Journalists

Online US sales of sports protein powders drives growth at Glanbia 

Glanbia has reported a ‘good performance in the first nine months of 2017’with its onlines sales in the US, the key driver of growth.

Teagasc 'can't compete on starting salaries' but one-third of staff earn €60,000 or more 

Teagasc has warned that it cannot compete with the private sector for staff due to low starting-level salaries, while its annual report shows that more than one third of permanent staff earn €60,000 or more.

Department announces start of Knowledge Transfer payments to 19,000 farmers 

The Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has announced that farmers in 1,100 Knowledge Transfer groups are due to get payments from the first year of the scheme.

What has been the EU's response to growing butter demand? 

Figures from the UK's Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) show that while international butter markets were rising to record highs, the EU response has been muted.

Wet weather drags down New Zealand' dairy production 

Wet weather has officially stalled spring dairy production in New Zealland.

New Zealand looks to muscle in on Ireland’s grass-fed beef and lamb story 

New Zealand is looking at creating an umbrella marketing ‘story’ for its beef and lamb brands, which would emulate yet challenge Irish beef and lamb.

'Any trade deal with New Zealand must be fair and balanced' 

Any possible trade deal with New Zealand must be fair and balanced, MEP Sean Kelly has warned.

Dutch dairy farmers warned expansion plans could be hampered by processing capacities 

Dutch dairy farmers are being warned to ensure their phosphate capacity is in order and to spread their annual milk supply to prevent a stall in processing.

MEPs demand glyphosate phase-out, with full ban by end 2022 

MEPs have voted to back a full ban on glyphosate-based herbicides by the end of 2022 along with immediate restrictions on the product.

Majority of UK consumers try to by British food and think it tastes better 

The majority of UK consumers try to buy British, new research has found, a worrying trend considering how reliant the Irish agri-food sector is on exports to the UK.

Irish cattle prices remain in top 10 of EU, but 18.c/kg below Northern Irish prices 

Irish cattle prices remain in the top 10 in Europe, latest figures for R3 heifers across the EU show, but are 18c/kg behind those in Northern Ireland.

'We went to bed a normal family and woke up the next morning and Daddy was gone' 

The family of farmer Tom Oliver is appealing to the public over his murder.

Farmers call for the price of Guinness pint to be cut by 10c 

Malting barley growers are calling for the price of a pint of Guiness to be reduced by 10c, as they say the malting barley they grow has fallen.

'Succession partnerships under threat after Stamp Duty changes' 

Changes to Stamp Duty on land transfers in the Budget could be the death kneel for succession partnerships, according to a leading tax advisor.

'Madness' NCT for tractors will 'force older tractors onto the roads' 

New regulations around NCTs for tractors is due to come into force from May 2018, which one TD has called 'madness' and said it would force older tractors onto the roads.

MEPs propose glyphosate phase-out, with full ban by end 2020 

MEPs are proposing that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, be phased out with a full ban by 2020.

Stamp Duty changes made to inter-family farmland transfers 

Changes have been made to planned hikes to commercial stamp duty in order to limit the number of farmers hit by the new 6pc rate.

Weather impacts on New Zealand milk production 

As dairy production levels increased across the US and Australia in recent months, unfavourable weather conditions impacted New Zealand production and Fonterra has cut its milk collection forecast.

'The vet still calls out, but I have a bit more money in my pocket' 

Six years ago Cork farmer Dick O'Neill sat down with his vet and nutritionist and decided to do something about the health of animals on his farm.

Farmers forced to sell cattle as fodder shortage bites 

Farmers in the North West are having to sell cattle, as a second year of bad weather over the summer months means poor fodder quality and shortages.

One simple change can stop lame cows losing 400L of milk 

The average lame cow loses around 400L of milk (570L for a sole ulcer, and 370L for white line abscess), according to international expert Roger Blowey.

Lakeland Dairies increases its September milk price 

Lakeland Dairies has increased its payout for September milk.

GLAS traditional farm building scheme is now open for applications 

The Minister for Agriculture has announced that the GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme is open.

More farms may be spared stamp duty hike after backlash 

The scope of exemptions available for farmers to avoid the new 6pc stamp duty on land sales could be widened to ease the backlash to the Budget measure, the Irish Independent has learned.

Backlash over stamp duty on sale of farms: Vast majority of farms will be hit with 6pc tax 

FINANCE Minister Paschal Donohoe is facing a major backlash after it emerged the massive hike to commercial stamp duty will apply to the sale of farmland.

Stamp Duty hike to cost farmers €12m - Fitzmaurice 

The hike in Stamp Duty on commercial land, which includes farmland, will cost farmers €12m, according to Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

Comment: Farmers left with many unknowns despite Budget positives 

Budget 2018 has delivered some headline bonuses for farming, but the underlying figures will leave many farmers disappointed as the fundamental issue of income volatility remains in their hands to deal with.

Budget 2018: Has it just got a lot more expensive to buy land? 

The Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue's announcement in today's Budget that Stamp Duty on commercial property transactions will increase from 2pc to 6pc.

Lukewarm reaction by farmers to Budget 2018 

There has been a diverse range of reactions by farm organisations the Paschal Donohue’s announcement of Budget 2018.

Budget 2018: Greenlight for ANC top-up, more cash for TAMS, new low-cost loan scheme in pipeline 

Marginal farmers and solar farming are among the winners in today's Budget.

Bord Bia targets German market post Brexit 

Bord Bia is targeting Germany as part of its post-Brexit initiatives with the launch of two new German websites.

It's National Potato Day 2017 - how do you eat your spuds? 

Today is National Potato Day - so what better thing to do than find out how best we like to eat our spuds?

Varadkar says Irish beef industry must be 'taken care of' 

The Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that the Irish beef industry must be 'taken care of' if any Mercosur deal is hammered out in the coming days.

Have you registered your right of way? 

The issue of rights of way is going to become huge over the next few years according to solicitor Deirdre Flynn.

Comment: Skies foretell of Brexit storms ahead - but there's no dampening of spirits 

Despite rubbish broadband, the threat of Brexit and recent flooding, rural Ireland has showed itself once again to be incredibly resilient.

'Too much grey area around shooting intruders in self defence' 

How far a farmer can go to defend themselves remains a grey area in law that needs to be addressed, according to top rural solicitor Karen Walsh.

'Our grandparents who worked on the land for years are living in fear of being murdered in their beds' 

Elderly people in rural Ireland are living in fear of being murdered in their beds, a discussion on rural crime heard at the Ploughing today.

'Electric picnic for farmers' - Floating Voter podcast hits the Ploughing Championships 

The main farming bodies tackled Minister Creed on what farmers want from the budget at the Ploughing today.

Ploughing Day 3: It's like Electric Picnic, but at least farmers don't have to buy new wellies 

The one good thing about the rain today at the Ploughing Championships was that every farmer there is equipped to deal with all kinds of weather.

Watch: 'How many lanes are monitored and is there somebody in there?' - Inside a speed camera van 

One very popular stand at the Ploughing this week is the Road Safety Authority's display, where they had a poignant display of every person who has died in a road traffic accident this year to remind visitors of the real people behind road traffic accidents.

Reversing rural decline ‘a great challenge’ – President Higgins 

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins warned that “one of the great challenges of our time” was unbalanced development leaving rural areas lagging.

Record numbers at Ploughing as over 100,000 descend on Tullamore 

The Ploughing continues to attract the crowds of both people and commercial interests, as the social place to be and be seen over the three days and a record number of people – 112,500 attended the first day of the Ploughing in Tullamore today.

'EU Member States should increase net contribution to keep CAP funding'' 

EU Member States should look at increasing their net contributions to ensure the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget is not reduced.

Wellies at the ready as rain takes its toll on Screggan site 

A safety-first message has gone out to the 100,000 visitors expected to descend on Co Offaly for day one of the National Ploughing Championships.

Final Ploughing preparations amid muddy conditions as rain takes it toll 

The final preparations are underway today at the Ploughing site outside Tullamore, as the rain of the past few weeks takes its toll on the site.

Living in Rural Ireland: How can you farm when you can’t think what day of the week it is? 

Michael was first hospitalised with depression after his wife found him sitting in a field.

Farmer and landlord hit with €100,000 revenue settlement 

A farmer, landlord and employee made a settlement of €103,966 with the Revenue Commissioners in the latest tax defaulters list.

Half of agri-industry professionals say Brexit offers some positives for the sector 

A new survey on Brexit has found that half of agri-industry professionals see Brexit offering some positives for their sector.

Lakeland Dairies opens €40m expansion of milk powder operations 

Lakeland Dairies has opened its €40m expansion of milk powder operations at its Bailieboro site in Cavan.

IFA loses chief economist to Enterprise Ireland 

The IFA is losing its chief economist Rowena Dwyer, as she moves to a role in Enterprise Ireland.

Former Ag Minister Mary Coughlan returns to a green agenda 

The former Tanaiste and Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan, has returned to having an agricultural brief, with her new role as an consultant and registered lobbyist.

Sterling slump costing farmers millions per week 

The slide in the value of sterling is costing the Irish agri-food sector millions per week, farming leaders have warned.

Farmer collects €500,000 Euromillions win, after keeping ticket in his pocket for 3 months 

They say good things come to do those who wait and that was certainly evident in National Lottery offices this morning as a Co. Clare farmer finally claimed his EuroMillions Plus win of €500,000 from June, a full 83 days after the draw.

Plans to reduce agricultural pollution not enough - An Taisce 

Ireland is failing to improve the quality of its waterways and measures to reduce agricultural pollution are not working, An Taisce has said.

No need for PSC to get farm payments - Creed 

Farmers will not need a Public Services Card (PSC) to access their farm payments through the Department of Agriculture's website agfood.ie, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed says.

Gardai warn farmers to be vigilant after recent thefts from farms 

Gardai in the midlands are warning farmers to be vigilant after recent thefts from farmyards in North Tipperary.

Alltech increases presence in Russia with joint venture 

Animal nutrition company Alltech has announced a joint venture move in Russia, which it says will give it increased access to this market.

IFA protest outside supermarkets over 'milk price war' 

The IFA is staging a protest outside Dunnes Stores and Aldi supermarkets today in Portlaoise, over what it says is a "market grabbing milk price war".

Irish milk supplies continue to surge ahead 

Irish milk production is surging ahead of the first six months of last year and is up more than any other country in western Europe.

Cheese drives China's dairy imports but not always for 'traditional' uses 

With cream cheese undergoing a steady surge in popularity in Asia, New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra is building two new cream cheese factories and has opened a new mozzarella factory to meet the demand.

'Plugging drafts and insulating attics is not enough to be energy efficient' 

Insulating attics and plugging draughts can’t deliver enough energy efficiency and mindsets must be changed, according to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment.

Ireland faces 'real challenges' in meeting its climate objectives - Naughten 

Ireland is at a critical point in its energy and climate history, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment Denis Naughten has said, but warned that Ireland faces real challenges in meeting its climate objectives and EU obligations.

Credit Union launches new agri loans with 'office on a farm' campaign 

An novel marketing campaign has been launched Westport Credit Union to promote its new agri loan scheme.

Points tumble for most Ag Science courses 

The points needed to study Agriculture at UCD are back slightly on last year for almost every agricultural course.

Dairygold announces milk price increase for July milk 

Dairygold has announced that it is increasing its July milk price. It comes after Glanbia and Kerry also announced they were increasing their July base milk prices.

Britain wants exemptions for farmers to avoid Brexit border posts 

The UK is calling for unprecedented agri-food agreements and recognition of current regulations, which would allow trade continue as is post Brexit between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Three agri companies fined by HSA for safety breaches 

Three agri-food companies were fined by the Health and Safety Authority last year for breaches of safety measures.

Rising milk prices hit margins at Glanbia Ireland 

Improved milk prices and lagging world dairy markets are to blame for a fall in margins at Glanbia Ireland, the new joint venture between Glanbia Plc and Glanbia Co-op.

Most work-related fatalities still occur in farming, where almost 50pc of PTO guards are not in place 

New figures show that farming had the highest number of work-place fatalities in 2016 – accounting for 21 of the 45 work-related deaths last year.

Glanbia launches new 5-year milk and feed loyalty scheme 

Glanbia Ireland has announced details of a new Milk & Feed Loyalty Scheme (Glanbia Loyalty Scheme), including a five-year fixed milk price element and a €30/t loyalty bonus on concentrate dairy feeds from GAIN Animal Nutrition products.

Plans to build massive 76-acre solar farm rejected 

Plans to build a massive 76-acre solar farm in Kildare have been rejected by Kildare County Council.

Urgent warning from trailer manufacturer after fatal accident 

Following a fatal accident involving a specific model of trailer (NC 300 Series Power Tilt Dump Trailer), the manufacturer of the trailer has issued a safety alert.

Europe-wide egg scare spreads, but risk here 'very low' 

A Europe-wide health scare continues as 15 different countries report cases of eggs contaminated with a lice insecticide, the European Commission has confirmed.

15 EU countries report contaminated eggs, Irish risk to health 'very low' 

A european-wide egg scare continues as 15 different countries report cases of eggs contaminated with a lice insecticide, the European Commission has confirmed.

Joe Healy joins FBD board after year-long stand-off 

FBD Holdings has announced that the IFA President Joe Healy has formally joined its board as a non-executive Director.

New Zealand beef exports under pressure as Japanese tariffs hit home 

New tariffs announced by Japan on beef imports will be felt by New Zealand bee producers as it faces increased tariffs into the premium market.

Jobseekers looking to earn extra money milking cows will be means tested 

The Department of Social Protection has confirmed that anyone who earns additional income after completing a training course to milk cows, will be subject to means testing.

Dutch consumers warned after eggs found contaminated with lice insecticide 

Dutch consumers have been told to avoid certain eggs, after it was found that they may be contaminated with lice insecticide.

Margaret Donnelly: Having valuable assets does not mean farmers can afford fees 

Any moves on the Fair Deal scheme which could benefit farmers with large assets but low incomes are to be welcomed.

Exclusive: 'Fairer Deal' for farmers blocked - warning on 'special' deal over nursing homes 

A special deal to slash nursing home costs for farmers is in jeopardy following a dramatic intervention by the Office of the Attorney General, the Irish Independent can reveal.

Families wanted: The picturesque Irish village looking for new blood 

A small village in Leitrim is looking to bolster its community and is calling on families to come live there.

Zoetis completes acquisition of Tullamore-based animal therapeutic company 

Zoetis and Nexvet announced that Zoetis has completed the acquisition of Nexvet, a biologic therapeutics company with headquarters in Tullamore, Ireland, developing a pipeline of monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies for companion animals in pain and other therapeutic areas. 

UK remains Ireland's top trading partner, despite 6pc drop in exports 

The UK remained Ireland's largest trading partner with almost 40pc (€4,804m) of total exports by value in 2016, a decrease of 6.1pc from 2015.

Details of tillage crop loss support measures announced 

The Department of Agriculture has revealed the details of the financial aid available to tillage farmers affected by crop losses in September 2016.

Criminal investigation after 'angel dust' found in targeted on-farm testing 

The Department of Agriculture is pursuing a criminal case in light of clenbuterol (angel dust) being found meat samples taken from animal carcasses last year.

How likely are farmers to die in a farm accident? 

How likely are farmers to die in a farming-related accident? That depends on how you view the odds.

Moroccan trade delegation visits key agri-food stakeholders 

A trade delegation from Morocco is currently in Ireland visiting a number of state bodies.

Glanbia follows Lakeland Dairies with milk price rise 

Glanbia has announced that it will increase its base milk price to farmers for June manufacturing milk.

Minister Creed welcomes decision by IFA to call off tillage protest 

The IFA has ended its protest in the lobby of the Department of Agriculture offices on Kildare St.

'UK consumers face higher prices, lower quality and less choice after Brexit' 

Consumers in the UK may face higher prices, lower quality and less choice when it comes to food as a result of Brexit, a former supermarket CEO has warned.

Watch: ‘Our cows are as happy inside as outside’: Zero grazing farmer on feeding his 1,200 cows 

George Bingham from Templepatrick in Co Antrim has a 650-acre farm and 1,200 cows with 650 milking at any one time.

Watch: IFA brings combine harvester to tillage protest 

The IFA protest at the Department of Agriculture entered its sixth day today, marked with the arrival of a combine harvester.

'Quality broadband is essential for young people to remain in rural areas and businesses to thrive' 

If young people are to remain in rural areas and businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive, quality broadband coverage is essential, according to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

One of Europe's largest organic farms, in Ireland, sells for €17.4m 

The Grianan Estate is situated in Co. Donegal and its sale was confirmed this week for €17.425m.

Glanbia plc completes sale of Dairy Ireland 

Glanbia has completed the sale of a 60pc interest in Glanbia Dairy Ireland to Glanbia co-op.

Currency fluctuations around Brexit challenge Irish exporters' pockets 

With nearly 40pc of Irish food and drink exports heading to the UK, the possible impact of a hard Brexit would be felt by the industry, but it's the day-to-day currency fluctuations that are hitting Irish exporters in the pocket.

'UK food standards won't be loosened in any free trade deal' 

A trade deal between the UK and the US does not mean that UK food standards would be loosened, according to Michael Gove.

Majority of food exporters don't have marketing plan for post Brexit UK 

Over half of the respondents to Bord Bia's Brexit Barometer are heavily dependant on the UK for exports, with it contributing 53pc of their exports by value, but the majority don't have a plan for the UK post Brexit.

Environmental agency upholds complaints of smell at Dairygold plant 

Complaints about odour from the Dairygold Mallow plant have been upheld by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

'Crop resistance and reduced availability of products reduces tillage yields' 

Irish tillage farmers are facing difficulties in achieving high yields, necessary for profitability, due to the reduced availability of products and crop resistance.

'Slurry splash plates won't be banned for foreseeable future' 

There is no end date envisaged for the end of splash plates, ICMSA President John Comer has said, following a meeting with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Farmer dies tragically after tractor knocks him into slurry pit 

A farmer in Co Clare died last night in a farming accident.

Laois farmer and turf supplier hit with €80,000 tax bill 

Revenue's tax defaulters' list includes a number of farmers, including one Laois farmer and turf cutter who handed a bill of €80,000.

UK supermarket pulls corned beef from shelves over alleged slavery link 

Waitrose, one of the leading UK supermarkets, has pulled one of its corned beef brands from its shelves, after allegations were made that the meat came from a farm that used slave labour.

You butter believe it - global food trends push up butter prices 

After years of being castigated as borderline evil for our waists and hearts, butter sales continue to grow and drive up prices.

Global Dairy Trade prices lift a 'touch' but whole milk prices down 

The latest Global Dairy Trade auctions results saw overall prices lift a touch, but whole milk prices were back.

Comment: What's wrong when the announcement of 6,000 jobs excites no one? 

It's crazy really - if 6,000 jobs were announced in any other sector every minister and Government body would be elbowing their way into a picture and claiming the credit.