The number of farm visits must be kept to an absolute minimum with only essential services being allowed access for the foreseeable future because of the virus crisis.

Minister Creed said the sector will play its part in the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient economy and society of the future, while also taking advantage of the opportunities this challenge presents.

The European Commission's president-elect, Ursula von der Leyen, announced Mr Hogan's new role in a speech this morning.

A two-tier milk price system is now at play, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association claimed today.

The €100m Brexit Fund must be distributed to all farmers who incurred losses in beef production, farm leaders told Agriculture Minister Michael Creed at a consultation meeting.

The decision of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to nominate Phil Hogan for a second term as a European Commissioner has led to farm leaders pointing out the importance of having an Irish voice at the centre of decision making in Brussels.

The €100m Beef Brexit Fund must be distributed to all farmers who incurred losses in beef production, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has insisted.

The farm lobby has gone on high alert amid rising fears that the European Union could reach a deal with the Mercosur group of South American countries in the coming months.

The €100 milion Brexit beef package must be targeted to those who need it most – the farmers who have incurred beef price losses.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has said the imposition of tariffs as outlined by UK proposals in a no-deal Brexit would put Irish farmers in a “vulnerable position”, threatening the Irish beef sector and seriously damaging the country’s agri-food exports.

Ali, the boxer, said he “floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee”.

The Agriculture Minister has been accused by farm organisations of failing to grasp the enormity of the fodder crisis, and they warn that immediate supports are needed to stave off another emergency.

Planners have questioned the validity of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 plan, saying while its promises are welcome, it appears to be focussed on politics instead of focussed on reforms.

It was a one-day event, with lifelong consequences for the families of its three victims, and ongoing ramifications for households, schools, transport, businesses, the health service, forestry, and farming.

It was a day for disposable ponchos, colourful brollies, designer wellies, and hoodies galore as rain lashed the National Ploughing Championships at Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly, yesterday.

An opinion poll finding that just 42% of farmers have a private pension scheme is linked to the volatility of the sector and needs to be tackled by Government, according to one of the country’s largest farming organisations.

The threat posed by Brexit is driving the view that Ireland needs a specific ministry to deal with it, says the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA).

A major push to win new business with Mexico, Korea, Canada, and Japan is to be made as part of the Government’s Brexit-proofing efforts.

There have been calls for government intervention over fears that a growing number of farms could come under threat of repossession due to the loans linked to them being bought by so-called vulture funds.

A well-organised and determined campaign, set against the background of a presidential election, helped farmers secure a fairer price for their milk 50 years ago, writes Ray Ryan

The uncertainty over potential trade deals after Britain’s decision to leave the European Union could have long-term negative impacts for farmers, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has warned.

The EU agricultural aid package announced, this week, in Brussels by Commissioner Phil Hogan must support farm incomes, leaders of the Irish Farmers Association and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association have insisted.

Ray Ryan reports on industry-wide views that a British exit from the EU would have significant negative impacts on Ireland’s agri-food sector.

Farm leaders have called on Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar to make changes in the Farm Assist scheme to protect low income families.

Ireland is ready for a gay taoiseach, according to an Irish Examiner/ICMSA national opinion poll of farmers.

Tentative expressions of optimism notwithstanding, the year has been very challenging, writes ICMSA President John Comer