Karen McCabe

Farmer Writes: the autumn routine is starting to take shape

Cooler, wetter weather has brought a lift in the demand for calf feed, while weighing, dosing decisions and winter preparations are creeping onto the job list.

NEWS 9 September 2026

Farmer Writes: the autumn routine is starting to take shape

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Farmer Writes: I'll remember this summer when the rain returns

Farmer Writes: I'll remember this summer when the rain returns

FARMER WRITES 26 August 2026

'The Blonde went looking for a bull - and brought everyone with her'

'The Blonde went looking for a bull - and brought everyone with her'

FARMER WRITES 12 August 2026

Farmer Writes: a bull with no trousers

Farmer Writes: a bull with no trousers

Farmer Writes: a bull with no trousers

FARMER WRITES 29 July 2026

Farmer Writes: a brush with danger

Farmer Writes: a brush with danger

Farmer Writes: a brush with danger

FARMER WRITES 15 July 2026

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Farmer Writes: investing for the future

Farmer Writes: investing for the future

There’s no time like the present to invest a bit of money into the future herd, writes Karen McCabe.

FARMER WRITES 25 March 2026

Farmer Writes: a calf hiding in the rushes

Farmer Writes: a calf hiding in the rushes

After numerous rounds of the field I was beginning to feel like a riding-school pony until I spotted a flash of a yellow tag in the dark gripe behind a wall of rushes.

FARMER WRITES 25 March 2026

Farmer Writes: cattle thriving well

Farmer Writes: cattle thriving well

With a couple of heifer calves born recently, we finally bucked the trend of bull calves we’d been having.

FARMER WRITES 25 March 2026

Farmer Writes: an escapee heifer

Farmer Writes: an escapee heifer

One heifer has escaped twice now but each time she was stopped in her tracks by the temptation of a lovely sweet lawn and an open gate was found.

FARMER WRITES 25 March 2026

Farmer Writes: exodus from the shed

Farmer Writes: exodus from the shed

Anything that isn’t calving in the next couple of weeks is being let loose as last winter was long enough on both man and beast.

FARMER WRITES 25 March 2026

Farmer Writes: eventful start to calving

Farmer Writes: eventful start to calving

Karen McCabe had to summon the vet for a cow calving that needed a Caesarean – and that's when the fun started, she writes.

FARMER WRITES 25 March 2026

Farmer Writes: a new jack for bull calves

Farmer Writes: a new jack for bull calves

After a quick rummage in the cow, I’d straightened out two bent front legs but I had an inkling it wasn’t going to be as simple as that.

FARMER WRITES 25 March 2026

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From soil to sold: top tips for selling your farm in Ireland

As we approach the end of another busy season for farm sales, many farmers will naturally start thinking ahead to their own plans for the future.

From soil to sold: top tips for selling your farm in Ireland

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