Farming - Beef and Sheep

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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>(Left to right): Mr Dale Crammond (ASA president) and Dr Michael Berkery (chairperson of the FBD Trust) at the launch of this year's Agricultural Science Association (ASA) annual conference.</p>

farming

Agricultural Science Association conference to debate the next generation of farmers

This year's annual conference will focus on generational renewal, water quality, climate and Ireland's strengths as a food-producing nation

<p>With drought eating into winter fodder stocks, now is the time to do the sums and plan how to bridge any feed deficit, writes ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy</p>

farming

Brian Reidy: Don’t bank on autumn grass to solve winter fodder shortfall

<p>Sebana Moynagh 'always wanted a herd of pedigree Charolais cows'. Picture: Irish Grassland Association</p>

farming

One woman, 90 cows: Running the Breffni Charolais herd

Irish farmers asked to be vigilant as UK Bluetongue cases rise

farming

Irish farmers asked to be vigilant as UK Bluetongue cases rise

Silage Clamp

farming

Herd owners urged to tally fodder needs

Vaccinations are the insurance policy for weanlings

farming

Vaccinations are the insurance policy for weanlings

Brian Reidy

Denis Lehane, Lighten Up

Kieran Coughlan, Farm Finance

Paula Hynes, Hoofing It

calves in the field

Disconnected drinking water resulted in 14 cattle dying last month

The incident occurred on a Coolmore-owned farm and was immediately reported to the Department of Agriculture on July 28

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

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

Beef processing rationalisation may be ‘inevitable’ as supplies continue to decline

Cow prices are holding steady this week in general, with the heavier, well-fleshed cows in good demand

Wed, 12 Aug, 2026

Signpost: Drought forces tough calls as grass growth grinds to a halt

Signpost: Drought forces tough calls as grass growth grinds to a halt

With grass covers disappearing after weeks without significant rain, Denis Hickey is prioritising calves, feeding silage and preparing to sell some heifers to ease pressure on the grazing platform.

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

Sheep pen

Processors price lambs day by day as market nervousness grows

The market demand and stronger supply have combined to put pressure on the prices being returned both at the factories and some of the live sales

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

A field full of ears of grain, wheat, barley, or rye being harvested by a combine harvester. Harvest time.

Brian Reidy: Quality feed on your doorstep

Advice, services and products don’t have to come from hundreds or thousands of miles away to be better. In many cases, what you should be using on-farm is next door, writes ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

Mon, 10 Aug, 2026

Minister launches gender-inclusive communications guide

Minister launches gender-inclusive communications guide

The CSO Farm Structure Survey 2023 showed women account for 13.2% of the 133,174 farm holders in Ireland

Mon, 10 Aug, 2026

Herd of white sheep with black head on the road.

Sheep grazing in upland areas could help offset wildfire threat

IFA have said farmers need to be encouraged to continue sheep farming and sheep grazing in mountainous areas, which could reduce the threat of wildfires

Thu, 06 Aug, 2026

Teagasc launches new TB farmer and vet supports

Teagasc launches new TB farmer and vet supports

Following a year-long study, Tegaasc has launched new farmer and vet supports to help manage breakdowns in cattle herds through practical training and demonstration videos

Wed, 05 Aug, 2026

LAND ASSECHEE LOT ET GARONNE

Feed reserves and animal welfare concerns raised as drought conditions continue

Concerns have been raised surrounding embryonic death during the vital breeding season and utilising winter feed reserves due to heat pressures as a result of the current drought

Wed, 05 Aug, 2026

Brittany Ferries to cease live animal exports

Brittany Ferries to cease live animal exports

This leaves Irish Ferries as the only company offering live export services

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

Named breeds and bonuses secure future for Irish beef farmers

Named breeds and bonuses secure future for Irish beef farmers

The vote of confidence by these groups defies the falling beef sales in the UK and in the EU

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

Locked gate

TAMS grants can help with cost of some security measures

Some farm safety measures under TAMS could double up and benefit farm security putting off opportunistic thieves, explains ICMSA Farm Business Committee chair Pat O'Brien

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Cattle Market

Cattle prices the main driver to 12% increase in 2025 agricultural output

CSO final estimates for 2025 found that cattle were the main drivers of agricultural output and fertiliser costs rose by 9% compared to the previous year

Sun, 02 Aug, 2026

Meat industry,meats hanging in the cold store. Cattles cut and hanged on hook in a slaughterhouse. Halal cutting.

Ireland's UK beef trade at risk as 80,000 tonnes of Brazilian beef seek new home

Ireland sends nearly half its beef to the UK. A looming EU ban on Brazilian imports could see that lucrative market flooded with cheaper product

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

Budget calculation

Farming organisations call for unused fuel support to remain in the sector

IFA and ICOS have urged the Government to redirect unclaimed farmer fuel supports back to other areas of the sector

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

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

Total Teagasc income amounted to €248m in 2025

The Tegaasc Annual Report noted a total income of €248m, the sale of land and buildings in Dublin for €1.6m, and the pressure on the Irish mushroom industry with only one available fungicide

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

A herd of black Angus cows stands alert in a lush green field under a sunny sky, staring curiously at the camera

Beef Report: Factory intake rises on higher prices and grass scarcity

The processors' approach this week is to begin a clawback of the ground on prices which they conceded earlier in the month to secure supplies

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Brian Reidy: Autumn Sucklers Calving on the horizon

Brian Reidy: Autumn Sucklers Calving on the horizon

I have all of my September calvers weaned at this stage and will soon wean the October calvers

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Macra launches 60th National Autumn rally in Limerick

Macra launches 60th National Autumn rally in Limerick

Macra launches the 2026 Autumn Rally which will be hosted in Limerick this year with a packed programme of events scheduled for the weekend.

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Counting Money Hands Holding Euro Bills, Examining the Value of Cash and Currency Assets

Macra calls for unspent farmer supports to be reinvested into agriculture

Macra has called for the government not to redirect unspent farmer supports but instead invest it back into food production and over subscribed agricultural schemes.

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

EESC president hosts EU commissioner on Offaly farm

EESC president hosts EU commissioner on Offaly farm

Séamus Boland showcased to Jessika Roswall how environmental stewardship and productive farming can work hand in hand

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Teagasc announce national conference celebrating women in agriculture

Teagasc announce national conference celebrating women in agriculture

The conference in October to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer will promote women's contribution to agriculture and explore future opportunities

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Cork's Southern Milling announced as newest patron of Agri Aware

Cork's Southern Milling announced as newest patron of Agri Aware

The specialist milling company joins more than 70 Agri Aware patrons

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

A group of sheep and lambs standing in a field on sunny day

Three organic lamb finishing events to take place in August

The events will be split between Mayo, Kerry and Carlow to explore the opportunities and challenges of organic lamb production

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Sign on a field gate warning people not to enter farmland due to danger to life from livestock, and risk of bio-security breech.

Free farm safety training programme open for applications

Farm Relief Services has opened applications for free farm safety training for all ages, highlighting the hazards associated with machinery, livestock and slurry

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

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