In the news

  • Some €313m of farmland was sold in 2017, up over 5% from the previous year, the 2017 Irish Farmers Journal Land Report found.
  • Dr Pearse Lyons has died aged 73. Dr Lyons was the founder of Alltech, the global animal health and nutrition business.
  • Fodder suppliers have reported an increased demand in the wake of storm Emma.
  • Slurry storage capacity is being tested to the full following last week’s snow.
  • Between shed damage, animal losses, animal health issues and the damage to the contents of sheds, the cost of storm Emma is expected to run into tens of millions for farmers.
  • Photo of the day

    Irish heifers on a farm in Adana, South Turkey this week. The animals were bought in for breeding as the farm looks to establish a cow herd alongside its bull fattening enterprise. In all, 130 Irish heifers came in at a weight of around 350kg and were delivered to the yard for €4.50/kg. The animals arrived in mid-November and weighed 407kg on average in mid-February. They are currently being bred to Charolais bulls from the Czech Republic. There are also Zebu cattle from Brazil and Angus and Hereford from Uruguay on the farm. Full report from Turkey in next week's paper. \ Ciaran Lenehan

    Irish heifers on a farm in Adana, South Turkey this week. The animals were bought in for breeding as the farm looks to establish a cow herd alongside its bull fattening enterprise. \ Ciaran Lenehan.