As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect back on a year that had its ups and downs for every sector of agriculture.
Though not one of the worst economically in recent history, 2024 was a year in which much change occurred and Agriland was at the forefront of bringing news of these changes to you, our most valued audience.
Viewership of content on Agriland soared almost 16% over the course of the year with more than 32 million views of articles alone. Our podcasts, The Farming Week and AgriFocus went from strength to strength landing in the list of top agri-podcasts for the Ireland and the UK, while a new season of our popular ‘On the Record‘ video series has also just kicked off.
We brought you news of the makeup of the new European Parliament, following the EU elections in June and the outcome of the Irish General Election several weeks ago, which saw a major drop in support for the Green Party, but the Fianna Fáil / Fine Gael grouping for government remaining intact.
Agriland also kept you abreast of developments in relation to the €500 million proposal to sell the dairy division of Kerry Group to Kerry Co-op, a decision which was formalised with a vote by shareholders of the co-op on December 16.
Events throughout 2024
Our team was out and about throughout the year covering marts, farm walks, seminars, conferences, roadshows and events, bringing you to the heart of the story.
Tullamore Show threw up an assortment of the best in animal livestock in August, while Agriland’s livestream coverage of Ploughing 2024 in Co. Laois, saw Taoiseach Simon Harris committing to spending some of the Apple tax payout of €13 billion on helping farmers adjust their enterprises to become more environmentally sustainable.
We also brought you live up-to-the-minute information and interviews from the AXA National Dairy Show in October.
The year also saw a European Commission delegation visit Ireland to see firsthand the improvements dairy farmers are making ensure the highest standards of water quality, in an effort to retain our nitrates derogation.
While milk price did not reach the heady heights of 2022, it remained steady for the most part, as did beef price, which overall, did not have a bad year, finishing off in recent weeks with heifers being quoted at €5.60/kg on the grid in general, with with €5.55/kg on the grid for steers (bullocks).
Mercosur
Staying on the topic of beef, one issue that ramped up this year was controversy over the proposed Mercosur trade deal between South American countries and the EU.
With the finalisation of the deal picking up pace, so too did the opposition against it, most notably from Ireland and France and it remains to be seen if our voices are strong enough in Europe to prevent the deal going ahead in its current guise.
Weather always has an impact too and for much of the year, it affected grass growth in parts of the country and the tillage sector faced significant challenges in this regard, albeit the crop area remained steady overall.
The Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) Farm Machinery Show, which had moved to a November date this year also proved to be a hit with visitors and buyers and Agriland kept you up to date with all the latest innovations and developments on display.
Special memories
There were some truly special moments for the Agriland crew to look back on in 2024, not least the viral ‘slurry video’ with Eoin Lynch from Cork at Ploughing 2024 which lightened the mood of many across the country upon viewing, and also the stellar win by the Agriland team who scooped three prestigious awards at the AgriGuild Awards 2024, sponsored by FBD Insurance.
As we look forward to what 2025 will bring for agriculture both on a national and European scale, we here at Agriland would like to sincerely thank you for your support throughout the year.
I want to extend our thanks also to our valued clients with whom we have worked so cooperatively and who inspire us week in, week out.
I wish you and your family a healthy and happy New Year and hope the spring tide brings optimism for all who work so diligently in our most important indigenous sector.
Mise le meas,
Stella Meehan