Farmland

On this week’s FarmLand, we look at tractor safety on our roads during silage season and what everyone should keep in mind during this busy time,and we talk to the president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA), Pat McCormack, about the recent dry spell and milk prices

Macra na Feirme president Thomas Duffy on the future of farming, and Martina Harrington of Teagasc tells us what measures beef farmers can implement to cope with the current spell of dry weather and reduced grass growth rates on-farm.

On this week’s FarmLand, we look at how Tuam Mart is facilitating the movement of cattle and sheep since the outbreak of Covid-19, and we meet two brothers who have built two grant-spec sheep sheds two fields apart from each other in Co. Mayo.

On this week’s FarmLand, we look at how Covid-19 is impacting on students in Gurteen agricultural college and we go behind the scenes to see how the dairy operation in Gurteen College has grown since milk quotas were abolished in 2015.

On this week’s FarmLand, we get the contractors view during silage season, and we look at the impact COVID-19 is having on getting Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) applications processed and approved.

On this week's FarmLand - we talk to Denis Naughten on the Green Party's pre-conditions for government formation, and Glanbia's Donal Moloney describes how forward selling grain can manage risk on tillage farms.

On this week's programme: we talk to Green Acres calf to beef programme manager Alan Dillon on options for beef farmers during this difficult period, and Pat McCormack of the ICMSA tells us how farmers are dealing with the current situation.

On this week's FarmLand: we talk to DII's Conor Mulvihill on dairy markets and milk processing amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, and we continue our talk with Jimmy Walsh of Leinster Marts about 50 years in business.

On this week's episode - we talk to Dr. Frank Mitloehner about the interplay of the Covid-19 pandemic, global emissions and farming the environmental outcomes of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Bord Bia’s Joe Burke tells us about the impact Covid-19 is having on domestic and international beef markets

On this week's FarmLand - Charles O'Donnell speaks to Eimear Mc Guinness on the impact of restricted services on marts, and Michael Geary finds out how to tube feed newborn lambs.

In this episode- we look at how to improve hygiene practices in the lambing shed, we get a sheep and suckler farmer’s view on lambing season and the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, and Pat Mc Cormack of the ICMSA on the need for a single authority for River management.

On this week's programme: We talk to Jimmy Walsh of Leinster Marts about 50 years in business, FCI’S Mike Moroney talks carbon taxes and their impact on agri contractors, and calibrating your seed drill is essential, and should be carried out between crops, varieties and seed batches. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process.

In this episode: we get farmers’ views at Kilcullen Mart on Coronavirus, Siobhán Walsh finds out how one Cork tillage farmer feels about the next Common Agricultural Policy, and we find out the techniques involved in how to measure grass.

Claire Mc Cormack speaks to Pat Mc Cormack of the ICMSA about the toll of flooding, Siobhan Walsh finds out how to carry out a plant count, and we look ahead to the first Teagasc Greenacre Calf to Beef farm walk of the year.

On this week's FarmLand: Siobhan Walsh investigates wet weather and its effect on tillage farmers, Claire Mc Cormack speaks to Michael Moroney about a crisis facing forestry contractors, and we take a look at best practice in milking cows.

On this week's FarmLand, we travel to Ennis mart to get your views on C.A.P. and factory closures, we look at how to examine the soil beneath your cover crops, and Brian Stanley discussed Sinn Fein’s position on agriculture.

With the results of the general election being the main talking point among many farmers this week, FarmLand finds out what farmers have to say on the outcome. We head to Ballyjamesduff Mart to see how farmers felt about the election result, Eddie Punch gives his views on how the results reflected farming issues, and we take a look at how to body condition score ewes.

On this week's FarmLand: We take an in- depth look at the political parties' manifestos in relation to agriculture, and we find out how to get the cows milked in the event of a power cut. Watch the video version: https://vimeo.com/389727718/

On this week's episode of FarmLand, we catch up with the new IFA president, Tim Cullinan, talk tillage with farmers attending the Teagasc National Tillage Conference and find out more about testing colostrum and the protocol involved in tube feeding a newborn calf.

Farmland is back and on this week's programme we get some opinions on the upcoming elections from farmers at the mart in Tullow, we find out everything you need to know about scanning ewes, and should methane be treated differently in Ireland's climate debate? Claire McCormack asks independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice in light of game changing comments from US air quality scientist Dr. Frank Mitloehner.

This week, on the season three finale of FarmLand, the show drills into farmer concerns surrounding the new TB stakeholder forum report. Hugh Farrell of the ICSA outlines why he believes the report is “incomplete” - highlighting its lack of focus on the cost of TB – both financially and personally – inside the farm gate. Our reporter Emma Gilsenan also meets a Wicklow-based beef and sheep farmer that has been grappling with TB breakdowns for years. Meanwhile, Chris Daly of the ICBF reveals how initial results from the BEEP scheme are showing promising results for the suckler herd.

This week on FarmLand, as beef farmer opposition to the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal gathers pace, independent MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan outlines whether Ireland’s farmer fury is impacting on Brussels. Although the Mercosur bloc says it wants to “shake off the environmental stigma” of its beef production system, Flanagan says he “doesn’t buy it”. Meanwhile, Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council (NDC) highlights the threat “misinformed” vegan campaigns pose to the dairy sector. Plus, FarmLand reporter Emma Gilsenan visits Monaghan dairy farmer, Darren McKenna, winner of the 2018 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. Watch the episode here: https://vimeo.com/347529207/

The ferocious farmer backlash to the announcement that 99,000t of beef from Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will make its way onto EU market shelves under the EU-Mercosur trade deal will be fleshed out on FarmLand tonight. Joe Healy IFA president gives his reaction to the deal and why he believes it is a retrograde step for Irish and EU agriculture. FarmLand’s Breifne O'Brien also gets feedback from farmers on the front-line at Ballyjamesduff Mart. Meanwhile, the current EU-wide shortage of machinery operators will also be deliberated by Mike Moroney CEO of FCI. Plus, FarmLand reporter Emma Gilsenan speaks to farm contractor Peter Farrelly about the challenge of attracting fresh interest into the contracting sector. Watch here: https://www.agriland.ie/farmland/

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, ICMSA president Pat McCormack drills into the farming detail of the Government’s new Climate Action Plan. While outlining that farmers will engage with the plan, McCormack also suggests that the time has come for the burden of increasing production costs to be shared with consumers. Meanwhile, can hemp production offer new lucrative revenue streams for Irish farmers? Teagasc energy and rural development specialist Barry Caslin and business woman Leah Fletcher outline how Irish farmers can break into a fast-emerging global market space.

What is the current state of play on the reform of the next Common Agricultural Policy post-2020 - and what will it mean for Irish farmers? FarmLand gets the inside track from the top brass forming the new policy at the European Commission in Brussels. Frank Bollen, head of the budget management unit at DG AGRI, gives his view on looming budget cuts, while Pierre Bascou, director of sustainability and income support at DG AGRI, talks unfair payment distribution and how his team is tackling it. Plus, Tassos Haniotis, director for strategy, simplification and policy analysis at DG AGRI, underlines how embracing technology can make life easier for farmers into the future.

On tonight's episode of FarmLand, Siobhan Ring geneticist at ICBF will give the inside track on the recently developed Dairy Beef Index and its potential for both dairy and beef farmers. Niall Claffey visits dairy farmer Hughie Egan - who's milking 85 Kiwi-cross cows under a spring-calving system in Doon Co. Offaly - to discuss his plans for the 2019 breeding season. Plus, with just shy of 50,000 online applications already submitted for the 2019 Basic Payment Scheme, Department of Agriculture official Brian Alcock talks about the department's initiative of online clinics that are taking place across the country.

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, Macra na Feirme national president elect Thomas Duffy gives his first official sit-down interview since landing top office. The dairy farmer from Co. Cavan - who is the 37th president of the farming and rural youth organisation – sets out his vision for representing young farmers in the face of Brexit, CAP reform and climate change. IFA national treasurer Tim Cullinan talks pig prices, changing consumer trends and his ambitions for the presidency of the country’s largest farming organisation. Plus, ICSA sheep chairman Sean McNamara reflects on a devastating dog attack at his sheep farm in Co. Westmeath last year.

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, Pat Smith, the chairman of the Micro-Renewable Energy Federation, outlines the potential for solar PV generation on Irish farms. Smith, who is also the managing director of Local Power Limited, gives his perspective on the sustainability challenges facing Irish agriculture, alongside the threat of Brexit. The ICSA’s Eddie Punch talks beef prices, live exports and the possibilities for dairy calf-to-beef production. The IFA’s Thomas Cooney reacts to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action’s latest report; plus, pig farmer Dermot Brady highlights the efficiencies that solar energy has brought to his large-scale enterprise in Co. Longford.

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, addresses farmer demands for clarity on emergency support aid for the beef sector if a crash-out Brexit unfolds over the coming weeks. And what opportunities can farm diversification offer to boost farm incomes? Barry Caslin Teagasc specialist in energy and rural development outlines the possibilities, pitfalls and considerations that farmers should take on board. Plus, our reporter Breifne O’Brien hops on a sky bike to get a bird’s-eye view of how businessman Padraig Giblin diversified his holding to create Derg Isle – a team building centre in Scarriff, Co. Clare

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, Bord Bia’s sector manager for beef and livestock Joe Burke discusses current progress with calf exports. Meanwhile, FTMTA CEO Gary Ryan will focus on the sale of new tractors in Ireland to date this year. The issue of how to deal with lameness on dairy farms will also be covered with Waterford vet Ger Cusack and we visited a dairy farm which recently installed steps to reduce this issue. In addition, AgriLand visited Wicklow Calf Company to see the process of calves being transported to the ferry, destined for the continent; we also caught up with familiar faces in the Irish machinery trade to discuss how sales have been so far this year. Watch the video version: https://vimeo.com/325433351/

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, AgriLand’s Siobhan Walsh discusses the key challenges facing malting barley growers with presenter Claire McCormack. MEP Sean Kelly discusses the key changes and sticking points to the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Meanwhile, director of Teagasc Gerry Boyle talks technology, teaching and how these are combined in training the farmers and agri leaders of tomorrow. In addition, AgriLand visited a farmer planting his malting barley, as well as Kildalton Agricultural College in Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, to find out what students think of its new farming simulator.

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, MEP Mairead McGuinness discusses the likelihood of chlorothalonil facing a ban. She touches on the possible consequences on Irish farmers and the environmental impact of agro-chemicals. Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway Michael Fitzmaurice talks about Brexit, farming organisations and the challenges facing Irish farming today. Highlighting what he sees as “scaremongering” surrounding Brexit, the TD also gives his views on the proposed re-wetting of 270,000ha of Irish bogland. Finally, Padraig Madden from FRS covers labour on dairy farms as calving season continues. Highlighting the “multifaceted approach” needed, Madden notes the importance of health and safety at this busy time.

As we prepare to put 2018 behind us, tonight on FarmLand in Review we will look back at some of biggest issues that farmers battled on the ground over the last 12 months. From the cross-sector impact of multiple extreme weather events, beef price lows, the Lakeland/LacPatrick merger, Brexit fears, and many farmer-led protest, FarmLand will reflect the year’s major talking points. With reports from all over the country, this special Christmas edition lets farmers do all the talking.

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed explains the latest developments on Brexit and what his department is doing to prepare for a no-deal scenario. He also reflects on what has been a tough year for farmers in 2018. Also, CEO of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) Sean Finan outlines the opportunities that are present for Irish farmers in the field of renewable energy. For the video version: https://vimeo.com/306206512

On this week's episode of FarmLand, Ian Kilgallon of Gas Networks Ireland highlights the opportunities available for anaerobic digestion in Ireland, as well as the GRAZE Gas project in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. Aurivo CEO Aaron Forde offered insight into the co-op's performance this year, milk price in 2019 and the launch of Homeland.ie. Plus, ICSA sheep chairperson John Brooks calls out the faults with unverified elements of Sheep Ireland's star ratings system and the implications of these. Farmers in Dowra Mart, Co. Cavan, also gave their views on Sheep Ireland and the star rating system. For the video version: https://vimeo.com/304849479/

Tonight on FarmLand, Joe Burke senior manager of meat and livestock at Bord Bia will talk in detail about Ireland’s live cattle export trade – with a particular focus on 2018 market trends and potential destinations for 2019. Burke will also offer his outlook on beef price for the Christmas market. Plus, Grace Maher of the Irish Organic Association will give her response to the re-opening of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Organic Farming Scheme. For the full video version: agriland.ie/farmland

This week on FarmLand, independent senator Ian Marshall urges the Democratic Unionist Party to row in behind the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement for the sake of farmers and agri-businesses in Northern Ireland. As fears over the future of the beef sector in Ireland continue to escalate, Cormac Healy, the director of Meat Industry Ireland addresses price concerns. Plus, Eamon Corley, co-founder of the newly-formed Beef Plan Group 2018-2015, reveals that the farmer-led entity has yielded more than 6,500 members in just six weeks.

On this week's episode of FarmLand, businessman Peter Casey - who garnered the support of one in five voters during last month’s presidential election - will outline his political ambitions to represent the people of rural Ireland. Richard Kennedy, the deputy president of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), calls for changes to be made to the country’s trespassing and bail laws in order to protect farm families from criminal gangs. Plus, Jackie Cahill Fianna Fail’s spokesperson on food, horticulture and forestry explains the actions that his party is taking to tackle the threats of rural crime and rural isolation

Tonight on FarmLand, Michael Hanley CEO of Lakeland Dairies will outline his ambitions for the future of the Lakeland/LacPatrick merger. Eimear McGuinness general manager of Donegal Co-op Livestock Mart and Ray Doyle livestock service executive at Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society will frame their concerns on “skyrocketing” mart insurance hikes. Plus, Pearse Kelly head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc will discuss the launch of phase two of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme. For the video version: agriland.ie/FarmLand

Tonight on FarmLand episode 9, independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice and Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan, go head-to-head on the country’s strides to hit its renewable energy and carbon emission targets. John Sweeney, leading climatologist at Maynooth University, warns that biomass production is just a “short-term” solution to Bord na Mona’s power plant challenges. Meanwhile, farmer and contractor Pat Farrelly tells reporter Sylvester Phelan of his experience of growing willow in Co. Meath. Plus, as attention turns to the winter drying-off period, Tom O’Dwyer, the head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc Moorepark offers advice on how to get the best results. While Laois dairy farmer Pauraic Spencer outlines his plans for the coming weeks to reporter Niall Claffey. Our video broadcast of this episode and all our previous episodes are available here: www.agriland.ie/farmland

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, Fianna Fail’s Barry Cowen voices “serious concerns” over the impact of Bord na Mona’s unexpected decision to completely stop peat harvesting by 2025. Conor Finnerty visits Littleton, Co. Tipperary, where locals continue to grapple with the closure of Bord na Mona’s factory earlier this year. Macra na Feirme president James Healy outlines his disappointment over the Government’s decision to put a limit on tax relief for young farmers. Teagasc specialist Shay Phelan reflects on a “trying year” for potato growers, while Siobhan Walsh gets the low-down on harvest 2018 from Keogh’s Farm in north Co. Dublin. Watch the video broadcast here: https://www.agriland.ie/farmland/

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, Dr. Eoin Ryan, senior veterinary inspector at the Department of Agriculture, and Frank Brady, IFA county chairman for Monaghan, discuss the issue of bovine TB, while Teagasc cattle specialist Karen Dukelow and ICMSA deputy president Lorcan McCabe outline the current fodder situation around the country. Manager of the Burren Programme Dr. Brendan Dunford will also be in studio to talk about progress in the unique region, as well as the upcoming Burren Winterage Weekend.

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine Pat Deering and Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) general secretary Eddie Punch discuss the implications of Budget 2019 for Irish farmers – and look into the newly-announced Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP), designed to aid suckler farmers. Former Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) president Eddie Downey also joins us to explain why the IFA needs to be reformed - and who he believes are the “key pins” of the organisation. For the Video version: agriland.ie/farmland

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed gives us the inside track on what happened at the 12th Beef Roundtable discussion, as farmers flocked to the city streets in protest. Eamon Corley Meath IFA livestock chair and spokesperson of the newly-formed Beef Plan Group outlines why he believes farmers have “lost confidence” in farm unions and highlights how this new group aims to shake-up the beef industry. Des Morrison ICMSA livestock chair and Michael Fitzmaurice independent TD for Roscommon-Galway go head-to-head in a debate over the potential of contract rearing to boost incomes and efficiencies for drystock and dairy farmers. We get the word on the street from farmers that boycotted this week’s Beef Forum; plus, Kieran Henry, a Sligo-based suckler farmer and contract rearer, explains how diversifying his enterprise has brought it from strength-to-strength.

On this week’s episode of FarmLand, we talk to the US Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs - Ted McKinney - about Ireland’s relationship with the US and opportunities for Irish beef exports across the Atlantic. Following on from last week’s storm, Prof. John Sweeney – a climatologist at Maynooth University – is in studio to speak about how extreme weather events are set to become more frequent in the future. As well as this, the general secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), Eddie Punch, and the CEO of Kilkenny Mart, Michael Lynch, will highlight their grave concerns for the beef sector at present – as farmers struggle to deal with further beef price cuts.

Coming up on this week’s show we have an interview with European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan on giving better opportunity to farmers in the food supply chain, and tackling unfair trading practices in retail and processing. ICSA Sheep Committee chairman John Brooks explains why sheep farmers are saying enough is enough on the issue of EID tagging, and Gurteen College principal Mike Pearson gives the low-down on the new 30-unit milking parlour recently finished by the college.

Coming up on this week’s show we have a special interview with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who contends that the game is not lost for Irish farmers on Brexit - as he believes a ‘no-deal’ outcome is unlikely. And while the whiskey and beer market booms worldwide, Bobby Miller - the chairman of the Irish Grain Growers’ Group - says Irish malting barley growers are not getting the premium recognition they deserve for producing a quality product.

Welcome to FarmLand – our weekly farming show broadcasting from our state-of-the-art digital studio at AgriLand’s headquarters in Dublin. First up on the couch for the premiere show we have: the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Michael Creed; MEP and First Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mairead McGuinness; and leading agri-food economist Ciaran Fitzgerald. Watch the video at https://www.agriland.ie/farmland