This year, the stories that captured attention showcased everything from farming interviews and 400m stone walls to milk supply and alternative meats. Here are the top 10 moments that ignited the most commentary/interactions on our social media channels.

10. Jonathan O’Sullivan to be new Cork Marts CEO

The Cork Marts board appointed Jonathan O’Sullivan as the company’s new CEO and the reaction on social media was immense, with many congratulating the former Cahir Marts man on his new position.

9. Cycling 23,000km: Fergal Guihen’s journey from Roscommon to Australia

The 25-year-old part-time farmer and nurse set out to cycle 23,000km from Roscommon to Australia, taking a total of 11 months to complete the challenge, in aid of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. And the support around him was surreal to see, with hundreds flooding to wish him luck on his travels.

8. Practice calving demo: insights from #BEEF2024

A live calving demonstration at BEEF2024, showcasing best practices for calving and handling calving difficulties, sparked great interest and discussion this year.

7. Pat Lynch’s 444m stone wall

Martin Merrick caught up with Pat Lynch earlier this year, who completed the mammoth task of rebuilding 444m of a stone wall solo.

6. Milk supplies plummet by up to 10%

A collapse in milk supplies in the first quarter of the year saw much commentary about the risk of supply of milk in Ireland amid a poor grass growth period in spring.

5. Quickfire questions with Sheamie

This viral clip of our chat with this famous Clare toy reviewer was a moment to remember on our social channels.

4. Paris Olympics going 60% meat-free

When The Dealer covered the story that the Paris Olympics was to make 60% of the meals on offer to visitors meat-free, it was fair to say that most commentators felt that it certainly wouldn’t help with food waste.

4. Best silage photo of 2024

From tagging your best mate to sending in entries, this year’s photo competition was one to remember. With hundreds of entries and photos populating our social inboxes, it made picking the winner even more of a challenge.

2. Tommy Moynihan: overcoming adversity in Ballyseedy

Tommy Moynihan from Ballyseedy, Co Kerry, inspired countless people on social with his resilience after losing an arm in an incident with a PTO. His farm modifications and determination to continue milking his 130-cow herd was a highlight during Farm Safety Week.

1. From Dublin to Laois: a chat with Seán Whelan

A man from Dublin with his message to farmers at the National Ploughing Championships was one of the highlights and most interacted with moment this year.