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With the details of the European Commission’s milk production reduction scheme now published, Irish Farmers Journal dairy editor Jack Kennedy looks at the options available to dairy farmers with digital editor Thomas Hubert.

The IFA has released the study it commissioned from a competition economist into the proposed deal between ABP and Slaney Foods. Reporter Amy McShane spoke with IFA president Joe Healy and the author of the report, Dr Pat McCloughan.

Better weather in the past week has helped with harvest progress, but a lot of work remains to be done, especially in the northwest. Tillage editor Andy Doyle has the latest from the fields.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed took part in a debate organised by Macra na Feirme in his constituency in Macroom, Co Cork, last Friday. There, he met Irish Farmers Journal news correspondent Odile Evans, who asked him about income tax and TAMS payments.

The BVD eradication programme has been in the spotlight recently, with an independent report recommending the continuation of tissue tagging. Livestock specialist Darren Carty takes stock with Animal Health Ireland chief executive Joe O’Flaherty.

Even under difficult conditions, Co Tyrone suckler farmer Oliver McKenna makes the most of every blade of grass on his farm. He hosted a farm walk with the Ulster Grassland Association last week and spoke with our Northern Ireland editor David Wright.

At last week’s Energy in Agriculture conference, buildings specialist Peter Varley asked Teagasc renewable energy specialist Barry Caslin about Ireland’s obligations under green energy targets – and the risks associated with non-compliance.

The Irish Country Living book club is back this month. Consumer editor Ciara Leahy goes through the reading list with Aisling Hussey.

Missed the previous episodes of the podcast? Catch up here: www.farmersjournal.ie/podcast