LATEST ARTICLES
Sheep
National Sheep Welfare Scheme: reader queries answered
Darren Carty
The Department of Agriculture has answered important queries which are not addressed in the scheme's terms and conditions.
17 April 2024 Markets
Camera at the Mart: Milford trade leaves factory price in shade
Prices paid for hoggets, cull ewes and spring lambs were in the region of €15 to €20 per head on average stronger than equivalent quotes offered by factories
17 April 2024 Markets
Sheep mart comment: supplies failing to satisfy buyer demand
Prices have increased by another €3 to €5/head in the last week, with agents dipping into the live trade to try to compensate for low supplies
Sheep Trends: hoggets and lambs up 20c/kg to 30c/kg
There has also been some upward movement in carcase weights, with the two Irish Country Meats plants increasing their carcase weight limit to 21kg.
17 April 2024 Markets
Nitrates derogation and dairy banding deadline extended
The nitrates application deadline is now Friday, 26 April, and the dairy excretion rate band deadline is now 15 May 2024.
17 April 2024 News
Sheep Management: chance to finally get back on track
The rate at which conditions return to normal will vary greatly depending on land type but the upturn in weather will deliver farmer and beast a well deserved break
17 April 2024 Management
Organic farmers eligible for new sheep welfare scheme
There were some concerns from farmers that the actions included would not be amenable to organic farmers but certification bodies have dispelled such fears.
17 April 2024 News
Sheep trends update: hoggets and lambs up another 10c/kg to 20c/kg
Kildare Chilling continues to set the pace in the sheep trade with the factory quoting a base of €9.10/kg plus 10c/kg QA for hoggets and €9.40/kg plus 10c/kg QA for spring lambs for Wednesday’s kill.
15 April 2024 Markets
Department issues clarification on 15% crude protein limit deadline
The Department released a technical note on Friday evening which states the 15% crude protein requirement does not apply where cattle are not outdoors full-time at grass.
13 April 2024 News
Schemes update: applying for the new sheep welfare scheme
Applications must be completed online through the agfood.ie portal by the closing date of 11.59pm on Tuesday 21 May 2024.
12 April 2024 News
New sheep welfare scheme unveiled
Farmers can avail of payment of €8/ewe for completing two tasks from a list, including shearing, condition-scoring, plunge-dipping and clostridial disease vaccination.
10 April 2024 News
Department signals earlier risk of nematodirus
Peak hatching will generally occur at the end of March in Munster and south Leinster and in the early days of April in the midlands and northern half of the country.
10 April 2024 Breeding & health