Right outcome achieved the wrong way
Justin McCarthy analyses the impact of the move by the UK government to extend the grace period for trade between Britain and Northern Ireland.
TOP STORIES
March sees a start to spring at last
Farmers and livestock are back out in fields across the country, as a a dry week marks a proper start to spring.
Department reviewing TAMS reference costs – ICMSA
Denis Drennan said the ICMSA proposed that the Department immediately review the reference costs being used for TAMS investments to reflect the increased cost of materials.
SPONSORED
Sulphur; a critical nutrient for grass and soil health
Sulphur is a critical element in the process of protein formation in plants such as grass, and in improving the quality of both grazed grass and silage or hay.
Spring signals boost buyer confidence in marts
Shane Murphy looks at how each of the livestock sections performed ringside over the past week
1,700 calves on offer in Bandon Mart
There was a big lift in calf numbers at Bandon Mart’s weekly calf sale this week and prices remain relatively firm.
In pictures: suckler outfits in demand in Carrigallen
Adam Woods was in Carrigallen Mart on Monday night for a special sale of suckler cows and calves.
In pictures: 1,700 calves on offer in Bandon Mart
There was a big lift in calf numbers at Bandon Mart’s weekly calf sale this week and prices remain relatively firm.
Focus on nutrient loss ‘hotspots’ in nitrates derogation review
Speaking at the the Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA) AGM, the Minister said hotspots tended to be associated with higher intensity farming.
Base milk price has to rise to reflect market returns – IFA
The Ornua purchase price index (PPI) lifted again for February, rising to 108.5, equivalent to a 0.4c/l price lift, while prices surged 15% at Tuesday’s Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction.
SPONSORED
Volac’s whey-based milk replacers deliver top calf performance
Advances in technology and research have led to whey-based milk replacers becoming the go-to protein source for calf nutrition.
TB finance group begins work on farmer compensation payments
The new TB finance working group was set up as part of the TB Forum and is chaired by Gerry Kiely.
Calf TB testing flexibilities extended into June
The Department of Agriculture has extended flexibilities around the TB testing of calves due to the continuing difficulties caused by COVID-19.
Dairy Management: fertiliser, grazing and cow health
Aidan Brennan looks at how much nitrogen to spread, what fields to graze next and has pointers for keeping animals healthy.
Newborns spring into life on farms
Newborn arrivals on any farm bring excitement and new hope, but also challenges.
SPONSOREDTips for managing young calves in erratic weather conditions
Changeable weather is the principal challenge for calf health and performance in recent weeks, according to a poll by Bonanza Calf Nutrition.
SPONSOREDHear from the women making waves in the industry
There are a number of women making waves across the industry, with many using their voices to raise awareness of the contribution that women are making in the challenging world of agriculture.
SPONSOREDKverneland launch new tillage equipment to the Irish market
Kverneland Group Ireland is introducing new tillage equipment to the brand’s extensive machinery portfolio.
SPONSOREDASA – supporting graduates throughout their career and beyond
The Agricultural Science Association or ‘the ASA’ has long been known as the professional body for graduates of agricultural, horticultural, forestry, environmental and food science.
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Agricultural science case study videos: This week, we hear from sheep farmer Joanne (Video 5) about ultrasound scanning, pre-lambing preparations, nutrition and diets and the impact that weather and body condition can have during lambing.
Cooley peninsula Sheep farmers on the 20th anniversary of the foot and mouth Cull and the rebuilding of local flocks in the area.
Declan Marren visited Tullamore Farm for an update on calving and turnout to grass.
Sacrolyte provides 4 in 1 combination of electrolytes, energy, B-vitamins and a unique gelling agent. It is a complete feeding stuff recommended for the stabilisation of water and electrolyte balance in young calves and pigs. It may be used in case of, during periods of, or recovery from digestive disturbance (diarrhoea). It can be given in water or milk. It is easily mixed and is very palatable. The unique gel helps stabilise the gut and speeds recovery. Sacrolyte comes in three pack sizes, box of 15 by 100g sachets, bucket of 50 sachets and 3kg bucket. Univet products are available through Animal Health Outlets nationwide.
Spring Into Action 2021: The sun was shining on Monday 22 February when the Irish Farmers Journal made its way to Gary Shaws' 120-cow farm in Aghamore, Co Mayo.
Over the next few weeks over 140 calves will arrive on the Irish Farmers Journal Thrive demo farm in Cashel, Co Tipperary.
Peter Thomas Keaveney travelled to Kildare to catch up with tillage farmer Graham Sixsmith to find out his views on his trailed Rauch Axent 100.1, 10t fertiliser spreader, two year on from taking delivery.
Spring Into Action 2021: Neil Burke from Ratoath, Co Meath milks 480 cows.
Adam Woods takes a look at some of the highlights of the recent dispersal Creeve Charolais herd in Elphin mart.
On this week’s show, we talk to Adam Woods about falling factory prices, watery mouth syndrome with Darren Carty and all things calving with Aidan Brennan.
Half year profits recover for Origin as crop planting increases for 2021
Origin has issued an optimistic outlook for the rest of 2021 and forecasts “good growth” in profits this year.
Ornua PPI index rises again for February
The Ornua PPI released for February lifted again from January levels as global markets improve further.
Animal proteins attracting venture capital
Animal proteins may not appear to be an attractive investment but the drive for sustainable supply chains is a driver for venture capital.
Despite the hype no budget confirmed for new REPS – IFA
The Programme for Government stated there was to be €1.5bn over 10 years from carbon tax to fund a REPS-2 type scheme and this money to be in addition to CAP Pillar II funds.
SPONSORED
Time management is the key to a successful calving season
Farmers who manage their time correctly during calving season will save money, as well as a lot of hardship.
CNH Industrial invests in Monarch tractor
CNH Industrial has completed a minority investment in Monarch Tractor, a US-based agricultural technology company. Gary Abbott writes.
John Deere takes wraps off new stronger and smarter 9R Series
John Deere has just unveiled its new 9R Series tractor range, which is headed by the flagship wheeled 9R 640 and tracked 9RX 640 which offer an output of up to 691hp.
Claas give Arion 400 series a makeover and boost to 155hp
Claas have revamped its Arion 400 series to include a new design, a new top spec model, a power boost, more hydraulic power and more lift capacity.
Stirling round two hits top price of 26,000gns
All breeds saw a marked increase in average price compared to the 2020 sale.
Online auction for productive agricultural lands in Offaly
An online auction will be held on 24 March for agricultural lands in Shinrone, Co Offaly.
Flying start to year as farm reaches €780k at auction
This Kildare land was knocked down to a beef farmer buyer at €13,220/ac. The underbidder was a tillage farmer.
Tidy Bandon valley parcel on the market
A 19ac holding close to Bandon town has come on the market with Hodnett Forde property services Clonakilty. In one block this land in an agricultural heartland is sure to attract interest.
Department reviewing TAMS reference costs – ICMSA
Denis Drennan said the ICMSA proposed that the Department immediately review the reference costs being used for TAMS investments to reflect the increased cost of materials.
Draft states agri-food needs to 'show it is reducing environmental negatives'
Sustainability is the focus of the document which has seven main goals, among them a target of climate neutrality by 2050.
Sustaining our soils for the future of farming
In this webinar we heard about the research, the advice and the practical implementation measures to improve soil health on farm.
‘Inescapable contradiction’ in Bord na Móna’s position on rewetting
ICMSA acknowledged the company’s commitment to work with adjoining landowners, but raised queries around their position.
Protection of farm incomes central to Irish climate ambitions – McConalogue
McConalogue said the objectives of the Green Deal to make Europe the first climate neutral continent by 2050 aligns well with the Government's Ag Climatise plan.
News round-up from Northern Ireland
Weekly news round-up from the farming industry across Northern Ireland
Hogget price surges to 610p/kg
Finished hoggets in NI ave hit 610p/kg as competition between processors intensifies
Scottish lamb sales still strong as numbers tighten
John Sleigh has his take on this week's beef and lamb markets in Scotland
Getting ready for births at Cranna
This week, John Sleigh and Robert Gilchrist speak to the Duguids on their preparation for spring.
Property
Online auction for productive agricultural lands in Offaly
An online auction will be held on 24 March for agricultural lands in Shinrone, Co Offaly.
Making on- and off-farm investments
Money Mentor, Margaret Nolan, advises on what to consider when deciding to invest on or off the farm
Flying start to year as farm reaches €780k at auction
This Kildare land was knocked down to a beef farmer buyer at €13,220/ac. The underbidder was a tillage farmer.
Empowering women to feel body confident
When it comes to our bodies, we can be our own worst critic. Thankfully, times are changing and the body positivity movement is well underway within the fashion industry, writes Katie Barragry
GAA calendar change cements a new way of doing things
Having segregated championship seasons may not be a perfect way to go, but it is better than any alternative, writes Denis Hurley.
