Farming

Machinery, livestock, brown bread contests: Countdown is on for Ploughing 2025

So, what does the Ploughing entail, how do you get there, and how much does a pass cost? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

Strong signal from EU Parliament on agricultural policy 'must not be ignored' - Cowen

Common Agricultural Policy: Irish farmers expecting bad news in overhaul to EU funds

Irish MEP argues food security must be 'pillar of Europe's defence'

UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch visits Co Down dairy farm

Man jailed for fraudulent cattle purchase scheme that conned two men out of over €900,000

Tue, 11 Feb, 2025

A carpenter who claimed he could buy cattle from a bank following the repossession of farms and sell them on for a significant profit has been jailed for scamming two men out of over €900,000

Blur’s Alex James: Being the bassist in a rock band is easy – parenting five kids is hard

Tue, 10 Dec, 2024

Rockstar-turned-cheesemaker Alex James reflects on tearing himself from his Cotswolds farm to get the band back together.

What is the Mercosur trade deal? And can Ireland block it?

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

The accord faces a key test in Europe amid stiff resistance from Ireland, France and some other EU members.

Simon Harris says politicians need to realise that farming is 'not a hobby'

Tue, 12 Nov, 2024

Political leaders visited the National Council of the Irish Farmers’ Association in Dublin ahead of the general election.

Everything you need to know about this year's National Ploughing Championship

Tue, 17 Sep, 2024

The annual showcase, taking place in Ratheniska in Co Laois, is one of the largest outdoor events in Europe.

There's no show like a Clonaslee Show as annual event marks 70 years

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024

Cattle, horse, and sheep displayed great skills

Ploughing Championships are launched

Wed, 04 Sep, 2024

Ratheniska is being transformed into a bustling hub

Female dairy farmer struggles to find workwear to fit women

Wed, 19 Jun, 2024

A young female dairy farmer said she could actually fit her feet into over-sized calving gloves as she struggles to find outdoor workwear that isn't designed for six-feet tall men

MEP candidate calls out Government's 'disastrous' handling of accommodation crisis

Thu, 06 Jun, 2024

The former RTÉ Midlands Correspondent, Ciaran Mullooly, said their solutions are "lazy" and completely disregard the tourism sector

No need to reduce cattle numbers to hit carbon emissions target – Taoiseach

Thu, 16 May, 2024

Simon Harris was speaking during a visit to Co Kildare on Thursday.

‘Urgent action needed’ over supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland

Tue, 30 Apr, 2024

A British House of Lords committee said it is estimated around a third of veterinary medicines currently used in the region are at risk of discontinuation

Wheat, barley and oat production declined by about 20% last year

Thu, 25 Apr, 2024

The production of potatoes was also down last year, by 12.4%.

Tillage farmers worry about future after heavy rain and ‘pear-shaped’ 2023

Sun, 21 Apr, 2024

Irish tillage farmers have been struggling to know whether to sow crops after months of continuous wet weather.

'Lucky' farmer manages to plant potatoes as major shortage looms due to heavy rainfall

Fri, 12 Apr, 2024

Donegal farmer Jamie Rankin was able to plant 10 acres of potatoes last Thursday, bucking the national trend

Delay in planting crops will have knock-on effect for farming sector, Teagasc warns

Tue, 09 Apr, 2024

Teagasc’s director of knowledge Stan Lalor confirmed the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) is due to meet on Tuesday

Ireland's favourite potato will be scarce by June, say farmers praying for rain to stop

Thu, 28 Mar, 2024

Many big and small potato farmers are warning that the Irish favourite variety of Rooster may be in scarce supply by June

Tractor convoy organised as part of Irish Farmers’ Association protest

Mon, 26 Feb, 2024

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) says that it wants to highlight the growth of air travel at a time when farmers are being warned to cut their output of emissions.

Parties ‘speaking out of both sides of their mouths on nitrates derogation’

Tue, 02 Jan, 2024

Social Democrats Holly Cairns leader has criticised other parties for not being honest with the public about the scale of change needed.

An Taisce wants Nitrates Action Programme quashed

Tue, 12 Dec, 2023

The action is fully contested by the State and opposed by the Irish Farmers’ Association and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association

Fine Gael defends housing record at party conference saying 'their plans are working'

Sat, 18 Nov, 2023

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe says he's hugely aware of the problems facing the country - and his own constituency in Dublin Central.