Inputs
on 20 Apr 2021
Beef farmers need €5/kg to cover escalating costs - ICSA
Increases in the cost of inputs and a sustained price differential mean beef farmers need €5/kg in order to to remain viable, according to the ICSA.
Contributor on 14 Apr 2021
Last year was good – this year will be very different as costs rise
Maize and soya beans had a good year in the US in 2020 but the resultant increase in input costs do not bode well for this and coming years, writes Kevin Rosenbohm from Missouri.
Kieran Mailey on 17 Mar 2021
NI Sheep Programme: lowland flocks benefit from higher prices in 2020
Higher lamb prices in 2020 and focussing on grass finishing helped increase gross margins for the lowland farms in the NI Sheep Programme last year.
Stephen Robb on 16 Mar 2021
New fixed-wing crop drone launched
SenseFly has launched a new fixed-wing drone which could allow farmers to scout up to 1,236ac in 90 minutes.
Kieran Mailey on 13 Mar 2021
Beef management: five tips for buying grazing stores
With buyers looking for store cattle to graze and finish, outlined are some tips to keep in mind when purchasing animals.
Kieran Mailey on 10 Mar 2021
Key lessons from BETTER Farm NI programme
With GM/ha rising by £401/ha during the BETTER Farm NI programme, Kieran Mailey outlines the key lessons learned that drive profitability.
Kieran Mailey on 10 Mar 2021
Focus on efficiency lifts GM/ha by 67% in Northern Ireland
As the BETTER Farm NI programme reaches its conclusion, Kieran Mailey outlines what it delivered for the farmers involved
Letters to the Editor on 03 Mar 2021
Letter: time for a change in the business model of farming
"The unique business model within farm production requires restructuring" - Martin Mc Garry, Farmer, Sligo.
Kieran Mailey on 03 Mar 2021
Red diesel prices pass 50p/l
Price quotes for red diesel in NI are up on the back of higher crude oil prices.
Kieran Mailey on 03 Mar 2021
NI Sheep Programme: gross margins rising on hill farms
With benchmarking completed for 2020, programme adviser Senan White analyses the farm performance, starting with an overview of the five hill farms.
John Egerton on 17 Feb 2021
Starting on the path to net zero
John Egerton is one of seven farmers across NI taking part in a scheme measuring the flow of carbon
Andy Doyle on 17 Feb 2021
Healthy Oats project gets €2.7m research boost
A new 'healthy oats' research project launched this week aims to find more nutritious varieties that perform well with lower inputs.
Gary Abbott on 03 Feb 2021
Using hydraulics to weigh on the go
Gary Abbott caught up with Gary Logue of Greenville Energy to find out how the move to an on-board weighing system saved the business time and money.
Kieran Mailey on 13 Jan 2021
NI Sheep Programme: time to benchmark the farm
The start of the year is an ideal time to review the flock performance and profitability during the previous year. Kieran Mailey reports.
Adam Woods on 07 Jan 2021
VAT flat rate refund increase - what does it mean for me?
Adam Woods has details on the increase of the VAT flat rate refund and what it means for farmers.
Kieran Mailey on 30 Dec 2020
Efficiency gains driving down feed costs
Benchmarking analysis by Kingshay Dairy Consultants shows a large range in margins across Dale Farm suppliers.
Kieran Mailey on 16 Dec 2020
To finish or store cattle - that is the question
With higher ration prices, an abundance of silage and little movement on beef price, more farmers are considering storing cattle all winter. Kieran Mailey looks at the merits and options.
David Wright on 16 Dec 2020
HMRC outlines flat-rate VAT changes
New entry and exit rules to the Agricultural Flat Rate Scheme apply from 1 January 2021.
Lorcan Allen on 18 Nov 2020
Origin forecasts a strong recovery in winter wheat plantings for 2021
Origin Enterprises, which specialises in crop inputs and agronomy services for tillage farmers, said it expects to see a recovery in winter crop plantings for the 2021 season.
Kieran Mailey on 13 Oct 2020
Beef management: Time to weigh cattle and review performance
Weighing cattle at housing should be part and parcel of herd management. This information can be used to make culling decisions and used as part of a winter finishing budget.