Declan
E: dobrien@farmersjournal.ie
T:
Declan O’Brien is a senior news correspondent with the Irish Farmers Journal. The Limerick man has more than 25 years’ experience as an agricultural journalist. O’Brien recently completed a PhD at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick on the growth of the Irish beef processing industry, and its impact on Irish agricultural policy. This work was supported by the Irish Research Council. His MA thesis on the demise and closure of the Dublin Cattle Market is being published this month by Four Courts Press.
Declan O'Brien on 22 Jun 2022
Jordan defends Ornua's actions on fixed milk price schemes
Ornua has offered to increase the contractual purchase price on 10% of the volumes supplied under FMPs but this is subject to conditions.
Declan O'Brien on 22 Jun 2022
Joe Ryan takes over as Meat Industry Ireland director
Ryan’s appointment comes at a time of significant headwinds for the meat industry.
Declan O'Brien on 22 Jun 2022
Fundamental changes demanded for fixed-milk-price schemes
ICMSA president Pat McCormack said the FMP concept had been severely damaged over the last year.
Declan O'Brien on 22 Jun 2022
Hotel revenues recover at Farmer Business Developments
Operating profits hit €9.89m for 2021 and dividends at the firm reached 17c per share.
Declan O'Brien on 17 Jun 2022
Most valuable farms located in the southeast
The average value of land and buildings topped €1m in the southeast and midlands.
Declan O'Brien on 17 Jun 2022
Off-farm income helping support 54% of farms
The proportion of farm holders employed off-farm was 34%, but the figure for suckler farmers was 44%.
Declan O'Brien on 15 Jun 2022
Farm investments totalled €1.39bn in 2021
Dairy farms accounted for half the overall investment, with the total spend per farm averaging €45,160.
Declan O'Brien on 15 Jun 2022
Drystock sector's dependence on direct payments confirmed
The Teagasc survey shows that direct payments make up 138% of family farm income on suckler holdings.
Declan O'Brien on 15 Jun 2022
Bank of Ireland launches new €100m farmer loan fund
The new Agri Assist Loan Fund will provide an additional working capital facility for farmers at a competitive 3.86% rate.
Declan O'Brien on 16 Jun 2022
National farm survey: how each sector performed
There is positive news for farmers from Teagasc's national farm survey, but the hike in input costs remains a worry.
Declan O'Brien on 14 Jun 2022
Dairy farmer incomes touch €100,000 in 2021
The Teagasc national farm survey results show significant income gains for all enterprises, with tillage and suckler incomes up 77% and 30% respectively.
Declan O'Brien on 14 Jun 2022
Dairygold rejects Ornua fixed milk proposal
Ornua is only prepared to work with Dairygold on a cashflow basis with a minimal level of funding offered, the Cork-based co-op informed suppliers.