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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>Cattle were found dead following an animal welfare enforcement operation.</p>

farming

Cattle found dead following animal welfare operation in Clare

The cattle were said to be in poor condition with some found dead following the enforcement operation conducted by the department.

<p>L-R: Eoghan Sheedy, Tim Cleary, Killian Meagher and Brian Oakley visiting the ABP demonstration farm. </p>

farming

'You don't need massive changes': Ros Cré students' sustainable beef message

<p>At current factory prices, the returns on many of these stores will not leave a fortune for their finishers this season, adding to another disappointment for a sector that needs some boost in confidence.</p>

farming

Lamb prices hold as finishers await seasonal lift

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

farming

Strong autumn kill wipes out cattle supply deficit

New European grassland project launches in Cork

farming

New European grassland project launches in Cork

Close-up of the eye of a Negra Avileña cow exposed to the public.

farming

Bluetongue detected in 15 counties as case numbers grow

Brian Reidy

Denis Lehane, Lighten Up

Paula Hynes, Hoofing It

Mart reports from Kanturk, Kilmallock, Ennis, Dowra, Balla, Castlerea and Kilkenny

Mart reports from Kanturk, Kilmallock, Ennis, Dowra, Balla, Castlerea and Kilkenny

Top dry cow prices included a Friesian dry cow weighing 665kg and selling for €1,940

Wed, 04 Nov, 2026

Caucasian Woman Tending to Cattle Feed on 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

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Winter is coming: Burren cattle head for the hills

Winter is coming: Burren cattle head for the hills

In the Burren, a special and rather unique practice hundreds of years old takes place as cattle are herded upland to spend the winter months on the famous limestone landscape.

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Hedge Trimming

ICMSA urge farmers to identify ESB contractors after 'instances of stock being injured'

Following reports of blocked drains and broken fencing leading to the injury of livestock, the ICSMA have urged farmers to document the names of contractors working on behalf of the ESB

Wed, 28 Oct, 2026

Beef cattle feeding in Dumfries and Galloway, south west Scotland

Processors should 'stop trying the tricks' and work with farmers on prices — ICMSA

ICMSA warns factories if they do not start improving prices offered to farmers and finishers, 'there won't be any cattle next spring'

Wed, 28 Oct, 2026

Sustainability doesn’t have to break the bank: Waterford students reach competition finals

Sustainability doesn’t have to break the bank: Waterford students reach competition finals

For our third instalment of the Certified Irish Angus Competition series, the Irish Examiner caught up with the finalist team from Abbey Community College, who hope to educate farmers on economically sustainable strategies

Wed, 28 Oct, 2026

Bull portrait on the ranch

Pre-Christmas Beef Prices: Processors trim rates amid strong supplier resistance

"There seems to be more determination by the factories to pull their prices further this week"

Wed, 28 Oct, 2026

Brian Reidy: Breeding plans now for autumn 2027 calving

Brian Reidy: Breeding plans now for autumn 2027 calving

Cows, be they milking or rearing a calf, need to be in positive energy to improve conception rates.

Tue, 27 Oct, 2026

EU flag in front of Berlaymont building facade

Unanimous EU fish council agreement marks major milestone for CAP 2028-2034

Following a vote, the Agri-fish Council reached a unanimous agreement surrounding the framework of the future Common Agricultural Policy for 2028-2034

Tue, 27 Oct, 2026

Managing the risk of mycotoxins in winter feed

Managing the risk of mycotoxins in winter feed

Mycotoxins are everywhere, and contamination can affect even the most well-run farms. In ruminant feeds, they can be a significant health and performance issue, writes Thomas O'Sullivan

Mon, 26 Oct, 2026

Three piles of coins placed on the ground and plant growing beside in nature.

Cork farmers to receive largest portion of the €551m issued for BISS and CRISS

Cork farmers will receive a total of over €64m to be issued this week for BISS and CRISS support payments to qualifying farmers.

Fri, 23 Oct, 2026

Autumn preparations begin for 200 ewes and hoggets

Autumn preparations begin for 200 ewes and hoggets

With the rams out and numbers increasing to around 200 ewes and hoggets for spring lambing, Michael Forde is focusing on body condition, grass supplies and preparations for the months ahead

Fri, 23 Oct, 2026

Close-up of the eye of a Negra Avileña cow exposed to the public.

Irish experts react to first human case of Shamonda virus

Following the death of a patient and two known positive cases of Shamonda virus in cattle in Ireland has prompted experts to asses potential animal and human risks

Fri, 23 Oct, 2026

One eye cow and flies, close up of a dairy red and white, looking calm and tranquil

First human death as a result of Shamonda virus reported in France

A man in France who contracted Shamonda virus, the first known case of the disease in humans died in early October.

Thu, 22 Oct, 2026

AgRenew Summit to focus on Ireland’s next generation of farmers

AgRenew Summit to focus on Ireland’s next generation of farmers

The summit, hosted by Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), will host a variety of panelists from young farmers, academics, politicians and co-op leaders

Thu, 22 Oct, 2026

Black and white dairy cow grazing contentedly relaxed and happy while other cows graze behind. Methane and greenhouse gases a bi

Rapid recovery in autumn grass has improved national feed supply

Following a survey of dairy and drystock farms across the country, Teagasc has reported just over 5% of farms have severe fodder deficits after the drought experienced earlier this year

Wed, 21 Oct, 2026

Cow drinking water

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 weekly on the Irish Examiner digital Farming hub

Wed, 21 Oct, 2026

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

Factories signal beef prices may have peaked

Factory demand for cattle remains strong, but processors are tightening discretionary payments and signalling that prices may have reached their peak for now

Tue, 20 Oct, 2026

Fluffy Woolly Sheep

Weak demand for breeding ewes raises flock decline fears

Lamb quotes remain unchanged as supply and demand balance, but weak interest in breeding ewes is raising concerns about a further decline in the national flock

Tue, 20 Oct, 2026

Denis Hickey: Knocking a month off our finishing age

Denis Hickey: Knocking a month off our finishing age

Midleton beef farmer Denis Hickey is making the most of autumn grazing while regular weighing and drafting help him reduce finishing age, costs and emissions

Tue, 20 Oct, 2026

Last day of month - payment deadline. Calculator with money on the calendar with last day of month.

BISS and CRISS payments to be issued this week, minister confirms

Despite farmers being told to expect a nine day delay on BISS and CRISS payments due to strikes, minister Heydon has been confirmed that these payments will be issued this week.

Mon, 19 Oct, 2026

Euro banknotes

Agricultural output at basic prices saw an increase of 10% in Cork and Kerry

Last year, the national agricultural output at basic prices increased by 12% to a total of €14bn, with cattle being the main contributor

Mon, 19 Oct, 2026

Event celebrates women’s contribution to Irish agriculture

Event celebrates women’s contribution to Irish agriculture

Teagasc hosted a 'Women in Farming' event celebrating women's contribution to the sector and exploring opportunities to support women at every stage of their farming journey

Mon, 19 Oct, 2026

Counting Money Hands Holding Euro Bills, Examining the Value of Cash and Currency Assets

Eco-Scheme farmers to receive more than €203m in advance payments

Department of Agriculture says 106,913 farmers register under the Eco-Scheme will receive advanced payments over the coming days

Mon, 19 Oct, 2026

Panoramic of Dairy Cows

Johne’s disease control programme aims to target €23m loss to dairy industry

Animal Health Ireland programme is aimed at supporting beef and dairy farmers in controlling the difficult and costly disease

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

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