Paula Hynes: Traceability and a record-breaking DNA programme make Irish agri-food stand out

There is so much talk about food traceability at the moment, and Ireland really is a step ahead when it comes to the traceability of cattle, as we will most likely be the first country in the world to have a fully DNA-tested national herd

Becky Hynes cleans off a newly born Charolais bull calf. Picture: Andy Gibson

The rain is as relentless as the workload at the moment, and it seems impossible to get two dry days together, which has meant the milking cows have been fully housed all week.

With no fine outlook in the weather forecast, it seems we will have to resort to using all the old tricks of extra strip fences and back-fencing cows to ensure we get a couple of hours grazing every day.