Hill sheep forum

The IFA is hosting a major national hill sheep forum in Connemara next Tuesday, 23 May, to provide hill sheep farmers with an opportunity to get the latest updates across a broad range of relevant issues from commonages and GLAS policy to the production and marketing of hill lamb. The event begins with a farm visit at 3pm, followed by a meeting in Maam Cross. More details can be found at www.ifa.ie.

Taking account of labour

A significant amount of work has been carried out by Teagasc in response to the IFA’s proposals for an add-on to the National Farm Survey (NFS), aimed at measuring the actual cost of dairy farmers’ own-labour. IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy said this exercise is at an advanced stage for dairy farmers, and he hopes it will be reflected in the 2016 NFS and will in time be extended to other sectors.

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With the new IFA app, you can keep up to date with the latest IFA news, access expert market reports and commentary, and learn more about IFA campaigns, events, services and benefits. Swipe through news and information relevant to you and your farm, and save or share important articles. The app is available to download for iPhone and Android – get it at www.ifa.ie/app.

Horn bud inspections

IFA livestock chair Angus Woods has said it is no longer appropriate or necessary that the Department of Agriculture should be involved in inspections at marts and live export points regarding horn buds on cattle. He said farmers know the benefits of disbudding and dehorning cattle and the legislation in this area should be changed and the livestock sector left to self-regulate.