James Strain

Farmer Writes: the days are getting shorter and the ground is getting softer

As cattle begin to be house for winter, James Strain looks at grass performance, weight gains and why housing a little earlier can pay off.

FARMER WRITES 5 September 2026

Farmer Writes: the days are getting shorter and the ground is getting softer

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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 8 August 2026

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

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

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

FARMER WRITES 26 July 2026

Farmer Writes: I've been flat out not farming

Farmer Writes: I've been flat out not farming

Farmer Writes: I've been flat out not farming

FARMER WRITES 14 July 2026

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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 18 March 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 18 March 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 18 March 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 18 March 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 18 March 2026

Farmer Writes: balancing weight gains and falling price

Farmer Writes: balancing weight gains and falling price

Do you chase extra kilos and risk a falling price or take what’s in front of you, asks James Strain.

FARMER WRITES 18 March 2026

Farmer Writes: what is going on with Ireland’s factory beef price?

Farmer Writes: what is going on with Ireland’s factory beef price?

What makes the situation difficult to understand is that the fall in price is happening at a time when the number of cattle being processed nationally is well back on previous years.

FARMER WRITES 18 March 2026

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Sommet de l’Élevage 2026: shaping the future of sustainable livestock farming

As livestock farming faces growing environmental, economic and generational challenges, the Sommet de l’Élevage continues to showcase practical solutions and innovations for the future of the sector.

Sommet de l’Élevage 2026: shaping the future of sustainable livestock farming

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