TOP STORIES
News
England steps up bird flu prevention measures
Caitríona Morrissey
The move follows growing numbers of cases in wild birds, which increases the risk to commercial flocks.
England steps up bird flu prevention measures
 
 
LATEST HEADLINES
NEWS
Weekend weather: dry, mild with occasional rain
James Hanly
Weekend weather: dry, mild with occasional rain
Met Éireann has announced that the weekend will be mild with plenty of dry weather overall and highest temperatures of 12°C.
Forestry damage from storm Éowyn not covered by insurance
Rachel Donovan
Forestry damage from storm Éowyn not covered by insurance
While it is yet unknown the extent of the damage storm Éowyn has had on forestry plantations, the west has been hit the worst.
James Hanly
270,000 sign petition to ditch UK family farm tax
Rachel Donovan
Farming news: IFA AGM, Dáil chaos and TB reactor numbers
James Hanly
Mercosur and derogation urgent items for Minister of Agriculture – IFA
Autumn-calving farmer reaping rewards from crypto vaccine SPONSORED
Autumn-calving farmer reaping rewards from crypto vaccine
The convenience and efficacy of Bovilis Cryptium has made life much easier for Denis and Anne Large and their 134 suckler cow herd they tend to on their holding near Urlingford in north Tipperary.
MART REPORTS
Sheep mart comment: pressure on hoggets but ewes firm
Darren Carty
Sheep mart comment: pressure on hoggets but ewes firm
Some mart sales have seen prices hold steady to €2 to €3 easier, while others have seen prices reduce by €5 to €6-plus per head, with agents more coy in their purchasing activity.
Camera at the Mart: ewe lambs hit €4.97/kg in Milford
Rachel Gallagher
Camera at the Mart: ewe lambs hit €4.97/kg in Milford
Rachel Gallagher reports from Milford Mart for its fortnightly sheep sale.
Camera at the Mart: electric trade for slaughter-fit stock in Kilkenny
Darren Carty
Camera at the Mart: electric trade for slaughter-fit stock in Kilkenny
The high levels of competition ringside and vibrant trade is encouraging more farmers to market slaughter-fit cattle live and let agents fight it out for them.
PODCASTS
VIDEO HUB
BEEF
Five basics to include in calving kit
Kieran Mailey
Five basics to include in calving kit
The Grass Week: comparing annual grass growth with soil samples
Martin Merrick
The Grass Week: comparing annual grass growth with soil samples
ICSA calls on Heydon to push back against ‘bad EU policies’
Amy Forde
ICSA calls on Heydon to push back against ‘bad EU policies’
Amendment window for SCEP reference number now open
Anne O'Donoghue
Amendment window for SCEP reference number now open
FARM PROGRAMMES
DAIRY
Agri jobs: Pedigree Holstein dairy herd wants farm manager
James Hanly
Agri jobs: Pedigree Holstein dairy herd wants farm manager
As the dairy sector begins the calving season, there are positions available in the south of Ireland for farm workers.
The Grass Week: comparing annual grass growth with soil samples
Martin Merrick
The Grass Week: comparing annual grass growth with soil samples
With slurry going out in parts and the first round of nitrogen a few weeks away for some, it might be worth seeing what paddocks need more TLC than others.
Caitríona Morrissey
Dairygold to drop controversial trading link to milk price
e-Learning
Aidan Brennan
What can dairy farmers do in advance of Storm Éowyn?
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
ICSA calls on Heydon to push back against ‘bad EU policies’
Amy Forde
ICSA calls on Heydon to push back against ‘bad EU policies’
Virtual fencing company improves battery lifetime to nine months
James Hanly
Virtual fencing company improves battery lifetime to nine months
Sheep Trends: factories trying to regain control
Darren Carty
Sheep Trends: factories trying to regain control
Sheep kill is running 45,000 head behind 2024
Darren Carty
Sheep kill is running 45,000 head behind 2024
KNOWLEDGE HUB
ANIMAL HEALTH
DAERA vets with no legal power since 2021
David Wright
DAERA vets with no legal power since 2021
The relevant legislation in NI has not been updated to reference EU animal health law.
Irish Farmers Journal Skibbereen Mart suckler event postponed
Adam Woods
Irish Farmers Journal Skibbereen Mart suckler event postponed
Adam Woods has news of a suckler event being postponed in Skibbereen on Thursday night on the back of a red weather warning.
PEDIGREE
New Tullamore Show chair elected
Rachel Gallagher
New Tullamore Show chair elected
Rachel Gallagher reports on the election of John Keena as the new chairman of Tullamore show.
100% clearance at Bellefield Belters online timed auction
Rachel Gallagher
100% clearance at Bellefield Belters online timed auction
The Bellefield Belters sale ran online through Harrison and Hetherington, writes Rachel Gallagher.
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.
Autumn-calving farmer reaping rewards from crypto vaccineSPONSORED
Autumn-calving farmer reaping rewards from crypto vaccine
The convenience and efficacy of Bovilis Cryptium has made life much easier for Denis and Anne Large and their 134 suckler cow herd they tend to on their holding near Urlingford in north Tipperary.
Roscommon farmer praises quality of Triple AAA Golden MaverickSPONSORED
Roscommon farmer praises quality of Triple AAA Golden Maverick
Aidan McDonnell, based near Roscommon town, explains how using Triple AAA Golden Maverick has resulted in ‘minimal sickness’ among his herd.
CalfCare ’25 roadshow to promote calf health and good calf rearing practicesSPONSORED
CalfCare ’25 roadshow to promote calf health and good calf rearing practices
Seventeen farms nationwide will host CalfCare ’25, a collaborative roadshow by Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc’s DairyBeef 500 campaign, promoting calf health and good calf-rearing practices.
For daily news, mart prices and ePaper access from 6am on Thursday, subscribe for just €1 SUBSCRIBE
AGRIBUSINESS
Environmental regulatory battle far from over
Lorcan Roche Kelly
Environmental regulatory battle far from over
Signs suggest that the new Government will take a more pragmatic approach to environmental rules.
Dairygold’s debt servicing costs tripled in last two years
Lorcan Roche Kelly
Dairygold’s debt servicing costs tripled in last two years
The processor had one of the highest debt servicing costs per litre of milk processed in the industry.
Dairygold’s loyalty payment for milk is a small-processor idea
Lorcan Roche Kelly
Dairygold’s loyalty payment for milk is a small-processor idea
Analysis shows that while some other processors have loyalty schemes none of larger processors in the country tie them to the price paid for milk.
Dairygold chair addresses controversy over updated loyalty scheme
Lorcan Roche Kelly
Dairygold chair addresses controversy over updated loyalty scheme
Pat Clancy answers questions on the proposed scheme and management of the co-op.
TILLAGE
MRL rules for banned products 'hypocritical' – commissioner
Siobhán Walsh
MRL rules for banned products 'hypocritical' – commissioner
Pesticides and cover cropping on the cards at Tillage Conference
James Hanly
Pesticides and cover cropping on the cards at Tillage Conference
Tillage Podcast: carbon payments, beans and conferences
Siobhán Walsh
Tillage Podcast: carbon payments, beans and conferences
Farmers must not ‘miss the train of innovation’ on genomics - Commissioner
Siobhán Walsh
Grain Trends: price rises and yield reductions
MRL rules for banned products 'hypocritical' – commissioner SPONSORED
Sustainability progress on Irish farms
Origin Green sustainability and data analytics manager Dr Eleanor Murphy reports on Irish farm emissions.
MACHINERY
Lamma 2025: Alstrong adds rear consolidation skid to Auctus M
Gary Abbott
Lamma 2025: Alstrong adds rear consolidation skid to Auctus M
Galway-based firm Alstrong Engineering showcased an optional seed consolidation skid for its mounted Auctus M models at Lamma show last week.
Millstreet Spring Farm Machinery Show to finish at 6pm
Anne O'Donoghue
Millstreet Spring Farm Machinery Show to finish at 6pm
The show, running at Millstreet Green Glens Arena, will now finish at 6pm due to storm Éowyn.
Peter Thomas Keaveney
Amazone's new Teres 200 plough lands in Ireland
Gary Abbott
Lamma 2025: new keenly priced quad brand on the block
Peter Thomas Keaveney
LAMMA 2025: Weidemann debut new 60 series telehandlers
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
Historic Georgian property for £1.5m
Tommy Moyles
Historic Georgian property for £1.5m
A Georgian residence set on 70ac of parkland has recently come on the market near the village of Broughshane, former winner of UK Village of the Year, writes Tommy Moyles.
Scenic mountain views with Rathanna land holding
Tommy Moyles
Scenic mountain views with Rathanna land holding
A small holding in the centre of Rathanna in Co Carlow is going for auction in the middle of February, writes Tommy Moyles.
Residential farm in Virginia would suit livestock enterprise
Tommy Moyles
Residential farm in Virginia would suit livestock enterprise
A 60ac residential farm with a traditional farmhouse and another derelict house also available has just come on the market, writes Tommy Moyles.
BUILDINGS
New calf house reduces labour by 75%
Martin Merrick
New calf house reduces labour by 75%
The five-bay shed has seriously reduced labour, with the option being to install auto calf feeders in the future.
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
MRL rules for banned products 'hypocritical' – commissioner
Siobhán Walsh
MRL rules for banned products 'hypocritical' – commissioner
The European commissioner told the IFA AGM that current standards on imports to the EU are hypocritical.
Farmers’ climate change views sought for online survey
James Hanly
Farmers’ climate change views sought for online survey
The project was launched by a research team from Technological University Dublin (TUD) who developed the survey to gather insights that will help shape future support for Irish agriculture.
RENEWABLES
Roadstone plans to build large AD plant in Tipperary
Rachel Donovan
Roadstone plans to build large AD plant in Tipperary
The proposed development, however, has been met with concern from the local community.
Mitchelstown AD plant will help farmers lower carbon footprint - Nephin
Stephen Robb
Mitchelstown AD plant will help farmers lower carbon footprint - Nephin
The company stated that the proposed development will provide new employment opportunities while positively impacting the sustainability and viability of associated farms.
FORESTRY
Programme for Government strong on forestry
Donal Magner
Programme for Government strong on forestry
New Minister has a demanding programme during the lifetime of the present Government and will ultimately be judged on achieving a viable afforestation programme.
Hometree announces new head of woodlands and land partnerships
James Hanly
Hometree announces new head of woodlands and land partnerships
Marina Conway will lead the conservation charity’s efforts to restore ancient and long-established woodlands along Ireland's west coast, working closely with landowners, communities and policymakers.
NORTHERN IRELAND
270,000 sign petition to ditch UK family farm tax
James Hanly
270,000 sign petition to ditch UK family farm tax
The petition was handed in by National Farmers’ Union of England (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw and NFU Cymru president Aled Jones on behalf of the four UK farming unions.
DAERA vets with no legal power since 2021
David Wright
DAERA vets with no legal power since 2021
The relevant legislation in NI has not been updated to reference EU animal health law.
IRISH COUNTRY LIVING
Comment
‘It’s back to basics, washing hands often, and wearing a mask'
A trip to Dinos Alive in Dublin falls foul of norovirus and in any case the display failed to impress us adults. It is suitable only for young children, writes Katherine O'Leary.
‘It’s back to basics, washing hands often, and wearing a mask'
Comment
Editorial: “you still have to pay the car park fee"
Property
Scenic mountain views with Rathanna land holding
Property
Residential farm in Virginia would suit livestock enterprise
Property
Historic Georgian property for £1.5m
Health special: big gulf between hospital parking income and costs
Margaret Hawkins
Health special: big gulf between hospital parking income and costs
In 2023, hospitals took in nearly €16m in car parking fees. In part two of our series, we look into how that money was spent, writes Margaret Hawkins.
State-of-the-art dairy farm to go under the hammer
Tommy Moyles
State-of-the-art dairy farm to go under the hammer
A modern yard and milking facilities are the star attractions of a 103ac residential farm near Tullow, writes Tommy Moyles.
Will Davy bring his magic touch to Antrim?
Denis Hurley
Will Davy bring his magic touch to Antrim?
Ahead of the start of the hurling league, there is a sense of excitement in the Glens as the new manager bids to continue the team’s upward swing, writes Denis Hurley.
Celebrating the spirit of St Brigid at Kildare Festival
Rosalind Skillen
Celebrating the spirit of St Brigid at Kildare Festival
Immerse yourself in Brigidine traditions and honour the women of Ireland with events galore over the Bank Holiday weekend, writes Rosalind Skillen.
PHOTOGRAPHY
In pictures: key events that took place throughout this past week
Photo Desk
In pictures: key events that took place throughout this past week
Watch: this past week in pictures as slurry spreading window opens
Photo Desk
Watch: this past week in pictures as slurry spreading window opens
In pictures: the week Ireland and its livestock got covered in snow
Photo Desk
In pictures: the week Ireland and its livestock got covered in snow
Watch: 2024 news year in cartoons
Photo Desk
Watch: 2024 news year in cartoons
VIEWPOINTS
Editorial: silent boom of the beef market
Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy
Colm McCarthy: better prospects of climate policy shift in Europe
Colm McCarthy
Colm McCarthy
Editorial: clear messages at IFA AGM
Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy
Editorial: loyalty on show for Liffey Mills
Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy
MOST READ
Forestry damage from storm Éowyn not covered by insurance
 
Forestry damage from storm Éowyn not covered by insurance
Top-quality silage remains a pipe dream
 
Top-quality silage remains a pipe dream
Positive indications for calf trade outlook
 
Positive indications for calf trade outlook
Storm Éowyn photos: what sort of damage was done on your farm?
 
Storm Éowyn photos: what sort of damage was done on your farm?
In photos: the aftermath of storm Éowyn
 
In photos: the aftermath of storm Éowyn
MRL rules for banned products 'hypocritical' – commissioner
 
MRL rules for banned products 'hypocritical' – commissioner
Find out everything an Irish Farmers Journal subscription has to offer
 
Find out everything an Irish Farmers Journal subscription has to offer
Agri jobs: Pedigree Holstein dairy herd wants farm manager
 
Agri jobs: Pedigree Holstein dairy herd wants farm manager
The Grass Week: comparing annual grass growth with soil samples
 
The Grass Week: comparing annual grass growth with soil samples
State-of-the-art dairy farm to go under the hammer
 
State-of-the-art dairy farm to go under the hammer