Best practice in rearing calves will be the topic of ten advice events this month, organised by Teagasc and Animal Health Ireland, in conjunction with the Aurivo, Dairygold, Glanbia and Lakeland Dairies co-ops, and supported by Volac.

More than one million calves will be born on Irish dairy farms before the end of April, with resulting challenges for farmers to ensure that the animals thrive.

The Ploughing Championships for 2014 have come and gone, setting yet another record, with attendance of more than 124,000 on Wednesday.

Winners of gold and bronze last July at the World Ploughing Contest in Canada, John Whelan (Wexford), and Eamon Tracey, (Carlow) were dominant in their respective classes at Ratheniska, Co Laois, securing their places on the team for the world contest in Bordeaux, France, next year.