Pat O'Toole

Opinion: proposed CAP will squeeze the squeezed middle more

As the days of reckoning for CAP grow closer, the European Commission's focus on "active farmers" is bad news for the drystock sector.

OPINION 9 May 2026

Opinion: proposed CAP will squeeze the squeezed middle more

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Couple fail to gain sterilised zone on farmland

Couple fail to gain sterilised zone on farmland

NEWS 6 May 2026

Bord Bia review two months away

Bord Bia review two months away

NEWS 29 April 2026

ICSA turmoil over president's role in protest

ICSA turmoil over president's role in protest

ICSA turmoil over president's role in protest

NEWS 29 April 2026

Heydon signals CAP rollover

Heydon signals CAP rollover

Heydon signals CAP rollover

NEWS 22 April 2026

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CAP is ‘all about budget’ – Heydon

CAP is ‘all about budget’ – Heydon

Martin Heydon assumes the chair of the EU's Council of Agricultural Ministers in July, with an expectation that he will broker a workable CAP. He shares his views with the Irish Farmers Journal.

NEWS 28 March 2026

Heydon hopes to pay €100m fuel payments before end of July

Heydon hopes to pay €100m fuel payments before end of July

Martin Heydon shared his view on the protests, the package that has been agreed, and just where farming is at this moment with the Irish Farmers Journal.

NEWS 28 March 2026

Opinion: urban-rural alliance claims a victory over government

Opinion: urban-rural alliance claims a victory over government

The protesters on Molesworth Street were at least as broad a coalition as the one in government. It was the one inside Leinster House that fractured on Tuesday afternoon.

OPINION 28 March 2026

Opinion: fuel crisis is real, but ends don't justify the means

Opinion: fuel crisis is real, but ends don't justify the means

Agricultural contractors, road hauliers and transport companies are far more affected by the war-imposed spike in fuel prices than most farmers, but holding the country in a chokehold is not justified

OPINION 28 March 2026

Lismore estate rental row takes a strange twist

Lismore estate rental row takes a strange twist

Local farmers looking for answers as to why sheep were brought onto the Knockmealdown commonage and away again on the same evening, as the row over rent with the Duke of Devonshire takes a twist.

NEWS 28 March 2026

Comment: processor absence makes the heart anger

Comment: processor absence makes the heart anger

Farmers drew their own conclusions from the complete absence of any processor presence at Monday evening's crucial beef meeting in Abbeyleix.

OPINION 28 March 2026

Opinion: four quick thoughts for the weekend

Opinion: four quick thoughts for the weekend

With the weather up and the work under way at last, some musings from the tractor cab on the issues of the week.

OPINION 28 March 2026

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New Zealand dairy tech open day to take place on Laois farm

Irish dairy farmers will have the opportunity to see the latest technologies from New Zealand at an on-farm open day at Camcloon Dairy, Ballyfin, Co Laois, on Tuesday 19 May 2026 from 10am.

New Zealand dairy tech open day to take place on Laois farm

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