A PROPOSED €343m buyout of the Irish interests of Glanbia plc, its largest shareholder, by Glanbia Co-operative Society was narrowly rejected at a special general meeting yesterday.

Glanbia members today voted down a proposal to acquire the multinational food group's Irish Dairy and Agri businesses and turn it into a farmer-owned co-operative.

THE outcome of the first vote by Glanbia Co-op shareholders on the proposed €343 million buyout of the Irish interests of Glanbia plc is expected to be close.

A GENERAL guide for the first-time horse and pony owner has been compiled by the Teagasc Equine Advisory Team.

THE fact that there were 10 fatalities so far this year in farm-related accidents highlighted the need for greater vigilance on farms around the country, according to the chairman of the judges at the inaugural Agricultural Colleges Fasinex Dosing Competition which was held at Kildalton College, Co Kilkenny.

AN incredible length of 4,470km of new native Irish hedgerows will be planted on 14,900 farms in every parish in Ireland, in the next few years, under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

THREE key issues facing dairy farmers — winter feeding, milk quotas and compliance with the nitrates directive — will be discussed at a farming forum organised by the Irish Examiner during the National Dairy Show at Green Glens in Millstreet tomorrow.

A NATIONAL campaign has been launched by Bord Bia to entice more farmers to join its quality beef assurance scheme.

RURAL people were up at the crack of dawn yesterday, which was apt for the Summer Solstice.

FARMERS have been urged by Teagasc to make the most of their mobile phones. Dr Tom Kelly, programme manager, Teagasc Farm Management and Technology Services, said the use of mobile phones by farmers was a positive development.