James Strain

Farmer Writes: the continental v dairy-bred debate

Dairy cattle are obviously cheaper to buy, which means you can carry more stock for the same money invested, and, in many cases, the profit per head may not be all that different.

FARMER WRITES 19 May 2026

Farmer Writes: the continental v dairy-bred debate

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Farmer Writes: spring arrives at last in Donegal

Farmer Writes: spring arrives at last in Donegal

FARMER WRITES 24 April 2026

Farmer Writes: cold weather and fuel pressure keeping a lid on things

Farmer Writes: cold weather and fuel pressure keeping a lid on things

FARMER WRITES 11 April 2026

Farmer Writes: balancing weight gains and falling price

Farmer Writes: balancing weight gains and falling price

Farmer Writes: balancing weight gains and falling price

FARMER WRITES 3 April 2026

Farmer Writes: what is going on with Ireland’s factory beef price?

Farmer Writes: what is going on with Ireland’s factory beef price?

Farmer Writes: what is going on with Ireland’s factory beef price?

FARMER WRITES 18 March 2026

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Farmer Writes: the Shared Island TB project

Farmer Writes: the Shared Island TB project

Pilot TB project will operate across a defined study area covering northeast Donegal and northwest Northern Ireland

FARMER WRITES 20 October 2025

Farmer Writes: without farmer support, Bord Bia is a dead duck

Farmer Writes: without farmer support, Bord Bia is a dead duck

Farmers who accepted inspections, paperwork and scrutiny from Bord Bia feel let down by the Larry Murrin controversy, writes James Strain this week.

FARMER WRITES 20 October 2025

Farmer Writes: looking forward to spring

Farmer Writes: looking forward to spring

While winter is still upon us, James Strain is very much looking forward to getting some jobs ticked-off the list this spring.

FARMER WRITES 20 October 2025

Farmer Writes: looking back on 2025, a year to remember

Farmer Writes: looking back on 2025, a year to remember

Beef and sheep farmer James Strain takes a look back at a bumper 2025 for drystock.

FARMER WRITES 20 October 2025

Farmer Writes: preparing for the new wormer prescription system

Farmer Writes: preparing for the new wormer prescription system

Many farmers appear blissfully unaware that prescriptions will now be required for a wide range of antiparasitic treatments, writes farmer James Strain.

FARMER WRITES 20 October 2025

Farmer Writes: strong interest from farmers at suckler mart event in Donegal

Farmer Writes: strong interest from farmers at suckler mart event in Donegal

James Strain writes about a recent health, nutrition and management event held at Inishowen Livestock Mart in Donegal.

FARMER WRITES 20 October 2025

Farmer Writes: understanding livestock through their eyes

Farmer Writes: understanding livestock through their eyes

This week, farmer James Strain discusses a recent workshop he attended featuring animal welfare expert Miriam Parker.

FARMER WRITES 20 October 2025

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New Zealand dairy tech open day to take place on Laois farm

Irish dairy farmers will have the opportunity to see the latest technologies from New Zealand at an on-farm open day at Camcloon Dairy, Ballyfin, Co Laois, on Tuesday 19 May 2026 from 10am.

New Zealand dairy tech open day to take place on Laois farm

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