THE country’s €2.5 billion livestock industry will be brought to a halt if a case of bluetongue virus is confirmed here, Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan disclosed at the National Ploughing Championships at Annaharvey, Tullamore, Co Offaly, yesterday.

NOTHING like it had been seen at The Ploughing since a pair of lively cattle, of the male and female species, exchanged knowing glances across a grassy knoll at Crecora, Co Limerick, back in 1991.

President Mary McAleese will today open one of the biggest agricultural shows in Europe.

IRISH householders are spending less on food than ever before, it was revealed yesterday.

THE impact of rising feed costs on farming will be discussed at a seminar which the Irish Examiner will stage at the national ploughing championships at Annaharvey, Tullamore, Co Offaly, on Thursday next.

THE site for next week’s 76th national ploughing championships in Tullamore, Co Offaly, was buzzing with activity yesterday as exhibitors set up their stands and marquees.

NEXT month’s National Ploughing Championships will stage Ireland’s only full livestock exhibition in 2007, after Sunday’s Tullamore Show and AIB National Livestock Show was cancelled due to floods.

TOP eventer Sue Shortt says compatriot Steven Smith has the credentials to win the World Cup qualifier at this weekend’s Irish Horse Board Ballindenisk International Horse Trials.

THE squad charged with carrying the Irish flag in next week’s European Eventing Championships in Punchestown was named this week following a final outing in Annaharvey.