IFA

Agriculture/Livestock News
LSL Select Price Report – sheep Mart 29/04/2023 
Friday’s selected Sheep Mart Price Report: Copyright LSL Auctions. SHEEP 20-30KG Avg Price/KgSHEEP 2.35/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:SHEEP, 22kg 6.36/kg 140.00SHEEP, 22kg 6.09/kg 137.00SHEEP, 22kg 6.05/kg 133.00SHEEP, 26kg 6.04/kg 154.00SHEEP, 24kg 6.03/kg 146.00SHEEP, 23kg 5.73/kg 133.00 SHEEP 30-40KG Avg Price/KgSHEEP 2.69/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:SHEEP, 31kg 4.32/kg 134.00SHEEP, 38kg 3.79/kg 144.00SHEEP, 38kg 3.68/kg 140.00SHEEP, 33kg 1.67/kg 55.00SHEEP, 30kg 0/kg 0.00 To see more samples of sheep Market Prices, visit: https://www.lslauctions.com/ Don’t miss out on the…
Agriculture/Livestock News
LSL Select Price Report – sheep Mart 28/04/2023 
Friday’s selected Sheep Mart Price Report: Copyright LSL Auctions. LAM 20-30KG Avg Price/KgLAM 5.37/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:LAM, 20kg 6.22/kg 125.00LAM, 20kg 6.15/kg 123.00LAM, 25kg 5.56/kg 138.50LAM, 24kg 5.46/kg 130.00LAM, 26kg 5.29/kg 135.00LAM, 25kg 5.22/kg 130.00 LAM 30-40KG Avg Price/KgLAM 4.22/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:LAM, 30kg 4.67/kg 142.50LAM, 30kg 4.47/kg 134.00LAM, 36kg 4/kg 144.00LAM, 39kg 3.74/kg 146.00 SHEEP 20-30KG Avg Price/KgSHEEP 5.44/kgHighest Price/Kg Lots:SHEEP, 27kg 5.85/kg 158.00SHEEP, 28kg 5.04/kg 139.00 To see more samples…
sheep farmers
Agriculture/Livestock News
Sheep farmers paid 630 cents/kg last week
Lack of meaningful and direct support for sheep farmers by the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue as well as sheep processing factories continues to attract criticism from the Dublin-based Irish Farmers’ Association. IFA Sheep committee chairman Kevin Comiskey pointed out that the IFA communicated directly with the Minister and sheep processing factories earlier this year about the importance of direct supports for sheep farmers. They highlighted the fact that strong…
Agriculture/Livestock News
Beef production costs not eased by factories
Factories must start offsetting the costs of beef production by offering farmers better prices for their cows, according to the IFA. IFA Livestock chairman Brendan Golden said decisions are being made on farms that will impact on cattle supplies for the coming months and it is critical that hard-won consistent weekly supply patterns are protected. He said that more than 92,000 more cattle have been processed year to date against…
potatoes
Agriculture/Livestock News
Potatoes are back on the menu this week
Consumption and retail sales of potatoes are expected to increase this week (24 August, 2022) as schools re-open after the summer break. However, several reports indicate that maincrop Rooster yields will be significantly reduced in many areas due to the very warm conditions and lack of rain. New Season Queens are selling for €4.60 to €5.50 ex-farm in 10kg bags.  Meanwhile, meetings with packers and retailers on new season crops…
Comiskey
Agriculture/Livestock News
Kevin Comiskey flags crisis for sheep farmers
Recent attempts by factories to drop lamb prices at a critical time for the sector have prompted IFA Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey to highlight the lack of meaningful, direct support from them as well as the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue. “The Minister has not yet come forward with a targeted payment for sheep farmers to support the orderly feeding and finishing of lambs, which is certainly contributing to the…
horse breeding
Agriculture/Livestock News
Horse breeding under the spotlight
Commenting on current trends in horse breeding, IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe has expressed concern that foals are being sold below cost of production and that “Green Party Ministers are encouraging people to change their farming practices to niche activities which have very fragile markets”. “The Minister should be looking to do more for people currently breeding horses rather than encouraging more people to breed foals, which could undermine the…
pig price
Agriculture/Livestock News
Welcome increase in Irish pig price
The Irish pig price increased by 4c/kg on Friday, 19 August, 2022 with farmers receiving quotes of €2.06c/kg up to €2.10/kg from processing plants. The IFA welcomed the news but pointed out that given the losses that have been and continue to mount on Irish pig farmers more upward movements are needed to return farmers to profitable margins. It will take quite some time to recoup the losses that have been incurred…
EU regulations
Agriculture/Livestock News
EU laws for TB tests: higher risk animals  
New EU regulations require animals moving from farm to farm or through the marts to be tested within a certain time frame, according to IFA Animal Health Chairman TJ Maher. He said that initially the new regulations were to come into play in January 2022 as regards all animals moving without a TB test and without a herd test within the previous six months. “Following prolonged negotiations, significant progress has…
wheat prices
Agriculture/Livestock News
Wheat prices fall by 5% – IFA
Declines of 5% were recorded in wheat prices midweek while MATIF Dec 22 wheat prices were trading in a narrower price range over the past week. Dry weather in many key maize-producing countries is helping offset some of the decline in wheat prices. Information on the maize harvest from late September onwards will be an important driver of future prices (AHDB). Paris rapeseed Nov 22 markets have fallen this week…
grain harvest
Agriculture/Livestock News
National grain harvest ahead of schedule – IFA
The national grain harvest is significantly ahead of normal due to the recent August heatwave conditions, according to IFA Grain Committee Members. Wheat and spring barley harvesting is 85% to 100% complete in the south, southeast, south midlands and in the mid-east. Spring oat and spring wheat crops must still be cut in these areas. In the west and northwestern counties, where spring barley is the main crop, the harvest…
drying surcharge
Agriculture/Livestock News
Drying surcharge for Boortmalt suppliers agreed
After lengthy discussions, elected representatives of the Malting Barley Committee have agreed to the drying surcharge for Boortmalt suppliers, but the decision was not taken lightly, according to IFA Grain Chairman Kieran McEvoy. “The FOB Creil market is based on a dried market price. Since 2019, the arrangement between Boortmalt and IFA has been for growers to receive this price for green, wet barley. However, the war in Ukraine has…
egg producers
Agriculture/Livestock News
Egg producers are under pressure
The IFA held an emergency meeting of egg producers in Cavan last week amid mounting pressure at farm level. Producers are now weighing up whether they should place orders for another flock of pullets or not. IFA National Poultry Chairman Nigel Sweetnam is calling on retailers to pass back 2c per egg immediately to be ring-fenced for producers who need to alleviate the cost pressures on farms. “An increase in price…
pig farmers
Agriculture/Livestock News
Good and bad news for pig farmers
Good news for pig farmers invested in foreign markets is that Irish exports of pig meat to the United Stated are up 25% on last year, according to Bord Bia. The bad news is that the pig price is still below average and pig supply for slaughtering is tight resulting in increased competition among processors. IFA National Pig Committee Chairman Roy Gallie said that “pig supply for slaughtering is extremely…
positive conditions
Agriculture/Livestock News
Positive market conditions for beef
The latest prime export benchmark price of €5.06/kg, is now 27c/kg ahead of the prime Irish composite price of €4.79/kg indicating positive conditions for Irish beef. However, factories are not reflecting the strength of the market in prices paid to farmers.  IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden said supplies of prime cattle are tight and all market indicators bode well for Irish beef.  Beef price update 12 August, 2022 Steer base…
beef sector
Agriculture/Livestock News
Beef sector should be a celebrated
“What’s on show today is testament to the passion, commitment and investment of farmers who take great pride in what they produce. Contrary to some commentary about livestock farming, we should celebrate what they do, not denigrate it,” said IFA President Tim Cullinan at yesterday’s (Sunday’s) Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show. “The Food Vision beef sub group is currently looking at proposals for the future of the sector.…
cost of inputs
Agriculture/Livestock News
Cost of inputs wipes out profits – CSO
Farm commodities are getting better prices now, but unprecedented increases in the cost of inputs are wiping out profits, according to CSO figures. Prices paid to farmers are up nearly 30%, but the hike in input costs is running at 40%. IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh said. “It’s simply just not sustainable at current levels, and the fear is where costs will go in the months ahead with…
pre-Budget 2023
Agriculture/Livestock News
IFA pre-Budget 2023 submission
The IFA is calling on Government to introduce a series of tangible measures, outside funding purely diverted from CAP, pre-Budget 2023 to support Irish farm families in their efforts to boost on-farm sustainability – from economic, social and environmental perspectives. “Budget 2023 gives this Government the chance to demonstrate just how committed they really are to supporting the agri sector, and how much they truly understand the on-farm challenges arising…
soaring temperatures
Agriculture/Livestock News
Spuds suffer under soaring temperatures
Soaring temperatures and the peak holiday period have caused retail sales and home consumption to plateau over the past week. However, the IFA says trade to the food service sector remains buoyant. Ireland has experienced two heatwaves in less than a month. This is likely to have an impact on maincrop yields as drought conditions kick in. Late-planted crops will be worst affected. There are numerous reports indicating that crops…
fertiliser price
Agriculture/Livestock News
Fertiliser price hike threatens margins
The fertiliser price is a major concern for tillage farmers. IFA Grain Chairman Kieran McEvoy said: “Satisfactory yields and higher prices have enabled farmers to weather the input cost surge in 2022. However, at present, 2023 futures prices are €40-50/t lower than 2022 and fertiliser prices on the whole will be higher for next season. Any further falls in world grain markets after planting this autumn will leave margins very tight…
pig price
Agriculture/Livestock News
Smaller plant increases pig price by 4c/kg
There was no announced change to the Irish pig price from the bigger factories last Friday but the 4c/kg increase received from one of the smaller plants in ROI was welcomed by their suppliers. According to the IFA, farmers are receiving quotes of €2.00c/kg up to €2.08/kg. Losses have been mounting on Irish pig farms for a full year and Teagasc estimates the total loss for the average size 600-sow unit…
milk price
Agriculture/Livestock News
Markets indicate valid increase in milk price
Market returns on Irish dairy products indicates scope for a valid increase in the price paid for July milk, according to Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Dairy Chairman Stephen Arthur. “The Ornua PPI showed further increases in July, which points to a continued demand for Irish dairy produce. Processors in Denmark and the Netherlands, among others, have already increased their August milk price; Irish processors have to follow suit,” he said.…
Green Ribbon
Agriculture/Livestock News
Green Ribbon walks for mental health
The 10th annual series of Green Ribbon walks to raise awareness around mental health difficulties kicks off this month. Everyone is invited to join in and support the campaign, which is organised by the IFA in partnership with See Change, Coillte, and Mental Health Ireland. Eleven walks have been organised at venues throughout the country during August and September as part of the Green Ribbon campaign. The aim is to…
beef and sheep
Agriculture/Livestock News
Beef and sheep update – 5 August
Beef prices have steadied this week as supplies of finished cattle tighten on the ground. IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden said factories are actively sourcing suitable cattle and leaving no stock behind – paying 10-15c/kg above base quotes to close out deals.  Factories are paying €4.80 to 5.00kg for steers and €4.85 to 5.05kg for heifers. Y Bulls are ranging from €4.70 to 5.05kg for R/U grades and cows are making…
lamb prices
Agriculture/Livestock News
Farmers need strong return on lamb prices
Supplies of suitably finished lambs are tight on the ground, and farmers are still looking for a strong return on lamb prices, according to the IFA. The organisation’s Sheep Committee chair Kevin Comiskey adds that the lower kill out rates this year have reduced the volumes of sheep meat being processed. Despite persisting in lowering quotes, factories are anxious for lambs and are offering various deals on transport and other…
export markets
Agriculture/Livestock News
Stable export markets good for beef prices
Market conditions are favourable for beef as prices in our key export markets stabilise and in some cases strengthen, according to IFA National Livestock Chair Brendan Golden. When aligned with the tighter supplies of suitably finished cattle, this is adding to the increased demand from factories for cattle this week (29 July, 2022). He said to date 997,516 cattle have been processed during 2022, an increase of 89,716 head or…
pig prices
Agriculture/Livestock News
Irish pig prices up by 4c/kg
Irish pig prices increased by 4c/kg last Friday with farmers receiving quotes of €2.00c/kg up to €2.06/kg, according to the IFA. The weekly throughput for the week ending 24 July, 2022 was 67,477, which is down 2% on the same week last year. A decline in cereals prices had been evident last week, however prices are up circa 10% for September wheat, according to Agritel. It must be noted that…
potato market
Agriculture/Livestock News
Potato market picks up – IFA
Potato market sales and consumption have picked up this week as temperatures settle back to average levels, according to the IFA. Queens continue to be lifted across the country and again quality and yields are reported to be very good. High temperatures experienced last week stopped maincrop growth and this may delay harvest in the back end of the year. Recent rainfall was welcomed by growers in most regions.  In the…
Fodder Catch Crop Incentive Scheme
Agriculture/Livestock News
Tillage farmers need a fodder crop incentive scheme – IFA
Kieran McEvoy, IFA National Grain Committee Chair, has highlighted the need for the introduction of a fodder crop incentive scheme for tillage farmers. This, he says, should urgently come under review over the next two weeks by the Minister for Agriculture and officials in the Department of Agriculture. “There is a great opportunity for tillage farmers to get forage crops sown after winter barley at an optimal time, but a…
farm safety
Agriculture/Livestock News
Minister announces investment in farm safety
Martin Heydon, T.D, Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, last week announced the provision of funding to Teagasc for the procurement of 18 farm machinery simulators for use in agricultural colleges. Making the announcement Minister Heydon said: “My priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our farmers, and this investment of over €1.25 million in 18 agricultural machinery…