James Strain

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: spring arrives at last in Donegal

MOST READ STORIES

1

2

3

4

5

Farmer Writes: cold weather and fuel pressure keeping a lid on things

Farmer Writes: cold weather and fuel pressure keeping a lid on things

FARMER WRITES 11 April 2026

Farmer Writes: balancing weight gains and falling price

Farmer Writes: balancing weight gains and falling price

FARMER WRITES 3 April 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?

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

FARMER WRITES 18 March 2026

Farmer Writes: the Shared Island TB project

Farmer Writes: the Shared Island TB project

Farmer Writes: the Shared Island TB project

FARMER WRITES 14 March 2026

ADVERTISEMENT

Farmer Writes: without farmer support, Bord Bia is a dead duck

Farmer Writes: without farmer support, Bord Bia is a dead duck

Farmers who accepted inspections, paperwork and scrutiny from Bord Bia feel let down by the Larry Murrin controversy, writes James Strain this week.

FARMER WRITES 7 October 2025

Farmer Writes: looking forward to spring

Farmer Writes: looking forward to spring

While winter is still upon us, James Strain is very much looking forward to getting some jobs ticked-off the list this spring.

FARMER WRITES 7 October 2025

Farmer Writes: looking back on 2025, a year to remember

Farmer Writes: looking back on 2025, a year to remember

Beef and sheep farmer James Strain takes a look back at a bumper 2025 for drystock.

FARMER WRITES 7 October 2025

Farmer Writes: preparing for the new wormer prescription system

Farmer Writes: preparing for the new wormer prescription system

Many farmers appear blissfully unaware that prescriptions will now be required for a wide range of antiparasitic treatments, writes farmer James Strain.

FARMER WRITES 7 October 2025

Farmer Writes: strong interest from farmers at suckler mart event in Donegal

Farmer Writes: strong interest from farmers at suckler mart event in Donegal

James Strain writes about a recent health, nutrition and management event held at Inishowen Livestock Mart in Donegal.

FARMER WRITES 7 October 2025

Farmer Writes: understanding livestock through their eyes

Farmer Writes: understanding livestock through their eyes

This week, farmer James Strain discusses a recent workshop he attended featuring animal welfare expert Miriam Parker.

FARMER WRITES 7 October 2025

Farmer Writes: every time I hear a storm mentioned, my heart is in my mouth

Farmer Writes: every time I hear a storm mentioned, my heart is in my mouth

Storm Amy wasn't too chaotic on James Strain's farm in Donegal where very minimal damage was done.

FARMER WRITES 7 October 2025

SPONSORED

A different kind of farm visit

Organic beef and sheep farmer, Kay O’Sullivan, describes her experience of hosting a group of chefs on her farm.

A different kind of farm visit

LOAD MORE STORIES