BVD name-and-shame plan

In our lead story this week, Patrick Donohoe writes that the Department of Agriculture is set to publish the names and addresses of farmers who are holding on to PI calves in order to alert the neighbours of these farmers to the BVD threat in their area. To find out how long farmers have to dispose of PI calves before their name is published click here.

Moves to end the under 30-month cattle rule

With the update of Ireland's BSE risk status to negligible becoming more than likely in May, Phelim O'Neill writes that the IFA is calling for the occasion to be marked by an ending of the 30-month age limit on prime cattle. To read what will be required for the Beef Forum to close the deal on this age limit, click here.

Pressure mounting on Beef Genomics Scheme

Livestock specialist Nathan Tuffy writes that pressure is mounting on the Beef Genomics Scheme since it was revealed the Department of Agriculture is proposing that participants have 20% of the suckler herd bred from four- or five-star sires by 2017/2018. To read about the five key requirements of the new proposal click here.

Land eligibility

On Tuesday farm organisations and farm planners presented to the Joint Oireachtas Agricultural Committee on the issue of land eligibility. To find out the views of organisations such as the Irish Farmers Association and ACA on the topic click here.

Legal queries: What to do if a family member passes away and leaves no will

This week our legal expert Aisling Meehan deals with a query from a man whose brother passed away without leaving a will. The brother owned the farm and had no wife or children so our reader is wondering how to deal with the assets that are left behind. Read Aisling's advice here.