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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>The current level of supply, which is the highest since April, has eased pressure on the factories.</p>

farming

Young bulls maintain premium as processors resist price rises

It is difficult to get above 740c/kg this week, with the processors showing clearly that they want most stock on the grid and resisting lots being offered on a flat price basis

<p>Suppliers are reporting that there are a few cents more going and that 800c/kg is generally being paid, with some deals for more being successfully negotiated.</p>

farming

Factory-ready lambs scarce but processors hold the line on price

<p>The Department of Agriculture are now only paying for 31 calves weighed under the NDBWS. </p>

farming

The department must honour full payment for all weighed calves, says ICSA

Meat industry,meats hanging in the cold store. Cattles cut and hanged on hook in a slaughterhouse. Halal cutting.

farming

Factories' ‘scaremongering’ tactics deserves ‘all guns blazing’ rebuff by farmers, says ICMSA

feedlot intensive production system beef cattle

farming

Government still falling short on blocking Mercosur

Rows of young plug plants growing in a field

farming

Organic farming scheme now open for applications

Brian Reidy

Hazell Mullins, Vet on the Moove

Kieran Coughlan, Farm Finance

Paula Hynes, Hoofing It

Minister Noel Grealish promotes Irish agri-food in Mexico

Minister Noel Grealish promotes Irish agri-food in Mexico

Mr Grealish travelled to Mexico this week in light of the pending free trade agreement between Mexico and the EU, and to promote Irish agri-food

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

Ireland flag on bar chart concept with decreasing values, concept of economic crisis, politics conflicts, war concept with flag

Milk and crop prices have dropped by more than 11% in the past year, CSO reports

Both milk and crop prices have seen significant drops of over 11% in the Agricultural Output Price Index for September 2025, published by the CSO

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Agriculture and Dairy Cows

Stock keepers urged to review dosing plans as hoose risk increases

When choosing products, it’s essential to check the label and determine the life stage the flukicide targets

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Free range

Index forecasts greater liver fluke prevalence in the Midlands, west and north this month

Liver fluke prevalence is predicted to be highest in the Midlands, west and northern areas of the country this year

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Fluffy Woolly Sheep

Quality lambs secure up to €800c/kg in keen factory demand

The factories are quoting 755–770c/kg plus the quality bonus for the lambs for this week in a continuation of the stable trade over recent weeks at unchanged prices.

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Female hands cutting a piece of ribs in a butchers shop

Prime cattle prices slip amid seven-month-high kill

The biggest challenge now is to keep the base for beef at a price that leaves producers with a margin, without killing the market, writes Martin Ryan

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Government must step up to stop Mercosur, says ICSA president

Government must step up to stop Mercosur, says ICSA president

ICSA president Sean McNamara said if this deal goes ahead, it will destroy the Irish beef sector and devastate rural Ireland

Tue, 18 Nov, 2025

Compensation delays compounding TB stress for farmers

Compensation delays compounding TB stress for farmers

Almost €10.5m has been paid in compensation by Q3 this year but the ICMSA say delays in payments is compounding stress on farmers locked down with TB.

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

Cows eating hay in a barn in a row for feeding time, head through bars

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 Monday on the 'Irish Examiner' digital Farming hub

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

A cows on a pasture on a summer. Livestock on free grazing. Livestock farm. Agricultural landscape, cow on green grass field.

National beef conference to focus on ‘value, profit and renewal’

Event aims to bring together beef farmers, industry representatives, researchers and advisers to discuss how Irish beef producers can make the most of strong market conditions and plan for a sustainable, profitable future

Thu, 13 Nov, 2025

Silage clamp on a dairy farm in England, United Kingdom

Brian Reidy: The causes and cures for heating in grass silage

Moulds can thrive in silage that’s not well managed, worsening the problem, advises independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

Thu, 13 Nov, 2025

Soy beans

Livestock sector faces €1.5bn hit from rising soya prices

Two factors have now disrupted the global soya market, and their outcome will determine how much farmers pay for feedstuffs this winter

Wed, 12 Nov, 2025

Female doctor giving vaccine to a male patient

Merchants fear fallout as anti-parasitic rule change looms

Central Statistics Office data indicates that Ireland's veterinary medicines market is worth about €400m annually

Wed, 12 Nov, 2025

Sheep in pens at Winslow Primestock Show, Buckinghamshire

Lamb prices steady but mart trade remains flat

Supplies to factories remain lower than this time last year, and prices are weaker than in 2024

Tue, 11 Nov, 2025

workplace food industry - factory butchery for the production of sausages - butcher cuts meat

Factory prices steady but perks tighten for beef producers

Processors are operating on a tightrope policy — wanting intake to hold up but without additional costs, a delicate balance to achieve

Tue, 11 Nov, 2025

Ireland wins World’s Best Steak award

Ireland wins World’s Best Steak award

Dawn Meats and Lidl secured the 'World's Best Steak' award for their Irish grass-fed sirloin at the World Steak Challenge

Tue, 11 Nov, 2025

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

ICMSA: Derogation farmers “are the most inspected and supervised in the State”

During EU Environment Commissioner Roswall's recent visit to Ireland the ICMSA appealed directly to her on behalf of Irish derogation farmers.

Tue, 11 Nov, 2025

Hereford cows with merino sheep

Underfunded welfare schemes see farmers pay the price

ICSA said sheep and beef welfare scheme cuts are counterproductive after farmers have invested in animal welfare improvements

Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

Farm hazardous waste collection days announced

Farm hazardous waste collection days announced

The Department of Agriculture has announced six farm hazardous waste collection days over the next few weeks in Clare, Meath, Cork, Tipperary, Mayo, and Kerry

Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

Limousine Cattle eating silage grass through a gate in a shed at a farm UK

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 Monday on the Irish Examiner digital Farming hub.

Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

Close-up of maize forage outdoors

Brian Reidy: Feeding and management of livestock once indoors

2025 silages are a mixed bag, like any other year, writes independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

Thu, 06 Nov, 2025

Losing derogation will be catastrophic, IFA meeting told

Losing derogation will be catastrophic, IFA meeting told

The Irish Farmers’ Association Nitrates Derogation meeting heard that a loss of derogation would incur an average reduction of €43,500 to a family farm income if stocking rates are forced to drop

Wed, 05 Nov, 2025

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

Beef processors tighten control on price rises

There’s still a very positive tone to the trade overall, writes Martin Ryan

Tue, 04 Nov, 2025

No deal yet when it comes to derogation - Heydon

No deal yet when it comes to derogation - Heydon

Minister Heydon was met with a 1,000 plus crowd at the IFA's Nitrates Derogation national meeting at Corrin Mart, Fermoy.

Tue, 04 Nov, 2025

Herd Tasks: Your weekly farming checklist

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 Monday on the 'Irish Examiner' digital Farming hub.

Mon, 03 Nov, 2025

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