LATEST ARTICLES
Focus
Protecting the sustainability of hill farms
Martin Merrick
Traditional hill farms are under pressure socially and economically, but what can be done to stem the flow away from management of our sensitive upland areas.
18 September 2024 Buildings
Where do costs lie in cubicle sheds?
Within 10 years, costs per cow have risen from €1,500 to over €3,000 for a standard cubicle shed with slurry storage.
18 September 2024 Markets
Camera at the Mart: Granard stores a firm trade
Granard Mart’s general cattle sale on Wednesday last 11 September saw a total of 359 cattle pass through the yard.
The sun's out for the ploughing!
While the sunshine will suit attendees to the ploughing, it won’t suit those looking for rain to push on growth, writes Thomas Condon.
18 September 2024 Grass & feeding
Sunshine brings respite for the west though east still hungry for rain
The east/west divide remains, and while the weather suited those on heavy ground and attendees of the ploughing, rainfall would have been more welcome by many.
18 September 2024 Grass & feeding
The Grass Week: last chance saloon for fertiliser application
Chemical fertiliser application is closed from Sunday onwards, but there is still time to spread some organic fertilisers.
14 September 2024 Grass & feeding
Getting winter ready with animal housing
Time is ticking on getting any routine maintenance that hasn't already been carried out completed on sheds.
11 September 2024 Buildings
Ticking the boxes on slurry storage requirements this winter
What farmers need to know amid updates and changes occurring to soiled water and slurry storage for 2024.
11 September 2024 Buildings
Sheep mart comment: steady trade with marginal increases in price
A steady week of liveweight sales has been underpinned by factories holding or increasing quotes.
11 September 2024 Markets
Grazing conditions improve, but supplies lacking for many
While farmers in the northwest have seen a reprieve in grazing conditions, grass supply remains a struggle for many.
11 September 2024 Grass & feeding
Beef Management: separating weanlings, closing paddocks and Beef Welfare Scheme
Martin Merrick discusses the upcoming closing date for the Beef Welfare Scheme, why weanlings should now be separated and closing up paddocks for spring 2025.
11 September 2024 Management
The Grass Week: poor growth leading to behind-target grass supplies
The sustained poor growth over the past few weeks has been a real pain in the side of farmers, resulting in heavy supplementation having to go in.
10 September 2024 Grass & feeding