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Man who operated 'chop shop' for stolen parts from tractors jailed
A man who operated a 'chop shop' for stolen parts from luxury cars including BMWs and Audis as well as high-tech tractors has been jailed for two years.
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Farmers warned of dangers of taking videos and selfies of freshly calved cows
Young couple secure 91ac holding for €1.42m in bidding marathon to consolidating suckler farming...
Man who operated 'chop shop' for stolen parts from tractors jailed
'They have let us down' - local IFA members shut down branch, but senior officials vow to go on
Robin Talbot: 'We took a leap of faith last week when we bought two Stabiliser bulls'
'They have let us down' - local IFA members shut down branch, but senior officials vow to go on
Members of IFA in Mayo have shut down their own local branch, but senior IFA officials say it will be re-established.
Cork paid quarter of TAMS dairy funds
Over 60pc of Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES) grant aid went to farmers in Munster over the last four years, figures from the Department of Agriculture show.
Microplastics in sewage sludge spread on land to come under microscope
Research is intensifying on the impact of spreading sewage sludge on farmland in spreading microplastics into watercourses.
Farmers and residents near airport fear night flight restriction will be lifted
A group of residents who are fighting plans to overturn night flights in and out of Dublin Airport are determined not to let it happen.
Tassos Haniotis: 'If we want to be politically correct about climate change, we had better start by being factually correct'
I think it can be fair to say that beef has not had its best days lately. From the LANCET report linking diets to health and sustainability, to the recent food safety scandal in Poland, the beef sector is once more on the receiving end of news headlines.
Dairy farmer pays €18,000/ac for prime Cork holding
The auction season has started with a bang in Co Cork, where a 46.2ac holding with a derelict dwelling and a habitable chalet at Knockadooma, Templemartin near Bandon made €840,000, or €18,181/ac.
Resistance to dosing products growing at "alarming" rate, warns vet
A deterioration in the effectiveness of some of the most commonly used animal remedies is spreading at an "alarming" rate, a leading vet has warned.
Ulster farmers angry at increase in cattle imports from south of the Border
The Ulster Farmers’ Union says it is frustrated that meat plants in the North have increased direct imports of cattle from the Republic for slaughter.
MEP's want EU countries to move away from live exports (Irish farmers hope for increase)
The EU and its member states must develop a strategy to shift from live animal transport to transport of meat-and-carcass and germinal products, when possible, the European Parliament said on Thursday.
Dan Ryan: 'Cutting corners in the calving season is piling stress on cows and stockmen'
Spring calving programmes have begun on the vast majority of dairy farms. This is an extremely challenging period for farm staff, freshly calved cows and new-born calves. In this column I will look at how these challenges can be addressed.
Milk price to remain at 30-32c/l predicts Ornua
Milk prices look set to remain at 30-32c/l over the coming months, despite Brexit and potential weather volatility, according to Ornua.
National Broadband Plan may face new state aid challenge from Irish operator
The chief executive of a wireless broadband firm will warn the government today that proceeding with state-subsidised broadband for 540,000 rural homes under the National Broadband Plan represents “unnecessary state intervention” and ”could lead to difficulties with state aid approval” in the EU.
"Border buster" shows why Brexit frontier checks in N.Ireland would matter
Near one of the scores of small border crossings on the island of Ireland, a yellow digger stands as a monument to the lengths communities went to to keep roads open during Northern Ireland's violent "Troubles".
Factories: Lamb prices steady at €5.20/kg
The trade for sheep appears to have levelled off, with factory quotes for lambs remaining unchanged from last week. Dawn, ICM and Kepak held their official base quotes steady at €5.20/kg plus various bonuses.
Why a magnifying glass might be the best purchase for tillage farmers to make this year
Farmers need to use more holistic methods of pest control this springtime with important management chemicals in danger of being removed from the marketplace, it has been urged.
Fianna Fail call for emergency meeting with Minister to address live exports blockage issues
Fianna Fail members have written to the chair of the Oireachtais Joint Committee on Agriculture calling for an emergency meeting with the Minister of Agriculture Michael Creed to address issues that are preventing the current expansion of live exports of calves.
'Our inputs costs only ever go in one direction and that’s upwards' - Surging input costs hit farmers pockets just as prices slump
Farmers have said they have been caught in a 'costs-price squeeze' as overheads continue to rise while farmgate prices flatline or fall.
Glanbia offers milk price of 31.5c/L in new Fixed Milk Price Scheme
Glanbia Ireland (GI) has launched a new two-year Fixed Milk Price Scheme (Phase 13) offering a milk price of 31.5 cent per litre (cpl) (including VAT).
Lakeland Dairies holds price for January milk supplies
Lakeland Dairies has held its milk price and will pay 32.06 cent per litre, inclusive of VAT and lactose bonus, for January milk supplies.
Instagram: See inside Roscommon dairy farmer Ed Payne's once-a-day set up
Today we're out on the farm of Ed Payne, a dairy farmer in Roscommon who has two herds - one milking the traditional twice a day and the other once a day.
Martin Coughlan: Factories keep cattle men on the back foot
I'm not going to pretend there is any real good news on the factory price front. Bullocks and heifers remain the same price as they have for weeks: €3.75/kg and €3.85/kg respectively.
IFA sets out its demands from Government and EU if there's a no-deal Brexit
The IFA set out demands today for a multi-million euro package for ‘the beef sector in case prices plummet in a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario.
Bertie Ahern says hard Brexit would be 'devastating' for agri-food sector
A hard Brexit would be devastating for the agri-food sector, according to the former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Varadkar under pressure over delivery of low-cost loans for farmers announced 'two budgets ago'
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar came under pressure in the Dail yesterday over the delivery of a low-cost loan scheme for farmers.
Less people buying farms for 'love of the land', says auctioneer
Business men and developers were key figures in auction rooms during the Celtic Tiger years, eager to bolster the small holdings they may have come from, or 'go back to their roots'.
How to reduce your suckler cow feeding costs
Feeding suckler cows based on their body condition score is essential to reduce feed costs on suckler cow farms where maintaining cows can take up 70pc of the total feed costs, according to UCD Lecturer and Pedigree Beef farmer Alan Kelly speaking at a Teagasc suckler cow conference held in Mayo.
Ann Fitzgerald: It's time to beef up the good news message about our food industry
McDonald's is the world's largest restaurant chain. Founded in America in the 1940s, it currently serves some 69 million customers a day, across more than 37,000 outlets. Over 150,000 customers a day visit Ireland's 92 McDonald's.
Alan Matthews: Our 'green' farming credentials are set to come under greater scrutiny
Irish production of beef and milk is relatively carbon-efficient on a global scale, although our ranking within the European Union is less clear.
Grass growth surge worth €1.5m a day to farmers
Grass growth is surging ahead, with estimates that early cover could be worth up to €1.5m a day to farmers.
Finishers facing six-week wait to get young bulls killed
Finishers are finding it extremely difficult to get young bulls killed, with some facing a six-week wait, it has emerged.
Catastrophic threat to world's ecosystems as farm pesticides 'driving insect extinction'
Pesticide use is driving an "alarming" decline in the world's insects that could have a "catastrophic" impact on nature's ecosystems.
Farming's great growth dilemma - Can farmers maintain growth while delivering on climate action obligations?
Last week's spat in the Dáil between Agriculture minister Michael Creed and Independent TD Mick Wallace was a foretaste of what is likely to be an increasingly emotive debate about the environmental impact of farming.
Glanbia holds milk price for January supplies
Glanbia will pay its Member milk suppliers 32 cent per litre (cpl) including VAT for January manufacturing milk supplies at 3.6pc butterfat and 3.3pc protein.
Career fraudster jailed once again for conning farmers into handing over tractors
A convicted sex offender and fraudster was jailed once again this week for conning farmers into handing over tractors.
Watch: As Trump's Ag advisor buys the world's most expensive bull
Donald Trump's main agricultural advisor spent what is thought to be a record breaking $1.5m on an Angus bull in recent days.
IFA reviews its communication with members
Communication between the IFA and its thousands of members countrywide has been brought under the microscope as the organisation conducts a review into the issue.
Cows found living with rotting carcasses in Tyrone, court told
A judge has expressed "deep concern" about the state of a farm in County Tyrone where carcasses were found lying amongst livestock.
Letting land supply hits a record low
The supply of letting land has hit a record low and prices have climbed as high as €350/ac for grazing and up to €600/ac for potato ground.
Alternatives to milk boom as consumers turn to vegan diet
Sales of plant-based milks have soared in the last year amid the increasing popularity of vegan diets.
Strong farmer demand driving early calf sales
Lively demand and fine prices are reported in early calf sales, despite growing fears that a combination of restricted lairage capacity and shipping schedules could seriously hit the live export trade this spring.
5 ways to reduce carbon emissions on your farm
Although agricultural green-house gases (GHGs) are difficult to reduce, it is not impossible and can done by improving efficiencies on farms, according to a recent report by Teagasc.
Residential north Kerry holding ideal for starter farmers
Unlike most regions on the western seaboard, north Kerry has a thriving dairy sector and is of course home to the Kerry Group, one of the most successful food companies in the world. The global player began its life in Listowel.
Leinster land sales crank up as new small and medium-sized farms come on the market
Land sales are slowly cranking into action after the seasonal lull and a selection of good quality small to medium-sized farms are now on the market in Leinster.
Mild winter has extended our grazing season by five weeks
With the exception of 90 ewes on a late pregnancy feeding trial, all other ewes and ewe lambs at Lyons are still outdoors.
'Golden age for EU sugar producers over - Sugar industry in turmoil since EU scrapped quotas
Cristal Union, France’s second-largest sugar group, said on Monday the “golden age” for European Union sugar producers was over and that it expected significant changes in the EU sugar sector.
Department of Agriculture seize illegal meat imports at Dublin Port
The Department of Agriculture, as a result of a recent joint operation with Revenue’s Customs Service, seized illegal meat at Dublin port recently.
Are sprayer issues hitting your pocket?
It's amazing how year after year farmers pay big money for fertiliser and yet don't bother setting up their spreader properly.
'Reasonable' demand for pedigree Angus bulls while prices remain under pressure
Pedigree Angus bulls met with reasonable demand while prices continued under pressure at the first sale of the year for the breed hosted by the Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society at Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday.
Hopes of an early spring as temperatures to rise to 15C
Spring is set to announce itself this week as temperatures are expected to rise to 15 degrees.
My Dog: Beautiful Blackie loves guarding farm
My name is Blackie. I am a female German Shepherd who lives on a farm in Co Waterford.
Tax worries and income fears the biggest stumbling blocks to smooth farm transfers
I could write an article every week on farm succession and I'm not sure I would be able to satisfy the demand for information on this topic. I have dealt with the many aspects of succession in previous articles, but the queries keep on rolling in.
More cattle exported to Northern Ireland during January
In the last week of January there were 529 prime cattle were exported to Northern Ireland for direct slaughter in local plants which took total imports for January 2019 to 1,398 head.
New report gives snapshot of the antimicrobial use on farms in Ireland
The Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine recently published the Ireland - One Health Report on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance.
Concern over proposal to impose a 30-day pre-movement TB test on animals
Concerns have been raised over a proposal to impose a 30-day pre-movement TB test on animals the New EU Animal Health Law.
Scanning results point to a hectic lambing season for this Donegal farmer
A lot has happened since our last report from Michael Duffy's farm in October.
How social farming and Google translate helped Syrian olive farmers get back to their roots in Mayo
For two olive farmers from Syria, integrating into the rural town of Claremorris, Mayo, was not necessarily going to be easy.
Brexit triggers sale of Reynolds stake in C&D Foods to Goodman
Businessman Philip Reynolds, son of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, has sold down his last remaining 15pc stake in the family business, C&D Foods, to beef baron Larry Goodman.
Wildlife poaching soars as gangs target deer, hares and small birds
Wildlife poaching by criminal gangs has reached levels not seen since the 1980s, gardaí have warned.
Beware of jargon and agendas when dealing with 'sound science'
Around this time of the winter, I usually get that "glass half-empty" feeling when I look at my rapidly shrinking silage pit.
'I was on the brink of ruin until the man from Revenue gave me one last chance'
In 1997, Oliver Walsh's home farm outside Ballinasloe was on the brink of collapse. "That's how close it got. I was drinking heavily and about to lose everything," he recalls.
Why a profit monitor is an essential for all dairy farmers
The mild weather since Christmas came to an abrupt end last week with the first snow of the winter arriving. Thankfully it didn't last or hang about.
Meet the woman who gave up the vocation of nursing for farming
Last week, the nurses of Ireland braved the wintry elements in a strike calling for improved wages and working conditions.
Analysis: Five simple steps to make sure you can get the loan your farm business needs
In Ireland, there are effectively only three mainstream banks lending to farmers for long-term agricultural projects such as purchasing land or farm building developments.
'She was everything to us' - Owner mourns Marmalade the super world record-holding hen
MARMALADE was no ordinary hen.
Mart accident claims must be 'fair and rational' - ICOS
Legal professionals must ensure all cases involving mart accident claims are "fair and rational", a marts spokesman has urged.
Video: See inside this 246ac farm with horse walker, 7-bedroom house and €2.3m guide
Rarely does a farm this quality and size come on the market, according to Quinn Property, who are offering a 246ac residential farm for sale outside Enniscorthy.
Contractors say 5pc rise in charges on the way
Contractors are quoting a 5pc increase on charges in order to meet with the increases in costs of machinery and higher labour costs since the start of 2019.
US farm finances 'relatively stable' despite China trade war
US farmers are in “relatively stable” financial health despite a bruising trade war between the United States and China that has weakened crop prices, the chief executive of farm supplier Nutrien Ltd said this week.
Norbrook chief calls for transition period with no-deal Brexit 'off table'
Veterinary pharmaceutical firm Norbrook Holdings has said it is in the process of stockpiling six months worth of products for its EU customers ahead of Brexit day on March 29.
Farmers to protest at Denny plant using foreign meat to make 'made in Wicklow' chicken
Poultry farmers are today protesting outside the Kerry Foods plant in Wicklow that produces its Denny slow cooked ‘made in Wicklow’ chicken.
Farmers warned to 'lock up' diesel after spate of fuel thefts
Famers and local business owners are being advised to secure their fuel tanks, after a spate of thefts of diesel from premises.
'Many farmers aren't bothered reporting sheep kills anymore'
A North Louth farmer who lost eight pregnant ewes carrying up to 17 lambs in a savage attack by marauding dogs claims many sheep owners aren’t bothering to report kills any more.
€10 million allocation for improvements to non-public rural roads
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, has announced that he will make €10 million available in a new round of funding for Local Improvement Schemes (LIS).
'Big M' set to rock FTMTA machinery spectacular
Dublin-based machinery distributors Farmhand will have a big presence at this year's FTMTA show at Punchestown Racecourse, Co Kildare this week.
The FTMTA Show ... 30 years a-growing
The FTMTA Farm Machinery Show marks its third anniversary when the sector's flagship event comes to Punchestown from Thursday to Saturday this week.
Wallace lashed for 'brass-necked hypocrisy' after remarks comparing farming to fracking
The President of ICMSA has responded furiously to remarks made in the Dail yesterday by Mick Wallace, TD, when the Wexford independent described Irish dairy and beef sectors as a “short-sighted cash generator” and lumped our farming and food industries in with coal-mining and gas-fracking.
Northern Ireland man who took sheep to Lidl wins jail term appeal
A man who assaulted a store detective after being asked to leave a supermarket where he had taken his pet sheep has spoken of his relief after avoiding jail.
Storm Erik: Met Éireann issues Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings as gale force winds to hit
Met Éireann has issued Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings for Ireland as Storm Erik is set to bring gale force winds.
Farmer proposes with message visible from space
A farmer in Australia has set a high bar for wedding proposals ahead of Valentine’s Day by asking the big question in 70-metre high letters carved into a field of wheat.
'Never turn your back on a cow after calving'
THE Health and Safety Authority is currently carrying out an intensive farm safety inspection campaign, where some 250 farms nation wide will be inspected with a focus on the safe management of livestock during calving season, when the risk of injury to farmers increases significantly.
'My daughter found me lying in a pool of blood' – One farmer on surviving a cow attack
A farmer has revealed how he was attacked and crushed against a wall by a cow trying to protect her calf.
Michael Creed: ''Veganuary', Brexit and climate change - why our beef farmers are a resilient breed'
It has been a difficult new year for beef farmers. Poor market conditions have been compounded by continued Brexit uncertainty.
Factories: Numbers don't add up as lamb prices start to level off
At first glance, the sheep trade continues to push on well, with Kepak Athleague yesterday raising their quote by 15c/kg to €5.20+ 15c/kg QA.
Return of French farmer's case keeps Monsanto in legal spotlight
A decade-old lawsuit in which a French farmer with neurological problems accuses Monsanto of not providing adequate safety warnings for a weedkiller returned to court on Wednesday, adding to health claims faced by the Bayer-owned firm.
'Entitlements today relative to 20 years ago, bear little or no resemblance' - Creed
The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has responded to criticism of the continued use of references years in formulating farmers' EU farm payments.
Fianna Fail demands clarity for farmers on hard Brexit plans - Creed says no such clarity exists
Fianna Fail has demanded clarity in the coming days from the Government on what preparations are being made and what farmers can expect in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
French, German farmers destroy crops after GMOs found in Bayer seeds
Bayer said on Wednesday that farmers in France and Germany were digging up thousands of hectares of rapeseed fields after traces of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) banned for cultivation were found in seeds sold by the company.
Watch: 'Cold stores are absolutely jammed with beef' - Dail row as TD compares Irish agriculture to gas fracking
Both the beef and dairy sector and the gas fracking sector are carbon emitting and have to be scaled back massively, according to Wexford Independent TD, Mick Wallace.
Northern Ireland parties sceptical over reported border technology proposal
Reports that a technology company has proposed a solution to the Irish border after Brexit have been greeted with scepticism in Northern Ireland.
Martin Coughlan: Factories are beefing up their tactics
Prices for bullocks and heifers remain fixed in recent days week at €3.75 and €3.85/kg respectively.
Calls for BVD testing to be made compulsory and for suckler compensation to be €400
ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chairman Hugh Farrell has said that many farmers who have never had a BVD positive test result in their calves are fed up with a scheme that has gone on for seven years and he said that it is now time to make 2019 the last year of full scale compulsory testing.
Kerry farmer fined for polluting groundwater
A Lauragh farmer was convicted and fined €750 at Kenmare District Court for failing to ensure that livestock manure and other effluent from silage and manure pits was stored properly to prevent run-off or seepage into ground water.
Calls for increased culling and fencing of deer in Killarney
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has ruled out fencing off sections of the Killarney National Park alongside public main roads where deer are crossing onto the paths of motorists.
Varadkar seeks EU aid as no deal plans speed up
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will travel to Brussels today to lobby key EU leaders to pledge major emergency aid for Ireland if the UK crashes out next month.
A three-step approach to tackling the most common soil fertility issues
New research from Teagasc shows that while there is finally some improvement in in terms of pH, Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) levels, our soils are still far from optimum fertility and the requirement for significant investment in fertilisers continues.
Putting down roots: how to get started in forestry
Over the last two weeks, Teagasc ran it largest ever nationwide series of Forestry Advisory Clinics.
Two farmers who got scratch cards after hip replacement surgeries thank their lucky stars!
Just days after being released from hospital with hip replacements, two farmers will appear on this week's Winning Streak after their lucky stars were pulled from the drum.
Mart numbers slump on back of Brexit fears
A 10-20pc drop in cattle numbers in the marts has been reported over the last week as poor factory prices and the continuing Brexit debacle in Britain fuels uncertainty in the trade.
Thinking of doing the Green Cert? Here's some options
Agricultural courses have always been a big part of education in counties Galway and Clare with courses available in Teagasc Centres and in Mountbellew Agricultural College. Courses are still in demand and intake has been steady over the last number of years in both counties.
'Please take a look at these pictures - this is what your dog can do' - devastated farmer asks dog owners
Cavan sheep farmer Daphne Scott is asking dog owners to look at the pictures of her dead sheep, after her flock was attacked over the weekend by a dog, leaving eight ewes dead.
Calf export trade faces shipping bottleneck
Difficulties with ferry schedules and lairage capacity could significantly restrict calf exports this spring, industry sources have warned.
Five ways to reduce lamb mortality this spring
Only 85pc of lambs are all lambs conceived are alive at weaning time. While it’s not possible to save every lamb, a few simple changes can go a long way to reduce lamb mortality on farm. Here are Teagasc's guidelines on how to best prevent lamb deaths:
Move towards higher ‘wealth taxes’ could be leaving farmers out of pocket
It's essential for all farming families to take into account all aspects included in farm transfers, now more than ever because of the move towards higher ‘wealth taxes’, according to IFAC Accountants Head of Tax Declan McEvoy.
Farmers warn 'well-insulated executives' against underplaying Brexit as 'an economic hiccup'
The President of Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) has warned of “well-insulated executives” against underplaying Brexit as “an economic hiccup”.
Breeding for resilience is essential for sustainable tillage farming in the future – Teagasc
Although the Irish climate bestows high yield potential for its primary tillage crops, it also supports the prevalence of many crop diseases, presently controlled using pesticides, according to Ewen Mullins.
Country's largest exporter of dairy stockpiles 'Cheddar mountain' as a Brexit buffer
The country's largest exporter of dairy products has moved to store over six months of Cheddar cheese in warehousing in the UK as a Brexit buffer.
Helen Harris: I can't understand the huge jump in price of fertilisers
With the wintry weather, we have plenty of time to get our Nitrates Plan finished and soil samples out. We need to study them for the upcoming season to see what's needed where.
Louise Hogan: Rabble-rousing IFA can't have it every way on EU payments
Sometimes it can be easy to grab headlines. Beef barons, sheikhs and Coolmore Stud in one soundbite is enough to catch anyone's eye.
Light up your tractor fully or pay the penalty, farmers told
Farmers have been urged to ensure they are aware of the rules governing lighting on tractors.
Advice: How to get ready for your Bord Bia Quality Assurance audit
I have had numerous calls recently since Christmas from cattle farmers about their Bord Bia assurance audits and what steps they can take to pass.
'Everything we do is geared to help the basic family farm' - Phil Hogan on CAP reform
Phil Hogan is gone from Irish politics for more than four years. But he still has strong and critical views on things like Ireland's recent alcohol control legislation.
Where the key players in Ireland stand on cutting huge EU farm payments
We asked the main farming organisations where they stand on EU proposals to cut large farm payments.
Éamon Ó Cuív: 'It's incredible that in 2027, we will be basing farm payments on something that happened in 2000 or 2001'
The farmer needs income support if he is going to be there at all. If there are no farmers, there is no environmental protection, in particular in upland areas.
Facts and Figures on the CAP in Ireland: Where the money comes from and who gets it?
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is Europe’s answer to the need for a decent standard of living for 22 million farmers and agricultural workers and a stable, varied and safe food supply for its 500 million citizens.
Capping the CAP: The loopholes that could see Larry Goodman, Coolmore and a Sheikh hold onto huge EU farm subsidies
Huge payments of farm subsidies to individuals from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has long been a cause of outrage to farmers.
Quarter of farmers still facing a fodder deficit on their farms
A quarter of farmers say they have insufficient fodder on their farms, according to the Teagasc Fodder Survey.
Sadness as well-known Limerick GAA figure dies suddenly at farm
Tributes have been paid to one of the great stalwarts of the GAA in Limerick, Patrick McLoughlin, who died on his farm in County Limerick on Saturday morning, the Limerick Leader reports.
Farmers double milk output to 7.5 billion litres two years early
The country's milk pool has hit a massive 7.5 billion litres as dairy farmers have reached their 50pc expansion target a full two years early.
Cautious customers at Charolais sale as Northern numbers drive competition
While the top quality bulls met with good demand the overall trade was tough at the opening pedigree bull sale of 2019 hosted by the Midland and Western Livestock improvement Society at the Showgrounds, Carick-on-Shannon Saturday.
EU support of Irish Brexit 'situation' depends on money in the kitty
Reports that the European Commission has agreed compensation for Irish farmers of a collapse in prices, has been dismissed by senior EU officials.
Fly farmer Hexafly plots €10m drive to take flight
Meath-based agritech firm Hexafly is looking to raise €10m this year.
Families face more uncertainty as Fair Deal scheme delayed
Farm families face months of continued uncertainty around the Fair Deal scheme as legislation which is expected to reduce the burden of nursing home fees may not be approved until the autumn.
Ding dong over Denny chicken that's 'made in Wicklow' but hails from Brazil
Hundreds of consumers have voiced their anger online over Irish food labelling laws that allow Brazilian chicken to be labelled as 'made in Wicklow'.
Legal Advice: We're worried our daughter in law will have a claim over the farm
Q My younger son announced his engagement at Christmas and is getting married next year. He farms the family farm with my husband, myself and our other son, who is unmarried. My younger son’s fiancée is not used to farm life and works as a nurse in the town. We like her well enough but worry that if anything goes wrong in the future she would have some claim over the farm which we...
The food trends set to change the face of farming
Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae may believe that avoiding eating meat to help the world's climate is "crazy" and "a fad", but whatever your view on that particular issue, there's no avoiding the fact that the Irish consumer's relationship with food is changing.
Tillage farmers told loss of chlorothalonil will have a negative impact on their pockets
Research shows that based on current fungicide chemistries it is estimated that the potential loss of chlorothalonil would result in a significant reduction in net margins, reflecting a significant loss in disease control and yield, according to Teagasc Senior Research Officer Steven Kildea.
'The work is 24/7 but I'd love to expand the farm'
While dozens of young men and women continue to leave the Irish farming sectors each year in favour of more lucrative jobs, it is comforting to see 25-year-old Michael Kavanagh building a nice career for himself.
Good pedigree - the 19th century home of a two-time Grand National winner is on the market
Boltown Hall at Kilskyre near Kells in Co Meath is a 19th-century home fully renovated by its current owners.
Cabinet told no-deal Brexit will 'wipe out' beef industry
Cabinet ministers were warned the beef, dairy and pig meat industry could be "wiped out" if Britain crashes out of the European Union, the Sunday Independent can reveal.
Mid-season lamb producers top of the flocks
Historically, there has been a wide range in farm profitability. That range continues to persist, and sheep farms are no exception. In this article, the focus will be on mid-season lowland lamb enterprises, the most predominant lowland sheep system.
Powering ahead - Ireland's Top 10 tractors
Around this time every year we get the opportunity to assess the top tractor manufacturers' performances in the Irish machinery market.
France’s minimum food prices laws come into effect aimed at raising farmers’ incomes
France’s agriculture minister sought to reassure households that food shopping bills would not jump dramatically as a rise in minimum food prices aimed at raising farmers’ incomes came into effect on Friday.
6 ways to build resilience and adapt to the stresses in farming
A key focus in this year’s Positive Farmers conference was mental resilience towards the inevitable stressors that each farmer is subject throughout the year.
Claims by Brexiteers that WTO tariffs won't apply for 10 years rubbished by legal expert
Recent claims by a Brexiteer that WTO tariffs would not apply for 10 years in the case of a no-deal Brexit have been rubbished by a leading WTO legal expert.
Eight out of every 10 tillage farm deemed economically viable – Teagasc
Some eight out of 10 tillage farmers are deemed economically viable according to data presented by Teagasc Research Officer, Fiona Thorne at the recent National Tillage conference held in Lyrath, Co Kilkenny.
Once off payments to sheep farmers purchasing EID tags commence
The Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed, today announced the commencement of the first tranche of payments under the EID sheep tag subsidy scheme.
Cork farmer Alan Jagoe elected as new Chairman of Agri Aware
Cork farmer Alan Jagoe has been elected as the new Chairman of Agri Aware.
John Fagan: Mild winter has made up for some of the chaos we battled in 2018
I don't know which debate is currently more absurd - the climate change debate in Ireland telling people that reducing the intake of Irish agricultural produce is an effective way of saving the planet, or the now farcical Brexit debate, which is detrimental to one's ear drums.
Beef Plan movement threatens to get political
The latest meeting of the Beef Plan movement group has said it will start canvassing politicians with local and European elections due in 2019.
'No alternative' to UK for domestic mushroom farmers
Irish mushroom producers have no choice but to focus on the UK despite Brexit, according to Monaghan Mushrooms vice chairman Paul Wilson.
Meet the farmer looking for love: 'I've had a bit of craic, but it's time to settle down and get a grip'
Sheep farmer Eoin Kelly, from Derry, is among rural singletons hoping to find love on the new series of BBC Two's Love in the Countryside.
New programme could see Europe become 100pc self-sufficient in sheepmeat
Increasing ewe productivity by 0.1 lambs across the EU by utilising knowledge and technology currently available could see Europe become almost 100pc self-sufficient in sheep meat, according to Teagasc Research Officer, Tim Keady.
Northern Ireland farm incomes to fall dramatically amid no-deal Brexit warnings
Farm incomes across Northern Ireland are expected to fall by almost a quarter this financial year, according to the latest government estimates.
Sligo sheep farmer on converting a cattle shed into housing for his mid-season lambing ewes
Converting existing cattle housing to accommodate an expanding sheep enterprise requires a blend of making best use of what you have, creative thinking and a knowledge of what the key housing requirements are for ewes in late pregnancy.
'One slip' could be calamitous for important live export trade - Minister Creed warns
AGRICULTURE Minister Michael Creed warned “one slip” could be calamitous for the important live export trade.
There is a war on red meat - and attacks are on the rise, farmers warn
Farmers are being confronted with a “war” on red meat, with attacks on the rise, a lobby group has warned.
Tillage farmer calls for united front to support beef farmers through Brexit
The damage Brexit will do to the Irish beef sector will have a serious knock on effect on the tillage sector according to John Cullen, the Zurich Insurance/Farming Independent Tillage farmer of the year.
'BEEP scheme won't be bureaucratic'- Minister Creed
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said he doesn’t envisage that there will be bureaucratic issues in relation to farm inspections and procurement of scales which will be part of the new BEEP scheme (Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot).
Mary Rooney: Why have compliance inspections become so stressful for so many farmers?
When I was growing up in the 1970s, a visit from a Department inspector meant gathering the sheep for inspection, or that a man was coming to look at your new shed, yard, or drainage project to approve it for a grant payment.
East-west divide on lamb crop as drought factor hits numbers
Scanning results in ewe flocks are showing a significant east-west divide as the impact of last summer's drought is reflected in this spring's lamb crop.
Domestic milk intake was up by 23% in December
Domestic milk intake by creameries and pasteurisers was estimated at 253.1 million litres for December 2018, 23.2 pc above the corresponding 2017 figure.
Fonterra's NZ milk output rises 4% in Dec on good weather
Dairy company Fonterra on Thursday said total New Zealand milk production rose 4 percent in December from the same month a year earlier due to favourable weather.
Forecasters warn of significant snow-fall as temperatures plunge to -5C
Forecasters have warned that most part of the country will be hit by significant levels of snow from early today.
Farmers told not to import animals from bluetongue affected countries unless 'absolutely necessary'
The Department of Agriculture has warned farmers considering importing ruminant animals from bluetongue (BTV) affected countries to only do so if absolutely necessary as this is the most likely route of introduction of the bluetongue virus into Ireland.
Mary Kingston: Our fertiliser calendar restrictions are not fit for purpose
With limited rainfall in early January, I've seen the odd social media post about our daft calendar restrictions on slurry spreading whilst ground conditions are good.
Intervention sales come at a heavy cost to the taxpayer
Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan recently welcomed the sale of the majority of EU public stocks milk powder, however, its likely come at a significant cost to the taxpayer.
Accountants advise farmers to hold off on all significant investments until the Brexit fog clears
Farmers have been warned to hold off on any significant investment decisions until the Brexit fog clears.
'Transitional' CAP will be needed to bridge Brexit and budget crux
A transitional CAP programme will be necessary for 2020-21 because the new regime will not be agreed in time to be launched next year.
Farmers are urged to delay big investment plans until 'fog clears'
Farmers have been warned to hold off on any significant investment decisions until the Brexit "fog clears".
Forests are 'depressing places' and are leading to the closure of schools, Leitrim group claims
Sitka spruce forests - made up of large, coniferous, evergreen trees - are “depressing places” which increase rural isolation and lead to the closure of primary schools, the Save Leitrim campaign group have claimed.
Glanbia Co-op announces 2019 Trading Bonus Scheme
Glanbia Co-operative Society (“Glanbia Co-op”) has announced details of its 2019 Trading Bonus Scheme that will reward farmer Members of the Co-op for purchases made from Glanbia Ireland and its subsidiaries.
Farmers face targets not quotas to reduce emissions as Ireland faces €5.5bn in fines - Bruton
Farmers will face targets not quotas to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions, according to Richard Bruton.
Prime midlands holding with housing for 200 cattle guided at €1.2m
Last year's land market was characterised by the sale of larger farms.
Poland orders slaughterhouse controls after TV shows sick cows
Poland’s Chief Veterinarian has ordered controls in slaughterhouses after television footage showed a company killing sick cows and selling the meat for human consumption.
Everything you need to know about the new €40/calf Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot scheme
The Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., today announced the launch of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP), with a funding provision of €20m in 2019.
New TAMS items can't be added unless others are dropped - Minister
There is very little opportunity to add new items, such as underpasses, to the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS), according to the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed.
Coillte to stick with strategy as Leamy exits
Fergal Leamy is to step down as CEO and as a director of Coillte, the State forestry company, just over four years after returning to Ireland to take up the role.
Richard Hackett: We can't hedge our bets any longer on dangerous trees
We'll start off with some history on hedgerows. The origins of the first hedgerows in Ireland were primarily to delineate townlands and delineate estate boundaries.
Woman instructed for dying man's farm to be left to her son, sister claims in court
A sister of a farmer whose will is being contested believes a solicitor got his instructions for the will from another sister, whose son was left the entire 54 acre farm in Wexford.
'Serious' snowfall on the way as mercury to plummet to -7C
It's time to stock up on bread, milk and spuds once again as "serious snow" is expected in many parts of the country this week.
Government announces study as protest to take place over'misguided' forestry policy in Leitrim
A major protest against the Government's forestry policy will be held outside the Dáil today.
Dairy 'backstop' needed for free movement of milk across Border
A 'dairy backstop' will be required to guarantee continued free movement of milk across the Border post-Brexit.
Factories: Lamb prices achieve lift-off but ewes stall
Supply pressures continued to put upward pressure on prices to the point where yesterday morning factories once again were forced to lift their quotes for lamb - and in some cases that lift was quite spectacular.
Beef farmers are losing their shirts and are facing a Brexit Armageddon - IFA President
Beef farmers are “losing their shirts” hit by a triple whammy of bad prices, spiralling costs and reducing direct payments, the IFA President warned.
Capacity of lairages in France becoming key challenge to live export trade - Department
Concerns were raised about the capacity of lairages in France to cope with an anticipated record Irish calf exports this spring.
'We have to hold our nerve,' Taoiseach tells farmers as they reveal fears over 'no deal'
Irish beef farmers are facing a cliff edge as a no-deal Brexit looms, they told both the Minister for Agriculture and the Taoiseach at the Irish Farmers' Association AGM.
Margaret Donnelly: 'Leo tries to squash the beef - but talk of emission cuts hard to stomach'
A week is a lifetime in politics, they say, and a lot has changed in the past three years for the IFA.
Brexit is the political challenge of our time and Ireland needs to hold its nerve - Varadkar
Brexit is the great political challenge of our time and Ireland needs to hold its nerve, the Taoiseach has said.
Leo can eat what he likes, but he needs to be a Taoiseach of all Ireland, not just Dublin - Joe Healy
The Taoiseach can eat what he wants, but he must be a Taoiseach for all of Ireland, not just Dublin, according to IFA President Joe Healy.
Martin Coughlan: Stress, dread and anxiety - a beef man's lot
Finishers with stock to sell must be struggling with the feeling of dread that comes when trying to do business in an over-supplied market, as the figures continue to illustrate.
EU calms US trade ties by accepting US soybeans in biofuel
The European Commission said on Tuesday it had concluded that U.S. soybeans can be used in biofuels in the European Union, part of the bloc’s push to improve strained trade relations with the United States.
Snow-ice warning in place until Saturday - 'Threat of serious snow' and temperatures of -3C expected
A nationwide weather warning for snow and ice comes into force this morning and will last until at least the weekend.
'Beans can outperform spring barley by €34/ha'- things to consider when growing beans
Beans yields took a major hit last summer when Storm Emma in March led to late plantings and the drought of summer 2018 meant yields only amounted to 2.5t/ha on average.
CAP should be used to fund genuine farmers, not Larry Goodman, Coolmore or Sheiks - IFA President
Sheikh Mohammad, Coolmore Stud, Larry Goodman and their likes are not ‘genuine farmers’, according to IFA President Joe Healy, who said CAP funding should go to genuine farmers.
'Little evidence' of move to plant-based diets as meat remains popular with UK consumers
Meat remains popular with consumers in the UK, Ireland's vital export market.
Fergal Leamy to step down as Coillte chief after more than four years
Fergal Leamy is step down as Chief Executive and Director of Coillte, after more than four years in the role.
Gerry Giggins: Poorly designed housing is now a major factor in disease outbreaks
Usually a new year brings a positivity and the opportunity to look forward to the 12 months ahead.
EU agrees post-Brexit carve up of third country import quotas for farming produce
New quotas on the amounts of farming produce the EU will accept from third countries after Brexit was agreed in Brussels on Monday.
IFA secures ongoing collection of controversial levies from some processors
Negotiations are still ongoing with beef processors over the collection of levies as the IFA seeks to shore up its finances.
How this dairy farmer is operating a 220-cow herd as a one-man-show
Operating a 220 Holstein cow farm is a workable number for a one-man system, without heavy reliance on outside labour says west Cork farmer Norman Tuthill.
Proposal to fine motorists not carrying a driving licence goes down like a lead balloon with farmers
Proposals by the Minister for Transport Shane Ross that would see motorists not carrying a driving licence hit with automatic fines has gone down like a lead balloon with farmers.
Government will always protect farmers: Varadkar
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will tell farmers today at the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) AGM that his Government will always protect them when it comes to Brexit.
Westmeath mum to buy new tractor for family farm after scooping €57,000 on Winning Streak
A Westmeath mum has promised to purchase a new tractor for her family farm after winning a cool €57,000 on the National Lottery Winning Streak game show on RTÉ One this weekend.
'Calling in the vet is just half the battle when treating sick calves'
The unfortunate reality on a lot of farms is, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, a calf will get sick.
John Large: Exceptional start to the year has given us a grass boost
It's been an exceptional start to the New Year with land dry enough for ploughing, hedge-cutting and slurry spreading. Long may it continue.
91ac residential Wexford farm guided at €1m
One of the first Wexford auctions of the year takes place in early February with the sale of a 91ac residential farm at Blackwater, between Enniscorthy and Wexford. The executor sale is guided at €1m.
Three agri-food companies named by EPA for failing to meet environmental standards
Three agri-food companies have been named by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to meet environmental standards.
The CAP budget is the key, Creed tells EU Ministers as negotiations over reform continue
The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has stressed to his fellow EU Agriculture Minister's that securing an adequate budget is critical to the future Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).
'Significant snowfall' expected as Met Éireann issues five-day weather warning
FORECASTERS have issued a yellow warning for the week ahead, warning of snow, sleet and widespread frost.
Kerry co-op shares plan ‘defies logic’, Alliance claims
Revenue will be the only winners in the share conversion scheme that Kerry Co-op is set to offer its members, Kerry Co-op Shareholders Alliance have warned.