutting edge silage harvesting technology to be on show at Grass & Muck
All roads lead to Gurteen College for the much anticipated FTMTA Grass & Muck Show 2018 this Thursday.
Balmoral Show: Farming women tell of life on the land and the event they wouldn't miss
As all roads lead to the Balmoral Show this week, it will be an extra special event for the Ulster Farmers' Union as it celebrates its centenary.
Farm leaders battling to postpone compulsory tagging plan
Farming organisations were battling this week for some formula to delay the imposition of electronic (EID) tagging of sheep and to shift the cost of the measure off farmers.
Mike Brady: The CAP proposal that could have a seismic effect on Irish farming
The forgotten sector in Irish agriculture is part-time farming. Over 50pc of the 140,000 farmers in this country farm on a part-time basis: ie, either the farmer or spouse work off-farm to supplement household income.
Larry Goodman's ABP signs €50m beef contract in China
Larry Goodman's ABP has secured an exclusive three-year agreement valued at €50 million, with Asian restaurant chain Wowprime Corporation, to supply beef to its restaurants across China.
Forward cattle up to €80/hd higher than 2017 figures
With the weather improving, cattle marts last week saw a continuation of strong numbers and strong prices for good cattle.
Agriculture Minister urges Irish meat industry 'not to drop the ball' on China access
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has urged the Irish meat industry "not to drop the ball" if it wants to maintain a good trade relationship with China.
Dairy prices jump to eight-month high, but whole milk powder lags
Global dairy prices rose to a nine-month high at a fortnightly auction held early on Wednesday but prices for the key product, whole milk powder, were largely flat.
Farmers responsible for bulk of gorse fires claims Coillte
The majority of gorse fires are caused by farmers, Coillte risk manager Mick Power has claimed.
Farmers remove access to walkers in protest at fire penalties
Farmers have withdrawn access to several walkways on rural mountains in South East Sligo in protest at what they see as unfair penalties for last year's gorse fires.
MEPs call for fairer CAP funding across the EU and within member states
The post-2020 EU farm policy must be smarter, simpler, fairer and more sustainable, but also well financed and truly common to continue deliver food security throughout the EU.
Fodder census aims to prevent repeat of winter crisis
A national fodder census will be completed this summer to establish winter feed levels on the country's farms.
Farmers welcome court decision as hillwalkers fail to prove public 'right of way' over landowner’s property
The Irish Farmers Association has welcomed the decision by the Court of Appeal to reject a claim that a public right of way existed over a landowner’s property in Co. Wicklow.
'They want to intimidate us off the land so they don’t have to pay for it': Farmer forced off his land in ongoing row
A Sheep farmer claims he’s being forced off his own land by a man who left a woman paralysed in a savage rape attack 30 years ago.
Man dies in machinery accident in Clare
Gardai have confirmed that an elderly man has died in a workplace accident in Clare.
Tommy Boland: Grass management is a powerful but undervalued tool in sheep farming
Conditions have improved somewhat at Lyons since my last article. We had received our total average April rainfall by April 12, but experienced more normal rainfall for the final two weeks of the month.
Pictures: Northern Ireland castle on 207ac of top quality land could be yours for €2.6m
One of Northern Ireland's most prestigious castles and estates has gone on the market for £2.3m (€2.614m) in what is an "extremely rare" opportunity for developers.
Research shows GM potato variety combined with new management techniques can cut fungicide use by up to 90%
Teagasc have concluded their field study which investigated both the environmental and agronomic impact of a GM potato variety genetically engineered to resist late blight disease, caused by Phytophthora infestans.
Irish beef exports must be cut above to break China
IRISH beef will have to stand out in order to break the growing Chinese ecommerce retail store market, according to Bord Bia.
Non-EU farm workers must be paid at least €22k under new permit scheme
A new pilot, quota-based scheme to address immediate labour shortages in the horticulture, meat processing and dairy sectors has been announced.
Hungary and Poland unite on opposing CAP budget cuts
The prime ministers of Hungary and Poland, allies in a series of disputes with Brussels, united on Monday in opposing cuts under the European Union’s new budget.
Operation Thor thwarts gangs as burglaries down by 43pc
A special operation targeting roaming crime gangs across the country has led to a 43pc drop in burglaries, according to gardaí.
Scores of young farmers affected by a Government decision denying them payment top up
Scores of young farmers who established in their own right between 2010 and 2014 have been shocked by a Government decision which denies them entitlement to a 25pc top up on their annual basic payment which revised EU regulation provides may be paid for a period of up to five years.
Consultants burn midnight oil on BPS
Farm consultants and Teagasc advisors are battling to lodge the last of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications before the midnight deadline tonight (May 15).
Farmers urged to take precautions on Lyme Disease
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre is advising farmers, in particular, to take precautions in order to avoid contracting this disease which is spread by tick bites.
Concern over new road works plan which could see stone walls replaced with fencing
Thousands of miles of Ireland’s dry stone walls may be knocked and replaced with steel fencing as part of a national road upgrade scheme.
Strabane man Tom Perry making a buzz in sheep shearing world
Tom Perry wants to be the world champion - but not in football, boxing, snooker or athletics.
Limerick farmer fined €300 over his Effin cows’ dung
A county Limerick farmer has been convicted and fined €300 over his Effin cows’ dung.
Glanbia announces April milk price
Glanbia will pay its Member milk suppliers 31 cent per litre (cpl) including VAT for April manufacturing milk supplies at 3.6pc butterfat and 3.3pc protein.
More Irish beef plants gain access to Chinese market
On the first day of the Trade Mission to China beef Market access was confirmed for a number of additional Irish beef plants.
Supermarket merger fear for beef farmers
The proposed merger of ASDA and Sainsbury's could be bad news for Irish beef farmers as the move is like to put significant downward price pressure on suppliers.
Janet McCollum appointed as a non-executive of Director of Glanbia Ireland
Glanbia Ireland has today announced the appointment of Janet McCollum as a non-executive Director of the Company.
New pricing structure as factories turn on the charm
Around the turn of the year, I heard that some factory bosses had instructed their agents to find out what cattle their clients had in sheds.
Work permits announced for agriculture workers from outside the EU due to labour shortage
The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys has signed off on changes to Employment Permit Regulations, which will make it easier for certain businesses in the agri-food sector to source workers from outside the EEA.
'Aubrac beef has a very nice flavour and texture,' says award-winning Donegal producer
One of the five holders of the office of chairman since the Irish Aubrac Breed Society was established two decades ago is Liam Walsh, who has become even better known in recent years for his marketing of Aubrac beef and multi award winning products.
Derry farmer dies after quad bike accident
A farmer from the Coleraine area has died after a tragic quad bike accident on Saturday.
Protest planned over introduction of full EID tagging in sheep
ICSA is to mount a protest in opposition to the mandatory introduction of EID tagging for all sheep.
Opinion: Unpunished criminals are ruining lives
While every community has its challenges in terms of crime, I was shocked this week to hear the scale of what is happening in many isolated areas around the country on a far too regular basis.
Sunshine and soaring temperatures on the way after last week's shivers and showers
The summer could finally be on its way, according to Met Éireann.
Creed examining options for future farm payments system
A lot of modelling must be done to ensure the right decision is made in regard to the future funding of the Common Agricultural Policy, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed told the Dáil last week.
Welsh farmer helping to fight Alzheimer's by growing high-altitude daffodils to combat disease
Welsh farmer helping fight Alzheimer's by growing high-altitude daffodils which have been proven to help combat the disease.
VIDEO: Stately country house on 102ac in Meath to generate huge interest
On a bright spring day with the cattle finally - finally! - out in the fields, the rhododendrons in bloom, and Gerry the robot mowing the front lawn, Co Meath is looking its best and nowhere is it more lush than at Boltown Hall, a fine 19th Century country house with 430 sqm of living space on 102 acres located close to the historic town of Kells.
Lawyer warned on conflict of interest after sheep dipping tank case
A barrister has been reprimanded for acting in a case where he ought to have known he had a conflict of interest.
Trade mission to China to raise profile of Ireland as a source of quality food
A large delegation of Irish food industry representatives, begin a weeklong trade mission to China and Hong Kong today.
Could alternative fodder crops improve animal performance?
Forage imports from the UK, France, Spain and further afield have been an unfortunate reality during two of the past five years.
Six steps towards switching to Continuous Cover Forest
Continuous Cover Forestry (or close-to-nature forestry) is the norm in Europe but the exception in Ireland.
Three Fine Gael ministers receive EU farm payments
Three Fine Gael ministers receive EU-funded farming grants, the Sunday Independent can reveal.
Michael Healy-Rae is Dail's biggest landlord, along with land and plant hire company
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae is ranked second on today's Sunday Independent Political Rich List with an estimated value of €5.4m.
Political rich list - some TDs give the size of their land down to the last acre
The Sunday Independent is today publishing a first-of-its-kind Political Rich List.
Deer and rhododendron are the biggest challenges Irish native woodland plantations face
Managing deer and rhododendron are the biggest challenges native woodland plantations face, a leading ecologist has warned.
Legal advice: Don’t let right of way issues be a no-go area
Our resident solicitor tackles this sensitive issue
'Derisory attitudes' undermining small farmers' confidence
A “derisory attitude” to small farmers from the general public and even within elements of the farming community has been identified as a major threat to the survival of the country’s high nature value (HNV) holdings.
Tagging bombshell will push some farmers over the edge
Parachuting mandatory electronic tagging of factory lambs on top of farmers without first consulting them is a text book way of how not to bring about changes in sheep farming.
Gallery: 150ac farm in Kilkenny with €1.5m price tag
Kilkenny land can be hard to come by but when it makes its way to the market there are plenty of potential customers for it.
How this family switched from a traditional farm to a thriving equestrian holiday business
The Molloy family ran a traditional farm near Holycross in Tipperary for generations, but you won't find cattle and sheep grazing there any more.
Analysis: Why dairying can't prosper in isolation from other farming enterprises
This spring has focused attention on the growing dairy industry and the ability of a grass-based model to weather the storms - in some cases literally
'When a quad bike falls on you, you choke with the weight of it'
Calling quad bikes ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) gives farmers a "false sense of confidence", an Australian safety expert has told a Teagasc safety conference.
More butterflies and flowers to be a 'key requirement' of new CAP
The next CAP will be more results-based from an environmental perspective and will have to deliver quantifiable benefits on biodiversity and climate change.
Why diesel will continue to power farming despite the drive for zero-emissions vehicles
Apart from the weather these past months, few topics have dominated the talk at marts, or anywhere farmers meet up, as much as the future of diesel.
Opinion: It's time for us all to start striving for balance in a world of extremes
We have become a people of extremes - is it because we can?
Opinion: Will this scandal be a crucial lesson that we need a seismic shift in the promotion of gender equality?
IT was lovely to smell the vegetation as the sun warmed the ground and that persistent cold wind eventually took its leave of us.
It's 'eyes across the ditch' time for a cracking west Limerick holding
I never tire of admiring the wonders of the Shannon Estuary and my journeys keep taking me back there. Every time I see that mighty stretch of water rolling quietly to the sea I'm revived and renewed.
'I have never seen it as bad in 40 years of farming'
James Barrett has spent several months looking in horror at weather forecasts, and the rain was still pouring down outside his dairy in Watergrasshill in Co Cork when we were chatting last week.
A financial 'tipping point' is needed to persuade farmers to plant native trees - Greenbelt
More cash incentives are needed to make planting native woodlands more attractive to landowners, according to Greenbelt CEO John O'Reilly.
Reward offered after €30,000 worth of fencing equipment stolen
Approximately €30,000 worth of fencing equipment and a quad bike were stolen this week from a farm in Meath.
Tipperary dairy holding sells for €11,500/ac at auction
Dairy farmers were again to the fore in Munster land sales when a traditional house and yard on 46.185ac at Gortnabarna, Monard, Co Tipperary, sold under the hammer last week.
Why continuous cover forestry could be your 'suckler beef' system with trees
Continuous cover forestry provides regular income while rejuvenating forests and could be looked as like a suckler beef system but with trees.
Lakeland Dairies first to declare an April milk price
Lakeland Dairies has announced its milk price for April supplies - the first of the major processors to do so.
How these French cattle arrived in Ireland 20 years ago
It was the early 1990s when a number of breeders, mainly from the south of the country travelled to the homeland of the breed in France and subsequently imported the first embryos at a cost of around £800 each.
Watch: John Deere's new self-propelled sprayer with 36m spraying width
Featuring the new PowrSpray solution system, a larger 5000-litre capacity spray tank and an ultra-lightweight but extremely strong carbon fibre boom, John Deere’s R4050i self-propelled sprayer will be demonstrated for the first time in the Sprays & Sprayers arena at Cereals 2018 in June.
Sowing date won't determine final yield; the weather during grain fill next July will determine the final outcome
Winter crops in general have enjoyed the spring - about the only living organisms that have.
Bulls versus AI debate comes into sharp focus this breeding season
Rainfall was an unprecedented 144ml for the month of April in our part of Kerry, so last weekend's turn in the weather was a long overdue boost to both dairy prospects and farmers' morale.
Call for review of veterinary services amid shortage concerns
The IFA has called on the Department of Agriculture to carry out a full review of veterinary services to address increasing concerns about the shortage of vets in many parts of the country.
Meat plant that closed with €1.4m debts re-opens
The former owner of a Lifford meat plant, which had been occupied for several months in a dispute with a bank-appointed receiver in 2016, is back working there as manager.
Stable Ornua PPI means the worst of dairy returns are over - IFA
The Ornua PPI stabilising for the first time since last October is a clear indication that Irish co-ops have seen the worst of dairy returns, according to IFA National Dairy Chairman Tom Phelan.
Why we are years away from credible alternatives to diesel power in farming
When it comes to high-powered tractors and other big self-propelled farm machines like combine harvesters, we are still years off finding credible alternatives to diesel power.
Animal sanctuary in limbo after 'freak' accident
One of Ireland's leading animal charities has had to stop taking in animals after a freak accident.
First female winner of Aurivo milk quality awards
A female farmer from Donegal has been named the Milk Supplier of the Year with Aurivo, the first in the history of the awards.
Contractors call for voucher scheme to help farmers clear contracting debt
Contractors have called on the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, to establish a dedicated fund to help farmers pay outstanding debts.
Watch: These singing farming sisters have taken the world by storm with viral hit
Their video has gained over 20 million views since it was posted on Facebook last month - and it doesn't seem like stopping.
'Never trust a cow' - Farmer tells of near death experience after being attacked by cow
A Co Donegal farmer has described how he was knocked unconscious after one of his own cows turned on him.
Sellers hope sun can get prices rising in marts
The message from the marts last week was one of "measured fluctuations", especially among the prices for bullocks and heifers.
'In Boston I never saw my wife or son due to daily six-hour commute - so we bought a farm in Ireland'
I've been a contracts negotiator for the past 25 years. For the last six years I was a contracts manager for the company's transportation department.
US pork sits in ports as China ramps up checks in potentially costly slowdown
China has ramped up inspections of pork shipped from the US, importers and industry sources said, the latest American product to be hit by a potentially costly slowdown at Chinese ports in the past couple of weeks.
Creed urged to follow French lead in opposing 'drastic' CAP reform
The pushback against the EU's post-2020 budget has begun, with France, Hungary, the Netherlands and even Ireland having a go, although for very different reasons.
Ireland to be bovine TB free by 2030 under new Government plans
The Government has committed to eradicate bovine TB from the national herd by 2030, FarmIreland.ie can reveal.
Minister pours cold water over possible u-turn on electronic sheep tagging
There will be no U-turn on the decision to introduce compulsory electronic tagging (EID) for all sheep from October 1, Agriculture Minister Creed has said.
Dispute over amateur jockey Bunny Cox's estate settled
A High Court dispute over the valuable Co Louth estate of the late and legendary amateur jockey Bunny Cox has been resolved.
LacPatrick under the spotlight on April milk prices
LacPatrick will be back in the spotlight this week as dairies announce their April milk prices.
WATCH: 'You’re letting down the people of Kerry' - Danny Healy-Rae and Brendan Griffin's blazing row over 'drink-link' buses
THE Dáil was brought to a standstill today after Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae was involved in a blazing row about new ‘drink-link’ buses to help rural people have access to towns and villages across Ireland.
Sunny days ahead but is the big chill looming?
Ireland can expect at least 40 sunny days this summer, according to New Zealand weather forecaster Ken Ring.
Watch: Happy Limerick Llama looking for a new home after being rescued
A Llama in Limerick city has been taken into foster care after hundreds of social media users expressed concern for its wellbeing over the Bank Holiday weekend.
How to calculate now how much silage you will need next winter
This spring has tested the mental resolve of farmers up and down the country. It has been a huge battle to ensure that our cattle have had enough feed in front of them and for many, the battle continues.
Why Irish fields could soon be filled with grass fit for footballers
If the latest tetraploid grass seeds are able to withstand the impact of stampeding football players, there's no reason why they can't cope with the footfall of cows.
Farmer puts his cows up for 'adoption' as drought hits
An Australian farmer had made a desperate plea as drought conditions sweep the area - by asking people to 'adopt' a cow on his farm.
Gove snubs Brexit meeting with Creed for a second time
The UK's environment secretary has snubbed a meeting with Agriculture Minister Michael Creed for the second time.
Farmers 'need more low-cost loans'
More low-cost loans need to be introduced to help farmers deal with the financial fall-out of the fodder crisis, members of the Oireachtas Agricultural Committee have urged.
Elderly farmer fined for neglect of cattle but neighbour intervenes to help him keep herd
An elderly farmer who was prosecuted for neglecting the welfare of his cattle will be able to keep his herd after a neighbour gave an undertaking to continue to help him on his farm.
Sheep Factory Prices: Kill stats give lie to factory complaints
If you were to believe what you hear from some processors, the trade is "not altogether great" right now.
Milk production controls 'inevitable' to counter price volatility
The "honeymoon is well and truly over" for dairy farmers, who are now facing a very challenging period, IFA National Dairy Committee chairman Tom Phelan has warned.
Where's the beef? New figures show exactly where all the beef cattle are
New figures from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) show the 2017 Irish beef cow population figures across the country.
Milkflex loans facility rolled out to dairy farmers nationwide
Finance Ireland, supported by funding from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and Rabobank, has announced that it plans to make the MilkFlex loan product available through participating Co-Ops across Ireland.
5 things every farmer should know when completing their Basic Payment Scheme application
As of this year every farmer applying for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) will have to complete the application online. With the deadline of May 15 fast approaching, here are some key pieces of advice every farmer should know when filling out the online form.
Solar farm pledges €180,000 per year to rural community
The Wexford developers behind a 390 acre solar farm planned for the Clongeen area have said a €180,000 annual payment will be made to the local community if the project goes ahead.
If all 'drink link' services were given to Kerry it wouldn't be enough for the county - Healy-Rae
Kerry TD Micheal Healy-Rae has slammed the Government's proposed 'drink link' service, which will provide 50 rural transport links in 19 counties on a trial basis.
Furious farmers demand U-turn on tagging plan
Farmers and the Department of Agriculture are on a collision course this week following the announcement of compulsory electronic tagging (EID) for all sheep from October 1.
Exclusive Revealed: The 50 bus routes under new 'drink link' plan for rural Ireland
The routes in the 19 counties set to benefit from a new, dedicated rural transport link can be revealed by Independent.ie
Wind farms boost tax base for local US governments
Wind farms have boosted local tax bases and generated new revenue as they expand across the United States, especially for rural areas, Moody’s Investors Service said in a report this week.
UK farmers push for bigger role - and no tariffs for Irish beef
The main UK farming body, the National Farmers' Union, is leading calls for British farmers to become the number one supplier of choice to the UK market in light of Brexit.
Proposed closure of co-op store to be fought 'tooth and nail'
A Limerick councillor said the mooted closure of the Dairygold Co-op store in Cappamore will be fought “tooth and nail”.
How much is your farm worth to rent?
There was a very mixed provincial performance for the agricultural land market in 2017, according to a new survey by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and the Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department of Teagasc.
Mystery of OAP's farmyard death probed by Gardai
Gardai investigating the sudden death of an elderly woman on her farm are probing why her walking aid was discovered in the house and not near where they were told she was fatally hit by a teleporter.
Last-minute scramble on BPS applications as deadline looms
Farm consultants and Teagasc staff will be burning the midnight oil this week as up to 40,000 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications remain to be submitted.
See the 183-acre Dublin farm with a €9m price guide (it's got more than road frontage!)
Location, location, location springs to mind when a 183ac farm with an address at Allenswood, Lucan, Co Dublin, comes to the market.
Rural 'drink link' buses to run until 11pm at weekends
State-funded buses to bring drinkers home from rural pubs will run until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
4 key tips for farmers to get the most from grass this summer
Any farmer looking to get the most out of their grass, when putting cattle out, needs to take these four tips from Teagasc on board.
Tributes paid to father of three who died while helping build shed
Tributes have been paid ahead of the funeral today of a young father-of-three who died in a farming accident on Friday.
Tidy residential farm in Tipperary guided at €475,000
There are some lovely smaller rural residential properties on the market at the moment that represent real value in comparison to their urban counterparts.
How a trade row may split the fortunes of two huge US farm companies
The threat of steep tariffs on soybeans, wheat and corn from an escalating US-China trade dispute may decide the survivor among the two largest real estate funds in the hard-hit US farm sector.
'Very unusual' 400 acre farm in Mayo for sale - fencing is subject to planning permission
A unique parcel of ground at the heart of Ballycroy National Park in Co Mayo is being sold by the owners in a private sale.
Farmer tracks down cycling Dutch thief using local social networks after his coat is stolen in pub
Two Dutch tourists, who were cycling through Cork, got more than they bargained for when one of them stole a farmer's coat in a pub.
Supermarket squeeze for Irish suppliers if UK giants cash in
The Sainsbury's/Asda merger announcement last week creates a retailing giant that will squeeze Irish suppliers hard.
State-funded 'drink-link' bus will service 50 rural communities
A new State-subsidised bus service will transport rural residents to and from their local pubs this summer, the Sunday Independent can reveal.
Sligo sheep farmer with over 450 ewes on coping through a challenging spring
Lambing commenced on the Higgins farm on March 1 and was compact for the mature ewe flock with 85pc lambing down to the first cycle.
Two farms on market in mid-€300,000 range
John Earley is handling the sale of a nice 41ac farm with a yard and cattle-handling facilities near Curraghboy in south Roscommon. The private treaty sale is guided at €325,000.
How the healing power of horses is treating injuries and disabilities
For many years horse riding has proven to greatly benefit both adults and children suffering from a wide range of physical and mental disabilities.
Irish seeds in safe hands - 20ac farm dedicated to storing and preserving plants and vegetables
Neil Young's After The Gold Rush was playing in my head as I drove to visit the Irish Seed Savers Association. The apocalyptic ballad imagines a scene where Earth is doomed and a certain select few are leaving the planet, "flying Mother Nature's silver seed to a new home in the sun".
Sunny southeast sees battles royal for properties in Wexford, Wicklow
In spite of the weather the auction season is ploughing ahead in the south-east with David Quinn recording recent successes under the hammer.
Opinion: 'Farmers love their animals....but it's not said often enough'
The force of this feeling was very evident during the fodder crisis - farmers who were struggling on so many levels were most stressed about not being able to look after their animals as well as they would want to.
Man (20s) dies in farming accident
A young man has died after an incident at a farm in Co Down.
Top tips on maximising farm grant payments
The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) have proven to be a very valuable incentive towards farm development since their introduction under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme.
Carlow tillage farmer on how he utilises the latest machinery on his 1,400ac enterprise
Catching up on ploughing, planting and spraying after such a delayed start to spring has meant for a busy time for man and machine.
This man was commuting across the Atlantic before settling down on his Galway farm
John Flynn gave up the commuting lifestyle in farflung destinations to return for good in 2016 to the home farm in Co Galway.
Watch: Officer's close encounter with angry cow while assisting a motorist
Dashcam footage from Texas police shows a close encounter between a patrol car and an angry cow.
CCTV becomes legal requirement in all English abattoirs
Legislation making CCTV mandatory in all abattoirs in England has come into force from today, with calls for it to be introduced across the UK.
John Large: Mastitis rises as wet ground puts squeeze on our ewes
We are nearly finished lambing with just a few late ewes and hoggets left now. As they lamb they are kept inside for a few days. We are still very tight for grass especially on the fields that were grazed first.
Massive interest expected in 215ac farm in north Cork with dairy potential
One of the largest farms to come on the market in Munster so far this year is a 215ac holding at Ballybane near Liscarroll in north Cork.
Extraordinary times call for urgent action in tillage sector
Dairy farmers normally achieve 'Magic Day' in early April, but this year some are still buying in fodder and all are concerned as to how to manage grass this year and to have enough fodder for this winter.
Hogan slams Rees-Mogg suggestion UK should slap tariffs on Irish beef
Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has hit out at comments that Irish beef should be made a bargaining chip in a Brexit deal.
Why this farmer plans to sell his three farms and retire by the age of 60
Packie Donnelly plans to sell his three farms and retire by the time he is 60. And yet, it is going to take something special to push him to make the break and retire from a job that has been more than a means to an end for his entire working life.
John Joyce: I need to hold back five pens of cattle to give them a chance
Turnout of stock is still ongoing on a daily basis, but after assessing the grass cover and the need to replenish silage stocks for next year I have made the decision to leave in five pens of forward store cattle in a bid to have them factory fit by mid-June.
Farmer's shock as spectacular sinkhole the depth of six-storey building opens up on New Zealand farm
A spectacular sinkhole the length of two football fields and the depth of a six-storey building has opened up on a New Zealand farm.
Insecticide ban to hit EU sugar beet crops, farmers say
The European Union’s decision to ban some widely used insecticides is likely to dent sugar beet production in the trading bloc, farming groups said on Thursday.
Why it's Catch 22 on tax for pickups like Merc's X-Class
On the face of it a Mercedes pickup is an appealing proposition. But like so many Irish tax solutions to Irish problems, there can be a nasty little shock for your pocket if you're not careful.
Regional disparity as Leinster, Connacht and Ulster land prices all take hit
The SCSI/Teagasc Land Market Review paints a picture of regional disparities in land prices.
Pedigree dairy heifers sell for up to €1,600 as demand surges
Calved dairy heifers are a strong trade and fancy prices are being paid for both pedigree and fancy commercial stock despite the recent milk price cuts.
Land price report: The milk price downturn could make it a challenging year for land sales
The price of land powered ahead in Munster in 2017, according to a Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI) and Teagasc Land Market Review published today.
Dairygold owner Kerry sees shares dip on volume growth of 3.7pc
Shares in Kerry Group were down slightly to €85.30 on the Irish Stock Exchange, despite the company reporting a 3.7pc growth in business volumes in the three months to March 31.
Community left shocked after savage attack on sheep
A rural Co Donegal community has been left shocked after yet another savage attack on a flock of sheep.
In Pictures: The hands that shape the shoes - Irish farriers eye Euro success
Ireland's top farriers are preparing to pit their skills against the best of their trade across mainland Europe.
Charleville exporter sending Angus cattle to Romania
THE export lairage yard of Charleville cattle exporter Jerry Casey was a hive of activity last week as he and his handlers prepared a consignment of live Aberdeen Angus maiden heifers for export to Romania.
Love in the Countryside, review – rural heartache turned into a spectator sport
Earlier this year, the Farm Safety Foundation reported that the suicide rate among UK farm workers is running at more than one a week.
Sheep processors say EID tagging is necessary for new markets
Amid criticism from farming organisation over the introduction of mandatory electronic tagging for the sheep sector, Meat Industry Ireland has said the move is necessary.
Phil Hogan: Protecting our farmers’ vital direct payments is a priority for the EU
The potential impact of Brexit on the Irish economy, particularly on the Irish agri-food sector, has been discussed and debated the length and breadth of the country for the last year and a half and it will continue up to and beyond March 29 next, when the UK leaves the European Union.
Growth at Kerry Group up 3.7pc in three months
Kerry Group has reported a 3.7pc growth in business volumes in the three months to 31 March.
‘New Zealand have no tagging system at all for sheep’ – Farmers hit back as Minister makes EID tagging mandatory for all sheep
IFA President Joe Healy said the announcement by Agriculture Minister Michael Creed on the imposition of compulsorily electronic sheep tagging on all sheep from October 1 is adding insult to injury after the fodder crisis and the financial challenges sheep farmers have had to endure this winter.
Shippers gear up for live cattle trade rebound
The export trade is starting to pick up with shippers again showing interest in bull weanlings under 10 months up to 350kg says Glen Cooper of Mountrath Mart.
Proposed laws will see anti-roll bars and headgear made mandatory on quads
The Government has not opposed proposed new laws which will see anti-roll bars and headgear made mandatory on quads.
France says proposed cut to EU farm subsidies is 'unthinkable'
The European Commission on Wednesday proposed to reduce farm subsidies and leave more latitude to member states under the bloc’s Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), drawing swift condemnation from France, which called the move “unthinkable”.
'They are 2.5c/l behind other co-ops and it all adds up' - LacPatrick suppliers on merger
LacPatrick suppliers remain concerned and worried about the uncertainty surrounding the co-op, writes Siobhán English.
Farmers urged to stick with first cut silage targets
FARMERS have been urged to stick with target dates for first cut silage and to close as much ground as is feasible over the coming weeks.
'Cash cut will drive away new farmers' - Dairy and beef farmer on impact of CAP cut
Proposed cuts to the CAP budget will make farming less attractive to young people, a farmer in the west warned.