Journalists

Dale Farm confirms 'interest' in LacPatrick 

The UK's largest co-op Dale Farm has said it is 'interested' in the announcement by LacPatrick yesterday that it is interested in a merger.

Analysis: Breakthrough deal has to benefit farmers to be seen as a real success 

Ireland’s latest deal to get beef into China is welcomed by industry, but its success can only be judged by the return to farmers.

Kerry holds March milk price, as Dairygold announces a cut 

Kerry Group has set its March milk price at 32c/L (VAT inclusive).

Are Irish farmers are missing out on organic opportunities? 

Irish MEP Sean Kelly has said that most Irish farmers are ignoring a huge new market for their produce by turning their backs on organic farming.

Farmers paying up to €40 a bale as 'alarming' number of animals starving to death 

Farmers in the west of Ireland are paying up to €40/bale - four times the usual price, while one knackery yard has reported that animals are starving to death in 'alarming' numbers.

LacPatrick Dairies cuts its milk price for March supplies 

The board of LacPatrick Dairies has set a price for March milk.

Lands burned in 2017 will be eligible for future payments 

Farmers who burned land in 2017 will be eligible for future payments, including in 2018, the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) has said.

Tillage farmers urged to grow fodder crops, amid concerns around early silage crops yields and quality 

The 2017/18 cropping season is being severely impacted by the current bad spell of weather and crop options have narrowed considerably but the possibility to grow fodder for livestock farmers should be strongly considered, according to Teagasc.

How many cows can one person sustainably manage? 

With increasing cow numbers it is essential that workloads are sustainable to ensure a resilient farm business into the future, according to Teagasc.

Why if you’re milking cows after 6pm, you’re doing something wrong 

As Ireland’s national dairy herd increases and farmers expand their herds, the need for efficient workflow can result in a big impact on the amount of time spent working.

How to apply for the fodder subsidy 

The Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed announced a €1.5m financial contribution by his Department to help subsidise farmers who have to import fodder, in light of dwindling forage supplies in Ireland.

Floods and freezing weather to hit as farm crisis worsens 

Deluges of heavy rain across large parts of the country will bring flash flooding, waterlogged fields and burst river banks.

Live Three weather warnings in place as flooding reported in several places 

Deluges of heavy rain across large parts of the country will bring flash flooding, waterlogged fields and burst river banks.

Farmers' plea to dog owners - 'The last thing farmers need is for their sheep to be killed by someone's "friendly" pet' 

Sheep farmers are facing an increasingly difficult lambing season with a notable increase in dog attacks in many parts of the country compared to previous years.

First moves to import fodder as farmers face critical shortage 

Dairygold has confirmed that is has organised for the importation of over 2,500 tonnes of fodder (haylage and hay) from the UK with the first loads due to arrive in Ireland tomorrow.

Dairy expansion drives increase as ammonia emissions continue to rise 

Ireland’s emissions are going in the wrong direction for people to benefit from cleaner air, as ammonia emissions continue to rise with dairy herd numbers.

Over 40 lambs killed on neighbouring farms after dog attack 

Over 40 lambs were lost by two neighbouring farmers after they were attacked by dogs in South Roscommon.

Government opens €300m Brexit Loan Scheme 

The Brexit Loan Scheme has been officially opened, allowing applications apply for part of a €300m fund.

29 new jobs announced by Irish Food Board 

Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, has announced that it is looking to recruit 29 people for new positions in the State body.

New Zealand to cull 20,000 cattle hit by disease outbreak 

New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has said that all cattle on properties infected with the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis will be culled, and will be working with farmers to do that from today.

Free clinics to help farmers submit Basic Payment Scheme applications online 

The Department of Agriculture is running a series of free clinics for farmers to help them submit their Basic Payment Scheme applications online.

New food supply chain proposals will help stamp out unfair trading practices - Hogan 

Details around EU proposals on the future of the food supply chain will be published in April, with the EU Agriculture Commissioner hopeful that it will help stamp out unfair trading practices.

Looking for stock bull this spring? This might help you choose the right one 

The ICBF has launched a new feature, designed to help farmers identify and source the ideal stock bull for their farm.

EU auditors call for CAP spend to be based on 'relevant' targets 

The European Court of Auditors has called on future farm spending to be based on ambitious and relevant performance targets, and not to focus on allocating funding based on 'where it is likely to be fully spent'.

Why Baileys' new tipple won't keep Irish dairy farmers sweet 

Baileys has announced that it is launching its latest version of its popular drink onto the Irish market and it's likely that Irish dairy farmers won't be impressed.

Dairy and suckler farmers opt for different beef bulls when breeding 

The most popular breed of calf registered to suckler cows in Northern Ireland during the first two months of 2018 was Charolais.

Farmers warned about illegal burning - weeks after deadline passed 

The Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has issued a strong warning to farmers and their advisors that it is illegal to burn land from March 1 to August 31.

Receiver puts €5.5m worth of Offaly farmland up for sale 

Some 742 acres of land in Offaly is currently for sale, with lots of up to 190 acres, on the instruction of a receiver and is guiding at €5.5m.

Members of Kerry IFA demand to see local branch finances 

A group of Kerry IFA members are calling for greater transparency in the county branch finances and staged a protest last week to highlight what they say is 'flouting' of the association's rules.

Private well owners advised to disinfect water supply 

The Environmental Protection Agency has recommended people with private wells that may have been affected by Storm Emma to disinfect them before using it for drinking water.

40 emergency calls to Department's animal welfare helpline during Storm Emma 

The Department of Agriculture received 40 calls to its emergency animal welfare helpline since last Wednesday as Storm Emma took a grip on the country.

Glanbia to pay farmers 20c/L where insurance doesn't cover milk losses 

Glanbia has announced that it will pay 20c/L on milk volumes that are lost due to the impact of this extremely significant weather event.

Farmers reminded that safety should be their top priority 

Farmers are being reminded that their safety should be their top priority, as many struggle with no power and large snow drifts, making working conditions particularly dangerous.

Gallery: Farmers struggle through snow drifts as lambing and calving continues 

Farmers around the country continue to battle the elements as snow and ice with parts of the country still on high alert.

Farmers face power cuts and disruptions to milk collections 

Farmers around the country are facing tough working conditions as power cuts hit many counties and at dairy processors say milk collections will be affected by the weather.

Former farming leader looks to contest European elections for Fianna Fail 

The former President of ICMSA is looking to get elected to Europe in next year's European Parliament elections.

IFA cancels National Council meeting tomorrow 

The IFA has cancelled its National Council meeting tomorrow (Thursday) in Dublin, at which the Association's former President Eddie Downey had hoped to speak.

Dramatic rise in farm accidents with dairy farmers most likely to be injured 

Farm accidents have risen by 13pc in the last five years and by 31pc in the last 10n years, according to new figures from Teagasc.

US dairy industry lobbies Trump to gain access to UK 

The US dairy industry is pushing for a US-UK deal on dairy exports to the UK, in light of Brexit, UK newspapers are reporting.

Investigation launched amid fears diseased meat entered food chain 

It's been reported that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has launched an investigation after alleged false records were found at a knackery that handles sick or fallen animals.

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.

Hogan remains steadfast that any Mercosur deal must be 'balanced' 

The European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan and his Trade colleague Cecilia Malmstrom will travel South America to see what progress can be made on a Mercosur trade deal.

EU protein plan to promote growth of key crops 

The European Commission has updated the European Council on its intentions for an EU protein plan to address what it calls the EU's "significant and long-standing" feed protein deficit.

'Nothing will stand in the way of continuing direct payments to farmers' 

The EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said that "nothing will stand in the way of ha

Ireland would consider increasing EU contributions, if CAP is protected - Varadkar 

Ireland is prepared to increase its contributions to the EU overall budget, if other countries do too and working programmes such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is protected, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.

Dairygold announces its January milk price 

Dairygold has announced that it will hold the price the Co-Operative paid for milk supplied in the month of January.

EU Ministers - direct payments could be simplified and aimed at active farmers 

European Agriculture Ministers meeting in Bulgaria today said direct payments could be more targeted at active farmers.

Increased CCTV and drones to crack down on illegal dumping 

Covert surveillance, aerial imagery from drones and satellites as well as the installation of CCTV cameras will be used to help crack down on illegal dumping, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment announced today.

Nitrates Derogation secured - what it means for farmers 

The Department of Agriculture has announced that it has secured a Nitrates Derogation from the European Commission.

How one farmer fought an epic battle to stop the CPO of his farm 

The Lonely Battle Of Thomas Reid, a new feature documentary by Feargal Ward will have its Irish Premiere on Saturday February 24 in Light House Cinema, Dublin as part of the Audi Dublin International Film Festival.

Lakeland Dairies and Kerry Group set January milk price 

Lakeland Dairies and Kerry Group have both set their January milk price, with both processors holding their base prices.

Department's appeals model does not need restructuring, but numerous recommendations made - review 

A review of the Department of Agriculture's appeals model has recommended that it does not need a restructuring, but does make a number of other recommendations.

BCG may no longer be a routine vaccine for children - HSE 

Children may not be routinely given the TB vaccine BCG, if recommendations by two expert groups are taken on board by the Department of Health, the HSE has said.

What HSA inspectors will be looking for as it plans 400 farm inspections 

A two-week campaign by the Health and Safety Authority starts on Monday and will involve 400 planned farm inspections, with a focus on safe working with livestock.

Man dies following accident on Meath farm 

A man has died following an accident on a potato farm in Meath

Vegans now accuse dairy farmer of teaching his children to 'abuse animals' 

One of Ireland's leading farmers has been accused of teaching his child to abuse animal by vegan activists.

Glanbia to spend €125m increasing capacity at Belview 

Glanbia is to spend €125m over the next 18 months as it increases its processing capacity at its Belview site.

Farmer subjected to 'frightening' online abuse by vegan campaigners 

One of Ireland's top farmers has been subjected to online abuse by vegan activists, with some calling him a rapist and a Nazi.

'Boring' Canadians continue to buy shares in Glanbia 

A Canadian investment company, which calls itself as 'liking boring' and 'making money' has increased its stake in Glanbia to 4.05pc.

Europe changes SMP intervention details in bid to help markets 

The European Council has introduced a temporary change to the operation of the public intervention mechanism for skimmed milk powder.

European farmers have 'serious concerns' about their future 

New survey reveals that European farmers are worried about future agriculture prospects

More than half of EU farmers receive less than €1,250 a year in subsidies 

Figures from Europe show that over half of EU farmers receive less than €1,250 in EU subsidies every year, while a small number of beneficiaries receive the largest payments.

Dairygold launches fixed milk price scheme 

Dairygold has announced the details of its new Fixed Milk Price Scheme, which will run over a three-year period from March 1, 2018 to November 30, 2020.

First farm death of the year as teen killed in fall from tractor 

Tributes have poured in for a teenager who died in a farming accident in Co Tipperary at the weekend.

How this Dublin potato farm turned itself into one of Ireland's best food companies 

Keogh's crisps has become one of the most popular food brands in Ireland over the past few years, and it grew out of a potato farm in Dublin.

Pig farmers facing income crisis says IFA, as processors drop prices 

IFA National Pigs Committee Chairman, Tom Hogan said farmers are completely outraged at some processors’ decision to drop pig prices this week.

'Worst outbreak in living memory' - Cattle herds locked up as TB outbreak hits peninsula 

At least 45 cattle herds have been locked up following numerous positive tests for tuberculosis.

Minister announces subsidy for transportation of fodder 

The Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has announced that he will introduce a subsidy for the transport of fodder to farmers in need.

No one gets up earlier than the Irish farmer - Taoiseach says 'thanks' for sector's economic contribution 

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar drew on his 'funny' name and farming relations when addressing the IFA AGM in Dublin today, and said that as a champion for the self-employed and people who get up early in the morning and nobody gets up earlier than the Irish farmer.

Analysis: IFA Treasurer faces toughest battle yet in new role 

North Tipperary pig farmer Tim Cullinan was today elected the new Treasurer of IFA, a role he inadvertently helped orchestrate three years ago.

Teagasc and HSA renew joint initiative to promote farm safety and health 

Teagasc and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have signed a ‘Joint Initiative Agreement’ to promote farmer safety and health for the next three years.

Glanbia and Lakeland Dairies hold milk price for December 

Glanbia Ireland and Lakeland Dairies have both announced that they are holding their milk price for December milk.

'5th quarter is worth €135/animal and farmers deserve their fair share' 

The fifth quarter of cattle is worth in the region of €135 per animal and farmers must get their fair share of this, the ICSA has said.

Export results provide little return to cattle, sheep and tillage farmers - ICSA 

The agri-food export results, which were announced this week by Bord Bia, provide little return for cattle, sheep or tillage farmers the ICSA has said.

Why the world loves Irish Butter - exports surged 60pc last year 

We produce a lot of food in Ireland, but it's butter that continues to be the big winner for Irish food and drink exports. But what is it about the yellowy, fat laden product that consumers love?

Eighth successive year of growth sees Irish agri-food exports hit record €12.6bn 

Irish agri-food exports hit a record 12.6bn last year, according to new figures from Bord Bia, with sales growth to the UK continuing to grow despite Brexit fears.

Trump tells US farmers he's saving them from 'death' tax and 'assault' of regulations 

US President Donald Trump told the Farm Bureau in Tennesse that he was saving farmers from the 'death' tax and reducing regulations and inspections.

Ireland needs to target an additional 100,000 head of live exports this year - IFA 

Ireland needs to target an additional 100,000 head of live exports for 2018, according to the IFA.

Why pigmeat DNA tests are to be carried out this year by IFA 

The IFA pig DNA testing programme will target the wholesale sector in 2018.

Young Scientist projects focus on Burren farming practices 

A number of projects from the Burren will focus on the unique farming practices in Clare at the BT Young Scientist this week.

Trump to address US farmers amid falling farm profits and immigration issues 

US President Donald Trump will address farm and ranch families from across the nation at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 99th Annual Convention this week in Nashville.

Calls for farmers to get unique finance restructuring solutions to avoid being 'destroyed' 

Irish farmers face losing their farms, as more and more loans are sold to vulture funds, and they need a specific set of restructuring solutions, the Chief Executive of the Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation has said.

Machinery auction firm to hold creditors meeting next week 

One of the main agricultural machinery auctioneering firms, Paul Cooke Auctions, has shut its doors and a scheduled meeting of creditors of the parent company Moybrone Holdings Limited will take place next week.

Tillage farmers to hold meeting on future of sector 

The Irish Grain Growers Group is hosting a meeting to follow up on the recent launch of the tillage report by the Joint Oireachtas committee on Agriculture.

Calls to reduce antibiotic usage on farms by European Parliament 

The European Parliament's committee on Agriculture and Rural Development is looking for changes around policies to reduce antibiotic usage on farms.

Fodder crisis will worsen unless live exports increase, warns ICMSA President 

The new ICMSA President has identified the fodder crisis and live exports as “first two on Irish farming’s 2018 ‘to-do’ list”.

Vets may challenge new rules to allow non vets own practices 

New rules which would allow veterinary practices to be owned by non vets could face a legal challenge by Veterinary Ireland, the body representing vets in Ireland.

Hogan wants 'results-based' approach to CAP payments 

Brussels will stop checking the height and width of hedgerows and the number of trees in fields in the future as Member States become more responsible for shaping the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Milk consumption down in Europe with dairy demand driven by pizza and cake 

The rising demand for processed foods, such as pizza, pastry and cakes, is driving demand for milk in Europe as direct consumption of liquid milk continues to fall.

EU budget needs to be more 'ambitious' as well as facing cuts 

The EU budget must become more ambitious in light of the €14bn hole Brexit will leave, according to the EU Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources Gunther Oettinger.

Member States can fill EU farm budget shortfall - Hogan 

The €12bn shortfall in EU budgets could be filled by increased contributions from Member States, the EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said.

EU hopeful Mercosur deal will be agreed in February 

The EU's offer on beef in Mercosur trade negotiations has not been revised according to the EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, who said a deal may happen in February.

Man who said 'women's feet are shorter to be nearer kitchen sink' fails to be elected 

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) candidate who said, in a joke, that women's feet are smaller so they can be closer the kitchen sink, has failed in his bid to become the next Ulster/North Leinster Chairman.

Patrick Kent wins ICSA Presidential election by narrow margin 

The ICSA has elected a new president after a tightly-fought battle to lead the farming organisation

'Women's feet are smaller so they can stand closer to the kitchen sink' 

A number of women have claimed that 'a throw-away' remark by a candidate in the battle for the forthcoming election of an Irish Farmers Association (IFA) regional chairman in the North East is making them see red!

Why kebabs could be facing the chop amid concerns around food additives 

Serious concerns are being raised by European politicians about the health impact of phosphates used in food additives, including those in kebabs.

Could meat be the next food to face taxes? 

Meat could be the next commodity to face levies, as a new report says governments may look at taxing it to balance the books.

Watch: The New Zealand sheep being breed into Irish flocks 

These sheep from New Zealand will feature on tonight's episode of 10 things to know about … Genetics

Jarlsberg expands its production of world-renowned cheese in Cork 

Norway's largest dairy co-op, TINE, is expanding the production of Jarlsberg cheese in Cork with a €77m investment.

Consumers 'being misled' as retailers 'fudge' food labels to make products look Irish - IFA 

Irish consumer are being misled by retailers who 'fudge' labelling to make products look Irish and heavily discounted prices distort consumers' perception of value.

'Toxic' Mercosur deal inches towards agreement with beef talks this weekend 

An IFA delegation will be in Argentina this weekend, as a Mercosur deal is expected to be signed off between the South American Mercosur bloc countries and the EU.

'Ireland has a psychological and environmental problem with solid fuel' 

Ireland has a psychological as well as an environmental problem with solid fuels, which has to be addressed, the Minister for the Environment has said.

'Carbon neutrality goal in agriculture must to be defined and policies put in place to achieve it' 

Ireland is not on track to meet its 2020 targets or to decarbonise its economy by 2050, according to the Climate Change Advisory Council’s first Annual Review.

'Irish dairying is only meeting Asian middle class demands, not helping food security' 

The Irish dairy sector has been accused of fulfilling an Asian middle class demand for infant formula, not helping food security.

'A culture change is needed to allow farmers farm without fear' 

The EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan has said that a culture change must happen to help farmers survive and not worry about their income if they make a mistake.

Farmers won't be short changed, new Tanaiste promises 

Less than an hour after being nominated as the new Tanaiste by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Simon Coveney was back taking questions in the Dail on farming.