All the latest opinion and comments on the Irish agricultural industry from the Farmers Journal editorial team.

LATEST ARTICLES
Viewpoints
Dempsey at Large: budget - a watershed
Matt Dempsey
The second key announcement was the €30m to be given as a top-up to tillage farmers on crops planted for the 2024 (this year's) harvest.
Colm McCarthy: Implications of Dublin Airport's passenger cap
9 October 2024 Viewpoints
Colm McCarthy: Implications of Dublin Airport's passenger cap
If the cap survives, there will indeed be a boost for airports and regional development away from Dublin, but not where the political cheerleaders expect.
Farmers are key to a low-carbon future
9 October 2024 Northern Ireland
Farmers are key to a low-carbon future
Government must not forget the key role for farmers and landowners in meeting future greenhouse gas targets
Home Farm: the hardiness of our dairy beef cattle
I explained the symptoms, to be told that there was a vet in the area and within half an hour, he was in the field.
9 October 2024 Viewpoints
Suckler scheme may drive down numbers
A new suckler cow scheme is due to commence in NI from the start of 2025.
2 October 2024 Northern Ireland
Zonal electricity pricing on the agenda
In his recent report on European competitiveness, former ECB president Mario Draghi has argued for zonal pricing in the EU, and some US states have already moved in this direction.
25 September 2024 Viewpoints
Remembering Chris Comerford and Donal Brady
Chris Comerford - he was widely recognised as an outstanding manager and businessman.
25 September 2024 Viewpoints
Farmers lose out again in veterinary medicines moves
The long running veterinary medicine bill was signed last year, but the statutory instrument to effect change was signed last week.
25 September 2024 Viewpoints
Matt Dempsey's term ends at Agricultural Trust
At the annual general meeting of the Agricultural Trust, chair Matt Dempsey stepped down.
25 September 2024 Viewpoints
Non-beef farmers can feel aggrieved
With area payments being cut by 17% in 2025, it is a significant income hit for non-beef producers.
18 September 2024 Northern Ireland
A warning to those considering planting forestry on their farms
"There is a liability to replant, thus permanently devaluing the land for all time." - Dickie Power, Friarstown, Kilmallock, Co Limerick.
18 September 2024 Opinion
Dempsey at Large: FBD, Glanbia and Kerry
All three have gone on the stock market with a core business that has attracted outside capital and have a record of paying significant dividends to shareholders.
18 September 2024 Viewpoints