News
FBIS-C application deadline extended
The Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced that the deadline for Tier 2 Tranche 2 Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital (FBIS-C) applications has been extended. The new deadline is at 4:00 p.m. on 20 May. According to the department only those farm businesses which submitted an expression of interest will be eligible to submit a full application for Tier 2 tranche 2 by the revised…
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ICMSA raises concerns about farmland ownership 
Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) president Pat McCormack says farmland ownership should not be used as a tax shelter. This comes after former attorney general and tánaiste Michael McDowell said that the “super-wealthy” were building portfolios of tens of thousands of acres of agricultural land “simply as long-term stores of value”. According to McDowell, the phenomenon appears to be “reversing” what was a key national aim and social policy…
LSL Select Price Report – Cattle Mart 28/04/2022
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LSL Select Price Report – Cattle Mart 19/04/2022
Tuesday’s selected Cattle Mart Price Report: Copyright LSL Auctions. CW 500-600KG Avg Price/KgAAX 2.43/kgLMX 2.53/kgSAX 2.43/kgSAX,AAX 2.43/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:CW, 550kg 2.82/kg 1550.00LMX,SIX, 540kg 2.74/kg 1480.00HEX,LMX, 550kg 2.65/kg 1460.00SAX,AAX, 570kg 2.47/kg 1410.00SAX,AAX, 595kg 2.39/kg 1420.00LMX, 590kg 2.20/kg 1300.00 CW 600-700KG Avg Price/KgBBX 2.39/kgBBX,LMX 2.39/kgHEX 1.91/kgLMX 2.23/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:BBX,LMX, 600kg 2.4/kg 1440.00BBX,LMX, 665kg 2.38/kg 1580.00SAX,AAX, 605kg 2.33/kg 1410.00CHX, 630kg 2.17/kg 1370.00LMX,HEX, 630kg 2.10/kg 1320.00LMX, 655kg 2.05/kg 1340.00 CW 700-800KG Avg Price/KgBBX 2.00/kgLMX…
LSL Select Price Report – Sheep Mart – 21/02/2023
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LSL Select Price Report – Sheep Mart 19/04/2022
Tuesday’s selected Sheep Mart Price Report: Copyright LSL Auctions. LB 30-40KG Avg Price/Kg2.96/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:, 38kg 3.64/kg 139.00, 34kg 3.38/kg 115.00, 32kg 3.38/kg 107.00, 35kg 3.23/kg 113.00, 32kg 2.81/kg 91.00, 38kg 2.74/kg 104.00 LB 40-50KG Avg Price/Kg3.20/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:, 44kg 3.75/kg 165.00, 42kg 3.64/kg 152.00, 45kg 3.62/kg 164.00, 46kg 3.58/kg 165.00, 48kg 3.43/kg 166.00, 49kg 3.40/kg 168.00 LB 50-60KG Avg Price/Kg3.09/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:, 52kg 3.21/kg 167.00, 52kg 3.20/kg 167.00, 50kg…
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11% increase in UK sheep kill figures for March 
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) says that there has been an increase of 11% in UK sheep kill figures during March, with the figure just over one million head. According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the increase in throughput is due to the fact that there were fewer sheep available due to Brexit. AHDB senior analyst, Rebecca Wright says the key theme so far…
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Europe records an increase in tractor sales for 2021
CEMA (European Agricultural Machinery Association) has confirmed that there was an increase in tractor sales for the period of 2021. The European umbrella organisation has released its data indicating that 230, 000 tractors were registered across Europe for 2021. Just under 30% of the vehicles were of 37kW (50hp) and under, while the remainder were 38kW and above. But the organisation cautions that no more than 180,000 were conventional tractors.…
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Coalition calls for EU to fund plant-based food sector
The European Commission has been requested to ring-fence funding for the plant-based food sector. This comes as a coalition of 63 organisations led by European Alliance for Plant-based Foods says that the €95.5 billion Horizon Europe research programme could be used to improve the taste, sustainability, affordability and health benefits of plant-based foods. The group claims that supporting the sector would assist the EU to meet its target of climate neutrality…
Lime the cheapest fertilizer in 2022
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Lime the cheapest fertilizer this year
Drystock advisor Austin Callaghan from Teagasc Claremorris explains why lime looks set to be the cheapest fertilizer for 2022. Global socio-economic instability has resulted in an additional €250 to the price of a tonne of fertiliser. In the face of current uncertainty, he expands on why it can be described as the engine oil of our soils: Soil acidity correction and lime application was always the starting point of good…
Irish heritage sites
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Focus on heritage sites on International Day for Monuments
Heritage and Climate was the theme of this year’s International Day for Monuments & Sites – with wear and tear on heritage sites placed under the spotlight.   In Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan’s view, climate change has become an “ever-increasing” threat to these longstanding landmarks. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage also released a video to celebrate International Day for Monuments & Sites. The voiceover…
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€1.5 billion to be invested in renewable energy
The Irish renewable energy sector is set to receive a boost as German energy company RWE has announced that it will invest €1.5 billion in the sector over the next eight years. The funding forms part of a wider investment of €50 billion. It’s understood that the investment will focus on Irish offshore wind as well as the development of a new pilot programme for airborne wind technology. RWE has…
Housing crisis Ireland
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Housing crisis makes it difficult for young teachers to buy a home
As the housing crisis unfolds, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) president Joe McKeown comments that no recently qualified teacher is likely to be able to afford to buy a house in most parts of Ireland. He added that, for many, even rented accommodation is out of reach. As a result, he predicts that the housing crisis will trigger a new exodus of young teachers. While it is not unusual for…
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Sheep trade market “cools” after Easter Weekend 
Sheep trade prices cooled this week, in comparison to the week before, with reports of a slight decline across the board for hoggets, cull ewes and spring lambs. However, hoggets appeared to witness steady trade throughout the week, with some mart managers calling prices back €2-3/head. Prices higher than €170/head was seen a regular trade last week for heavy types which have since declined to €168/head this week.   In…
ban of turf sale and distribution
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Talk of turf ban continues to draw criticism
The proposed ban of turf sale and distribution has resulted in much debate across Ireland. Adding his voice, Tim Farrell, ICSA’s Rural Development chair, has said there is simply no justification for making criminals of ordinary people by prohibiting the sale or distribution of turf. “While those with cutting rights will be permitted use turf for their own domestic consumption, from September of this year it will be illegal to…
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EPA allocates €11.7 million to environmental research
Environmental projects will receive a €11.7 million boost as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that it has made the funds available in order for research to be conducted in addressing climate change and other emerging environmental problems. According to EPA director general Lara Burke, the funded research is essential to improving national understanding of our environment, the challenges it faces and responses to these challenges.  Focusing on the…
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New fund launched to upgrade community centres
A €15 million fund has been launched in order to upgrade community centres. The announcement was made by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys. According to the Minister, government has divided the funding into three categories:   Small scale projects/improvements to facilities: €10,000 to €25,000Larger scale projects: €25,001 to €100,000Major projects: €100,001 to €300,000 The new fund will see community groups in both rural and urban locations in…
Cootehill Mart Machinery Auctions
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Cootehill Mart – Farm and Machinery Auction – 16/04 – 19/04
Cootehill Mart Machinery Auctions via LSL Auctions presents a Live, timed farm and machinery auction until 19 April 2022, at 11:00 am.   Lots include:   Massey Ferguson 390T 4WD Massey Furguson 390 4wd Kuhn Fertiliser Sower John deere toy tractor and a joskin tipping trailer 2000 gallon Abbey Slurry Tanker Diesel bowser Steel Diesel Tank 1350 Litres Ifor Williams 12 x 6 trailer Transit Van Citroen dispatch 1.9 diesel Lawnflight…
National Community Engagement Day Gardai
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National Community Engagement Day
Venues and times for the upcoming National Community Engagement Day will be available this week. The gathering of Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), An Garda Síochána (gardaí), and National Rural Safety Forum takes place on 27 April. The event pools together over 800 communities at 300 venues across the country. Local gardaí and community representatives will discuss safety in rural areas, crime prevention and security. Co-chair of the National Rural Safety Forum,…
forecasts for net margins on beef, suckler, sheep farms
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Farm sectors impacted differently by current cost escalation, report shows
It appears that cost escalation is not evenly affecting all farm sectors in Ireland. Following a review of Teagasc’s update to its Situation and Outlook for Irish Agriculture 2022 report, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) has noted that dairy farm incomes are estimated to be 10 to 15 times greater than those earned by cattle and sheep farmers in 2022. ICSA president Dermot Kelleher has called on…
LAMMA Show Birmingham NEC
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More than 600 exhibitors at LAMMA 2022 
LAMMA 2022 sees the return of the iconic event to the Birmingham NEC on 4 and 5 May, 2022. More than 600 exhibitors and tens of thousands of farmers from across all sectors and regions are expected to attend the showcase. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, LAMMA 2022 will allow the agricultural industry to reconnect after a difficult couple of years. Nichola Bell, Marketing Lead at Agriconnect, said “We are…
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DAFM to set-up National Fertiliser Database 
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is addressing concerns regarding rising fertiliser costs by establishing a National Fertiliser Database. DAFM has confirmed that it held its first meeting with its Stakeholder Consultative Committee this week. The committee consists of representatives from the fertiliser industry, fertiliser retailers agricultural contractors, farm organisations, Teagasc and The Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA).  This forms part of the process of introducing a National fertiliser…
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Roscommon Mart – Farm Machinery auction-16/04
Roscommon Mart via LSL Auctions brings a live and online farm machinery auction on Saturday 16 April 2022 at 11:30 am.   The Monster Easter Farm Machinery Auction, intake is scheduled for Friday 10-3, Viewing Saturday 9-11.30 , Start 11:30  See the upcoming Roscommon Mart auctions: Tuesday 19 Apr, Ring 1, Sale of Weanling Bulls, Intake 09.30 am to 1.30 pm, Viewing 2.15 pm to 3.45 pm, Start 16:00Tuesday 19…
LSL Select Price Report – Sheep Mart 15/04/2022
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LSL Select Price Report – Sheep Mart 15/04/2022
Friday’s selected Sheep Mart Price Report: Copyright LSL Auctions. LAMB 20-30KG Avg Price/KgLAMB 2.64/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:LAMB, 26kg 3.14/kg 83.00LAMB, 22kg 2.73/kg 60.00LAMB, 26kg 2.69/kg 70.00LAMB, 20kg 2/kg 40.00 LAMB 30-40KG Avg Price/KgLAMB 3.12/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:LAMB, 38kg 3.63/kg 138.00LAMB, 39kg 3.59/kg 140.00LAMB, 38kg 3.42/kg 130.00LAMB, 37kg 3.32/kg 124.00LAMB, 40kg 3.24/kg 128.00LAMB, 33kg 3.23/kg 106.00 LAMB 40-50KG Avg Price/KgLAMB 3.12/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:LAMB, 40kg 3.75/kg 150.00LAMB, 44kg 3.73/kg 164.00LAMB, 43kg 3.61/kg 154.00LAMB, 47kg…
LSL Select Price Report – Cattle Mart 15/08/2022
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LSL Select Price Report – Cattle Mart 15/04/2022
Thursday’s selected Cattle Mart Price Report: Copyright LSL Auctions. DC 300-400KG Avg Price/KgFRX 0.66/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:FRX, 385kg 1.32/kg 510.00FRX, 390kg 0/kg 0.00 DC 400-500KG Avg Price/KgAAX 1.04/kgFR 0.36/kgFRX 0.60/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:AAX, 475kg 2.06/kg 980.00MYX, 490kg 1.59/kg 780.00FR, 470kg 1.43/kg 670.00FRX, 470kg 1.17/kg 550.00AAX, 415kg 0.02/kg 10.00FRX, 425kg 0.02/kg 10.00 DC 500-600KG Avg Price/KgFR 1.51/kgFRX 1.79/kgHEX 1.10/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:CH, 555kg 2.81/kg 1560.00HEX, 575kg 2.19/kg 1260.00LMX, 530kg 2.13/kg 1130.00SIX, 595kg 2.07/kg 1230.00AAX,…
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TD welcomes solar panels planning exemptions 
The environmental report and draft regulation regarding the planning exemptions of solar panel installations are expected to be published shortly after a four-week public consultation. This comes as exemptions to install solar panels on the roofs of farm buildings are expected by the end of June. The derogation means that planning permission would no longer be required for larger installations of solar panels on residential rooftops, schools, community centres and…
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Organic Strategy Forum tasked with improving the sector 
The Organic Strategy Forum held its inaugural meeting earlier this week, which focused on an overview of the Irish organic sector with presentations from DAFM; Teagasc; Bord Bia; and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). The stakeholder group has been tasked with driving the growth of the organic sector. With 24 members of the forum, chaired by former Bord Bia director, Padraig Brennan, the body includes representatives from the farming and food…
Land rental prices
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Demand for rental ground remains strong
Land rental prices tend to be more aligned with the economic profitability of farming compared to the sales market, where prices for land sold regularly exceed levels that would be justified by the returns from farming. This is according to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland / Teagasc Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook Report 2022. Their data shows that demand for rented ground remains strong with rents this year,…