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RURAL LIFE

A collection of our latest farming news, views and analysis on rural and farming life in Ireland.

<p>Pictured (L to R): Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director; Michael Berkery, FBD; Timmy Dooley TD; Don Somers, Overall Winner; Gillian Somers; and Tom O’Dwyer, Teagasc.</p>

farming

Wexford tillage farmer becomes overall winner at this year's Environmental Sustainability Award

Wexford tillage farmer, Don Somers wins the Teagasc- FBD Environmental Sustainability Award 2025.

<p>Common hazards for farmers include falls from ladders, unprotected roof edges, falling from or with stacked bales, and falling through fragile roof materials, particularly on farms where ageing structures are still in use.</p>

farming

Safety campaign under way to raise awareness about falls from heights

<p>An Irish documentary production team is looking for small farmers to share their story.</p>

farming

Documentary casting call for small farmers’ stories

Offaly students reach finals of Certified Irish Angus School Competition

farming

Offaly students reach finals of Certified Irish Angus School Competition

Updated AgFood Portal unworkable, says IFA

farming

Updated AgFood Portal unworkable, says IFA

Tirlán launch €15m Generational Renewal Programme for next generation of farmers

farming

Tirlán launch €15m Generational Renewal Programme for next generation of farmers

Brian Reidy

Hazell Mullins, Vet on the Moove

Kieran Coughlan, Farm Finance

Paula Hynes, Hoofing It

Department rolls out this year’s AgriKids programmes to promote farm safety

Department rolls out this year’s AgriKids programmes to promote farm safety

AgriKids programmes are being offered to interested schools who want accessible farm safety education for their classrooms.

Fri, 03 Oct, 2025

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

Total cattle numbers at an almost 12-year low

According to a provisional report by the CSO, the total number of cattle in Ireland is at a 12-year low, with farming organisations citing several factors

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

Wexford woman reaches final of EU innovation award for female farmers

Wexford woman reaches final of EU innovation award for female farmers

This year’s theme highlights farmers leading the transition to more sustainable water use and management

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

Macra volunteers honoured at National Leadership Awards

Macra volunteers honoured at National Leadership Awards

At Macra na Feirme's National Training Day in Portlaoise on September 27, several members were recognised for their leadership and commitment to the club

Mon, 29 Sep, 2025

Hurricane struck electricity poles in Steinhatchee, North Florida. Fallen tree and damaged power lines knock down the grass. Fo

New emergency framework aims to strengthen Ireland’s storm preparedness

Framework to ensure the lessons learned in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn are put into effect

Mon, 29 Sep, 2025

Cork students make it to Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition finals

Cork students make it to Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition finals

Clonakilty's Sacred Heart Secondary School’s ‘Angus Advocates’ are finalists in the Certified Irish Angus Schools 2024 Competition finals.

Fri, 26 Sep, 2025

For Sale by Owner

Kieran Coughlan: Is the Irish land market dysfunctional?

From a national perspective, is it desirable that any Tom, Dick or Harry can buy land and put it to whatever use they wish, or even no use at all, asks rural accountant Kieran Coughlan.

Fri, 26 Sep, 2025

Tiktok star Fiona Bergin helps to champion farm safety at the Ploughing

Tiktok star Fiona Bergin helps to champion farm safety at the Ploughing

Popular 'FarmTok' influencer Fiona Bergin was at the National Ploughing Championships to promote farm safety with Agri Aware and TikTok

Fri, 19 Sep, 2025

New secretary-general appointed at Department of Agriculture

New secretary-general appointed at Department of Agriculture

Sinéad McPhillips has been appointed the new secretary-general at the Department of Agriculture following approval by the Government

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Ploughing survey to shape farm safety and farmer health plans

Ploughing survey to shape farm safety and farmer health plans

Survey at National Ploughing Championships will seek farmers' view on farm safety, health and wellbeing

Wed, 17 Sep, 2025

Young Irish farmers: An endangered species

Young Irish farmers: An endangered species

Only 4.3% of Irish farmers are below the age of 35, and current trends are seeing a further decline

Wed, 17 Sep, 2025

Livestock leading cause of farm injury claims, new report shows

Livestock leading cause of farm injury claims, new report shows

Animal-related injuries accounted for almost a fifth of all claims to the Injuries Resolution Board— with cattle most commonly cited in claim applications, followed by horses, dogs and sheep

Wed, 17 Sep, 2025

Head appointed for new vet medicine course

Head appointed for new vet medicine course

Dr Mary-Kate Burke will head up the new five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree course at South East Technological University

Tue, 16 Sep, 2025

Farming requires hard work all year around

70% of dairy farmers view loss of derogation as a challenge to farm viability

A recent ‘Farmer Trends and Insights Survey’ has listed the loss of derogation and EU-funded farm schemes as a major source of worry for farmers

Mon, 15 Sep, 2025

Gardaí warn people not to use Sat Navs when heading to the Ploughing

Gardaí warn people not to use Sat Navs when heading to the Ploughing

Switch off the Sat Navs and do what you're told to ensure no fights in the car on the way to the Ploughing Championships this year.

Mon, 15 Sep, 2025

tractor

Making the most of our rural hedgerows

Hedges are habitats for a wide range of wildlife. Over half of Ireland’s bird species — 55 in total — rely on hedges, with 35 species using them for nesting, writes Catherine Keena

Mon, 15 Sep, 2025

Grazing Cows

Losing nitrates derogation could cost Irish dairy herds 27 cows each

Pat Deering was one of the Tirlán milk suppliers who revealed their concerns at a recent Farming for Water event

Mon, 15 Sep, 2025

The weather for the Ploughing: Brown boots or wellies?

The weather for the Ploughing: Brown boots or wellies?

Your weather forecast ahead of the biggest culchie event of the year: The Ploughing Championships 2025

Mon, 15 Sep, 2025

Cork dairy farmer is first female winner of FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Cork dairy farmer is first female winner of FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Blarney woman Aileen Sheehan is named the 2025 FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

Ornua communications director appointed to the AHI board

Ornua communications director appointed to the AHI board

Jeanne Kelly is joining the board of Animal Health Ireland having recently finished her term as director of AgriAware

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

Farmers react with caution to new TB eradication plan and 30 proposed actions

Farmers react with caution to new TB eradication plan and 30 proposed actions

Irish farmers give mixed reaction to the new TB action plan, warning it risks unfairly burdening farmers without clear commitments from others

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

Voluntary land deal secured for pipeline project

Voluntary land deal secured for pipeline project

If it is later determined that Vat should apply more widely, Uisce Éireannhas committed to refunding it in full once provided with a valid invoice

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Foals given more pasture time and later weaning earn more money

Foals given more pasture time and later weaning earn more money

Foals that spent more time turned out at pasture in the first six months of life, and foals that were weaned at an older age were more likely to race at least once by the end of their fourth year of life

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

#FarmTok campaign aims to save rural lives

#FarmTok campaign aims to save rural lives

'Our hope is that these stories will encourage conversations among farmers who may be struggling'

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Heydon’s TB action plan finally announced

Heydon’s TB action plan finally announced

The new action plan as part of the TB eradication scheme, involves several new key actions, including informed cattle purchases, mandatory blood testing and special cull cow sales.

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

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