Rural Life
James P. McGee and his faithful border collie, Roeldog Becca, are aiming for success at this year's World Sheepdog Trial 2026.
Beef
Bord Bia has launched its first consumer campaign in Ireland since 2020 to promote increased sales of Quality Assured beef.
Agri-Business
The Agri-Food Regulator is strengthening its capabilities with a new legal and research unit as it expands its statutory role.
Measures suggested by ICSA to tackle the fodder crisis include a new transport scheme and support for catch crop production.
Farmers are being urged to watch for rodents in farm buildings earlier than usual, as drought and early harvest reduce food, water and cover.
Bluetongue
Cases of bluetongue in the UK have risen to 593 so far this season, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that it will extend its water conservation order, commonly known as the ‘hosepipe ban’ for 13 counties.
Tillage
The IGGG has called for support, warning “if the tillage sector keeps dwindling away, the livestock sector will follow”.
Permission for earlier mowing of riparian areas has been welcomed by the ICSA, though it said that more action is needed.
Sheep
Sheep farmers in Co. Wicklow are being sought to take part in a confidential survey on the "serious problem" of sheep worrying.
Almost half of Higher Level Agricultural Science students in the Leaving Cert received a grade of H3 or higher this year.
A charity walk is taking place in Co. Tipperary on Saturday (August 22) to raise funds for cancer research and to celebrate Noreen Walsh.
Timber pallet manufacturer CJ Sheeran Group has announced the opening of a new €6 million logistics and storage facility in Co. Laois.
Met Éireann has today (Thursday, August 20) issued a nationwide advisory for potato blight, in effect until 7:00pm today.
The number of people working in the agri-sector in Ireland fell by 3.6%, or 3,900 year-on-year, according to the latest data.
Farmers impacted by dry weather are urged to talk to their bank, financial adviser or accountant to explore financial options.
N.Ireland
The UK has recorded 493 cases of bluetongue so far this season according to latest official figures from Defra.
A fully funded, industry-accredited training scheme has been launched to help farmers and agricultural workers use ATVs safely.
Forestry
In 2026, approximately 80 fires have been recorded across the Coillte estate, impacting an estimated 100 hectares of Coillte forests.
Leitrim father and daughter Michael and Aoife Ruddock have both secured places in the finals of the National Brown Bread Baking Competitions.
Rural communities "cannot thrive" without adequate public transport, according to Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove.
Dairy
The average Global Dairy Trade (GDT) price index increased following the latest auction today (Tuesday, August 18).
Exports of food and live animals fell slightly in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, new CSO figures have shown.
Agri Politics
Europe needs to work together to tackle the crises in the fodder and tillage sectors, according to Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.
