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FARMING - AGRIBUSINESS and TECH

A collection of the latest news, views and analysis from the farming desk on the topic of Agribusiness and technology.

<p>Specialised contractors will survey the affected area along sections of the Toem, Cappawhite and Cahernahallia tributaries of the upper Mulkear/Dead River catchment in the Cappawhite area and plan treatment. </p>

farming

Local authority restarts giant hogweed control programme in Tipperary

Farming advisers will contact farmers in affected areas to assist them in applying for funding to support the implementation of additional measures

<p>Domestic milk intake by milk processors and co-ops was estimated at 815.7 million litres in March 2026, a decrease of 6.1 million litres (0.7%) when compared with March 2025 but up 58.6 million litres (7.7%) when compared with the same month in 2024. File photo</p>

farming

Domestic milk intake up over 20 million litres in the first quarter of 2026

<p>New radar technology will use 'wingbeat signatures' to identify pollinator species.</p>

farming

New radar technology could be critical for tracking pollinators

AMINAM HEALTH BLUETONGUE DISEASE SHEEP

farming

Vets urge farmers to vaccinate herds against bluetongue as high-risk summer for spread of virus nears

Close-up of Young Farmer Refueling a Tractor With a Gas Pump in the Countryside During Daytime

farming

Fuel income support scheme now open for farmers, agricultural, and forestry contractors

Tractor spreading manure

farming

Dutch offer a vision of the future for Irish farmers

Brian Reidy

Hazell Mullins, Vet on the Moove

Kieran Coughlan, Farm Finance

Paula Hynes, Hoofing It

Factory Packing

Beef finishers reel from mounting losses as factory prices hold steady

The base quote for steers at the processing plants continues at 660c/kg. A year ago it was 792c/kg for R=3= steers inclusive of bonus/penalties as applicable

Tue, 05 May, 2026

Combine Harvester in Barley Field during Harvest

Winter varieties drive cereal production up 15% in 2025

Last year, wheat, barley and oat production increased by 15% when compared to 2024 figures, mainly driven by the production of winter varieties of the cereals

Tue, 05 May, 2026

An aerial view of the rural landscape around Dublin Airport , Ireland, showing a patchwork of green fields divided by hedgerows

Monitoring system to be used for late meadow bonus payment under ACRES

The Department of Agriculture is advising farmers the Area Monitoring System will be used to ascertain eligibility for late meadow bonuses under ACRES

Tue, 05 May, 2026

Close up of calves on animal farm eating food. Meat industry concept.

Department of Agriculture announces €37.5m funding for agri-food, forest and bioeconomy research

Feed additives in beef systems, AI disease surveillance and sustainable biorefinery approaches among 30 projects to receive funding

Tue, 05 May, 2026

Dairy production needs sees gas demand in agri-food sector jump 39%

Dairy production needs sees gas demand in agri-food sector jump 39%

Gas use in Ireland's agri-food sector jumped 39%, driven by the demands of the spring dairy sector, according to Gas Networks Ireland. Overall gas demand increased 1% month-on-month in March but was 4% lower than in March 2025.

Tue, 05 May, 2026

New forestry minister needs to be top priority, says forest owners

New forestry minister needs to be top priority, says forest owners

The Irish Forestry Owners group have called on the government to appoint a new forestry minister to avoid another year of afforestation targets not being reached

Mon, 04 May, 2026

Fertilizer agriculture

Teagasc reissue nutrient and fertiliser fact sheets

The fact sheets cover soil testing, lime application, organic manures, clover, Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) fertiliser advice and protected urea

Mon, 04 May, 2026

Carbery Group revenue increased by 8% in 2025

Carbery Group revenue increased by 8% in 2025

The group, headquartered in West Cork, reports revenue growth, continued investment in the business, and ongoing support for farmer shareholders

Mon, 04 May, 2026

Farm plastics group agrees to waste scheme changes

Farm plastics group agrees to waste scheme changes

The IFFPG, which operates the national farm plastics recycling scheme, has agreed to implement changes to improve transparency, promote competition and improve farmers' choice

Thu, 30 Apr, 2026

Cattle market

ICOS raises 'discriminatory' VAT anomaly affecting marts and farmers

The decision to cut the flat-rate farmers VAT top-up from 5.1% to 4.5% came into effect at the start of this year

Thu, 30 Apr, 2026

landscape of ireland seen from the sky, wild nature

Deadlines approaching for BISS and ACRES applications

Both BISS and the Co-operation Approach of the ACRES applications have deadlines in May.

Wed, 29 Apr, 2026

Refuelling The Agricultural Tractor on His Farm

Application window for €100m fuel scheme supports will open in May

Farmers can apply for the fuel support scheme as early as next week, with payments currently scheduled to be distributed by the end of June

Wed, 29 Apr, 2026

Cows Feeding

Finishers hit by losses as break-even beef price reaches €8.22/kg

The variable costs and the fixed costs associated with calf-to-beef systems, where the plan is to kill these animals at two years old, is currently around €1,400

Wed, 29 Apr, 2026

EU flag in front of Berlaymont building facade

CAP 'is collapsing under contradictions', says ICMSA

ICMSA says 'substantially reduced budget' contradicts commission's pledge to ensure sustainable future for EU agriculture

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

Fuel and agriculture machines.

Ifac urges farmers to start preparing now for fuel support scheme

The measures include a new €100m Agricultural Fuel Subsidy Scheme, alongside temporary excise reductions and the deferral of the planned carbon tax increase

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

Cattle carcass weights increasing in Newford demonstration farm, report finds

Cattle carcass weights increasing in Newford demonstration farm, report finds

Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm has credited steady carcass weight increases in its cattle thanks to genetic and grass management and overall efficiency

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

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

Factory returns fall by up to €200/head since January

The beef price pattern year-to-date has shattered the predictions of a strong price being delivered on the back of tighter supply

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

Sheep in pens at Winslow Primestock Show, Buckinghamshire

Spring lamb trade hits €10/kg as hogget doubts emerge

Hoggets continue to supply by far the greater share of factory requirements, which has sustained the price

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

Children's book highlights 'the most misunderstood tree in Ireland', bodies claim

Children's book highlights 'the most misunderstood tree in Ireland', bodies claim

The promoters say Sitka spruce helps Ireland produce its own timber for housing, fencing, packaging, energy and other daily needs

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

Farmers need an on-site consultant for new fertiliser rules, former Fianna Fáil TD says

Farmers need an on-site consultant for new fertiliser rules, former Fianna Fáil TD says

The chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture said something must change, so that on January 1 farmers will know exactly what they can do for that year

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

A peasant when silage smells a handful of grass

Cutting corners on silage a false economy in high-cost year

Farmers might question whether to allow crops to bulk up to increase yield per acre, or to cut earlier and prioritise quality over tonnage. This is a critical decision point, writes Alltech Ireland's Thomas O'Sullivan

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

Close-up of Young Farmer Refueling a Tractor With a Gas Pump in the Countryside During Daytime

Kieran Coughlan: Contractor eligibility is unclear under new fuel subsidy scheme

The Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme will provide €20 million per month in supports, with funding directly linked to fuel usage last year to ensure those most impacted by the fuel price increase receive the greatest assistance, writes rural tax advisor Kieran Coughlan

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

Irish stakeholders invited to shape EU Parliament generational renewal report

Irish stakeholders invited to shape EU Parliament generational renewal report

MEP Maria Walsh calls for young farmers and representing organisations to have their say in EU Parliament report on generational renewal

Mon, 27 Apr, 2026

Minister appoints new chairperson to Irish National Stud board

Minister appoints new chairperson to Irish National Stud board

David Mongey is the current chairman of Punchestown Racecourse

Mon, 27 Apr, 2026

Tirlán sales up 10% as milk supply surges

Tirlán sales up 10% as milk supply surges

Co-op paid €1.8bn to farmer suppliers as it reports strong financial performance last year

Wed, 22 Apr, 2026

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