IFA Farm Business Skillnet anticipates strong interest from discussion groups, purchasing groups and other farmer groups for its range of subsidised courses.

Thomas Mackle finished with three record bowls at Shannonvale on Sunday to win the Noel Phair Cup final from Edmond Sexton and Gary Daly.

Irish riders failed to make an impression in Saturday’s $372,000 World Cup grand prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, but Darragh Kenny and Conor Swail scored a couple of consolation prizes in the run-up.

IFEST, the first major celebration of Irish culture and food was held in Boston recently. 

A woman forged and cashed cheques from a business she owned with her partner to pay gambling debts, even though the account did not have sufficient funds.

From the economic point of view is Ireland’s land policy delivering optimal economic performance?

FARM groups have told Glanbia that the punishment does not fit the crime for suppliers who fail to comply with limits set under its new seasonality scheme.

FARM advisory body Teagasc has further rationalised its Knowledge Transfer Directorate.

Travellers and their supporters today walked out of the UK’s largest illegal site, ending a two-day stand off against bailiffs and police.

FARM plastic recycling takes another step forward at next week’s National Ploughing Championships, with a Northern Ireland based company offering farmer a deal whereby big bale wrap plastic can be leased, and returned for recycling after the silage is eaten.

FARM groups have said a new obligation to seek planning permission before reclaiming land runs counter to Ireland’s reputation for environmental excellence, and could slow down succession on the family farm.

FARM co-ops will be easier to set up and will enjoy more relevant financial reporting obligations thanks to legislation to be promoted by Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton.

A FARM at Curragh More, Mitchelstown is a new market entrant with John Paul Sheehan of Lisney, who’s selling the 29-acre holding on the border between Cork and Tipperary by auction next month.

FARM groups in the North and in the Republic have met to examine aspects of Europe’s new dairy package which could mitigate against net exporters like Ireland.

FARM groups have welcomed the fact that spring 2011 cattle breeding will not be affected by an IBR outbreak among bulls housed at three National Cattle Breeding Centre (NBCB) accommodation centres.

FARM groups yesterday criticised the double standards with which the EU Commission treats foods produced inside and outside the EU.

A FARM at Castlelack, Bandon, Co Cork, is generating interest, and auctioneer Jim O’Brien expects a sale sooner rather than later.

FARM groups have welcomed the release of two new farm support schemes — the €53m Dairy Equipment and the Rainwater Harvesting Scheme and the support for Private Storage for the Pigmeat Sector.

FARM groups issued muted welcomes this week for the sheep grassland payments worth up to €2,100 which were finally issued this week by the Department of Agriculture.

FARM incomes are in a very poor state, in stark contrast with the Government’s high export growth ambitions for the sector, Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness stated at an economic conference in Navan yesterday.

A FARM for sale at Kilcolman, Kinsale, may be a good test of the new year market in this tillage farming area — especially after neighbouring land made strong prices in 2010.

FARM groups and industry leaders are urging Seanad members to reject the Climate Change Response Bill, due to be tabled for a second stage vote next Thursday.

FARM groups have reacted positively to CSO figures showing a 46% rise in 2010 farm incomes versus 2009, but say these figures ignore soaring energy costs.

FARM groups have reacted favourably to many aspects of the budget, notably the decision to maintain funding for core farming supports such as the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, REPS, suckler cow welfare and forestry schemes.

FARM and business groups are conducting a feasibility study into a €400m twin-track sugar and ethanol plant, with the midlands as the most likely location.

FARM groups welcomed the progress unveiled yesterday by the Government in its nitrates negotiations with the EU Commission.

FARM leaders representing the beef and livestock sector in Ireland, Spain, France and Italy have warned that producers can’t continue with cattle prices below the cost of production.

FIFTEEN people have died as a result of accidents on farms so far this year compared with 11 for the whole of 2009.

FARM leaders, north and south, have pledged to work together to oppose trade talks that have re-opened between the European Union and the Mercosur group of South American countries.

FARM leaders have stepped up their demands on the European Commission not to release dairy products from intervention stocks onto the market until later in the year at least.

FARM income is expected to improve this year, following a 30% drop in 2009, Teagasc economists predicted yesterday.

FARM land prices have hit bottom and are on the way up, says auctioneer, Maurice Cohalan of Cohalan Downing and Associates, following the successful sale of 24 acres at Garranes, Carrigtwohill last week.

TWO companies operating eye laser surgery clinics in Dublin and Cork have been placed under the protection of the High Court after it was told they have a reasonable prospect of survival.

FARM families could be hardest hit by the new Nursing Home Support Scheme because there is no cap on the non-cash assets of people seeking a nursing home bed, an Oireachtas committee heard yesterday.

A FARM which has a bit of everything — from top quality paddocks to low-lying fields in need of drainage, is new to the market at Cloocugger, Caheragh, Skibbereen.

FARM families have been reminded by Macra na Feirme president Catherine Buckley to remain vigilant when it comes to farm safety over the holiday period.

FARM incomes could be further eroded if co-ops and other food processors have to pay higher wages to employees, without savings being made elsewhere, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has warned.