Irish Farmers Journal

1 day ago | farmersjournal.ie | Matt Dempsey

After three days in Brussels at the beginning of April, it is clear that agricultural Europe is facing a range of major issues. The Friends of the Countryside, together with the European Landowners Organisation, held its annual conference with well over 1,000 people attending. The days before and after were devoted to excellent technical seminars on soil health and biodiversity, especially pollinators and bees and wondering how preserving and enhancing nature by farmers might be sensibly paid for.

1 day ago | farmersjournal.ie | Tommy Moyles

After a few weeks of ascending, it appears the hand brake has been pulled on calf prices. Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) calf price data from marts for the past week has shown prices for the main breeds on offer ease somewhat compared to the week before. For the most part, the differences are marginal and an increase in supply may have played its part in keeping trade relatively balanced.

1 day ago | farmersjournal.ie | Tommy Moyles

Angus- and Hereford-crosses made up the most of what was on offer at the calf sale in Templemore Mart for their weekly calf sale on Thursday last. For those from Friesian dams, prices generally ranged from €260 to €400. Prices didn’t stop there for either of the traditional beef breed crosses with Angus-crosses making up to €500 and Hereford-crosses a small bit behind with a top of €475. Lighter calves or those from herds with Jersey genetics tended to sell from €135 to €220.

1 day ago | farmersjournal.ie | Colm McCarthy

A timely report just released by the Irish Academy of Engineering (IAE) fills a gap left by official agencies, notably the Department of Environment, in formulating a coherent policy about energy security. Growing electricity demand, driven by population growth, the spread of data centres and rising demand for electric cars has resulted, for the first time, in reliance on substantial net imports of electricity over interconnectors from the UK.

1 day ago | farmersjournal.ie | Matt Dempsey

Ifac, the farm accountants, has recently held a number of discussions with its Washington-based counterpart on how US farming is going and the likely effects of the Trump tariffs and the Chinese retaliations. The sessions made for fascinating listening, especially for us in Ireland who are so dependent on world markets. The last time Donald Trump was US president, there was also damage done to US agriculture.