James Strain

Farmer Writes: should I buy fertiliser now or wait and see?

A price that looks expensive one week can look very reasonable the following week and vice versa.

FARMER WRITES 18 September 2026

Farmer Writes: should I buy fertiliser now or wait and see?

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Farmer Writes: the days are getting shorter and the ground is getting softer

Farmer Writes: the days are getting shorter and the ground is getting softer

FARMER WRITES 5 September 2026

Farmer Writes: only good fields grow docks

Farmer Writes: only good fields grow docks

FARMER WRITES 21 August 2026

Farmer Writes: the power-washer was busy at Clonmany Show

Farmer Writes: the power-washer was busy at Clonmany Show

Farmer Writes: the power-washer was busy at Clonmany Show

FARMER WRITES 8 August 2026

Farmer Writes: sun and sand, but not at the beach

Farmer Writes: sun and sand, but not at the beach

Farmer Writes: sun and sand, but not at the beach

FARMER WRITES 26 July 2026

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Farmer Writes: I've been flat out not farming

Farmer Writes: I've been flat out not farming

Considering the circumstances, grass growth has been respectable and I'm happy with how the second-cut silage has turned out, James Strain writes.

FARMER WRITES 3 April 2026

Farmer Writes: hopefully it's not another one of those years

Farmer Writes: hopefully it's not another one of those years

In dry weather, it wouldn't be a huge issue, but with every wet day that comes, it's getting trickier. Cattle are becoming unsettled as well.

FARMER WRITES 3 April 2026

Farmer Writes: strong heats in dairy heifers

Farmer Writes: strong heats in dairy heifers

There’s always a certain relief once the final straw is put in and the flask lid closed.

FARMER WRITES 3 April 2026

Farmer Writes: the continental v dairy-bred debate

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 3 April 2026

Farmer Writes: spring arrives at last in Donegal

Farmer Writes: spring arrives at last in Donegal

If conditions hold, James Strain should be able to push on and get the reseeding done in good time.

FARMER WRITES 3 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

There is strong support for the ongoing fuel protests from people across the country, which reflects just how serious the situation has become for ordinary working people.

FARMER WRITES 3 April 2026

Farmer Writes: balancing weight gains and falling price

Farmer Writes: balancing weight gains and falling price

Do you chase extra kilos and risk a falling price or take what’s in front of you, asks James Strain.

FARMER WRITES 3 April 2026

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Why Fergal Hanrahan invests in quality milk replacer for his beef calves

For farmer Fergal Hanrahan, successful calf rearing comes down to getting the basics right from day one.

Why Fergal Hanrahan invests in quality milk replacer for his beef calves

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