Sylvester Phelan

Sylvester Phelan Profile Picture
Sylvester Phelan

News Journalist

Sylvester Phelan holds a Masters of Science degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development from UCD as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English and history (also from UCD), and the Green Cert. He is from a dairy farm in Co. Laois, where he works on the weekends.

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Yara to cut back European ammonia production by 40%

Yara to cut back European ammonia production by 40%

Fertiliser giant Yara is to cut 40% of its European ammonia production by next week due to record natural gas...
BEAM: ‘Letter of apology must be accompanied with cheque’

BEAM: ‘Letter of apology must be accompanied with cheque’

Letters of apology issued to farmers who had Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) penalties applied as deductions to their Areas...
Consultation process on anti-parasitic products ‘collapsed’

Consultation process on anti-parasitic products ‘collapsed’

The consultation process regarding the sale of anti-parasitic products going forward has “collapsed” – and the Department of Agriculture, Food...
Teagasc criticised for ‘lack of respect’ for suckler sector

Teagasc criticised for ‘lack of respect’ for suckler sector

Teagasc predictions of a potential switch among beef farmers to dairy beef production have been criticised by the Irish Farmers’...
How many tractors were licensed in Ireland in August?

How many tractors were licensed in Ireland in August?

The number of tractors which were licensed for the first time in August 2021 was up slightly on the same...
Business Resumption Support: Is your firm eligible?

Business Resumption Support: Is your firm eligible?

Applications have opened for the Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS) – with a number of rural companies and enterprises eligible...
Coupled payments argument: ‘We have to have balance in Irish agriculture’

Coupled payments argument: ‘We have to have balance in Irish agriculture’

Balance needs to be restored to Irish agriculture between the different sectors – with coupled payments for suckler cows and...
Vintage tractor and car run set to motor this weekend

Vintage tractor and car run set to motor this weekend

A vintage tractor and car run in aid of a local project is set to hit the midlands this weekend...
Investigations launched after farmed salmon discovered in river

Investigations launched after farmed salmon discovered in river

Investigations have begun after farmed salmon were recovered from the Connemara Fishery recently, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has confirmed. Officers...
1,700 Glanbia suppliers to get word of Reserve Pool allocation

1,700 Glanbia suppliers to get word of Reserve Pool allocation

Some 1,727 Glanbia suppliers will receive notice of an allocation from the processor’s Reserve Pool by the end of this...
Autumn weanling mart show and sale set for this weekend

Autumn weanling mart show and sale set for this weekend

Ballinakill Mart, based in Co. Laois, is set to hold a show and sale of autumn-born weanlings this weekend, with...
Laois man fined €6,000 for hedge and tree destruction

Laois man fined €6,000 for hedge and tree destruction

A Laois man has been convicted and fined €6,000 for the destruction of hedgerow vegetation and trees containing birds’ nests,...
Growing Chinese beef imports a ‘lost opportunity’ for Ireland

Growing Chinese beef imports a ‘lost opportunity’ for Ireland

The suspension of beef exports from Brazil to China presents both significant opportunities and threats to Irish beef – with...
Quality over quantity: Correct fertiliser application key

Quality over quantity: Correct fertiliser application key

A key way for farmers to protect water quality in their local areas is to ensure that one is spreading...
Young farmer CAP supports in focus as Macra meets ministers

Young farmer CAP supports in focus as Macra meets ministers

High-level talks were held this week between ministers at the Department of Agriculture and Macra na Feirme – with a...
Farmer’s view on avoiding pitfalls of an ‘inheritance nightmare’

Farmer’s view on avoiding pitfalls of an ‘inheritance nightmare’

One farmer has called for what he describes as “an inheritance nightmare” across many Irish farms over the years to...
TAMS: Approval granted to all applicants in Tranche 22

TAMS: Approval granted to all applicants in Tranche 22

Approval has commenced for all qualified applications received under Tranche 22 of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS), it has...
Farm Family Draw ‘lifts off’: Monthly prizes of €1,000 to help save lives

Farm Family Draw ‘lifts off’: Monthly prizes of €1,000 to help save lives

The Farm Family Draw has been established to ensure that farm families receive the support they need when they need...