TOP STORIES
Sheep
Budgets - let the Teagasc store lamb finishing calculator do the work
Darren Carty
The calculator is beneficial to farmers completing budgets for purchasing store lambs, but it can be equally useful in helping to inform decisions on purchasing or selling lambs.
Budgets - let the Teagasc store lamb finishing calculator do the work
 
 
LATEST HEADLINES
NEWS
Ireland 'lost five years' of progress on water quality - Hogan
Rachel Donovan
Ireland 'lost five years' of progress on water quality - Hogan
Former European Commissioner Phil Hogan said "we've buried our heads in the sand" in relation to maintaining the nitrates derogation.
Bluetongue control zone in east Yorkshire after new case confirmed
Noel Bardon
Bluetongue control zone in east Yorkshire after new case confirmed
Bluetongue has been detected in east Yorkshire – an area previously free from the virus.
Amy Forde
Milk supply down 5% on 2023
Amy Forde
INHFA calls on minister to suspend ACRES payment clawbacks
Siobhán Walsh
Enya makes its way onto winter oats list
Small businesses set to take centre stage at this year's Ploughing SPONSORED
Small businesses set to take centre stage at this year's Ploughing
Visitors to the Local Enterprise Village will get a chance to see a unique showcase of Irish entrepreneurship with over 30 small Irish businesses gearing up to present their products and innovations.
MART REPORTS
In pictures: Castleisland fat stock show and sale
Tommy Moyles
In pictures: Castleisland fat stock show and sale
Castleisland Mart had a successful fat stock show and sale during the week with a full yard of fantastic stock on offer.
In pictures: Quality lambs in demand in Ennis
Darren Carty
In pictures: Quality lambs in demand in Ennis
The first sheep sale held on the MartBids online sales platform saw butchers and agents active for fleshed lambs and plenty of farmer demand for quality stores.
Camera at the Mart: top of €4,100 in Gortatlea show and sale
Adam Woods
Camera at the Mart: top of €4,100 in Gortatlea show and sale
Adam Woods report from Gortatlea Mart in Co Kerry, where its annual weanling show and sale took place last week.
PODCASTS
VIDEO HUB
BEEF
In pictures: Castleisland fat stock show and sale
Tommy Moyles
In pictures: Castleisland fat stock show and sale
1 euro subscription
James Hanly
South Koreans seeking Irish grass-fed beef for health boost
Noel Bardon
Ireland well-placed to tap into high end of agri-food markets - Alltech boss
Aidan Brennan
Hopes build for offal exports to China
FARM PROGRAMMES
DAIRY
Sinn Féin’s Kenny clarifies position on derogation
Amy Forde
Sinn Féin’s Kenny clarifies position on derogation
It is imperative that Government pursue a science-led partnership approach with farmers and other stakeholders on the nitrates derogation, Martin Kenny said.
Milk supply down 5% on 2023
Amy Forde
Milk supply down 5% on 2023
Co-ops processed an estimated 980.7m litres of milk in July 2024, a decrease of 33.9m litres (3.3%) when compared with July 2023.
Aidan Brennan
Rising demand for adult protein powder in China
e-Learning
James Hanly
Teagasc to host grassland climate adaptation conference
The Sommet show in France, an international livestock summit not to be missed! SPONSORED
The Sommet show in France, an international livestock summit not to be missed!
The 33rd edition of the Sommet de l’Elevage (Livestock Summit) will take place in Clermont-Ferrand, France, on 1-4 October.
SHEEP
Budgets - let the Teagasc store lamb finishing calculator do the work
Darren Carty
Budgets - let the Teagasc store lamb finishing calculator do the work
Texel Ram Lambs Top at 10,000gns (€12,465) in Ballymena
Rachel Gallagher
Texel Ram Lambs Top at 10,000gns (€12,465) in Ballymena
Sheep Trends: 10c/kg to 20c/kg differential between prices
Darren Carty
Sheep Trends: 10c/kg to 20c/kg differential between prices
NI Trends: strong demand keeps beef prices steady; lamb quotes under pressure
Kieran Mailey
NI Trends: strong demand keeps beef prices steady; lamb quotes under pressure
KNOWLEDGE HUB
ANIMAL HEALTH
TB eradication staff shortage is ‘simply unacceptable’ - ICSA
James Hanly
TB eradication staff shortage is ‘simply unacceptable’ - ICSA
It follows on from the Department’s update on the eradication group in which Minister Charlie McConalogue raised concerns about underfunding and understaffing.
TB reactor numbers forecast to hit 40,000 head - IFA
Amy Forde
TB reactor numbers forecast to hit 40,000 head - IFA
The IFA has called on the Minister for Agriculture and Government colleagues to outline their position on TB eradication.
PEDIGREE
Clinker hits top price in Dungannon
Rachel Gallagher
Clinker hits top price in Dungannon
Rachel Gallagher reports from Dungannon Mart for the NI Rouge Club premier sale.
Suffolk tops Sheep Ireland sale at €2,550
Rachel Gallagher
Suffolk tops Sheep Ireland sale at €2,550
Rachel Gallagher reports from GVM Tullamore Mart for the 14th annual Sheep Ireland multi-breed ram sale where average prices increased by €58/head and the sale average hit 90%.
Small businesses set to take centre stage at this year's PloughingSPONSORED
Small businesses set to take centre stage at this year's Ploughing
Visitors to the Local Enterprise Village will get a chance to see a unique showcase of Irish entrepreneurship with over 30 small Irish businesses gearing up to present their products and innovations.
Get your public services card at the National Ploughing ChampionshipsSPONSORED
Get your public services card at the National Ploughing Championships
The Department of Social Protection will be attending this year’s National Ploughing Championships at Block 3 | Row 12 | Hub 204.
The Sommet show in France, an international livestock summit not to be missed!SPONSORED
The Sommet show in France, an international livestock summit not to be missed!
The 33rd edition of the Sommet de l’Elevage (Livestock Summit) will take place in Clermont-Ferrand, France, on 1-4 October.
Irish farmers turn to Nofence for smarter and more efficient livestock and landSPONSORED
Irish farmers turn to Nofence for smarter and more efficient livestock and land
As Nofence makes its mark in Ireland, pioneering farmers are using virtual fences to bring flexibility and peace of mind to livestock management across diverse landscapes and purposes.
For daily news, mart prices and ePaper access from 6am on Thursday, subscribe for just €1 SUBSCRIBE
AGRIBUSINESS
Tirlán interested in ‘alliance’ with Tipperary Co-op
Noel Bardon
Tirlán interested in ‘alliance’ with Tipperary Co-op
The CEO of Tirlán voiced interest in linking up with Tipperary Co-op, saying that an alliance could be formed between the two if Tipperary was on board.
Oil hits lowest price in more than a year
Lorcan Roche Kelly
Oil hits lowest price in more than a year
Global developments are shifting the supply-demand balance for crude.
Markets Digest: stories from around the world
Lorcan Roche Kelly
Markets Digest: stories from around the world
Brief news snippets from New Zealand, Ivory Coast, Spain and the USA.
Dairy industry consolidation kicks off in Co Tipperary
Lorcan Roche Kelly
Dairy industry consolidation kicks off in Co Tipperary
Talks currently underway between Tipp co-op and Arrabawn could lead to a merger.
TILLAGE
Boortmalt to take low-bushel barley at deduction
Siobhán Walsh
Boortmalt to take low-bushel barley at deduction
1 euro subscription
Siobhán Walsh
Enya makes its way onto winter oats list
Siobhán Walsh
Tillage Podcast: visiting a very busy Co Laois grain intake
Siobhán Walsh
44% of recommended winter barley seed BYDV-tolerant
Boortmalt to take low-bushel barley at deduction SPONSORED
Sustainability progress on Irish farms
Origin Green sustainability and data analytics manager Dr Eleanor Murphy reports on Irish farm emissions.
MACHINERY
Pöttinger introduces new Plano stubble cultivator
Gary Abbott
Pöttinger introduces new Plano stubble cultivator
Last week, at a press event in Austria, Pöttinger expanded its range of tillage products by unveiling its new 6m Plano stubble cultivator, a complete new offering from the brand.
Listen: Kildare man heading up digital solutions role at Claas
Peter Thomas Keaveney
Listen: Kildare man heading up digital solutions role at Claas
On this week’s Young Stock Podcast, Peter Thomas Keaveney speaks to David Thornton, a Kildare man who has recently been appointed as the digital solutions consultant with Claas UK.
Peter Thomas Keaveney
Vogelsang launches new trailer-mounted slurry separator
Peter Thomas Keaveney
Claas takes wraps off five new telehandlers
Gary Abbott
Facelift for New Holland T5 Dual Command range
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
32ac farm close to the M4
Paul Mooney
32ac farm close to the M4
It fronts the old main road and is close to the motorway which now serves that route. It’s a good location.
Abbeyfeale farm has €550,000 asking price
Paul Mooney
Abbeyfeale farm has €550,000 asking price
The 64ac grass holding lies in one block and has road frontage.
Large 87ac farm in Cork
Paul Mooney
Large 87ac farm in Cork
There are also a number of useful sheds on the property. Most of the land is good quality.
BUILDINGS
Ticking the boxes on TAMS-spec equine housing
Martin Merrick
Ticking the boxes on TAMS-spec equine housing
Martin Merrick details some of the specs when it comes to completing works on housing for equines under TAMS.
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Majority of ACRES balancing payments to issue by end of month
Amy Forde
Majority of ACRES balancing payments to issue by end of month
ACRES 'with its scale, ambition and complexity, has presented challenges in terms of meeting the payment timelines envisaged', the minister said.
Ireland well-placed to tap into high end of agri-food markets - Alltech boss
Noel Bardon
Ireland well-placed to tap into high end of agri-food markets - Alltech boss
Alltech's CEO stated that Ireland should look on global agriculture's challenges into opportunities.
RENEWABLES
NI gone from leaders to laggards in renewables - RenewableNI
Stephen Robb
NI gone from leaders to laggards in renewables - RenewableNI
The figures for the previous 12-month period show renewable generation accounted for 45.8% of Northern Ireland's electricity use, down 5% from 2022.
Total of 23 applications for €40m AD grant
Stephen Robb
Total of 23 applications for €40m AD grant
The €40m Biomethane Capital Grant scheme will provide 20% grants towards the cost of building a new anaerobic digestion plant or upgrading a biogas plant, up to a maximum of €5m.
FORESTRY
Emissions targets now ‘bearing fruit’ - McConalogue
James Hanly
Emissions targets now ‘bearing fruit’ - McConalogue
The report indicated that there should be more incentives to improve the uptake in low emission fertiliser and feed or slurry additives.
Farmers can’t be ‘in the red by going green’ - IFA
James Hanly
Farmers can’t be ‘in the red by going green’ - IFA
The CCAC’s annual review on agriculture and land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector said policies must be implemented that align with long-term climate and biodiversity objectives.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland needs locally produced renewable energy - Muir
James Hanly
Northern Ireland needs locally produced renewable energy - Muir
Minister Andrew Muir made the comment at the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association's annual conference in Belfast.
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.
IRISH COUNTRY LIVING
Life
Westival launches 2024 programme
The West of Ireland’s longest-running music and arts festival is taking place in October as locals join to celebrate what Westport has to offer, writes Sarah McIntosh.
Westival launches 2024 programme
Comment
Break the Cycle
Life
Donegal Camino to raise €100,000 for families affected by cancer
Comment
Churn of the century: step back in time at The Butter Museum
Life
Giving light and hope
Farmers and hospitality workers face similar mental health struggles
Janine Kennedy
Farmers and hospitality workers face similar mental health struggles
The past few years have been difficult for small food producers and business owners – here is how some have found ways to cope, writes Janine Kennedy.
Abbeyfeale farm has €550,000 asking price
Paul Mooney
Abbeyfeale farm has €550,000 asking price
The 64ac grass holding lies in one block and has road frontage.
'I've been in horses all my life and never had anything like that'
Mark Costello
'I've been in horses all my life and never had anything like that'
A small thoroughbred breeder from Co Meath hit the jackpot when selling a yearling colt for £350,000 last week.
Well-priced land offered in Roscommon
Paul Mooney
Well-priced land offered in Roscommon
It would be a lot more productive if some tidying and improvement work was now carried out, the agent says.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Watch: this week in photos - Dualla Show and potato variety day
Photo Desk
Watch: this week in photos - Dualla Show and potato variety day
In pictures: planting and managing hedgerows on the Footprint Farms
Kelsey Daly
In pictures: planting and managing hedgerows on the Footprint Farms
In pictures: Virginia Show and the all-Ireland young stockperson finals
Photo Desk
In pictures: Virginia Show and the all-Ireland young stockperson finals
In pictures: the all-Ireland young stockperson final at Tullow Show
Photo Desk
In pictures: the all-Ireland young stockperson final at Tullow Show
VIEWPOINTS
Editorial: EU paints a changing farmer support vision
Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy
Dempsey at Large: remarkable Irish successes
Matt Dempsey
Matt Dempsey
Colm McCarthy: no need to risk another boom-bust cycle
Colm McCarthy
Colm McCarthy
Home Farm: Will we have to house cattle this week?
Matt Dempsey
Matt Dempsey
MOST READ
Number of people never on a farm ‘striking’, says dairy farmer
 
Number of people never on a farm ‘striking’, says dairy farmer
Facelift for New Holland T5 Dual Command range
 
Facelift for New Holland T5 Dual Command range
Department overstated fertiliser test results
 
Department overstated fertiliser test results
Oil hits lowest price in more than a year
 
Oil hits lowest price in more than a year
Over 2,000 store cattle to set sail for Africa
 
Over 2,000 store cattle to set sail for Africa
Boortmalt to take low-bushel barley at deduction
 
Boortmalt to take low-bushel barley at deduction
INHFA calls on minister to suspend ACRES payment clawbacks
 
INHFA calls on minister to suspend ACRES payment clawbacks
Tirlán interested in ‘alliance’ with Tipperary Co-op
 
Tirlán interested in ‘alliance’ with Tipperary Co-op
Ireland 'lost five years' of progress on water quality - Hogan
 
Ireland 'lost five years' of progress on water quality - Hogan
Majority of ACRES balancing payments to issue by end of month
 
Majority of ACRES balancing payments to issue by end of month