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Radical TB plan floated by Department
Declan O’Brien
Major changes to the TB testing programme, the rules relating to animal movements and to disease compensation are included in the Department's plan.
 
 
Ticking the boxes: tillage jobs for the coming weeks
Ticking the boxes: tillage jobs for the coming weeks
Here are some crops from the southeast last week and some tips on what to have on the to-do list.
New nitrates plan already facing delays
New nitrates plan already facing delays
The nitrates expert group has yet to deliver its advice to ministers on what the next nitrates action plan should look like.
Martbids Database: grass buyers drive the mart trade
Martbids Database: grass buyers drive the mart trade
Adam Woods has the latest on this week’s mart trade, including what’s happening in the country’s marts.
Camera at the Mart: 'these prices are the new norm' - manager
Camera at the Mart: 'these prices are the new norm' - manager
Castleisland Mart rounded out a busier than usual March and one which saw average calf prices reach levels not seen before. Mart manager Neilus McAuliffe believes this is the new normal.
Camera at the Mart: over €3/kg going rate for cull cows in Bandon
Camera at the Mart: over €3/kg going rate for cull cows in Bandon
Demand for beef has seen the price of dry dairy cows hit heights not seen before lately. This and rising weekly prices have been the story of the trade in Bandon Mart this spring.
PODCASTS
'Brave steps' needed on TB - Lakeland Dairies meets Minister Heydon
'Brave steps' needed on TB - Lakeland Dairies meets Minister Heydon
Lakeland Dairies’ chair Niall Matthews sat down with Minister Heydon and spoke about the issues that affect its farm families.
New nitrates plan already facing delays
New nitrates plan already facing delays
The nitrates expert group has yet to deliver its advice to ministers on what the next nitrates action plan should look like.
Land purchase considerations: key factors for farmers SPONSORED
Land purchase considerations: key factors for farmers
The nature of farming like any business, is that farmers are continually investing in their farms, land, infrastructure, buildings, stock and machinery to improve on-farm efficiencies or productivity
Overhaul of TB measures proposed
Overhaul of TB measures proposed
The Department of Agriculture has proposed a suite of measures aimed at reducing TB. WE analyse the implications for farmers on the ground if these proposals were adopted.
BVD testing support increased to €3.50/calf
BVD testing support increased to €3.50/calf
After Ireland reduced the incidence of BVD in 2024, Minister Heydon said that his Department is aiming to eradicate the disease.
Thirteenth Emerald Expo dairy show launched
Thirteenth Emerald Expo dairy show launched
Adam Woods has the details of the 13th Emerald Expo taking place on Saturday 26 April.
Carrick braced for massive sale of pedigree cattle
Carrick braced for massive sale of pedigree cattle
Nevan McKiernan looks ahead at a number of pedigree cattle sales taking place over the weekend.
Getting through the first SBLAS audit SPONSORED
Getting through the first SBLAS audit
Damien Murray, Origin Green Producer Liaison & Standard Co-Coordinator gives a step by step guide for new suckler members of SBLAS facing their first audit.
New for 2025: Syngenta enters grassland market with CASPER ® SPONSORED
New for 2025: Syngenta enters grassland market with CASPER ®
Syngenta Ireland recently launched CASPER®, a new broadleaved weed herbicide for newly sown and established grassland.
Technology For Profit: a focus on Genetics in GalwaySPONSORED
Technology For Profit: a focus on Genetics in Galway
Conor O’Brien, along with his parents Mary and Vincent, milks 144 high-EBI Holstein cows in Loughrea, Co Galway.
Farmer's trust in the quality and reliability of Flourish Calf SPONSORED
Farmer's trust in the quality and reliability of Flourish Calf
Trust in both protein quality and the brand are the primary criteria in selecting calf milk replacer in the case of a generational dairy farmer based near the northeast shore of Lough Neagh.
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Competitiveness of Kerrygold will be affected by US tariffs – IFA
Competitiveness of Kerrygold will be affected by US tariffs – IFA
The US market is an important outlet and accounts for around 11% of our total food and drink exports, the IFA said.
Trump announces 20% tariff on imports from the EU
Trump announces 20% tariff on imports from the EU
The United Kingdom will be subject to a lower 10% tariff rate, half that of its European neighbours.
Countries increasingly working around Trump’s US
Countries increasingly working around Trump’s US
Trade pressure from the US is increasing cooperation between other countries.
What to expect from Trump's big tariff announcement
What to expect from Trump's big tariff announcement
US president Trump had dubbed the announcement of tariffs as “liberation day” for the US.
Grammer to give old tractor seats a new lease of life
Grammer to give old tractor seats a new lease of life
Grammer has launched a new spare parts service and extensive range of genuine spare parts, making it possible to rectify initial signs of wear on machine seats.
Diesel prices are steady, but world oil markets are nervous
Diesel prices are steady, but world oil markets are nervous
With oil prices remaining cautiously stable, the market appears to be tense in the wake of potential tariffs from world leaders. Peter Thomas Keaveney and Gary Abbott report
Seven lots for seven buyers at Four Mile House farm
Seven lots for seven buyers at Four Mile House farm
Many pockets are catered for as guide prices for this farm range from €5,900/ac to €12,000/ac.
Good interest in Ballina land holding
Good interest in Ballina land holding
The 33.5ac is on a local road just outside the thriving town of Ballina.
Quality land in Clonaslee for auction
Quality land in Clonaslee for auction
The ground will attract plenty of interest as it’s good quality and in a good location.
Ensuring sufficient water supplies this grazing season
Ensuring sufficient water supplies this grazing season
Several factors feed in to the sizing of water troughs and a clean, fresh water supply is essential for all stock types.
West Clare farmer rewets peatland with county council
West Clare farmer rewets peatland with county council
In the project, a blanket bog - home to two rare and protected birds, the merlin and hen harrier - is being rewetted to provide a wildlife sanctuary for rare habitats and species of concern.
Farm emissions estimates cut by 7%
Farm emissions estimates cut by 7%
Emissions had been previously overstated due their not being sufficient research to generate emissions estimates that accurately reflected Irish farming.
Minister vows to engage with farmers on renewables
Minister vows to engage with farmers on renewables
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien said he will be meeting with stakeholders, including the IFA, to explore the opportunities for farmers in renewables.
Semi-state eyes up the Kildare gas site
Semi-state eyes up the Kildare gas site
I hear that country’s semi-state gas utility is among a pool of developers eyeing up the country’s only green gas injection point in Cush, Kildare.
No EU requirement for forestry replanting
No EU requirement for forestry replanting
The present requirement to replant after clear felling is a major obstacle to afforestation in Ireland, claimed consultants.
Outside help needed to remove timber
Outside help needed to remove timber
Overseas contractors will be required to harvest windblown timber, while EU aid is needed for private forest owners – mainly farmers – whose forests are decimated.
Harmony holds high note in PLI rankings
Harmony holds high note in PLI rankings
The top four young Holstein sires in UK are all sired by Denovo 2776 Leeds.
Northern View: no let-up in buoyant beef trade
Northern View: no let-up in buoyant beef trade
Base quotes for prime U-3 grading cattle are up again this week at NI factories.
Quality land in Clonaslee for auction
Quality land in Clonaslee for auction
The ground will attract plenty of interest as it’s good quality and in a good location.
Small holding with views over Lough Corrib
Small holding with views over Lough Corrib
The land is in permanent pasture and has been maintined in good condition.
Tillage and grass farm near M8 motorway
Tillage and grass farm near M8 motorway
The c42.5ac holding will be offered at auction this month in a number of lots.
Seven lots for seven buyers at Four Mile House farm
Seven lots for seven buyers at Four Mile House farm
Many pockets are catered for as guide prices for this farm range from €5,900/ac to €12,000/ac.