sexed semen

Comment: where to next for the Irish breeding programme?

Aidan Brennan takes a look at some of the key trends in dairy breeding, both nationally and globally and asks what needs to happen next.

SPRING AI 14 March 2026

Comment: where to next for the Irish breeding programme?

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My Farming Week: Gary Murphy, Knoxtown, Clonroche, Co Wexford

My Farming Week: Gary Murphy, Knoxtown, Clonroche, Co Wexford

NEWS 4 March 2026

Annual beef kill is now dominated by dairy-bred animals

Annual beef kill is now dominated by dairy-bred animals

NEWS 18 February 2026

Beef calves account for 63% of births on dairy farms - Teagasc

Beef calves account for 63% of births on dairy farms - Teagasc

Beef calves account for 63% of births on dairy farms - Teagasc

NEWS 17 February 2026

Calving commences as wet weather persists on Tullamore farm

Calving commences as wet weather persists on Tullamore farm

Calving commences as wet weather persists on Tullamore farm

BREEDING & HEALTH 11 February 2026

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My Farming Week: Adam Smyth, Cashel, Carndonagh, Co Donegal

My Farming Week: Adam Smyth, Cashel, Carndonagh, Co Donegal

30-year-old Adam Smyth is in his third winter of milking cows having converted into dairying from sucklers and sheep in 2023.

NEWS 19 November 2025

Why are 20% of heifers not making it to calving?

Why are 20% of heifers not making it to calving?

The number of replacement heifers not making it to calving was one of the key discussion points at the recent Positive Farmers Conference, writes Daire Cregg.

MANAGEMENT 19 November 2025

Where will the next generation of AI sires come from?

Where will the next generation of AI sires come from?

At the recent Teagasc national dairy conference, Donagh Berry addressed worries about the size of the future bull pool. Daire Cregg reports on what's causing the issues.

MANAGEMENT 19 November 2025

From the ground up: couple with non-farming backgrounds build 500-cow herd

From the ground up: couple with non-farming backgrounds build 500-cow herd

Daire Cregg previews next month's IGA conference, where David Fogarty and Katie O'Toole will be speaking on their journey into managing a farm business.

MANAGEMENT 19 November 2025

Farmer Writes: TB test passed with flying colours

Farmer Writes: TB test passed with flying colours

While I always tell myself to not run a hand over the injection sites, it’s a fruitless lecture to myself, as without fail I’ll be squinting at them on day two.

FARMER WRITES 19 November 2025

My Farming Week: Darren Buttimer, Knockskeagh, Lyre, Clonakilty, Co Cork

My Farming Week: Darren Buttimer, Knockskeagh, Lyre, Clonakilty, Co Cork

Just 5km outside Clonakilty, Darren and Caroline Buttimer are farming with their four kids on 335ac of land, which has been in the Buttimer family since the 1960s.

NEWS 19 November 2025

National cattle herd down 130,000 head

National cattle herd down 130,000 head

Contraction in the national cattle herd continues with over 28,000 fewer suckler cows on farms, 60,000 fewer dairy replacement heifers and 47,000 less Friesian males compared to October 2024

NEWS 19 November 2025

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Advice for supporting gut health

Taking a preventative approach to scours and supplying calves with targeted health products during digestive disturbance are essential for sustained growth.

Advice for supporting gut health

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