James Strain

Farmer Writes: one day on strike, 11 days waiting for payment

Farm payments are often money that farmers have already planned around. It might be earmarked for paying the co-op account or buying fertiliser for the next season.

FARMER WRITES 20 October 2026

Farmer Writes: one day on strike, 11 days waiting for payment

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

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

FARMER WRITES 18 September 2026

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: 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

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

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

With second-cut silage in the yard and grass growth thriving, it's time for the next project – finishing a sand arena for the children's ponies.

FARMER WRITES 26 July 2026

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 14 July 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 7 June 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 1 June 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 19 May 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 24 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 11 April 2026

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Why protein and grass-fed create a positive outlook for Irish dairy

Bord Bia Head of Dairy David Kennedy spoke to Julian Mellentin, New Nutrition business founder, to explore the trends influencing dairy and what they could mean for Ireland’s grass-fed dairy sector.

Why protein and grass-fed create a positive outlook for Irish dairy

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