- NEWS
TDs: Has Shatter got access to secret files?Coalition TDs have demanded to know if Alan Shatter has access to secret files on prominent politicians, journalists and public figures, as the controversy surrounding the justice minister continued to escalate.
Yacht can be yours... for €700k per weekThe sleek white Lauren L yacht has become Cork's latest tourist attraction, and you have to admit, it definitely adds a touch of glamour to the place.
- WORLD
Yahoo’s $1.1bn gamble on Tumblr Yahoo said it is acquiring blogging service Tumblr for $1.1bn (€850m) cash, a bold bet by chief executive Marissa Mayer to revitalise the struggling internet pioneer by co-opting a web property with strong visitor traffic but little revenue.
Hungary meets German pressure with Nazi tauntsTensions between Germany and Hungary have flared over remarks by the countries' leaders, including references to Hitler's occupation of the eastern European country in 1944 and an irritated German government response condemning Hungary's allusion to the Nazi era as "deplorable derailment".
- BUSINESS
Ryanair results help stock soar by €600m The value of Ryanair increased by more than €600m in one day's trading yesterday after the company reported stronger than expected results.
PTSB claims 60% increase in current accounts following fee-free offerPermanent TSB has reported a huge increase in new account openings since it launched its no-fee current account.
- SPORT
Limerick lose out again Limerick's Division 1B defeat by Dublin won't be revisited despite the question of Paul Ryan's eligibility in the game.
Paulie backs O’Gara coaching callPaul O'Connell has backed former Munster team-mate Ronan O'Gara to be a "great" coach after the fly-half announced he was retiring and taking a job on Racing Metro's backroom staff.
- LIFESTYLE
Time on Stewart’s side as album tops UK chartsRod Stewart said he was "over the moon" as he celebrated his 15th No 1 with a champagne toast.
Reunion sparks renewed synths of purposeANDY McCluskey has mellowed.
Breaking stories
Efficient farming almost impossible when fighting Super Levy
Many farmers are keeping far too many cows for available quota in preparation for post-quota production. This is costing them dearly in terms of short lactations, low yields, infertility and the maintenance of surplus stock. Efficient farming is almost impossible when fighting against Super Levy. Remember, it is a long time to be carrying surplus stock until early spring 2016. The widespread advice of feeding no meals in May/June is misleading because in situations where milk yields and fertility are suffering meals should be fed.
Many of the farms visited are among the most efficient in the country, but there are also some walks on farms where a lot can be learned from mistakes being made, particularly regarding underfeeding, leading to low yields per cow and high infertility rates.
The good farmers are better prepared for a long indoor feeding period than the average dairy farmer. Having plenty of winter feed, some of which can be carried over if not needed, was the basis of good farming up until the 90s. Unfortunately, a few short winters and bad advice convinced a lot of farmers to provide only the minimum of winter feed, which cost them dearly in 2009, 2010 and in April/early May this year. Many of the best farmers harvest a good crop of silage at the end of May, including this year.
As usual the main focus of the spring/early summer walks are on herd health, fertility and grassland management, three of the main management factors influencing dairy farm profitability.
Farm walks are being held in every locality and every dairy farmer should try to attend. Differences in management and performances, due to land type, often show up. Farmers should take note of the data presented at the farm walks.
Targets are set for all the important management factors affecting profitability. There is room for improvement on every farm and every business. In fact it is usually the better performers that continue to make the biggest improvements.