Journalists

Why the consumer is king for sheep farmers 

The sheep industry must follow the consumer trend towards healthy eating by delivering lambs with lower fat scores.

Offal export opportunities opening up in Europe 

Appetites for offal are increasing across Europe, with changing demographics driving demand.

March milk volumes forecast to rise by up to 10pc 

Milk collections are on track to soar ahead this month, fuelled by the buoyant spring grass growth and the delayed calving season.

€100m wiped off the cattle trade leaves farms on brink 

The cattle industry lost €100m last year due to falling prices and a small drop in the volume of livestock processed.

Brexit price slump hits beef farmers for €26m 

Beef farmers have taken a €26m hit from the Brexit-linked price slump in the first six weeks of the year, an analysis has shown.

Beef farming 'won't survive disastrous changes' - sector reacts to tariff regime threat 

Threatened tariffs and import quotas in a cliff-edge Brexit would be 'disastrous' for beef farming.

Brexit crisis: ‘Beef farmers are on their knees already’ 

Edmund Graham, a beef farmer on the Border, is already counting the economic impact of Brexit.

Calves backlog rises as weather hits the trade 

Trade for weaker Friesian calves remains poor due to large numbers and a weather-related shipping backlog.

Trials on hi-tech beef grading machines at advanced stage 

A trial using digital cameras and LED lights as part of the mechanical grading system in meat factories is at an "advanced stage", it has been confirmed.

Base milk price gap stretches to €12,000 

The divergence in prices being paid by co-ops to milk suppliers has reached "unsustainable proportions", the ICMSA has warned.

Tillage farmers 'an endangered species' 

Tillage farmers could soon be an endangered species as the area of land in cereals has dropped by 55,000ha, or 17pc, in eight years.

Bovine gallstones are worth more than their weight in gold 

There’s gold in them thar … cows.

'They're like gold dust' - cow gallstones fetch up to €35,000 per kilo in Far East 

Cow gallstones are being given the kid glove treatment in meat factories - as pristine specimens can rival gold bullion prices and fetch up to €35,000 a kilo in the Far East. However, the caveat is they are extremely scarce.

Leading sheep marts won't be installing EID tag readers 

Some of the country's busiest sheep marts will not be installing electronic tagging readers as EID comes into force this summer, it has emerged.

Climate action plan will be 'more carrot than stick' for farmers 

Changes in fertiliser practices and a drive towards anaerobic digesters are expected to feature strongly in a key climate action report going to Government.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

'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.

LacPatrick under the spotlight on April milk prices 

LacPatrick will be back in the spotlight this week as dairies announce their April milk prices.

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.

Cattle prices surge as factories vie for stock - Further rises forecast as shortage drives ‘fierce competition’ 

Factory buyers have binned weight and age penalties and upped prices as they battle to secure cattle supplies.

LacPatrick suppliers call for shareholders' meeting on merger plan 

There are mounting calls for shareholder meetings at LacPatrick Co-op to discuss the continuing uncertainty at the Ulster dairy processor.

Labour demand soars by 20pc as dairy farmers struggle to cope with workload 

Demand for extra workers on farms this springtime surged by a further 20pc, according to Farm Relief Services (FRS).

Aurivo sees merger with Border co-op LacPatrick as Brexit bulwark 

North-west based Aurivo Co-op believes a potential link-up with LacPatrick Dairies would deliver a strong Brexit buffer for both businesses.

Aurivo sees merger with Border co-op LacPatrick as Brexit bulwark 

North-west based Aurivo Co-op believes a potential link-up with LacPatrick Dairies would deliver a strong Brexit buffer for both businesses.

Hogan stands firm on Mercosur as EU delists Brazilian suppliers 

European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan insisted there would be "no deal" on Mercosur unless negotiators are fully satisfied strong standards will apply to all produce. It comes as another round of the negotiations on Mercosur got under way in Brussels this week.

Fears for 'thin' cows as nightmare spring continues for farmers 

Fodder shortage hit farmers are set to get no respite this week as Met Eireann are forecasting frost, hail, thunder and temperatures as low as 0C.

Farmers urged to talk to allay depression fears 

Agri-advisors have raised concerns about the pressures being placed on tillage farmers with the volume of work left to be completed due to the late spring.

Breeding problems ahead for 'thin' cows 

Concerns are being raised over the fast-approaching breeding season as farmers continue to deal with the fallout from the weather woes.

CAP an 'obvious target' for cuts with tillage farmers vulnerable 

The tillage sector is "extremely vulnerable" with many likely to go out of business if faced with cuts to direct payments, a CAP event in Kilkenny has heard.

Domestic, overseas suitors eyeing up LacPatrick deal 

Concerned farmers have urged that LacPatrick Dairies must be given the "space and time" to decide the best option for the Border region co-op.

Farmers urged to tackle climate change in battle for CAP funding 

Farmers must make themselves more "indispensable" towards tackling energy and climate change problems, with an uphill battle ahead in protecting the vital Common Agricultural Policy funding, it has been warned.

Four agri-food sites named by EPA as 'priority sites for enforcement' 

Seven industrial sites named on EPA’s latest National Priority Sites List for Enforcement, including four agri-food companies.

Dail motion calling for 'hardship fund' and meal voucher scheme passed 

AN opposition motion has been passed in the Dail to deliver a ‘ hardship fund’ and meal voucher scheme to help smaller farmers severely impacted by the crisis.

'Farmers should be paid the maximum price for their milk': Anger at co-ops over milk price cuts 

Sharp differences have emerged between the ICMSA and IFA regarding base milk price cuts announced by Glanbia, Lakeland Dairies and LacPatrick.

Slashing energy costs by up to 40pc is 'realistic' target 

Cutting energy costs by 40pc on farms is "absolutely realistic" by following some simple steps and using readily available products, according to a Teagasc researcher.

Northern Ireland's Dale Farm eyes LacPatrick 

Northern Ireland's Dale Farm says it's interested in rival LacPatrick, which revealed on Wednesday that it was examining "strategic options" understood to include a merger or sale of the business.

LacPatrick in merger talks with three firms - including rivals 

One of the biggest dairy co-ops in the Border region is in talks with as many as three potential merger partners.

Action urged as deer leave mountains to seek out food 

Farmers are calling for action as they are being invaded by hungry deer coming down off the mountains due to the long hard winter.

What does the Chinese beef deal mean for Ireland? 

Demand for meat in China has quadrupled over the last 30 years. However, beef consumption would be considered relatively low at 4kg per person per year, compared to 19kg per person in Ireland.

Restricted access to penning areas at marts looks to become the "new norm" 

Restricted access to penning areas at marts looks set to become the "new norm", as marts in the north-west of the country lead the way in bringing in new health and safety measures.

€100m export market for Irish beef in China 'may just be tip of iceberg' 

A €100m export market for frozen Irish beef in China may be just the tip of the iceberg as consumption is growing rapidly among the expanding Asian middle class.

Minister confirms NCT test required for 'fast' tractors used for non-agricultural work 

"Fast" tractors that are being used for agricultural activities will be excluded from new regulations, introducing an NCT for vehicles that can travel over 40kmh.

Banks urged to take 'reasonable' approach on loans 

BANKS and credit institutions have been urged to take an understanding and reasonable approach to farm loans and overdrafts.

Milk sector must adapt to demands of sustainable production - Dairygold CEO 

Irish farming needs to adapt to the challenges of sustainable production and climate change, Dairygold CEO Jim Woulfe has warned.

Lakeland cuts milk price, but 'balances' price with 2.5c/L support payment 

Lakeland Dairies has cut its March milk price by 2.5c/L, but announced that it will "balance a reduction in the March milk price with a payment to support milk producers during the current very poor milk production conditions caused by bad weather and the fodder crisis".

Lakeland Dairies looks to value-added markets as it targets €1bn in revenues 

Valuable infant formula and on-trend nutritional products will be key growth targets for Lakeland Dairies as it aims to hit annual revenues of more than €1bn by 2021.

Lessons must be learned on fodder crisis, admits Creed 

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has admitted that "lessons" will have to be learned from the fodder crisis gripping the country, but denied it was time to "dismantle" the ambitious plans to grow the multi-billion euro agri-sector.

Revenue at Lakeland Dairies surges as the group targets infant formula opportunities 

Infant milk formulas and health-related nutritional products are key growth targets for north-western milk processor Lakeland Dairies as it recorded a 28pc surge in revenue to over €769m.

Revenue at Lakeland Dairies surges as the group targets infant formula opportunities 

INFANT milk formulas and health-related nutritional products are key growth targets for north-western milk processor Lakeland Dairies as it recorded a 28pc surge in revenue to over €769m.

Farmers facing fodder crisis 'double whammy' 

Farmers are facing a 'double whammy' from weather woes as costs surge due to fodder bills while milk collections slump.

'We aim to reseed 10 to 12pc of the farm annually' - Top grassland farmer sees reseeding as a vital part of the grassland management 

Reseeding has long been touted as one of the most cost effective on-farm investments, with payback expected within two years.

Tag issues are creating log-jam in BDGP scheme 

Ongoing delays in issuing genotyping tags for the BDGP scheme are causing major problems for suckler farmers, it has been warned.

The guessing game - With less than a year to Brexit, confusion and uncertainty reign 

"Our national journey out of the EU is almost over - and a glorious view awaits." As the clock ticks towards Brexit that is the worldview of the UK's foreign secretary Boris Johnson.

Rules relaxed for hauliers making emergency deliveries to farms 

Road safety bosses will take a "pragmatic" approach to lorry drivers' hours as they deliver fodder to stricken farmers.

Weather takes costly toll on animal health - Vets report big increase in pneumonia, mastitis and milk fever 

Vets are encountering a big increase in animal health problems on farms with a rise in mastitis, milk fever, viral pneumonia and joint-ill being reported.

IFA demands halt to vacant site levies on farmland 

Attempts by local authorities to hit farmland with the 'vacant' site levy are completely unacceptable, it has been warned.

'I thought I had plenty of silage – but I was totally out' - 190 cow dairy farmer on coping with an empty silage pit 

The sight of an empty silage pit is something no farmer wants to see when there is little or no grass in the waterlogged fields.

Minister shipping in fodder ‘too little, too late’, says IFA 

Government moves to alleviate the escalating fodder crisis have been blasted as “too little, too late” by under-pressure farmers.

Organic sector calls for more state supports 

Efforts must be doubled to increase the market for Irish organic beef and lamb, it has been urged.

Dairygold lays 'Brexit-proof' plans as profits jump 

Dairygold is pressing ahead on its "Brexit-proofing strategy", with a decision expected on planning permission for a new Jarlsberg cheese plant within weeks.

Fodder crisis spreading to dairy heartland as 'livestock and human crisis' looms 

A forage register to connect feed buyers and sellers is being established by Teagasc as a fodder crisis looms in Munster and south Leinster.

Farm bodies round on 'opportunistic' feed merchants 

Farm organisations have slammed reports that millers and feed merchants are considering a €20-25/t price hike on compound feed rations.

German students come to the rescue of farmer with 1,200 ewes 

It is a spring that will stick in the memories of farmers for a long time to come.

Fine margins: How this Kilkenny calf to beef farmer tripled his margins 

There is still a margin to be made in calf to beef systems, but planning and efficient operations remain key as Pat Bowden can testify. It has been a hectic three years for the Kilkenny farmer, who has switched over from sucklers to rearing Friesian steers from the dairy herds under the guidance of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme.

Farmers are down to the wire on fodder: Teagasc 

There is mounting concern over the potential fodder shortages, with many parts of the south and south-east now feeling the pinch.

Lamb will be at a premium this Easter 

Most families sitting down to the traditional leg of lamb for Easter dinner will be tucking into hogget rather than spring lamb.

Team of 11 bulls deployed for sexed semen trial 

A team of 11 bulls will be used in a new sexed semen trial to assess its fertility compared with conventional straws during the new breeding season.

Eddie Downey in ongoing talks with the IFA over tell-all address 

Former IFA president Eddie Downey is understood to be in discussions with the association over his plan to address a National Council meeting.

The key demands from Irish farm organisations in the next CAP reform 

FARMERS are calling for Member States to step up by putting more into the EU Budget to make up any shortfall in CAP due to Brexit.

Meat processors on collision course with unions over plans to recruit 2,000 non-EU workers 

Meat processors are seeking a massive 2,000 permits for workers from outside the EU to counter what they describe as a "critical" shortage of labour.

Dairy sector must move to GM-free feed to protect its global presence - Glanbia boss 

The Irish Dairy industry needs to move towards delivering produce free from genetically modified feedstuffs to consolidate its presence in key markets, a top dairy executive has warned

Forestry cover now at 10pc of land area 

One in every 10 hectares of land is now planted in forestry, according to the latest figures.

Boortmalt aims to secure 500ac for malting barley 'trial' in Donegal 

CLOSE to 20 Donegal tillage farmers have expressed an interest in growing malting barley for Boortmalt this year.

Scramble for sucklers as farmers face 40% cut in BDGP payments 

A cramble to buy quality suckler replacement stock kicked off this week after the Department of Agriculture informed hundreds of farmers their herds would not meet required breeding standards.

'CAP policy circle won't be easy to square': Creed 

Establishing a national CAP position that represents the differing regional views and aspirations of farmers will be a major challenge, admitted Agriculture Minister Michael Creed.

Final GLAS payments delayed until end of May 

Farmers will have to wait for the final balancing payment for GLAS until mid-summer, it has emerged.

Glanbia cuts milk price by 3c/L amid warnings of 'market oversupply' 

Glanbia Ireland was first out of the blocks to cut the milk price for February, amid warnings of an oversupply in the marketplace.

Brexit poses 'a sobering challenge for the dairy industry' - Glanbia chief 

The "sobering challenge" posed by Brexit to the Irish economy was highlighted yesterday when the boss of Glanbia Ireland outlined a dramatic fall-off in the incomes of dairy farmers.

Creed calls on insurance companies to step up after snowstorm 

Farmers who suffered significant damage to polytunnels due to Storm Emma may be able to avail of a capital grants scheme to help ease losses.

Government to support €160m investment in Glanbia milk plant creating 86 jobs 

The Government has confirmed Enterprise Ireland support towards Glanbia Ireland’s plans to invest over €160m in its site at Belview, Co Kilkenny.

Creed warns 'sustainability now a key demand' as Glanbia launches its €35m cheese plant expansion 

AGRICULTURE Minister Michael Creed warned sustainability was now a key demand from buyers of dairy produce around the world.

'Base price of €7/kg needed to cover rising sheep sector costs' 

The IFA has warned that early lamb producers will need a base price of more than €7/kg to cover the increased costs of the enterprise.

Record collections save dairy sector from worst of the storm 

Record milk collections over the last three days have prevented serious losses on dairy farms, as hauliers battled severe weather conditions to access farmyards.

Fodder fears growing again as farmers pick up the pieces 

Farmers were battling the aftermath of Storm Emma this week as the full costs of the Siberian cold snap were calculated.

Farmers fear for sheep on snow-covered hills 

Hill sheep farmers will be counting losses from their flocks due to the major snowfall in the coming days.

Opinion: Settlement can herald a new beginning for the IFA 

Pat Smith's final settlement of €1,900,000 with the IFA is more like a telephone number than a tangible sum for most of us.

Massive snow drifts hit milk collections 

Farmers are battling massive snowdrifts across the country, as dairy farmers face major pressures in getting milk collected in treacherous conditions.

How supplying niche markets could help safeguard the future of hill sheep farmers in the west 

What can be done along the western seaboard to try and stem the flow of people leaving farming? That was the question posed by Joe Scahill to farmers gathered for the Teagasc Hill Sheep Conference in Co Mayo.

Fears for lambing and calving as pipes freeze and feed runs low 

Farmers have described conditions as "difficult and challenging", with some dairy farmers struggling to keep water supplies flowing in milking parlours.

IFA to draw on reserve fund to settle Smith case 

The Irish Farmers' Association will be forced to dip into its special reserve fund to pay a settlement to former general secretary Pat Smith. The final cost is expected to be in excess of €2m including legal fees.

Clean sheep policy vital for access to US and China 

The clean livestock policy is important to all operators in the sheep sector as part of the "green and clean" marketing drive to access US and Chinese markets.

Farmers may be banned from penning areas of marts due to accident levels 

Mart Co-Op boards are considering a series of recommendations drawn up to help reduce accident risk levels and lower insurance premiums.

I'm pleased matters have been settled and I'm very proud of IFA - Pat Smith 

Commenting on the settlement today in the High Court of litigation brought against the Irish Farmers’ Association, Mr. Pat Smith said that he and his family are pleased that matters with his former employers, the Irish Farmers’ Association, have been settled. 

Dispute over former IFA Chief's €2m exit package settled 

The former General Secretary of the IFA Pat Smith has settled his legal actions against IFA today, outside the High Court.

ABP signs first Irish deal to sell beef in China 

Larry Goodman's ABP has secured the first contract to supply Irish beef to China, ahead of the widely-anticipated opening up of the huge Asian market.

ABP signs first Irish deal to sell beef in China 

Larry Goodman's ABP has secured the first contract to supply Irish beef to China, ahead of the widely-anticipated opening up of the huge Asian market.