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FARMING - BEEF & SHEEP

A collection of the latest news, views and analysis from the farming desk on the topic of Beef and Sheep.

<p>Teagasc staff Gabriela Cardenas Alvarez and Luis Lopez Sangil with cotton underpants on display as part of the Ground Truth citizen science project at the National Ploughing Championships. Picture: Larry Cummins</p>

farming

Farm View: Bringing science down to earth at the Ploughing

The Ploughing is a place where research escapes the lab and becomes tangible

<p>Processors are keeping a tight rein on further upward movement in prices.</p>

farming

Beef prices firm up but finishers still face headwinds

<p>Limerick dairy farmer Martin Crowe has seen benefits of including multispecies, particularly during dry conditions such as this summer, where the multispecies was more drought-tolerant and recovered more quickly. </p>

farming

Making sustainability work on Irish farms

Normandian cows with pleasure eating fresh grenn grass

farming

Fodder remains a challenge despite grass growth

Crop sprayer

farming

Brussels must count the high cost of policing pesticide imports

Butcher meat cutter meat

farming

Stable beef trade continues, gaining a firmer edge

Brian Reidy

Denis Lehane, Lighten Up

Kieran Coughlan, Farm Finance

Paula Hynes, Hoofing It

Fluffy Woolly Sheep

More bite in lamb trade, but prices remain unchanged

Suppliers report more bite in the lamb trade as demand improves, but processors maintain that market conditions do not justify higher prices

Tue, 08 Sep, 2026

Dutch cows

Autumn feeding: Focus on the cow, not just the grass

After a difficult summer, grass growth has recovered strongly on many farms, but low dry matter levels and tight winter forage reserves mean careful feeding will be essential to protect milk yield, solids and body condition this autumn, writes Brian Reidy.

Tue, 08 Sep, 2026

Kay O’Sullivan: Diverse silage crops perform well despite prolonged drought

Kay O’Sullivan: Diverse silage crops perform well despite prolonged drought

Despite the prolonged drought restricting grass growth, Kay's red clover and multi-species crops have performed well, while five organic cattle finished from a grass-based diet at just 16 to 17 months

Mon, 07 Sep, 2026

AMINAM HEALTH BLUETONGUE DISEASE SHEEP

Bluetongue case confirmed in Wexford

Ireland’s first bluetongue case of the 2026-27 season has been detected in an unvaccinated heifer in Co Wexford.

Fri, 04 Sep, 2026

Farmer standing in wheat field

Generational Renewal Week to showcase opportunities and supports for Irish farming

Teagasc to host a variety of webinars, farm walks, in person engagements, and videos to promote and showcase opportunities for Irish farmers for generational renewal week.

Fri, 04 Sep, 2026

Sheep pen

Processors cut lamb quotes as continental pressure continues

Lamb prices remain under pressure despite strong factory demand, while smaller mart entries have brought a slight weakening at the top of the trade.

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

Close up shot of raw meat hanging on hooks at a slaughterhouse

Brazilian beef ban boosts confidence in Irish trade

Factory cattle prices have strengthened amid demand for stock and growing optimism that developments in the export market could benefit Irish beef

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

Farmer-led group for organic beef and lamb launched

Farmer-led group for organic beef and lamb launched

New organic farmer-led organisation aims to secure premiums for farmers supplying organic products and not let it get lost in a disjointed supply and processing chain

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

Modern Automated Cow Feed Distribution at Dairy Farm

Buffer feed 50% of diets on worst drought-hit farms

The data, which was collected through PastureBase Ireland, showed a very significant reduction in grass growth on many farms, especially in Leinster and Munster

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

Black plastic wrap cover for cereal bales

Teagasc invites drought-hit farmers to fodder clinics

A series of webinars with practical advice and the latest information will take place in the regions most impacted and are due to commence this week

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Low Section of Agronomists in Rubber Boots Walking on Organic Farm

Herd Tasks: Your weekly farming checklist

Your weekly reminder of the things that should be at the top of your farm to-do list. Published every week on the Irish Examiner digital Farming hub.

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Tall corn stalks stretch towards a clear blue sky, thriving in fertile soil. The sun shines brightly, highlighting the vibrant g

Maize silage: Keep a close eye on crop maturity

Brian Reidy reports significant variation in the maize crops he has walked this week

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Sliced grilled steak roastbeef and rosemary

Bord Bia launches Quality Assured beef campaign in Ireland

The campaign will promote beef to young Irish shoppers as a suitable and affordable protein option for weekly meals

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Dawn Meats lowers Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 77%

Dawn Meats lowers Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 77%

Dawn Meats report its top 20% of supplying farms with the lowest carbon footprints reported using more protected urea and finished animals on average in 24.45 months

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Farmland with cattle and sheep

Organic Beef and Lamb Innovation Group to host farm walk

The Organic Beef and Lamb Innovation Group will host a organics farm walk for beef and sheep farmers already in organics or interested in the sector

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Fluffy Woolly Sheep

Export weakness puts lamb returns under pressure

Some factories have imposed a further cut of at least 20c/kg, with the base ranging from 765-780c/kg across the country, plus the usual quality bonus of up to 20c/kg, adding up to 785-800c/kg for lambs with a carcass cut-off weight of 22kg

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Cow and calf

Herd Tasks: Your weekly farming checklist

Your weekly reminder of the things that should be at the top of your farm to-do list. Published every week on the Irish Examiner digital Farming hub

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Cows

Brian Reidy: Autumn 2026's fodder challenges still need to be addressed

The rain this week, while welcome, will eventually grow September grass and, unfortunately, I have never known September grass to be of great feed value, writes independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Fodder transport subsidy proposed as farmers face severe shortages

Fodder transport subsidy proposed as farmers face severe shortages

ICMSA has called for a fodder transport subsidy to lessen the cost of transporting fodder across the country as fuel costs rise again and grass growth windows begin to shorten

Tue, 25 Aug, 2026

Farmers need fodder: Government called on to take action during drought

Farmers need fodder: Government called on to take action during drought

Farming organisations are urging the Department of Agriculture to act to support farmers and ensure enough fodder is available for livestock during the drought and winter

Thu, 20 Aug, 2026

Healthy food for vitality and energy with super foods high in protein and carbs

Agri-Food Regulator wants to hear from primary producers

The Agri-Food Regulator is looking for feedback from farmers, fishers and growers to inform its work

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

Group of beef cattle looking at the camera

Beef Welfare Scheme worth €28m to open this week

Suckler farmers are reminded to retain relevant receipts for meal, vaccinations and testing actions to supply as part of the scheme requirements

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

'East Cork, it's like the Sahara Desert': Dread sets in as drought conditions continue

'East Cork, it's like the Sahara Desert': Dread sets in as drought conditions continue

With some farmers experiencing grass growth dropping by almost two thirds compared to last years figures the drought has forced farmers to begin feeding winter feed reserves.

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

Teagasc-led dairy-beef innovation project launched in Europe

Teagasc-led dairy-beef innovation project launched in Europe

A new dairy-beef research project, which will be led by Teagasc, has been launched due to growing interest in grass-fed dairy-beef systems

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

Signpost: Selling lambs takes pressure off scarce grass supplies

Signpost: Selling lambs takes pressure off scarce grass supplies

It’s important that we all do a fodder budget and check that we have enough feed for the winter

Tue, 18 Aug, 2026

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