Co-op cuts

IFA dairy chair Tom Phelan said the decision by Glanbia and Lakeland to cut their milk price was a big blow: “This decision by both co-ops is unwarranted. Cashflow on dairy farms is critical at this time of year, with farmers facing increased costs of production across the board. When you consider that Ornua will be paying a €19m year-end operating bonus to member co-ops, you’d have to say the decision by Glanbia, in particular, is completely unjustified.”

EU meetings

We encourage farm families to inform themselves about where candidates for the European Parliament and local Government elections stand on our issues, by attending one of these meetings:

  • 24 April – McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, Co Mayo.
  • 30 April – Springfort Hall, Co Cork.
  • 1 May – Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
  • 7 May – Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny.

    • Smart Farming

    Smart Farming will begin its 2019 work activities by focusing on ways to improve farm returns and enhance the rural environment. The details of the Department of Agriculture Knowledge Transfer-approved seminar are:

  • 30 April, 1.45pm.
  • Venue: Portlaoise, Midlands Park Hotel.
  • To register for this free event, visit https://smartfarming.ie/smart-farming-seminar-2019/

    • Greenways

    The IFA has said that the publication of research by Teagasc and NUI Galway highlights the need to review the current approach to developing greenways. IFA national environment chair Thomas Cooney said: “Recreational routes have an important role to play in promoting agri-tourism. However, they also have a significant impact on farming activity and rural communities. This is often ignored by councils who plough ahead with greenway proposals.”