LATEST ARTICLES
Dairy
‘Not possible’ to know how many farmers hit by latest derogation cut
Noel Bardon
Recent nitrates changes leave the Department unable to put a number on the farmers impacted.
12 April 2025 Schemes
14% maximum crude protein concentrate rule starts on 15 April
The maximum crude protein content in concentrates fed to cattle over two years of age and at grass from 15 April to 30 September is 14%.
10 April 2025 News
Map: more areas to face 220kg N/ha derogation stocking rate limit
The proportion of the country still permitted to stock derogation farms at 250kg N/ha will shrink in December.
Dairy Management: avoid an April grass surplus
Grass growth rates are on the increase, so farmers need to take action to avoid a big surplus in April, writes Aidan Brennan.
31 March 2025 Management
Milking platform stocking rate dilemma
Aidan Brennan looks at the risks associated with operating a high milking platform stocking rate and some of the mitigating factors.
19 March 2025 Grass & feeding
Stocking rate limits on milking platform on table
A new maximum stocking rate on the milking platform is expected from the nitrates expert group.
5 March 2025 News
Editorial: fast-track planning must get green light
We need something very quickly on the nutrient storage side of the house for farmers.
26 February 2025 Viewpoints
Climate action plan: rewetting bombshell
Rewetting: if we don’t map out the impacts now, then when do we do it?
26 February 2025 Viewpoints
No change in livestock unit values
Proposals to change nutrient excretion rates under nitrates will not have any effect on livestock unit values under area-based schemes.
26 February 2025 Schemes
Editorial: misguided thinking around nitrogen
As importers, energy prices and currency exchanges are largely outside farmer control.
19 February 2025 Viewpoints
Sheep management: lambing tips, supplementing early lambers and soil sampling
Advance preparations including have a good supply of lambing aids on hand well in advance of lambing starting will pay dividends.
19 February 2025 Management
Editorial: land price certainty driving decisions
As always, ‘averages’ can cover up a multitude, but the factors driving Irish land price play out each week in these pages.
5 February 2025 Editorial