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News
Minister needs to put clear bluetongue plan in place for Ireland - IFA
Rachel Donovan
The IFA claims there has been ample time for the Minister and his Department to put comprehensive plans in place in the event of a bluetongue incursion.
Minister needs to put clear bluetongue plan in place for Ireland - IFA
 
 
LATEST HEADLINES
NEWS
Young Stock Podcast: the making of Farming Simulator 25
James Hanly
Young Stock Podcast: the making of Farming Simulator 25
On this week's Young Stock Podcast, we spoke to Kermit Ball, the community co-ordinator at GIANTS Software based in the US, specifically working with the videogame Farming Simulator 25.
Beet herbicide ban could hit fodder stocks
Siobhán Walsh
Beet herbicide ban could hit fodder stocks
Beet herbicide Debut has been banned for use in the EU and there is no widely available alternative for the product.
Amy Forde
Machinery-sharing POs for tillage sector should be examined – report
Adam Woods
St Patrick keeps the beef trade positive
Declan O’Brien
ICMSA survey exposes sharp divide on TB movement restrictions
EASYFIX launches revolutionary slurry aeration system - ePulse SPONSORED
EASYFIX launches revolutionary slurry aeration system - ePulse
Suitable for existing and new tanks - 60% TAMS approved. Agitates slurry. Improves safety. Enhances nutrients.
MART REPORTS
Unusual sale day doesn't upset Bandon calf sales
Tommy Moyles
Unusual sale day doesn't upset Bandon calf sales
A change of sale day did little to upset the trade in Bandon Mart where just over 1,800 calves went through the ring for this weeks calf sale. Prices remain firm as farmers and exporters compete.
Watch: 1,200 cattle generate turnover of €1.85m in Kilkenny Mart
Darren Carty
Watch: 1,200 cattle generate turnover of €1.85m in Kilkenny Mart
Beef bullocks averaged €3.93/kg or €2,565 per head while beef heifers averaged €4.10/kg or €2,587 per head.
Camera at the Mart: strong northern demand for breeding heifers in Balla
Martin Merrick
Camera at the Mart: strong northern demand for breeding heifers in Balla
High-end heifers saw northern buyers battle with local farmers to secure lots, with exporters coming out on top for the most part.
PODCASTS
VIDEO HUB
BEEF
St Patrick keeps the beef trade positive
Adam Woods
St Patrick keeps the beef trade positive
Unusual sale day doesn't upset Bandon calf sales
Tommy Moyles
Unusual sale day doesn't upset Bandon calf sales
Irish beef access to Vietnam moves a step closer
Amy Forde
Irish beef access to Vietnam moves a step closer
Watch: 1,200 cattle generate turnover of €1.85m in Kilkenny Mart
Darren Carty
Watch: 1,200 cattle generate turnover of €1.85m in Kilkenny Mart
FARM PROGRAMMES
DAIRY
Tirlán announces February milk price
Rachel Donovan
Tirlán announces February milk price
While butter price has strengthened recently, there is considerable uncertainty on the potential impact of tariffs in the coming months, according to Tirlán chair John Murphy.
No change in Global Dairy Trade price
Rachel Donovan
No change in Global Dairy Trade price
The average price at Tuesday's auction remained at €3,888/t.
Aidan Brennan
Dairy Management: crucial few weeks for grass
e-Learning
Siobhán Walsh
One new variety makes maize list
Land purchase considerations: key factors for farmers SPONSORED
Land purchase considerations: key factors for farmers
The nature of farming like any business, is that farmers are continually investing in their farms, land, infrastructure, buildings, stock and machinery to improve on-farm efficiencies or productivity
SHEEP
Sheep price update: factories reduce quotes by another 10c/kg
Darren Carty
Sheep price update: factories reduce quotes by another 10c/kg
12% increase in LambPlus participation in 2025
Darren Carty
12% increase in LambPlus participation in 2025
Connemara Mayo Blackface Breeders Group spring sale tops at €320
Rachel Gallagher
Connemara Mayo Blackface Breeders Group spring sale tops at €320
Sheep Trends: factories pull hoggets by 20c/kg
Darren Carty
Sheep Trends: factories pull hoggets by 20c/kg
KNOWLEDGE HUB
ANIMAL HEALTH
Minister needs to put clear bluetongue plan in place for Ireland - IFA
Rachel Donovan
Minister needs to put clear bluetongue plan in place for Ireland - IFA
The IFA claims there has been ample time for the Minister and his Department to put comprehensive plans in place in the event of a bluetongue incursion.
Major animal health conference for Galway
Rachel Donovan
Major animal health conference for Galway
The event will take place from 8 to 10 April 2025 at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Co Galway.
PEDIGREE
Connemara Mayo Blackface Breeders Group spring sale tops at €320
Rachel Gallagher
Connemara Mayo Blackface Breeders Group spring sale tops at €320
Rachel Gallagher reports on the recent Connemara Mayo Blackface Breeders Group spring sale held in Burke’s Livestock Mart, Maam Cross.
Letterkenny Show Society bull sale tops at €5,100
Rachel Gallagher
Letterkenny Show Society bull sale tops at €5,100
Rachel Gallagher reports from Raphoe Livestock Mart for the Letterkenny Show Society annual bull sale.
Getting through the first SBLAS audit SPONSORED
Getting through the first SBLAS audit
Damien Murray, Origin Green Producer Liaison & Standard Co-Coordinator gives a step by step guide for new suckler members of SBLAS facing their first audit.
EASYFIX launches revolutionary slurry aeration system - ePulseSPONSORED
EASYFIX launches revolutionary slurry aeration system - ePulse
Suitable for existing and new tanks - 60% TAMS approved. Agitates slurry. Improves safety. Enhances nutrients.
Meath’s green fields inspired Mark to pursue career to protect the environmentSPONSORED
Meath’s green fields inspired Mark to pursue career to protect the environment
Former Meath hurler and senior engineer Mark O’Sullivan is part of a team working to bring more renewables on to the electricity grid.
Newborns 'flourishing' thanks to Flourish Calf SPONSORED
Newborns 'flourishing' thanks to Flourish Calf
Tipperary dairy and beef farmer pleased by 'unreal' impact of milk replacer.
For daily news, mart prices and ePaper access from 6am on Thursday, subscribe for just €1 SUBSCRIBE
AGRIBUSINESS
Anxiety growing in US agriculture sector over tariffs
Phelim O'Neill
Anxiety growing in US agriculture sector over tariffs
Farmers and exporters in the US are highlighting the consequences of tariff policy and suggesting the EU is a better target than Mexico, Canada or China.
Value of Brazil's beef exports continue upward trend
Phelim O'Neill
Value of Brazil's beef exports continue upward trend
Even though cattle prices are falling, Brazil's beef value is rising on world markets.
Trump threatens 200% tariffs on EU whiskey and alcohol
Noel Bardon
Trump threatens 200% tariffs on EU whiskey and alcohol
Last year, Ireland exported just shy of €900m worth of alcoholic beverages to the US.
US expert warns of potential trade flashpoints in the coming weeks
Lorcan Roche Kelly
US expert warns of potential trade flashpoints in the coming weeks
Key dates are the introduction of steel and aluminium tariffs this week and reciprocal tariffs on 2 April.
TILLAGE
Beet herbicide ban could hit fodder stocks
Siobhán Walsh
Beet herbicide ban could hit fodder stocks
One new variety makes maize list
Siobhán Walsh
One new variety makes maize list
Agri jobs: internship role at US corn farm
James Hanly
Agri jobs: internship role at US corn farm
Malting price offer made by Boortmalt
Siobhán Walsh
Tillage Podcast: fine weather, new products and malt
Beet herbicide ban could hit fodder stocks SPONSORED
Sustainability progress on Irish farms
Origin Green sustainability and data analytics manager Dr Eleanor Murphy reports on Irish farm emissions.
MACHINERY
Krampe takes over Kaweco silage trailers
Peter Thomas Keaveney
Krampe takes over Kaweco silage trailers
Krampe has taken on all of the production rights - as well as the service and spare parts business - of the long-established Dutch manufacturer Kaweco.
US company Carbon Robotics debuts second generation laser weeder
Gary Abbott
US company Carbon Robotics debuts second generation laser weeder
US tech company, Carbon Robotics has debuted its second generation LaserWeeder claiming sub-millimetre weed control and a reduction in weed control costs of up to 80%.
Peter Thomas Keaveney
2022 McHale Fusion tops contractor retirement sales at €60,000
Gary Abbott
Lely Juno pushes both feed and production on Longford farm
Peter Thomas Keaveney
Setting up the spreader: understanding the difference between urea and compounds
New quad bike regulations - are you ready? SPONSORED
New quad bike regulations - are you ready?
Quad bikes are designed to cope with a wide variety of terrain types and so are a fantastic aid for farm work - by Ciaran Roche, FBD risk manager.
PROPERTY
Auction news: €25,000/ac paid for small parcels
Paul Mooney
Auction news: €25,000/ac paid for small parcels
There were multiple bidders for each of the two small parcels of farmland.
43ac farm of good land near Portumna for €700,000
Paul Mooney
43ac farm of good land near Portumna for €700,000
The property comes with a house and a large number of sheds which are in good working condition.
Elegant house near the Curragh plains
Paul Mooney
Elegant house near the Curragh plains
The land is laid out in three fields, in grass, with good shelter from hedges and trees.
BUILDINGS
Department raises specification levels for all dairy units
Martin Merrick
Department raises specification levels for all dairy units
Specifications have been revamped for dairy units, which mainly concern wiring and the connection of generators.
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Map: new research estimates that 30% of country is covered by peaty soils
Noel Bardon
Map: new research estimates that 30% of country is covered by peaty soils
Low-flying aircraft were able to determine whether a soil was peaty, based on differing levels of radiation detected above peats v non-peats.
Farmer fears over rewetting to the fore in Athlone
Amy Forde
Farmer fears over rewetting to the fore in Athlone
Over 250 farmers attended an IFA meeting about peat soils on Thursday last.
RENEWABLES
Permission granted for ESB and Coillte wind farm in Donegal
Stephen Robb
Permission granted for ESB and Coillte wind farm in Donegal
The 15-turbine wind farm will be the biggest on the Inishowen peninsula, but, according to an inspector at An Bord Pleanála, could pose a risk to the environment
Coillte- and ESB-backed 13-turbine new wind farm set for Cork
Stephen Robb
Coillte- and ESB-backed 13-turbine new wind farm set for Cork
A new wind farm on the Cork-Kerry border has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanála.
FORESTRY
Court of Appeal directs farmer's case over SAC land to High Court
James Hanly
Court of Appeal directs farmer's case over SAC land to High Court
The farmer is now seeking damages for alleged loss and damage caused to him by the SAC designation, mainly based on the profits he would allegedly have earned had he been permitted to plant forestry.
Forestry replanting grants still in the mix
Declan O’Brien
Forestry replanting grants still in the mix
A decision on replanting supports will be taken once the full extent of the damage from storms Éowyn and Darragh is ascertained.
NORTHERN IRELAND
News round-up from Northern Ireland
Peter McCann
News round-up from Northern Ireland
Weekly round-up of news from the farming industry in Northern Ireland.
NIEA appoints new Lough Neagh inspectors
David Wright
NIEA appoints new Lough Neagh inspectors
The NI Environment Agency has recruited across a range of roles linked to Lough Neagh.
IRISH COUNTRY LIVING
Comment
Dear Miriam: how do I convince my partner to move back to the countryside?
This week, a reader seeks Miriam's help on finding compromise between her heart for the countryside and her partner's preference for the city.
Dear Miriam: how do I convince my partner to move back to the countryside?
Comment
Editorial: Times, they are a-changing
Finance
Think twice before you click to avoid scams
Comment
‘Avoid going down rabbit holes with negative thoughts. Stay above ground’
Careers
Angus programme encourages innovation
Well known tillage farm for sale in Meath
Paul Mooney
Well known tillage farm for sale in Meath
The farm was owned by a founder of the Tayto crisp business and was grew good crops of potatoes.
Dream house at Lough Derg
Paul Mooney
Dream house at Lough Derg
The owners have carried out tasteful restoration work on the big house.
Auction news: €25,000/ac paid for small parcels
Paul Mooney
Auction news: €25,000/ac paid for small parcels
There were multiple bidders for each of the two small parcels of farmland.
Elegant house near the Curragh plains
Paul Mooney
Elegant house near the Curragh plains
The land is laid out in three fields, in grass, with good shelter from hedges and trees.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Watch: this week in pictures as newborn lambs and farm work unfold
Photo Desk
Watch: this week in pictures as newborn lambs and farm work unfold
Watch: North Tipperary Ploughing Championships 60th anniversary
Photo Desk
Watch: North Tipperary Ploughing Championships 60th anniversary
Watch: This week in photos as farm visits & fertiliser spreading unfold
Photo Desk
Watch: This week in photos as farm visits & fertiliser spreading unfold
Watch: this week in photos, as farmers tackle slurry, marts and spring prep
Photo Desk
Watch: this week in photos, as farmers tackle slurry, marts and spring prep
VIEWPOINTS
Editorial: past mistakes haunting Department initiatives
Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy
Editorial: TB developments
Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy
Editorial: malting is the future
Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy
Editorial: milk solids' importance
Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy
MOST READ
Court of Appeal directs farmer's case over SAC land to High Court
 
Court of Appeal directs farmer's case over SAC land to High Court
St Patrick keeps the beef trade positive
 
St Patrick keeps the beef trade positive
Mayo cattle dealer loses High Court case over mart credit dispute
 
Mayo cattle dealer loses High Court case over mart credit dispute
Watch: 1,200 cattle generate turnover of €1.85m in Kilkenny Mart
 
Watch: 1,200 cattle generate turnover of €1.85m in Kilkenny Mart
RSA tractor test surpasses 54% pass rate over seven years
 
RSA tractor test surpasses 54% pass rate over seven years
Kepak appoints new head of sustainability
 
Kepak appoints new head of sustainability
Increased chainsaw use after storm Éowyn could be causing more injuries - FRS
 
Increased chainsaw use after storm Éowyn could be causing more injuries - FRS
Share your views: what will the next 10 years in dairy look like?
 
Share your views: what will the next 10 years in dairy look like?
Sheep price update: factories reduce quotes by another 10c/kg
 
Sheep price update: factories reduce quotes by another 10c/kg
Machinery-sharing POs for tillage sector should be examined – report
 
Machinery-sharing POs for tillage sector should be examined – report