The October Budget is looming, and speculation is turning naturally to the intentions of Ministers Noonan and Donohoe.

We’re well into the second half of 2015 and while we’re not expecting anything like a repeat of the annus horribilis that was 2009 it must be said 2015 will not be a vintage year for Irish farming — notwithstanding the fact that it saw the end of milk quotas and the attendant optimism.