The IFA National Sheep Committee this week elected Sean Dennehy from Co Cork as the New IFA National Sheep Committee Chairman.
He replaces John Lynskey from Co Mayo, who served as National Sheep Chairman over the last four years.
Mr. Dennehy set out his key priorities for the sheep sector and Irelands 34,000 sheep farmers over the next number of years including ensuring strong viable lamb prices, ensuring the sector is protected in the Brexit negotiations and increasing farm incomes.
The other committees filled following elections yesterday include the Hill Farming Committee where Flor McCarthy from Co. Kerry is taking over as the new chair of the committee.
While Tom Phelan, a Laois farmer, takes over the reigns of the dairy committee from Sean O’Leary.
IN other farm news this evening – the fodder and forestry issues remain a hot topic in Leitrim and Sligo.
Fianna Fail Councillor Paddy O’Rourke called on Leitrim County Council this week to contact the Minister for Agriculture with a view to providing support for farmers in the North West experiencing fodder shortages.
He says no action has been taken since Minister Andrew Doyles visit to the county in November.
Staying in Leitrim and forestry is fast becoming the new fracking issue in the county.
Locals especially farmers say the non-native trees being planted all over the county are unsightly and are taking over the land.
There is also growing concern that plantations are not subject to the same planning process as other developments.
A meeting is taking place in the Bush Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon on Friday week (19th Dec).
Gerry Loftus, the Forestry Chairman with the INHFA says politicians have a lot to answer for:
