Beef
Although farmers' attentions were focused on securing fodder for the coming winter, now is a good time to get the farmyard 'winter ready'.
Buildings
In this buildings focus, we traveled to Shroughmore, Co. Wicklow. Tucked away neatly in the landscape lies the Bradshaws' farm.
The winter of 2017/2018 is one that will stick with farmers - for all the wrong reasons - for years to come.
The Harneys recently constructed a 70-cubicle shed with one slatted tank; an un-roofed slurry lagoon was also installed alongside the shed.
Since the availability of the TAMS II grant, construction and expansion has taken centre stage on many farms across the country.
Farmers considering entering TAMS II need to make an investment of at least €2,000 to be eligible for grant aid under this scheme.
The ICMSA is calling for a 12-month extension to complete works approved under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS).
The Irish dairy industry is going through an evolution. The abolition of milk quotas in April 2015 has paved the way for expansion. However, it has also raised some challenges along the way.
The drought that has hit Ireland has affected farmers in many ways. Little or no grass growth has left farmers with no option but to feed winter fodder.
The drought has hit many farms hard. It has resulted in little or no grass growth and played havoc with water systems on dairy and drystock enterprises.
Over the past number of weeks, farmers have had no option but to supplement their cattle This led to a surge in the demand for round feeders.
The Ellis family has been in the business of well-drilling for over 50 years. Harry and his wife Collette, with their son John, are actively involved today.
Farming 140ac in Vicarstown, Co. Laois, Eoin Miller is a new entrant dairy farmer. Originally he operated a suckler-to-beef enterprise.
There are three key areas that farmers really need to focus on before beginning a new build, according to Grasstec's Simon Hennessy.
In this weeks's buildings focus, we visit Mattie and Hugh Gaffney – a father-and-son team – who run a herd of 110 predominately British Friesian cows under a spring calving system. Eddie, Hugh’s brother, also lends a helping hand whenever he gets the opportunity.
In this week's buildings focus, we visit Francis Halliran who operates a suckler-to-weanling enterprise; the Tipperary-based farmer also works full-time off farm
Farming just outside Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Anthony and Paul O'Connor - a father and son team - operate a suckler-to-beef enterprise.
In this weeks buildings focus we visit Aidan Casey. He runs a dairy calf-to-beef enterprise in Kedra, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.
Farming in Bishop’s Demesne, Co. Kilkenny, Reggie Brennan operates a suckler-to-beef enterprise under an autumn calving system.
Over the past number of years, new agricultural buildings have been constructed on farms across the country.
Since the unshackling of the milk quotas and the availability of TAMS II grant, a number of farmers have been building agricultural units.
Machinery
A sizeable auction - for Gleeson Steel & Engineering - will take place on Saturday, April 14. It will be conducted by Wilsons Auctions.
Farming in Longfordpass, Co.Tipperary, Pat Healy runs a suckler-to-beef herd under a split spring and autumn calving system.
