Farming in Ukraine - Steppe-by-Steppe

In January, Tillage Editor Andy Doyle wrote about developments in agriculture and its associated industries in Ukraine which was continuing at a rapid pace and presenting opportunities for some Irish businesses. Read Andy's report on Ukraine here.

Breeding Angus cattle in Nebraska

Padraig Foley visited the Connealy ranch earlier this year. Owned by Jerry Connealy and his wife, Sharon, they 2,000 pedigree registered cows. By keeping an eye on the progeny produced by his bulls, Jerry ensures his customers are producing stock that will grade well when his carcases are hanging up. Read Padraig's report on the Connealy ranch here.

Farming in America series

In the first of Patrick Donohoe's series on farming in the US, Fractured opinions, frackin in the USA, Patrick visited farms in Ohio where commercial shale gas exploration has been underway for the past two years.

Patrick also visited Lakeview Energy's ethanol plant in Cochoston, eastern Ohio, owned by two Irishmen to see how become leaders in the ethanol sector. Read 'Irishmen getting to the kernel of the ethanol of the industry' here.

And in the last of the America series, Patrick Donohoe looks at the beef sector and how it is coping during a testing period, which can be read here. here.

New Zealand dairy farmers prepare for poor milk prices similar to the Irish

In October, Dairy Editor Jack Kennedy spoke to Mike Petersen, a New Zealand Government appointee touring the world, about his thoughts on New Zealand dairying. Mike said the predicted New Zealand milk price is down 45% in 12 months and it’s going to make for a challenging year for the country’s biggest and most valuable industry. Read the article here.

When China rules the world, size matters

Eoin Lowry visited China during Minister Coveney's trade mission to the superpower last month. He noticed the combination of a huge population and a high economic growth rate is providing the world with a new experience. Read Eoin's analysis of China here.

Russian Rouble down 60% in value, with bread up 70%

Brendan Dunleavy, who has over 20 years’ agricultural project management experience in Russia and Ukraine, reports on the latest developments, with news coming out of Moscow of the continuing slide in the value of the rouble. Read his report on Russia here.

Quality good but yields back: Letter from New South Wales

Bruce Watson, farming in New South Wales in Australia, has just completed his winter wheat harvest but lack of rain and the presence of BYDV hit yields and now moisture is delaying the planting of sorghum. Read his latest report on farming down under here.