Michael is milking 118 Montbéliarde cows through two robotic milking machines just outside of Tullamore alongside his wife Concepta, and his son Kevin.

He talks us through the decision of moving to robotic units back in 2021, and how they have integrated in to the farm system since. 

We hear about the upcoming breeding season, and the criteria used to deliver optimum calves that suit the system.

Michael also talks us through his grazing season so far and how he has got on with spreading nutrients beside the Grand Canal. 

• EU state aid flexibility on fuel costs;
• News from Brussels on next CAP;
• Leo Varadkar in hot water over rural comments;
• Danny Healy-Rae kicked off agriculture committee;
• Tirlán CEO on international volatility;
• Week 2 of new TB rules in marts;
• Key updates on farm schemes.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

The Kerrygold owner pumped over €1.8 billion back into Irish co-ops and also paid out €74.3 million in member bonuses, which highlights its role at the heart of the country’s rual economy.

Meanwhile, Kerrygold continues its global march, smashing through $1 billion sales mark in the US and landing in more homes than ever before.

Find out more in this podcast about how Ornua is doubling down on its international ambitions - while insisting there’s still huge untapped potential in Irish dairy - with Agriland editor, Stella Meehan and Conor Galvin, CEO, Ornua.

The Curtins run a busy operation, balancing the dairy herd alongside shift work, with both Domnic and Edel active members of An Garda Síochána

We chat to the duo about their farm system, navigating a tough grazing season, planning for the upcoming breeding season, as well as reflecting on the recent calving season. 

And with three children on the farm, we hear about the farms desire for top notch safety, which has led them to their recent decision to install an underpass.

• Fuel supports announced but Healy-Rae resigns;
• New TB changes come into effect;
• Dairy industry players announce March milk prices and financial results;
• Key schemes for dairy beef and forestry;
• Agriland catches up with Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

• Soaring fuel prices spark nationwide protests;
• Contractors call on government to tackle rising fuel costs;
• Fertiliser market set for ‘prolonged tight supply’;
• Should farmers should keep spreading fertiliser despite high prices?
• New TB changes at the mart from Monday, April 13;
• €750,000 earmarked to restore and safeguard traditional farm buildings.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

This is a policy that involves creating a fully Dutch beef supply chain.

But what does this mean however for Irish farmers and what if other countries follow suit? Agriland editor, Stella Meehan sat down with beef sector manager at Bord Bia Mark Zeig to discuss this prospect.

In this podcast, he discusses cattle supply, consumer preference, food inflation and what the Mercosur deal might mean in the short-term.

• Government urged to take action on rising agri fuel costs;
• EU commissioner pours cold water on CBAM suspension for fertiliser;
• Teagasc hikes advisory and education fees;
• Michael O'Leary says farmers should not be worried about Mercosur trade deal;
• Farmer anger over Bord Bia chair laid bare in emails;
• Farmers urged to prepare for new bovine TB measures;
• Sheep Welfare Scheme now open;
• Thieves make a break with 12t of KitKat chocolate bars.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming 

This year's sale marks 30 years since Gigginstown House Stud imported its first 25 pedigree Angus cattle from Canada.

The Ryanair CEO chats to Breifne about beef prices and why Irish farmers should not be worried about trade deals like Mercosur.

According to O'Leary Ireland "will do well out of free trade".

"We should be welcoming the Mercosur trade deal, we should be welcoming the Australian trade deal - anything that encourages free trade is good for the Irish economy and what is good for the Irish economy will ultilmately translate into being good for Irish farmers as well," the Ryanair CEO said.

He also revealed that he did not "think much" of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) protest at the Bord Bia headquarters earlier this year.

• Farm orgs slam government fuel cost measures
• 100ac of silage set to cost €2,855 extra as diesel soars;
• Irish farmers face fertiliser shortages over Middle East conflict;
• 'Relentless' price cuts hit beef finishers;
• EU and Australia sign free trade agreement;
• Aurivo and Dale Farm announce 'strategic partnership';
• Proposed animal transport rules to 'effectively end' live exports;
• Bluetongue vaccine to be included in welfare schemes;
• DAFM issues lead poisoning warning.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

They discuss the immediate impact of oil prices, the challenges faced as a result of a reduction in gas supply and the differing views on the latest trade deal between the EU and Australia

In this episode, Breifne chats to specialist suckler in-calf heifer producer Michael Cunniffe from Mount Prospect, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon. 

Michael talks about his in-calf heifer production system and the genetics that his customers are looking for. 
He runs this system with an impressive attention to detail on grassland management.  

• Calls for measures on farmer fuel costs as govt plans response;
• Fertiliser price shock 'may not be as acute as spring of 2022';
• Increase in fertiliser sales linked to higher river nitrogen levels;
• Ireland set for sharp drop in beef production;
• Warning that current high calf prices 'not adding up';
• Committee calls for new funding for nature restoration;
• Galway man wins national novice auctioneer competition.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

In this episode Agriland talks to Cathal Doyle from Co.Laois about farming, life and his career in the industry.

Cathal is a calf to beef farmer but also has a keen interest in commercial show cattle and also works off farm with Warrendale Wagyu.

• Middle East conflict impacting fuel and fertiliser prices;
• North Cork Creameries latest;
• Kerry Dairy Ireland contracts;
• An Taisce case against sixth NAP;
• TAMS applications issues;
• New changes to Forestry Programme;
• Minister talks Bord Bia and TB at ICSA AGM;
• Big numbers and prices for calves at recent mart sales.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

It has also shone the spotlight firmly on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane that normally carries roughly a quarter to a third of the world’s nitrogen fertilizer exports.

What will this mean for Irish farmers who rely heavily on imported fertiliser?

In this episode of AgriFocus Francess McDonnell is joined by Sam Taylor an executive director with RaboResearch, a division of Rabobank.

Currently based in the US, Sam has been involved in agriculture throughout his life, having grown up in a large farming family in the UK with mixed crop, livestock, and broiler farms.

He said what Irish farmers need to know now is that nitrogen, ammonia, and sulphur markets all rely heavily on Middle Eastern supply. 

Once those flows are disrupted, the effects ripple right through the fertiliser supply chain—from producers to distributors, and back to them is significant.

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

On the first episode of season two, Breifne chats to Duncan Morrison of Meikle Maldron Farm in Aberdeenshire. 

Duncan discusses how genetics can be used to drive on‑farm performance.
 
The farmer manages a 260‑cow herd of Aberdeen Angus and Stabiliser cattle and is recognised for the herds' low‑input, forage‑based system that uses data‑driven breeding decisions to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

• Bluetongue movement restrictions ease;
• Jobs at risk at North Cork Creameries;
• Impact of US-Iran conflict;
• IFA protest ends and Bord Bia review to start;
• Mercosur deal provisionally applied;
• TAMS ranking and selection;
• Pneumonia on farms;
• International Year of the Woman Farmer ambassador.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

• Brazilian beef and Mercosur;
• The rise in popularity of trad music with young people;
• Aspirations for the future;
• Eoin's final thoughts.

 Don’t forget to rate, review and follow 'It Started With Slurry and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• IFA heading for minister's Newbridge office amid Bord Bia dispute;
• EU audits Brazilian beef regulations;
• 5,000kg of beef with banned hormone consumed in Netherlands;
• 2026 Tillage Support Scheme launched;
• Additional bluetongue cases confirmed;
• Met Éireann to start using 'localised' weather warnings.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

Days are long, the weather has been less than helpful and the sheer tiredness of it all can see some people slip into survival mode.

Add to the mix a downward trending milk price and stubborn production costs and some dairy farmers may simply be too busy to think about what may lie ahead for the rest of 2026.

In this episode of AgriFocus Francess McDonnell is joined by Patrick Gowing Dairy Specialist at Teagasc who says it is vitally important for dairy farmers to consider where they might be by September.

According to Gowing what they need to do now is understand their true cost structure and tighten budgets to maximise grass as their most valuable feed.

He also shares practical, no-nonsense ways for dairy farmers to protect profit and build a more resilient business. 

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Calving season;
• Comparing your grass to your neighbours;
• How Eoin ended up getting a police escort in Tipperary;
• How to build an electric guitar from scratch.

 Don’t forget to rate, review and follow 'It Started With Slurry and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Hundreds of farmers voice anger over Bord Bia controversy at Mayo meeting
• Investigations ongoing into further cases of bluetongue
• Cross-border TB pilot launched at Donegal farm
• EU nitrogen fertiliser imports plummet
• Teagasc says not all vacant posts will be filled due to pay ceiling
• Funding for new flour mills
• Do you leave the keys in your farm vehicles?

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

• Larry Murrin controversy continues;
• Heydon calls meeting of key stakeholders;
• Food labelling in the spotlight;
• EU auditors spark concerns for farm payments;
• DAFM seeking skilled operatives for badger programme;
• Key deadline for hedge cutting and burning;
• Farmers buy local pub.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

Firstly she speaks to Fine Gael Ireland South MEP, Sean Kelly who is a member of the EPP political grouping in the EU. He discusses the importance of resourcing farmers sufficiently in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to ensure they can maintain and develop further environmental measures.

AgriFocus also speaks to Fianna Fáil, Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher, who is a member of the Renew political grouping in the EU about the EU-Mercosur trade deal, CAP funding and the impact of bluetongue virus on live exports.

• Larry Murrin's committee appearance;
• Bluetongue latest;
• Contractors' 2026 prices;
• Key EU commissioners in Ireland on CAP;
• Home heating oil thefts.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

• Bluetongue confirmed in Ireland;
• IFA begin rolling protest outside Bord Bia;
• Bord Bia chair to appear before Oireachtas committee;
• Irish EU Commissioner 'regrets' move to refer Mercosur to court;
• DII disappointed by no new dairy access in India trade deal;
• Splash-plate slurry spreading allowed on land with steep hills;
• Where are the agri ministers heading for St. Patrick’s Day?

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

According to DAFM the case was detected in a cow which had no clinical symptoms.

But what what might confirmation of the first case mean for Ireland?

In this episode of AgriFocus Stella Meehan is joined by the deputy chief veterinary officer at DAFM, Dr. Eoin Ryan to explain why bluetongue is in Ireland and how it spreads.

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Calls for Bord Bia chair to be removed;
• MEPs refer Mercosur deal to Europe’s top court;
• Over 400t of Mercosur beef imported to Ireland in 2025;
• No recovery in factory cattle supply expected this year;
• 338 jobs at risk as ABP to cease retail packing at Dungannon site;
• TB Action Plan changes set to kick in this April;
• Farmers could face ‘more regulations’ under proposed Eco Scheme changes;
• Gurteen College’s new tractor fleet.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• EU set to sign Mercosur deal;
• Over 20,000 farmers attend anti-Mercosur protest in Athlone;
• Beef factory fined 18 times for carcass trim breaches in 2025;
• Kepak reviews 'beef deboning and cutting operations' at Clonee site;
• Chinese market to reopen to Irish beef exports;
• Call for voluntary milk reduction scheme as prices drop;
• Prices of pints and postage to increase;
• What is Ireland’s favourite make of tractor?

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

But once the deal is officially signed what will this really mean for Ireland?

In this episode of AgriFocus Francess McDonnell is joined by Thijs Geijer, a senior sector economist at the Dutch banking group ING who specialises in the food and agriculture sector. 

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Mercosur deal reaching culmination;
• Possible boost farm payments in new CAP;
• Irish agri-food export hit record levels;
• 4,000 male cattle wanted for new live export contract;
• Agriculture remains most dangerous sector to work in.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

In Agriland's newest podcast 'It Started With Slurry' Breifne O’Brien sits down with Eoin Lynch, the slurry mad Mitchelstown farmer who went viral at the National Ploughing Championships. On today's episode the lads chat about..

• New Years resolutions;
• How farming has changed over the years;
• Breifne's first business;
• Advice for young people looking to get into farming;
• The importance of making time for yourself as a farmer.

 Don’t forget to rate, review and follow 'It Started With Slurry and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

In Agriland's newest podcast 'It Started With Slurry' Breifne O’Brien sits down with Eoin Lynch, the slurry mad Mitchelstown farmer who went viral at the National Ploughing Championships. On the this special Christmas episode we hear about..

• All things Christmas;
• Dream gifts;
• Eoin gives us an economics lesson;
• I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here;
• Eoin sings us out.

 Don’t forget to rate, review and follow 'It Started With Slurry and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Mercosur votes and protests;
• Bluetongue vaccines and cases;
• New planning exemptions for farmers;
• Work permit quotas;
• Milk cheque reductions;
• BVD Action Plan 2026;
• Boost for Agri-Food Regulator

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

John is milking 220 cows just below the Comeragh Mountains in Dungarvan. 

He tells us what protocols are place for his to maintain his exceptionally low somatic cell count levels (SCC), in which he has won awards for.

John also talks us through the farms system, the infrastructure in place, breeding, grazing, and herd health.

We hear about the winter feeding system, the farm's dry off routine and what he is doing to push the herd to 560kg milk solids a year.

• Nitrates derogation confirmed;
• New Nitrates Action Programme finalised and what it means for slurry storage;
• Farm scheme payments round up;
• Latest on Mercosur;
• No cattle at Winter Fair due to bluetongue;
• Record sales for Irish whiskey.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

On the second episode we hear about..

• Eoin's family farm set up;
• Working with the NFL and TikTok;
• The importance of looking after your mental health at this time of year;
• Challenges facing young people in Ireland;
• Meeting Catherine Connolly.

 Don’t forget to rate, review and follow 'It Started With Slurry and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

The father and son partnership are milking 230 Montbéliarde's in a split calving system, with 40-50 cows calving down in autumn.  

Dan talks on how they got into Montbéliarde's and how the herd is working out for them on their farm.

He tells us about the diet they feed over the winter months to achieve their target of 7000 litres at 557kg/MS.

Dan also talks about the current tasks at hand on farm, between drying-off and calving down.

We hear about balancing issues with banding, and dive into calf care, breeding, grass management, lameness, and the farms infrastructure. 

• Bluetongue outbreak in Northern Ireland;
• Bird flu in Cavan;
• Developments on the nitrates derogation;
• Payments get underway for several schemes;
• Outlook for 2026 farm incomes;
• Department confirms several ACRES changes.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Results from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) active surveillance for bluetongue indicated the presence of the disease in two cows.

As a result they have activated stringent disease control measures including a 20km temporary control zone and restrictions on the movement of livestock.

In this episode of AgriFocus, Agriland editor Stella Meehan speaks to Dr. Gerald Barry, assistant professor of virology and deputy director of the One Health Centre at University College Dublin (UCD).

He explains how bluetongue is detected, the ways in which it spreads and why vaccines are not the ultimate panacea.

He has stressed that rapid robust surveillance now needs to be completed both north and south of the border.

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

John is in a liquid milk contract, with 45% of the 320 head herd milking through the winter.

John talks about the feeding and breeding routines in place on the farm that allow them to achieve their 580kg of milk solids target.

John also speaks on calf management, drying off and housing the spring calving herd, and looks at the year in review in terms of grass management and lameness monitoring. 

• Commission backs nitrates derogation;
• What’s the latest on scheme payments;
• New antiparasitic rules to come into force;
• Bird flu cull numbers;
• The hottest heifer in the country.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

In Agriland's newest podcast 'It Started With Slurry' Breifne O’Brien sits down with Eoin Lynch, the slurry mad Mitchelstown farmer who went viral at the National Ploughing Championships. 

On the first episode we hear about..

• Growing up in Ireland after being adopted from Vietnam;
• Learning to farm from his grandfathers;
• Why he and his friend are called “The Fast & The Furious” on the farm;
• His love of hurling and cars;
• Some surprising career plans;
• His passion for Irish traditional music;
• A live tune on the accordion!

 Don’t forget to rate, review and follow 'It Started With Slurry and visit Agriland.ie for more.  

Teagasc has forecast that 2025, on average, will likely be “the second most profitable year on Irish dairy farms after 2022”.

However as co-ops and processors have repeatedly highlighted since the summer months milk supply growth is outpacing demand which in turn is hammering commodity prices.

In this episode of AgriFocus Francess McDonnell chats to Tom Booijink, a senior dairy specialist with Rabobank, focused on Europe and Africa on what the outlook may be for Irish dairy farmers in 2026.

Tom has warned that it is likely that next year “will start with low milk prices” and it could be challenging to begin with.

But he believes demand for dairy remains good and “for the longer term” he is optimistic.

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

The Tipperary man spoke on the end of the grazing rotation, preparations for a successful dry-off, breeding and much more.

Agriland's limited podcast series 'The Dairy Trail' takes listeners inside the yard of dairy farms across the country to hear what is happening on the ground.

• Milk price cuts continue;
• New bonus for young sheep farmers;
• National Beef Conference and latest beef prices;
• Organic Farming Scheme opens for applications;
• Kerry farm family tormented by sheep thefts;
• Mercosur deal edges closer despite continued concerns;
• Agri-Food Regulator issues "call to action" on transparency;
• Concern over calving gate mechanism issues

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• ACRES and Sheep Welfare Scheme payments;
• Warning of ‘very challenging’ 12 months ahead for dairy farmers;
• Heydon 'monitoring' bovine TB valuation ceilings;
• ICSA protest outside Dáil over Mercosur;
• Third bird flu farm outbreak as housing order comes into force;
• EU Parliament and Council reach deal on CAP simplification
• Farm families bring protest over CPOs and greenways to Leinster House

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

• Housing order as bird flu cases confirmed
• 2,000 farmers attend nitrates derogation meeting (Kathleen with clips of Minister, Gorman and O’Neill)
• Draft proposal on splash plate use for hilly ground
• 20% CAP cut 'not a done deal' (Clip – Kathleen will forward)
• ICSA plans further Dáil protest on Mercosur deal 'safeguards'
• Farmers to demonstrate over greenway issues outside Leinster House

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• New Nitrates Action Programme published;
• Beef prices lift as Christmas orders arrive;
• New bird flu biosecurity regulations announced;
• Tipperary family claims 2025 NDC/Kerrygold Quality Milk Award;
• Irish concerns over next CAP outlined at Luxembourg meeting
• Bullock sold for €12,000 at fundraiser for young farm accident survivor.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Eco-Scheme payments to hit farmer's bank accounts;
• Milk prices tumble;
• Dawn Meats New Zealand venture gets green light;
• Live trade concerns from lumpy skin disease;
• IHFA considers IVF breeding facility;
• EU launches generational renewal plan.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

For over a decade, Embrace FARM has provided practical and emotional support to farm families across Ireland who are faced with serious injury or sudden death.

The non-profit organisation was founded by Brian and Norma Rohan who live and farm close to Mountrath in Co. Laois.

The Farm Safe Farm Well series, produced by Agriland Media in conjunction with AXA Insurance, is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

We speak to one dairy farmer who has had a number of terrifying encounters with trespassers.

Limerick dairy farmer, Louise Crowley, who is the chair of the Limerick Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), tells us what it is like when you come face to face with unwanted and often threatening individuals in your own yard or in your fields.

We also hear from Barry Carey, who is the co-secretary of the National Rural Safety Forum and crime prevention office with the IFA about why farmers “feel under seige” in some parts of the country.

Finally we ask An Garda Siochana’s first ever Rural Crime Lead,  Super Intendent, Michael Corbett who is based in Fermoy in Co. Cork, what is being done to help people living in rural communities and on farms feel safer.

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• €510m in BISS advance payments
• Retailers drop own-label milk prices
• 2025 cattle supply 120,000 head below last year
• TB programme spend hit €79.4m by end of Q3
• Nitrate levels decrease in 39% of river sites but 'too high' in 44% - EPA
• Rockwell Farm hits the market with €21m guide price
• Fota Wildlife Park closed until further notice as bird flu confirmed
• 30,000 pumpkins for picking on east Cork farm

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Padraig Moran runs a beef and tillage enterprise with his son Eoin at Coorevin Farm in Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary.

While he has been farming all his life, Padraig has adjusted how he manages his tasks on the farm as his 65th birthday nears.

"Firstly, I've to be conscious of my age, I'm not getting younger, so I've to approach things an awful lot different than I used to," he said.

The Farm Safe Farm Well series, produced by Agriland Media in conjunction with AXA Insurance, is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

• Budget 2026;
• Biogas plant on Galway dairy farm;
• Spiritans to sell Rockwell Farm;
• Bird Flu in Tyrone;
• EU regulation on Mercosur safeguards officially proposed.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Possible boycott of weanling sales;
• Storm Amy to hit country;
• EU trade chief visits Ireland;
• Aurivo and Dale Farm '"future trading relationship";
• Urgent calls for tillage sector support in Budget 2026;
• Tirlán pays down €250 million bond.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Almost 40 years since she survived being entangled in a PTO shaft on her farm, Betty Taylor still feels lucky to be alive today.

On October 8, 1985, Betty and her husband, Joe, from Ballylooby, Knocklong, Co. Limerick, had brought a load of oats home for their beef cattle.

While Betty was crushing some oats, the loose jumper she was wearing got caught in the drive shaft which did not have a cover.

The young mother was then violently swung around the drive shaft repeatedly until the it eventually broke.

“Only for the PTO eventually broke, I feel I would have been killed,” she said.

The Farm Safe Farm Well series, produced by Agriland Media in conjunction with AXA Insurance, is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

• EBI changes revealed;
• Dairygold to meet suppliers over milk price cut;
• EU Commissioner to visit Ireland to view water quality efforts;
• Bill aims to address trespassing on farms;
• Bird flu confirmed at Cork wildfowl sanctuary;
• All-Ireland Hedge Laying Championships return.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

In 2018, David Callan was operating a suckler enterprise on his 80ac farm at Drumconrath, Co. Meath when was attacked by one of his bulls.

During that time, David thought he was going to die and had visions of his own funeral.

“I was even afraid to close my eyes in case I’d never opened them,"

The Farm Safe Farm Well series, produced by Agriland Media in conjunction with AXA Insurance, is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

• New TB action plan unveiled
• Funding for new TB measures yet to be decided
• Dairy sector faces 200,000-cow cut if derogation lost
• TAMS reference costs revised
• FBD Young Farmer of the Year
• Countdown to Ploughing

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

In 2021, Eddie Downey was working in a shed on his farm close to Slane in Co. Meath when he fell 12ft onto the concrete below.

The former president of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) shattered his pelvis, badly damaged his bladder and broke a bone in his wrist.

Downey was rushed by ambulance to hospital where he underwent several operations over a five-week period, before returning home in a wheelchair.

After two weeks, he transitioned to crutches and then began physiotherapy sessions.

"I was 61 years of age, very fit at the time. You think at that stage you're invincible, it can't happen to you, but the reality here is that it did happen to me."

The Farm Safe Farm Well series, produced by Agriland Media in conjunction with AXA Insurance, is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

• TAMS reference costs updated;
• EU Commission pushes to ratify Mercosur deal;
• Beef and lamb trade updates;
• Ornua PPI and GDT fall;
• Flexibility sought on unprotected urea deadline;
• Farm Safety Community Champion Programme.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

While farmers are quick to look after their animals, land and machinery, many overlook the most important thing - their own health and wellbeing.

On this weeks podcast we speak to brothers David and Michael Kennedy, who run an organic sheep farm Skeheenarinky, Co. Tipperary.
In 2010, the brothers' world changed forever after the sudden death of their sister, Sarah, in a car crash.

Drawing from their own life experiences and qualifications, the brothers launched their online fitness business, The Lifestyle Blueprint, in 2021.

The programme has helped other farmers who want to make healthier choices, get active, have a more positive mindset and build confidence.

The Farm Safe Farm Well series, produced by Agriland Media in conjunction with AXA Insurance, is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

• Warning of €555m annual fall in milk cheques without derogation;
• NDC VAT dispute results in annual loss of €3.05m;
• FCI warns against introduction of tractor driving test;
• Further sightings of Asian hornet in Ireland;
• ACRES scorecard deadline nears;
• Hedge cutting season set to start;
• Ploughing preparation in 'full swing' in Offaly

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

• Highlights from Virginia Show;
• Latest milk prices and dairy markets;
• Presidential election;
• New INHFA president confirmed;
• Fragmented farms could face nitrogen cut;
• No link between milk processing and Cork fish kill;
• Building Focus on Wexford calf shed;
• Biggest Holsteins in Ireland?

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

The use of quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has become increasingly common on farms across Ireland.

However, there has been a significant number of farm fatalities and serious injuries involving quads.

For many, including Kerry hill sheep farmer John Joe Fitzgerald, a quad is an essential piece of equipment.

The vice-president of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA) told Agriland about an accident he had with a quad around 12 years ago.

The Farm Safe Farm Well series, produced by Agriland Media in conjunction with AXA Insurance, is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

• Beef Welfare Scheme opens;
• Tullamore Show review;
• ACRES scorecard deadline nears;
• Over 1,200 apply for Forgotten Farmers scheme;
• Dawn Meats seeks majority share of NZ's largest lamb processor;
• Glanbia delivers "resilient" half year performance;
• Asian hornet found in Cork;
• Rose of Tralee hopefuls on farming

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Farming community hit by deaths in Mayo and Tipperary;
• New DAFM annual report reveals TB testing payments to vets;
• 4,600 herds gone from SCEP;
• Latest Teagasc fodder survey figures;
• TB lesions in cattle from non-restricted herds;
• Farm plastics collection prices increasing.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Joe Healy is milking 97 pedigree Holstein Friesian cows, where the use of American Holstein genetics, embryo transfers and intensive breeding selection is driving his herd towards 700kg of milk solids/cow. 

Joe is hugely enthusiastic about breeding and genetics as he started off milking cows with a strong base of Economic Breeding Index in 2020, and is now driving towards more type, more milk and cows that he enjoys milking twice a day.

Joe keeps his three children involved on the farm as they are proud members of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association young members association and Joe's long term goal is to make the farm more attractive for the next generation. 

Joe also talks about current cow performance, managing rapid grass growth rates and improving his farm business through genetics, infrastructure and lifestyle.

• What the sharp decline in the national herd really means;
• Brighter days ahead - will farm profits rise in 2025?
• Could farmers get higher CAP payments?
• Concerns raised over GAEC 2 appeal criteria
• Planning shake-up - what it could mean for rural Ireland?
• New electricity legislation - what landowners need to know;
• Bald but bold – the little calf winning hearts

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Alma Jordan lives in Julianstown in Co. Meath with her husband Mark and son, Eamon where they run a tillage, cattle and horse enterprise.

In response to a spike in farm deaths in 2014, which included five children, Alma wrote a series of story books for children on the theme of farm safety.

She also founded AgriKids, a farm safety educational platform specifically for children, which provides tools, resources and learning aids for teachers to use in the classroom.

Over the past decade, 80,000 children have engaged with the AgriKids programme.

The Farm Safe Farm Well series, produced by Agriland Media in conjunction with AXA Insurance, is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Mike also has a full-time job off farm as the director of the genetic company, Bullwise CRV and is able to manage dairy farming with his job with the help of the robot. 

Mike talks about his breeding programme and how he wants to breed a cow with good capacity, with an ability to intake large quantities of grass and can convert this to 600kg of milk solids a year. 

The Limerick man discusses the grassland management on the farm through an ABC robotic grazing system, time-off, plans for the future and a potential increase in cow numbers and robots.

• Long-awaited Forgotten Farmers scheme;
• Major food recall and listeriosis outbreak;
• NDP funding for TAMS and forest windblow;
• TB reactors continue to climb in latest figures
• DAERA approves voluntary bluetongue vaccine;
• PTO grant opens;
• Who will judge the Diageo Baileys Champion Cow?

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Sam Dudley is a third year agricultural science student in UCC, currently doing his work placement in Dovea Genetics and working away on the farm with his father Henry at every chance he gets.

The father and son duo are milking 82 pedigree British Friesian cows, known as the Dekeana herd across a 20ha milking platform with the rest of the land being fragmented into six blocks for silage, heifer rearing, and the pedigree Angus and Shorthorn cattle.

In this podcast, Sam talks about how the pure British Friesian herd are pumping out solids for them, his love for genetics and breeding, his future plans and future investments as well as growth rates and grazing management.

• Battle for the next CAP gets underway;
• Marts under pressure to review cattle sale credit;
• Trump threatens 30% tariffs on EU;
• ACRES NPI payment system opens;
• Ragwort growing outside Leinster House.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Eugene is farming alongside his son Eoin and his family in Ballitore, Co. Kildare where a simple grazing system is proving very effective for them.

Eugene Lawler was a new entrant into dairy in 2015 after moving from sucklers to dairy cows and has built his herd up to be a well balanced Holstein Friesian with a small bit of Jersey running through them to keep down size.

At this time of the year, Eugene aim to "keep quality grass in front of them [the cows], keep grass in the diet and keep the meal lorry out of the yard."

In the podcast, they discuss the benefits of both dairy and suckler farmers joining the NGP and what benefits it offers to farmers breeding cattle as well as farmers buying-in cattle.

The ICBF representative details the reduced cost of genotyping cattle through the NGP which is currently open for applications.

• Nitrates derogation and its link to the Habitats Directive
• Beef trade latest;
• Tillage harvest underway in Kilkenny;
• Sheep shearing mammoth 50- hour stint for charity;
• John Deere and the ‘right to repair’ controversy

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• EPA report on nitrates;
• Stena Line to withdraw Cherbourg sailing;
• Moorepark Open Day 2025;
• Bird flu in coastal wild birds;
• Delayed ACRES payments;
• Farm Safety Action Plan;
• Hedgerow rules "confusion".

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

The documentary which was aired at Alltech Dunboyne starts an important conversation about the role cows play in our daily lives and in the world around us. It features interviews with farmers, ranchers, scientists, academics, advocates and other experts.

*This podcast is sponsored by AXA Farm Insurance.

• Average family farm income up by 87% in 2024;
• No decision yet on next CAP budget;
• IFA wants CAP scheme for active farmers;
• Macra calls for inclusion of installation aid in new CAP;
• Over 1,600 farmers still awaiting 2024 ACRES advance payments;
• Cabinet approval to address increasing bovine TB levels;
• Agri-food sector voices concerns on proposed employment permit salary hikes;
• Responsibility for dog control transferred to DAFM.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

On the latest episode Breifne talks to beef farmer Jack Maguire about his store to beef enterprise on a leased farm in Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny.

We also hear about Jack’s social media content, how he manages his time with a full-time off farm job also and how good grass management is essential to the profitability of his farm.

• TB programme expected to cost €130m this year;
• Processors announce May milk prices;
• Poultry broiler sector removed from VAT flat rate;
• All Straw Incorporation Measure applicants accepted;
• Concerns over Boortmalt malting barley contracts;
• RSA ‘considering’ driving test for working vehicles;

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

On the latest episode Breifne talks to Catheryne Smyth from Ardmulchan Herefords based in Navan, Co. Meath on all things pedigree cattle breeding and beef farming.

We also hear about Catheryne's recent trip to the World Angus Forum in Australia and her upcoming trip to the World Hereford Conference in Kansas with the Irish Hereford Breed Society.

Find out why Japan is such an important market for Ireland’s agri-food sector and discover how premium Irish produce is being showcased in this market.

Japan is the number two beef importer in the world and in recent years Irish beef tongue has surged in popularity, with restaurant chain Negishi selling beef tongue at 49 locations across Japan to 100,000 customers per week.

Joining Stella on the podcast is the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, Joe Burke, Beef and Livestock Sector manager with Bord Bia and  Meat Industry Ireland (MII) director Dale Crammond.

• Agri-food trade mission to Japan and Korea
• Minister's delayed ACRES payment timeline;
• Applications open for phase 3 of genotyping programme;
• 10-week old heifer makes €13,000;
• Farm walks on beef production and sustainability;
• 10 cattle killed by lightning.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

On today's episode, Breifne meets Co. Meath based brothers Martin and Declan Flood, who not only farm, but also have a butcher shop.

They share their personal experiences of what it takes to deliver the farm to fork experience first hand and why they are committed to producing the very best produce for their customers.

The Beef Brief goes behind the scenes to find out what works for beef farmers and what makes the difference.

• Agriculture and Climate Change Conference;
• 20 EU agri ministers defend two-pillar CAP;
• Latest on beef prices;
• Report outlines climate change risk to agriculture;
• Fines for not disclosing vet medicine withdrawal;
• Common cranes return to Offaly bog.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

On today's episode, Breifne meets up with Co. Cavan farmer Sam Hill to find out exactly what “sustainability” means to him and why this approach has made him an award-winning farmer.

The Beef Brief goes behind the scenes to find out what works for beef farmers and what makes the difference.

They discuss how winter crops, as well as spring-sown cereals, are performing across the country.

Hennessy outlines the tasks growers should be undertaking in the coming days and weeks as growth progress is monitored and pests and diseases are controlled.

• The future for CAP;
• Court blocks Trump tariffs;
• Call for tractors to be banned from motorways;
• EPA notes 'some progress' made on agricultural emissions;
• GAEC 2 appeals system due shortly;
• TD seeks to ban fox hunting.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Michael Gaine murder case update
• CAP protests in Dublin
• TB latest
• Agri-Food Regulator’s conference
• ACRES payments update
• Milk prices for April & GDT
• Shannon Airport grazing cattle

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Ann addresses common concerns among older farmers and their families who fear losing the farm if they enter the scheme. She explains how the HSE assesses income and assets – such as homes, land, and farms – and clarifies the 3-year cap that limits how much can be charged against these assets.

The episode also touches on broader issues facing older people in rural Ireland today.

• CAP simplification and reaction;
• CAP budget concerns in IFA meeting;
• Fallout from TB summit;
• Silage season underway;
• Dairy replacement concerns;
• Farm scheme closing dates;
• Ewes pay for Spain holiday.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• DAFM presents proposals to TB Summit;
• Commissioner to keep direct payments for farmers;
• Minister outlines collection of used agricultural tyres from farms;
• Forgotten farmers survey launched;
• ‘Up-regulation’ for antiparasitic products deferred to September;
• ‘Escaping cow’ mural draws the crowds.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Emergency TB meeting;
• Compliance for farm plastic collections;
• Mart licence suspended for two weeks;
• Family of Michael Gaine make appeal for information;
• Latest from the EPA on ammonia emissions;
• From turnover to milk volumes what the financials tell us.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• 30c/kg taken off peak beef price offers;
• Details on new suckler scheme confirmed;
• Potential GAEC 2 payment as part of CAP simplification;
• Carbery operating profit up 20%;
• 26,000ha of wind damaged forests
• Tidy Towns groups will no longer have to pay insurance costs.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Joining Agriland's Francess McDonnell on this episode of AgriFocus is Fergal Monaghan, programme director for ACRES Breifne, Leinster and Munster/South Connaught regions.

Fergal has has 25 years’ experience in the agri-environment sector, including 20 years as a farm advisor working with farmers in high nature value areas throughout Ireland.

He sets out what support and guidance is available to farmers who may be concerned about the negative effects of wildfire and why it is important for them to have mitigation procedures in place. 

The programme director for ACRES Breifne, Leinster and Munster/South Connaught regions also highlighted what measures farmers can put in place, including bracken strimming, managed grazing and raising the water table on peatland commonages.

The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Healy-Rae: ACRES scoring may need overhaul;
• Final details revealed on new €3,375 suckler scheme;
• National cattle herd falls by 400,000 head in 24 months;
• Mart throughput reaches 574,505 cattle in Q1 2025;
• Demand grows for Kerrygold in US;
• What will the Climate Action Plan mean for farmers?;
• Sightings recorded as the birds are back in town.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Trump pauses higher tariff rates;
• Lakeland reports €21m net profit before tax after 2023 loss;
• Dairygold turnover hits €1.4 billion in 2024;
• Strong increase in milk volumes as grass growth surges;
• Nitrates derogation stocking rate limits map;
• Biosecurity concerns on imported used forestry machinery;
• Firefighters battle wildfires across the island.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

From beef price to breeding to US import tariffs, the team gauges the feeling among the farming community and agri-business about the current state of the sector and the future outlook.

The podcast delves into the recent, and ongoing, ‘beef boom’ and what direction factories are heading this week as Agriland heads out and about to talk to farmers ‘on the ground’.

Hugh Harney fills listeners in on the current state of affairs for milk suppliers and what dairy farmers are, and should be, focusing on at the moment.

Stella Meehan also discusses the impact on tariffs on Irish agri-food exporters and the short-term impact for the dairy, drinks and other sectors.

• Trump puts 20% tariff on EU exports;
• Slurry storage exemption expected from September;
• Increased financial support for BVD testing and other scheme updates;
• Cliffs of Moher ‘CPO’ recommendation;
• Rewetting project on Clare farm.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• TB proposals;
• Gardaí appeal for information on missing farmer;
• Job losses at Dairygold;
• Schemes latest;
• Restaurants removing beef from menus;
• Growing concern over EU-US trade tensions and tariffs.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

With Ireland exporting 90% of its agri-food produce international exports are hugely important to Ireland’s domestic economy.

In this podcast Carol Lynch discusses exactly what a tariff is and what the impact of the US president’s plan to place tariffs on EU agri-food exports to the US could mean for Ireland and Irish exports.

• Nitrogen levels in rivers improves;
• ICMSA calls on co-ops to focus on holding base milk price;
• The latest on beef prices;
• 14% of young farmers failed CIS-YF scheme inspections;
• ACRES soil sampling deadline;
• 5,000 apply for TAMS tranche 6;
• MEP says transport rule changes will drive up costs for farmers.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• The beef wrap with Breifne – including prices, setback to calf exports and Michael O’Leary;
• Foot and mouth confirmed in Hungary;
• EU Commission to audit TB eradication programme;
• New producer standard agreement several months away;
• Dual carriageway project would involve removal of 17 farm buildings;
• Growing shamrock in Kerry

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

Linda Hanbidge is farming in partnership with her brother Gordon, her mother, Rosemary, and her father, Alan, where they all together seamlessly.

The Hanbidges are aiming to milk 130 montbeliarde cows at peak this year, which will be the most cows they have ever run on the farm.

The brand new limited podcast series ‘The Dairy Trail’ takes listeners inside the yard of dairy farms across the country to hear what is happening on the ground.

The new four-part series will cover everything from calving down cows, managing calves, herd nutrient requirements, getting cows out to grazing, and spreading slurry and fertiliser.

• Farmers protest over GAEC 2;
• New TAMS tranche for storm damage;
• Nitrates changes;
• Farmers indicate support for tighter movement controls to curb TB spread;
• Minister Healy-Rae doubles down on live exports;
• Calls for 1c of retail price of a pint to be given to barley growers.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Larry Hannon has 235 cows to calve down this spring and has over 70% of the herd calved. The aim is to have 220 cows milking strong at the peak of the lactation.

The focus on the farm is to get the cows out to grass for a few hours every day and to maximise the cow's dry matter intake in the early lactation. 

In the episode, Larry explains how he has been managing his calving season from colostrum feeding to the dietary requirements of the cow.

Larry goes through how he went from having about 20% of his herd calving down in the autumn and filling his winter milk contract, to going to a fully spring-calving herd.

The brand new limited podcast series ‘The Dairy Trail’ takes listeners inside the yard of dairy farms across the country to hear what is happening on the ground.

The new four-part series will cover everything from calving down cows, managing calves, herd nutrient requirements, getting cows out to grazing, and spreading slurry and fertiliser.

• Minister will use “every avenue” to support forestry owners;
• Horticulture sector risks ‘contraction’;
• Hedge cutting ban to come into force;
• Latest on schemes;
• UCD calf shed;
• Bird flu latest;
• Galway family describe France as ‘paradise’ for farming.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae has said that satellite data shows more than 23,000ha of forestry destroyed as a result of the hurricane force winds in January.

Now forest owners are under pressure to remove and harvest the fallen timber before it begins to rot and decay on the ground, losing value and worth as each day passes.

Eoin Kennedy has 170 Jersey-cross cows to calve down this spring where his focus is top get them out grass at every given opportunity.

In the episode, Eoin explains how he has been managing his calving season from colostrum feeding to the dietary requirements of the cow.

• EU outlines CAP simplification measures;
• Cattle prices continue to soar;
• Euro-Star row deepens – include Pedigree Breeders Council and ICSA statement;
• Fertiliser prices;
• Milk price wrap;
• Ministers slammed for absence at forestry meeting;

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Brian Rushe who is also the former deputy president of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) is set to be milking over 360 cows on two milking platforms in 2025.

In the episode, Brian explains how he is managing his calving season as he has over 130 cows calved down to date.

Agriland's brand new limited podcast series 'The Dairy Trail' takes listeners inside the yard of dairy farms across the country to hear what is happening on the ground.

The new four-part series will cover everything from calving down cows, managing calves, herd nutrient requirements, getting cows out to grazing, and spreading slurry and fertiliser.

Listeners will get to hear how other farm systems operate, how different genetics perform, how different land types grow grass and how each farmer puts milk in the tank and money in their pocket in their own unique way.

• BISS opens with conditions attached;
• €32.4m in tillage and horticulture payments;
• Forestry and horticulture storm damage; 
• Generators grant available through TAMS;
• Poultry housing order due to bird flu risk;
• ACRES commonage scorecard reviews;
• New IFA chairs in Wexford and Limerick

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Over the past two months, several of the Irish cattle breed societies have issued statements outlining they are to cease publishing ICBF Evaluations in their society sales catalogues.

The ICBF CEO confirmed that the economic values of the indices will be updated this summer and confirmed that Teagasc’s Dr. Paul Crosson is currently working on these updates.

Coughlan also discussed farmer issues relating to the star ratings of cows as well as the weightings of each trait in the composition of the overall figures.

The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Storm Éowyn fallout continues;
• Use of livestock ship for calves in doubt;
• Aurivo CEO set to step down;
• ICBF star rating row;
• AI industry to seek intellectual property rights on high-merit bulls;
• Speed limit to drop on some rural roads.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Storm Éowyn cleanup and aftermath;
• Call for household generator grant;
• Minister Heydon's first week in the job;
• TB eradication spending increases again;
• Livestock transport ship heading to Ireland;
• Traditional farm buildings grant now open.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Under the Nitrates Action Programme, Ireland is divided into three zones (A, B and C) based on soil type, rainfall and length of growing season. 

Farmers in zones A and B have been able to spread organic manures from January 13 and January 16 but this farmers in Zone C – which includes Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan – can begin the application of organic manures from February 1.

The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Storm Éowyn brings “unprecedented, widespread and extensive damage to electricity infrastructure”
• New government formed
• EU Commissioner visits Ireland for first time
• What is the outlook for beef and sheep in 2025?
• Dairygold hosts meetings on loyalty scheme concerns
• Clawback on entitlements will not be reinstated in 2025

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• The new Programme for Government – what’s next for farmers?
• Who is likely to get ministerial jobs in DAFM?
• Latest on Foot and Mouth fears;
• Why are Dairygold milk suppliers unhappy?
• The roll out of December milk prices
• IFAC unveils the Irish Farm Report 2025;
• Why generational renewal should be front and centre this year
• Who is raising a glass as the price of a pint goes up?

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Most recently, the highly pathogenic virus has been discovered in a wild buzzard in Dublin and another wild buzzard in Co. Galway.

There have also been multiple cases reported in the UK, across Europe and in the US, transferring to dairy cows and in some cases, farm workers.

In this episode, Jenkinson breaks down the different strains of avian influenza, the threat to Irish exports and whether or not humans are at risk.

The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Impact of cold weather;
• Irish agri-food exports hit 17bn in 2024;
• Look ahead to milk price announcements;
• Beef prospects for 2025;
• HSA workplace fatality figures;
• Slurry application windows;
• A record breaking goose?

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Shareholders approve €500m Kerry dairy deal;
• Dairygold boosts sustainability bonus;
• Sean McNamara re-elected ICSA president;
• CSO farm structure report;
• Sheep farmer makes appeal after dog attack;
• Supporting Irish farmers when doing your Christmas shopping

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• DAFM to formally apply for renewal of nitrates derogation;
• Fallout continues on Mercosur deal;
• Agri-Food Regulator to publish weekly beef prices;
• Kerry Co-op dairy deal vote approaches;
• 700 ducks seized from Wicklow farm;
• Live animal crib returns to Dublin city centre.
• Venue for Ploughing 2025 announced

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

In this episode of the AgriFocus podcast, Michael Murray, public safety manager at ESB Networks, joins Francess McDonnell to highlight why farmers and agri-contractors should “not take chances” when it comes to storm damaged power lines and other electrical equipment.

The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Fallout from Election 2024;
• ICMSA AGM;
• IFA delivers letter on Mercosur;
• Teagasc Outlook 2025;
• All the various balancing payments;
• And finally... Agriland wins awards

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Parties set out farming priorities ahead of election;
• Who wants to be the next minister for agriculture?;
• The cold snap to give way to a storm;
• Crackdown on illegal hunting;
• Farmer protests over Mercosur deal – also going to include UFU and London demonstration as a follow on;
• Gardaí borrow tractor for road and farm safety training.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Proposed €500m sale of Kerry Dairy Ireland;
• Party leaders woo farmer vote ahead of election;
• ICBF aiming to include SCEP weights in evaluations from 2025;
• The outlook for Irish organic beef;
• Customers reopen rural Waterford pub after its closure

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Maher explains the main sources and vectors of TB and the steps farmers themselves must take to ensure the disease is eradicated.

They also discuss the cost to the farmer of a TB reactor in the herd and what supports might be available to families as well as the possibility of a TB vaccine for cattle and the badger vaccination programme.

The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

Please be advised that this episode will focus on mental health and will discuss topics including depression and suicide.

In today’s podcast, Agriland news journalist Rubina Freiberg speaks to Andy Nolan, who comes from a beef farming background in Co. Laois, and Samaritans Ireland executive director, Sarah O’Toole.

In his mid-twenties, Nolan’s mental health issues came to a head. About five years later he decided he wanted to get help and managed to get in control of his mental health. “When I did eventually get help, it was a huge, huge relief”.

Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to anyone who is in distress, lonely, struggling to cope or feeling suicidal by calling Samaritans for free day or night on 116 123 or alternatively via email on jo@samaritans.ie

• Arrabawn and Tipperary Co-op merger latest;
• What’s the outlook for October milk prices?
• Plans and pledges from Brussels;
• Questions over who will take over the farm?
• Concerns over farm inspections and TB;
• Latest on schemes and payments

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

In today’s podcast, Agriland news journalist Rubina Freiberg speaks to Aengus Mannion from Co. Sligo who was left seriously injured after he was crushed by a teleporter in 2009, and Teagasc farm machinery and milking machine specialist, Francis Quigley.

In May 2009, Mannion was herding cattle when a teleporter hit him from behind, ramming him into a tree. Having sustained serious leg injuries, the beef farmer underwent over 20 operations over a three-year period in hospital.

• Taoiseach Simon Harris speaks at IFA conference;
• ACRES review by minister;
• TAMS, SCEP and schemes;
• Teagasc Sustainability Report;
• ICSA rally against Mercosur;

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

Alison outlines various scenarios where a land or property owner may need to make decisions urgently before changes are implemented on January 1, 2025.

She explains the relief that is now available from a tax perspective and discusses options for farm transfers and how to take advantage of tax breaks now and into the future.

Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• Scheme updates;
• Irish cow numbers fall over 78,000 head in past year;
• Beef price latest;
• Government moves agri legislation ahead of election
• Call to suspend proposed changes to Agricultural Relief;
• 450 farmers sign petition opposing splash plate ban;
• FarmPEAT Project takes stock of progress.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

In today’s podcast, Agriland news journalist Rubina Freiberg speaks to Mervyn Clendenning from Co. Longford who was overcome by slurry fumes in 2021, and Health and Safety Authority (HSA) inspector, Jason Murray.

Clendenning had just let the cows out of the parlour after milking when his contractor started agitating. After noticing a smell, he went to leave the parlour but collapsed and fell down the stairs, cracking his head off the concrete floor.

The information in the podcast is intended as a general guide only. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information provided, Agriland will not accept responsibility for errors or omission howsoever arising. You should seek professional advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.

• BISS and CRISS payments commence;
• New schemes opening for organics and soil sampling;
• Continued ACRES concerns after farmer's pension 'reviewed';
• EPA on illegal peat extraction;
• Review of AXA National Dairy Show.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Minister 'open' to €40/calf payment;
• Net margins for calf to beef farms;
• Sector reacts to live exports documentary;
• Meetings to discuss possible Arrabawn-Tipperary merger
• MII sustainability charter;
• Fire in Kilkenny;
• National Dairy Show.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Budget 2025: Allocations to department schemes;
• Budget 2025: Tax reliefs for farmers and RZLT;
• EPA State of the Environment Report;
• Latest TB figures and further bluetongue concerns;
• Kepak Westmeath investment;
• Quality Milk Awards and Environmental Sustainability Awards.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

The first episode of the limited Farm Safety Survivor Series brought to you by Agriland, in association with AXA and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), focuses on safe livestock handling.

In today’s podcast, Agriland news journalist Rubina Freiberg speaks to beef farmer Mick O’Dea from Co. Laois who was seriously injured in a bull attack in 2019, and Teagasc health and safety specialist, John McNamara.

In September 2019, O’Dea was loading cattle when a bull followed him into the lorry and struck him three times, knocking him down onto the floor of the lorry.

Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• No plans to extend slurry spreading season;
• Bord Bia's new producer standard;
• Last calls on government ahead of Budget 2025;
• EPA report targets solid fuel use;
• Bill introduced in Dáil on An Taisce;
• Farmer teaches helicopter owners a lesson;

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

The podcast also digs into why it is vital that farm families grasp how important budgeting is to the day to day running of the farm.

Tom explains what farmers need to do to create the budget that works for them, from one week to the next and on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.

The information in the podcast is intended as a general guide only. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information provided, Agriland will not accept responsibility for errors or omission howsoever arising. You should seek professional advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.

• UL pulls out of vet school contention;
• ACRES latest;
• Blackleg update;
• Taoiseach/Tánaiste meets with farm orgs;
• Hen harrier plan;
• FTMTA tractor registration figures;
• And finally...water divining.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

We discuss what agricultural reliefs are available including consanguinity (stamp duty) relief which provides for relief from stamp duty on the transfer of agricultural land or farms to certain farmers who are aged under 35.

We also examine what leasing relief is available and explain how a seven year holding requirement applies to land purchased under a contract entered into on or after, 1 January 2024. 

• What is the future for EU agriculture?;
• Arrabawn and Tipperary Co-op discuss possible merger;
• Dairygold undertakes supplier census;
• Minister defends EU stance in ‘subsidy’ row on China visit;
• Concerns over TB eradication programme;
• Countdown to National Ploughing Championships;
• A very special tractor.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Slatted tanks eligibility for nutrient storage scheme;
• Farm orgs meet ministers on budget and RZLT;
• 'Shadow wage' on Irish dairy farms;
• Straw imports from UK;
• Farmers concerned over walking festivals;
• CAO offers and fall in points for some agri science course.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Nitrates derogation plan;
• 70% grant for imported slurry storage;
• LESS scheme reopens;
• RZLT to be deferred;
• China launches EU dairy subsidy probe investigation;
• 2024 Baileys Irish champion dairy cow;
• Double success for Ireland at World Ploughing Contest .

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Commission on Generational Renewal;
• Monthly fee set for farmers viewing some marts online;
• Blackleg warning, link to on-farm earthworks, latest on ragwort poisoning;
• FCI/Agriland fodder survey;
• Details of agri-businesses used in scams;
• Agri-Ultra Cyclists.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Beef Welfare Scheme opens for applications;
• Call for increase in July milk price;
• Continued decline in liquid milk suppliers;
• Farmers urged to review fodder;
• Concern over RZLT impact on farmland;
• Farmers at ‘very high risk’ of skin cancer;
• Ireland was fifth-highest EU exporter of ice cream in 2023;

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Dairy and cattle farm incomes set to rise;  
• Baling Assistance Payment launched;
• Vet medicine discussions continue;
• 134 cases of land with noxious weeds;
• Concerns over hedgerows on rural roads;
• Ugandan nuns gifted tractor by Irish farmers

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

• Straw Incorporation Measure reinstated with €175/ha baling payment; 
• Average farm income drops 57% to just under €20,000; 
• Over €40m spent on TB programme; 
• Nitrates legal challenge referred to European court; 
• National Farm Safety Measure for PTO shaft covers. 

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more. 

According to Census 2022, the number of people in Ireland who were separated or divorced has remained stable at 6%.

Deirdre examines issues such as pre-nuptial agreements, mediation and trial separation.

The solicitor also speaks about the procedure around getting a divorce, making proper provision for children and the division of property, including the farm.

• Fodder stocks: what should farmers do next;
• Warning over dairy farmer’s income levels;
• The financial and mental impacts of low milk yields in 2024;
• €20m scheme for suckler farmers to open in early August;
• Crop challenges from potential straw shortages to glyphosate;
•  New EPA figures show a 4.6% fall in GHG emissions from agriculture in 2023.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

Deirdre discusses these aspects of property law, which can be a very contentious and emotive, particularly when it comes to farms.

She offers advice about the use and maintenance of rights on way and what happens when disputes arise.

The solicitor also discusses the procedure for farmers whose lands are subject to a CPO.

Produced by Agriland, Law and the Land is a four-part weekly podcast delving into issues which not only affect farmers themselves, but also farm families.

*The information in the podcast is intended as a general guide only. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information provided, Agriland and Deirdre Flynn do not accept responsibility for errors or omission howsoever arising. You should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.

• Plan for strict restrictions on calf exports to Netherlands from 2026;
• Agreement reached on new Farmers’ Charter;
• ACRES issues and recent balancing payments;
• GPS thefts, arrest, and IFA calling for rural crime unit;
• Interview with Minister Hackett on Green Party leadership run;
• Hedge cutting ban and gardens;

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

Deirdre discusses some of the complex issues that can arise while developing a farm succession plan and offers advice on how to ensure a smooth transition of a farm to the next generation.

She outlines the options for transferring the farm and the important aspects to consider when making such a decision.

Produced by Agriland, ‘Law & the Land‘ is a four-part weekly podcast delving into issues which not only affect farmers themselves, but also farm families.

The information in the podcast is intended as a general guide only. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information provided, Agriland and Deirdre Flynn do not accept responsibility for errors or omission howsoever arising. You should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.

• Concerns over fodder stocks;
• The cost of making bales of silage;
• The main talking points from BEEF2024 open day;
• DAFM chief inspector on fertiliser database and derogation;
• Almost three quarters of work-related deaths are in agriculture;
• Half of farmers do not know how to contact mental health clinics;
• Over 2,700kg of illegally imported meat seized at airports in 2023.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

The Irish Farm Report 2024 published by Ifac revealed that half of farmers have no will in place, leaving potential beneficiaries exposed to tax issues.

The solicitor outlines what steps to take in order to create a will, what happens if it needs to be changed along the way, or issues which may arise such as the will being contested.

The podcast also discusses areas such as appointing an executor and enduring power of attorney.

Produced by Agriland, ‘Law & the Land‘ is a four-part weekly podcast delving into issues which not only affect farmers themselves, but also farm families.

The information in the podcast is intended as a general guide only. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information provided, Agriland and Deirdre Flynn do not accept responsibility for errors or omission howsoever arising. You should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.

• Tirlán seeking voluntary redundancies and updates on milk supply and prices;
• Eamon Ryan stepping down and the race for a new Green Party leader;
• Nature Restoration Law passes;
• €21.1m in ACRES balancing payments to begin this week;
• Teagasc issues ‘red alert’ potato blight warning;
• Agri-Food Regulator publishes three-year strategy

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• EPA report and reactions;
• Election counts start to wrap up at local and European level;
• Liming programme extension;
• TAMS payments commence plus reactions;
• Danish investment firm to set up AD plants in Ireland;
• 200 year old farm building gets new lease of life.

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

• Revenue guidance on VAT refunds and reaction
• Most popular sire breeds in sucklers
• Kilkenny based dairy business with 470 cows sold for €1.45m
• Inter-county footballer and farmer
• Sheep Shearing Championships Mountbellew

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

• €40m National Biomethane Strategy published;
• Protesters demand ‘justice’ for ash dieback farmers;
• DII presents 10-point plan to ‘secure’ nitrates derogation;
• Agriculture to ‘exceed’ emissions ceiling;
• AMS to be used to check extensive grazing measure in ACRES

Don’t forget to rate, review and follow The Farming Week, Agriland’s weekly review of Irish agriculture, and visit Agriland.ie for more.

In the first episode of the Advantage Beef Programme podcast, we hear from ABP Food Group's sustainability manager Stephen Connolly as well as UCD's BiOrbics Professor Tommy Boland to hear about the new ABP funded research project examining pathways to further improving the sustainablity of beef production.