In June, Ireland joined the world’s top-ranked beef-producing countries, with the decision by the World Animal Health Organisation to recognise Ireland as having a negligible risk for BSE. However, less than a week later, a case of suspected BSE was discovered in Co Louth by the Department, with confirmation of it as an “isolated classical” case of BSE coming a week later. This resulted in Ireland losing its negligible risk status for BSE.

Peter Young looked at the implications of the new Charter of Farmer Rights for farmers.

Meanwhile, TAMS II opened for young farmers. By the end of the month, the Department decided to give farmers who were approaching an age at which they could no longer apply to the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme under TAMS II a degree of flexibility. Farmers who would have turned 40 by the closing date of 1 July were allowed to apply for the scheme without first obtaining planning permission, as was required for all other participants in the scheme. The same flexibility was also given to farmers who were close to being actively involved in farming for a maximum of five years.

Milk prices cut

Dairy farmers took a succession of blows mid-June as processors cut May milk prices. Most processors cut their prices by 2c/l, taking €15m out of May milk cheques for farmers.

In news that stunned the agribusiness world, Moy Park, the Northern Ireland poultry processor, was bought by Brazilian company JBS, the world’s largest meat processor, for about $1.5bn (€1.3bn). Already a major player in the US, South America and Australia, the purchase of Moy Park gave JBS a significant foothold in the European market.

Finally, one of the biggest livestock thefts in Irish history occurred in June when 75 cattle and 25 sheep were stolen in a raid in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath. Gardaí made two separate arrests later in the year in connection with the incident. However, both men were released without charge.

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2015: full year in review