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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>IFA president Francie Gorman speaking with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the IFA AGM dinner at the Farm Centre in Dublin. Pictures: Finbarr O'Rourke</p>

farming

'You can understand farmers’ massive upset': Farmers’ anger over Mercosur justified, Heydon says

Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said farmers were understandably frustrated at being asked to compete with imports that do not meet the same standards

<p>The English Market in Cork City. One person said he prefers to source his meat from local sources, explaining that quality and the additional air miles that come with South American imports are some of his main concerns.</p>

farming

Would you eat South American meat?

<p>Macra na Feirme national president Josephine O'Neill said young farmers already face barriers in the sector due to the lack of access to land, rising costs, low margins and constant uncertainty.</p>

farming

Mercosur threat to young farmers seeking to enter the sector, says Macra president

Mince and steaks from the butcher's store - English Market, Cork, Ireland

farming

Irish beef allowed back into Chinese market

Man looking at beef steak in supermarket aisle

farming

Mercosur: A 1.5% oversupply that could cost Irish beef hundreds of millions

Calf & Cows, Devon #1

politics

'A culmination of intensive engagement': China drops ban on Irish beef

Brian Reidy

Hazell Mullins, Vet on the Moove

Kieran Coughlan, Farm Finance

Paula Hynes, Hoofing It

Farmers demonstration in Dublin

Ireland outvoted as EU gives green light to Mercosur free trade agreement

Ireland and France opposed the Mercosur agreement, warning it threatens farmers, food standards and the environment despite EU approval

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

feedlot intensive production system beef cattle

Farming organisations welcome Government decision to oppose Mercosur

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, the Irish Farmers’ Association, and Meat Industry Ireland all welcomed the decision

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Ireland to vote against Mercosur deal with decision to end potential Cabinet revolt

Ireland to vote against Mercosur deal with decision to end potential Cabinet revolt

The decision will head off a potential revolt from both the Independents in Government as well as Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil backbenchers

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Cattle grazing on deforested pasture on a farm in the Amazon rainforest at dusk. Concept of agriculture, environment, ecology, l

Brazilian beef containing banned hormones recalled in Ireland

The beef has been recalled by the Food Safety Authority after entering the Irish food chain

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

ieExplains: What next as Mercosur deal is approved

ieExplains: What next as Mercosur deal is approved

Vote on the key trade agreement comes down to the wire

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Trump

Irish Examiner view: The impact of Trump’s many whims

These are truly uncertain times

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Hereford cattle

CAP proposals risk hitting productive family farms, say processors

Submission detailed how EU and national policies have already greatly reduced the supply of Irish livestock for processing. Ireland’s suckler beef herd now stands at 767,000 animals, having declined from a peak of 1.1 million animals in 2013

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Lighten up: New year, new you at the mart — our Denis's 10 tips for mart success in 2026

Lighten up: New year, new you at the mart — our Denis's 10 tips for mart success in 2026

Don't push the mart around, credit-wise or in any other way... the stick hasn't gone away, you know, and the mart still knows how to use it, writes Denis Lehane in a special New Year's mart report

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Irish MEP appointed to lead CAP role

Irish MEP appointed to lead CAP role

MEP Nina Carberry has been appointed to lead negotiations going forward on the future Common Agricultural Policy (2028-2034)

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Cows being fed fodder housed in winter, Roscommon, Ireland.

Teagasc advises rechecking cattle two to three weeks after lice dosing

Clipping cattle along the back and around the tail head reduces sweating, helps animals stay cleaner, and makes it more difficult for lice to move and multiply

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

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

Factories play ‘take it or leave it’ as cattle prices soften

Some of this week's kill was forward purchased last week at slightly higher prices, but the processors are reported to be 'tougher' this week about paying higher prices

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Mince and steaks from the butcher's store - English Market, Cork, Ireland

Vietnamese market now open to Irish beef exports

Irish beef and beef products have been approved to enter the Vietnamese market, where rising incomes and a growing middle class have increased demand for premium proteins

Mon, 05 Jan, 2026

Two sheep standing in field at sunset with sea background and rolling hills

Loss of bluetongue-free status would hit livestock trade

In dairy cows, one of the key symptoms of bluetongue is a sudden drop in milk yield, while swelling of lips and tongue — particularly in sheep — are other obvious signs

Mon, 05 Jan, 2026

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

Second Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy launched

With the emerging biosecurity threats on the island the Department of Agriculture has launched the second National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy (2025-2030) ahead of the new year

Wed, 31 Dec, 2025

Cow eating in a milk production 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 Monday on the Irish Examiner digital Farming hub.

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Sheep pen

Sheep sector sees declining output and flat returns

Unlike cattle, the decline in production did not boost sheep prices in 2025

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

It's only the best for these cows

Concentrate timing, not volume, key in Teagasc beef trial

The research is being carried out within the Derrypatrick suckler calf-to-beef herd at Teagasc Grange, and Dr Paul Crosson recently spoke about the results on a Teagasc Beef Edge podcast

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Sheep at a cattle market

Sheep slaughterings dropped by 18.5% between January and November

ICSA says factories dropping sheep prices are 'adding insult to injury'

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Animal Health Ireland recognised by the United Nations

Animal Health Ireland recognised by the United Nations

Animal Health Ireland has been recognised by the FAO for its technical excellence and innovation in sustainable livestock transformation and animal health.

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

Cattle grazing on deforested pasture on a farm in the Amazon rainforest at dusk. Concept of agriculture, environment, ecology, l

Mercosur vote postponement welcome but Taoiseach's comments need clarification

IFA president Francie Gorman has called for clarification on the Taoiseach's comments regarding the securing of a derogation extension as a factor going into the Mercosur vote

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

AMINAM HEALTH BLUETONGUE DISEASE SHEEP

Bluetongue vaccinations will be permitted in 2026

Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, has announced today that blue tongue vaccines will be permitted in Ireland in 2026 following a fourth confirmed outbreak in Northern Ireland

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

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

Bluetongue cases suspected on fourth Northern Ireland farm

The North's Department of Agriculture has announced two further suspected bluetongue cases have emerged on a fourth Co Down farm

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Animal Health Ireland announce the BVD action plan for 2026

Animal Health Ireland announce the BVD action plan for 2026

AHI also published an IFAC-led report that found the programme has a total economic benefit to Irish agriculture of €184.21m each year

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Mouldy maize silage in close up on a dairy farm

The hidden issue of mycotoxins — and what you can do about them

Mycotoxins are becoming an ever-increasing issue on Irish farms

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Female hands cutting a piece of ribs in a butchers shop

Beef prices face year-end pressure at factories

Some of this week's kill has been bought forward at last week's price, but the higher returns are largely unavailable.

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

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