Farming Columns

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#Farming Columns

The latest opinion and analysis from the Irish Examiner's farming section.

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Something ghastly is happening at this time of year — namely the yearly tax assessment for the self-employed, writes our Auld Lehane.</p>

farming

Denis Lehane: Yearly tax assessment for the self-employed spookier than Halloween

'How many cattle did auld Lehane have in January 2025? Sure, I can't remember how many cattle I had this morning'

<p>The real lesson from situations such as this is the importance of succession planning and making a will. A properly drafted will can avoid uncertainty, reduce the scope for family disputes and ensure a farmer’s wishes are clearly recorded. Picture: iStock</p>

farming

My father died without a will — what happens to the farm?

Managing the dairy herd this winter — nutrition plans for performance and animal health

Paula Hynes 2 (1)

Paula Hynes: Ireland could be the premium farm shop of the world

Farming

farming

Ask a solicitor: I worked the farm on a promise I would inherit it — do I have any rights?

Lighten Up: Will flying tractors be next?

Tractor spreading agricultural lime in a field seen from above

Herd Notes: Why autumn is a good time to apply lime

Lime is the foundation of all soil fertility, grass growth and livestock production, writes farm advisor Brian Reidy

Wed, 21 Oct, 2026

Paula Hynes: The Italian job — Meet the YMA team representing Ireland

Paula Hynes: The Italian job — Meet the YMA team representing Ireland

Nine years after Georgie Hynes first entered the National Dairy Show ring barely able to hang onto her calf, the 13-year-old is heading to Italy as the youngest member of Team Ireland

Tue, 20 Oct, 2026

Low angle view of male agricultural machinery mechanic standing by farm tractor

I was injured by a brand-new machine — do I have a claim?

Who is responsible when new farm machinery causes an injury? Rural solicitor Karen Walsh offers her take

Mon, 19 Oct, 2026

From wedding bells to show rings: What a world without cows would mean for us

From wedding bells to show rings: What a world without cows would mean for us

A recent documentary, 'World Without Cows', made Rachel Martin reflect on the place of cattle in societies around the world

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Paula Hynes: Bring the show ring to the cattle lines with a big screen

Paula Hynes: Bring the show ring to the cattle lines with a big screen

There were proud moments and plenty of hard work at Millstreet as Paula Hynes reflects on a memorable FBD National Dairy Show for Team Rathard

Tue, 13 Oct, 2026

The herd of Holstein cows races in the barn.

Denis Lehane: Why the National Dairy Show makes me cry

Our Denis says he was born to be a dairy farmer — if only he knew what he knows now, he writes in this week's Lighten Up

Tue, 13 Oct, 2026

Comforting hand supporting the old man

Ask a solicitor: Transferring the family farm to one child – is it fair?

Many disputes arise not because of the transfer itself, but because family members were surprised by the decision or felt they were not informed of the reasons behind it.

Mon, 05 Oct, 2026

The dry period: Where next year's calving season is won or lost

The dry period: Where next year's calving season is won or lost

The weeks before calving are the most important period in a cow's lactation cycle. Get it wrong, and the effects don't stop at calving; they follow her right through the lactation, writes Alltech Ireland's South-west InTouch Feeding Specialist Laura O'Connell.

Mon, 05 Oct, 2026

Hand of elderly.

10 Budget Proposals for the struggling, aged and love-hungry farmer

With the budget closing in faster than a hungry sow after sniffing out a bucket of slop, our Auld Lehnane has put together 10 sound budget proposals on behalf of struggling, aged and love-hungry farmers.

Mon, 05 Oct, 2026

Diesel fuel nozzle fueling farm tractor. Farming input costs, fuel price increase and emissions pollution concept.

Farm View: Trump’s fuel dilemma threatens Europe’s diesel supply

Pressure to release European diesel reserves is mounting as the US weighs export restrictions and limited refining capacity keeps prices high

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Veterinarian with syringe and bull

Ask a solicitor: My stud bull died after treatment — can I claim against the vet?

A pedigree breeder has suffered a substantial financial loss after a valuable stud bull died following veterinary treatment. Rural solicitor Karen Walsh explains what must be established before a negligence claim can be pursued

Thu, 17 Sep, 2026

Liquid nitrogen tank for bull sperm

Paula Hynes: If only genetic gain could be simplified

The world of shipping semen and embryos is far from simple, writes Cork dairy farmer Paula Hynes.

Fri, 11 Sep, 2026

View down a country barbed wire fence

Ask a solicitor: My neighbour’s cattle damaged my land – what are my rights?

Escaped cattle have repeatedly damaged a sheep farmer’s fencing, grazing land and equipment. Rural solicitor Karen explains how farmers can document their losses and seek compensation while trying to preserve good neighbourly relations

Thu, 10 Sep, 2026

Crop sprayer

Brussels must count the high cost of policing pesticide imports

Food price rises in the EU could reach 332% for coffee, 105% for soyabean meal and 85% for citrus fruit

Tue, 08 Sep, 2026

Dutch cows

Autumn feeding: Focus on the cow, not just the grass

After a difficult summer, grass growth has recovered strongly on many farms, but low dry matter levels and tight winter forage reserves mean careful feeding will be essential to protect milk yield, solids and body condition this autumn, writes Brian Reidy.

Tue, 08 Sep, 2026

Flag of the United States

Lighten Up: Will Trump head to the ploughing?

With a skilled ploughman guiding President Trump down the furrow, he will feel almost greater than an American President; he will feel like a champion Ploughman, writes our Auld Lehane.

Tue, 08 Sep, 2026

Paula Hynes: Cashel Blue on the menu at Dualla show

Paula Hynes: Cashel Blue on the menu at Dualla show

A first visit to Dualla Show in Tipp was memorable for Paula as Jersey cow Cash won two championship sashes

Mon, 07 Sep, 2026

Grand Ole Opry: OPRY 100 - The Opry Remembers Dolly Parton

Denis Lehane: Saying goodbye to Dolly and hello to the lolly

A group of Irish cattle drovers travel to America to pay their respects to Dolly Parton in this week's Lighten Up

Mon, 07 Sep, 2026

Kay O’Sullivan: Diverse silage crops perform well despite prolonged drought

Kay O’Sullivan: Diverse silage crops perform well despite prolonged drought

Despite the prolonged drought restricting grass growth, Kay's red clover and multi-species crops have performed well, while five organic cattle finished from a grass-based diet at just 16 to 17 months

Mon, 07 Sep, 2026

Woman signing Last Will and Testament at wooden table, closeup

Ask a solicitor: Can I leave my farm to four siblings and exclude one?

Rural solicitor Alex explains whether an estranged family member can be excluded from inheritance and why a properly drafted will is essential.

Thu, 03 Sep, 2026

The sunshine meter was topped up for Iniscarra Show

The sunshine meter was topped up for Iniscarra Show

Between awards, agricultural shows and the welcome return of rain, there has been plenty to celebrate as another busy autumn-calving season approaches.

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Tall corn stalks stretch towards a clear blue sky, thriving in fertile soil. The sun shines brightly, highlighting the vibrant g

Maize silage: Keep a close eye on crop maturity

Brian Reidy reports significant variation in the maize crops he has walked this week

Tue, 01 Sep, 2026

Mark Zuckerberg at G8 in Deauville, France

Auld Lehane's sound farm advice for Zuckerberg

I don't want Mark Zuckerberg coming to me after twelve months saying that the bullocks I encouraged him to buy didn't leave him a bob, writes our Auld Lehane in this week's Lighten Up.

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

Darren Allen: Direct drilling delivers as wheat margins come under pressure

Darren Allen: Direct drilling delivers as wheat margins come under pressure

Cork tillage farmer Darren Allen reflects on an exceptionally early harvest and reveals what his on-farm trials taught him about establishment systems, fungicide use and the increasingly precarious margins from winter wheat.

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

Beautiful patchwork fields and bogland in Roscommon, Ireland.

Buying a farm: What should you look out for?

Rural solicitor Jane Bourke explains why careful legal checks are essential, even when the buyer knows the land and seller well

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

Cows

Brian Reidy: Autumn 2026's fodder challenges still need to be addressed

The rain this week, while welcome, will eventually grow September grass and, unfortunately, I have never known September grass to be of great feed value, writes independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Behind the scenes with the Baileys Champion Dairy Cow

Behind the scenes with the Baileys Champion Dairy Cow

Farming Examiner columnist Paula Hynes had the pleasure of visiting Hillholm Holsteins early on the Sunday morning before Ann left for Virginia to compete at the 2026 Baileys.

Tue, 25 Aug, 2026

Lighten up! Denis Lehane and Cónal Creedon take centre stage at Macroom mart

Lighten up! — Auld Lehane’s 21 years of Farming fun

21 years of "bluffing away" has only been a mere flash in the pan for our Auld Lehane, writes Denis in this week's Lighten Up.

Tue, 25 Aug, 2026

FRANCE-AGRICULTURE-WEATHER-HEAT WAVE-ENVIRONMENT-CROP-SUNFLOWER

Stephen Cadogan: Did Brussels back the wrong climate battle?

Europe’s brutal summer is forcing an uncomfortable question in Brussels: has too much been spent trying to slow climate change, and too little preparing farmers and economies for its effects?

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

Paula Hynes: From parched paddocks to the final shows of summer

Paula Hynes: From parched paddocks to the final shows of summer

The dry weather is putting farmers under immense pressure, with the extra workload every day of feeding what is realistically a winter diet, writes Aherla dairy farmer and Irish Examiner columnist Paula Hynes

Mon, 17 Aug, 2026

Radio Tower in Queensland

Lighten Up: Should RTÉ Cork move to the country?

Mick Dundee got on fine in New York, and RTÉ will get on fine here in Kilmichael too, once they get used of the dark... and the people, writes our auld Lehane.

Mon, 17 Aug, 2026

Abandoned Cottage

Ask a solicitor: Does my old farmhouse qualify for the Property Refurbishment Grant?

From an eligibility perspective, the fact that a property is located on a farm does not prevent it from qualifying for the Property Refurbishment Grant - what matters are the criteria set out under the scheme, writes rural solicitor Deirdre Rafferty.

Fri, 14 Aug, 2026

Black plastic wrap cover for cereal bales

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

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

Thu, 13 Aug, 2026

Herd of young calves drinking water

Managing heat stress: Why buffer feeding and grass management matter this summer

Maintaining dry matter intake is one of the biggest challenges during periods of heat stress

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

Ann owns the show ring at Tullamore

Ann owns the show ring at Tullamore

The care and attention she receives simply makes her a champion, and everyone on the crew loved working with the cow.

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

General Affidavit Document

Ask a solicitor: What should I do when a right of residence remains on the title?

This situation arises quite frequently, particularly where land has been passed down through generations with provisions made for parents or other family members.

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

Tattooed caucasian barman pouring beer while standing in pub.

Lighten Up: Brewery doors must be swung open to deal with the summer thirst

With the fine weather showing no signs of letting up, and with drinking water only available to thirsty cows and infants, something proactive has to be done, writes our Auld Lehane.

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

Silage being prepared in a round bale wrapper

Brian Reidy: Why bale silage goes mouldy — and how to prevent it

Poor fermentation, damaged plastic and crop contamination can all contribute to mould and waste in bale silage. Brian Reidy outlines the main causes and practical steps farmers can take to reduce losses.

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Paula Hynes: Different dairy systems deserve understanding — not criticism

Paula Hynes: Different dairy systems deserve understanding — not criticism

Grass growth has slowed dramatically and, with no rain in sight , it looks as if paddocks will start to burn up

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Staying connected on the farm via mobile network

Ask a solicitor: Getting a farm transfer right from the start

Before progressing, it is equally important to ensure that your own security is protected. Transferring a farm often involves disposing of your most valuable asset, and appropriate safeguards should be put in place, writes rural solicitor Deirdre Rafferty.

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

pouring martinis

Lighten Up: Teagasc survey makes us cattle farmers look like playboys!

The Teagasc report has had our Auld Lehane bamboozled all week with its talk of a tremendous rise in profits out of beef farming.

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Weekly supermarket shopping

Britain's grocery squeeze is tightening on Irish food exports

In 2025, the UK remained Ireland’s largest single export destination, with export values rising by 14% to €6.7bn, representing 35% of Irish food and drink exports

Wed, 15 Jul, 2026