Good week for…

  • Tom Clair, the Lahinch farmer who woke up to find that his Hereford cow had produced quadruplet Charolais heifer calves unassisted, a one in 180 million chance.
  • Stan McCarthy, chief executive of Kerry plc, who announced a 7% increase in trading profits to €750m and his own retirement on the same day.
  • United farming politics, as five organisations – the IFA, ICMSA, ICSA, Macra na Feirme and the INHFA – stood shoulder to shoulder in protest at the potential closure of the regional veterinary laboratory in Sligo.

  • Siobhan Talbot and Henry Corbally of Glanbia, which announced a 13% increase in profits and a major offer to the co-op’s farmers.
  • Young farmers, as a National Reserve fund of €5.1m was allocated for 2017 by Minister Creed.

    • Bad week for…

  • Any farmer who is slow out of the blocks when it comes to applying for a low-cost loan, as it emerged that half of the €150m pot has already been applied for. Get your skates on.
  • Kerry farmers, who are fighting a losing battle against red deer who are leaving Killarney National Park to graze on neighbouring farms.
  • Poultry and egg producers, who face the ‘Armageddon’ prospect of losing their free-range status on St Patrick’s Day due to bird flu housing restrictions.