Sell at mart

IFA National Livestock Committee chair Henry Burns has advised all farmers to sell their livestock through their local mart, where competition is maximised and security of payment guaranteed. Farmers selling in any other way must insist on advance payment for their stock to avoid risk and exposure.

Smart Farming tip

Now is a good time to spread slurry. Cattle slurry applied in spring is worth €1.80 more per thousand gallons than slurry spread in summer. Target cool moist conditions to reduce nitrogen losses to the air. Find more Smart Farming tips at ifarm.ie or www.smartfarming.ie.

Tax guide

IFA has developed a new guide to agri-taxation changes in 2015, which will be available from IFA offices, and can be downloaded at www.ifa.ie. Also new on the IFA website is an updated IFA Master Lease of Agricultural Land and information on how water changes affect farms and farm households. See www.ifa.ie

Road conditions

IFA is urging farmers to be conscious of the need to ensure roads are left in a safe and clean condition after use, following work in fields, particularly at this busy time of year for slurry spreading.

4x4 competition

As part of our 60th anniversary celebrations, IFA has teamed up with ŠKODA Ireland to give away a brand new ŠKODA YETI Sherpa. All members who renew their membership on time will be automatically entered into the draw for a chance to win this great prize. See www.ifa.ie/membership/ competitions/