IFA calls on co-ops to ‘put their best foot forward’ to deliver milk prices
The Irish Farmers Association is calling on Co-ops that have yet to consider their May milk prices to do better for their suppliers. The organisation has been reacting to the announcement by Lakeland and Glanbia that, while holding the base milk price, they would respectively eliminate and reduce the bonuses…
Call for more vets for the north west
Getting more young vets for the North West region is a key part to keeping vital services in the region. That’s according to Seamus Cummins, the Animal Welfare Chairperson with the IFA in Sligo. He was part of a delegation that recently attended a meeting at the Department of Agriculture…
Extension of time for slurry spreading
The Department of Agriculture and Department of Housing have announced a one-month extension to the deadline by which derogation farmers must have 50% of the their slurry spread. The date is extended from 15 June to 15 July 2018 and thereafter the remainder of slurry must be spread by low-emission…
Donegal IFA chairman says opening of Chinese beef market is welcome news
The newly-opened Chinese beef market is so massive that a tiny increase in consumption there would result in a large increase in the tonnage demanded from places like Ireland. That’s according to the chairman of Donegal IFA, Michael Chance, who has welcomed the opening of the Chinese market to a…
Despite start of fodder imports today, Minister slammed for ‘delay in acting’
A Sligo/Leitrim TD has called for the Minister for Agriculture to be sacked over his handling of the fodder crisis. That’s despite the start of imports today of fodder from England. Fianna Fail Deputy Marc MacSharry says he first raised the issue last October, when he warned there would be…
Protecting farmers in trade deals a priority, says IFA president
The IFA says protecting Irish farmers in European trade deals is one of four main priorities of the organisation in the coming years. Speaking in Sligo this week, IFA President Joe Healy said they are lobbying hard on the Mercosur deal in particular. He said trade deals, Brexit, CAP and…
Lamb market: strong demand and tight supply
The lamb market has re-opened strongly today with factories offering from €5.70 to €5.80/kg for lambs. The IFA says prices are ranging from €5.65/kg to as high as €5.85/kg for suitable lambs. Sean Dennehy says strong market demand and tight supplies are driving the trade. With Easter on the first…