Latest news with #Delahunty
Agriland
14-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Forage maize crops ‘well through the plastic at this stage'
Early sown forage maize crops are a month ahead of this time last year, according to a prominent Co. Kilkenny-based agricultural contractor. Edward Delahunty told Agriland that this is the specifically the case for maize grown under plastic. He said: 'The crops are well through the plastic at this stage. They have established well and are now growing strongly, thanks to the current warm and dry conditions.' The Co. Kilkenny grower is quick to claim that using plastic adds significantly to the cost of growing maize. 'It's an investment worth making,' he stressed. 'The additional heat created around the freshly planted seeds helps to boost germination rates. 'The plastic also acts to retain moisture around the newly germinated seedlings. And, again this helps to improves growth rates at the all-important early development stage of the crop.' Delahunty noted, at that stage, most of the work entailed in growing the crops is completed. 'It's now a case of waiting to see what the harvest will bring,' he said. The tremendous start to the 2025 maize growing season is raising hopes of a September harvest date for many crops. The Kilkenny based contractor and farmer also grows maize without the use of plastic. And here again, the news is positive. 'The crops are well established at this stage. They will receive a herbicide over the coming days,' he said. 'Maize grown without the use of plastic will also benefit from an application of foliar nitrogen and trace elements. 'And, again, this issue will be addressed over the coming days.' Demand for forage maize Meanwhile demand for forage maize continues to grow at an exponential rate. 'We can't keep up with demand,' said Delahunty. 'Even farmers who would normally have enough grass silage to get them through the winter are using maize. 'They recognise its value as a valuable energy source for stock. Maize now represents an essential component of most buffer feeds.' Recent years have seen the breeding of maize varieties that are specifically suited to the Irish climate, a process that is continuing. Maize is also seen as a sump for large quantities of farmyard manures and slurries. Another perceived advantage of growing maize crops under Irish conditions is the minimal disease threat they encounter. Significantly, Delahunty told Agriland that moisture stress is not an issue within any of his maize crops at the present time. Met Éireann is predicting no significant rain in the forecast until at least the beginning of the week commencing Monday, May 26.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Superannuation warning as new $73,000 retirement reality exposed
The amount of money Australians need to retire comfortably has increased slightly over the last 12 months, following a rough couple of years of high inflation. But new figures reveal pressures have finally started to ease. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) found couples aged 65 now need $73,077 per year combined to achieve a comfortable retirement, while singles need $51,805. This assumes the retiree owns their own home outright. The budgets for a modest retirement were basically unchanged at $47,470 for couples and $32,897 for singles. The super body said the new figures highlighted that Aussies likely needed to top up their superannuation with voluntary contributions to ensure they achieve the kind of retirement they need. RELATED Retirement offer for Australians from idyllic island with no tax offers: 'Enjoy' Surprise winner after Woolworths and Aldi comparison grocery shop: 'More expensive' 'Red flag' NAB banker noticed before blocking $440,000 payment: 'Didn't add up' The cost of a comfortable lifestyle rose by around 1.3 per cent over the last 12 months, which was just over half of the Consumer Price Index of 2.4 per cent over the same period. Retiree costs rose by 0.1 per cent in the December quarter, with falling electricity prices helping to keep costs low. Electricity prices fell 9.9 per cent in the quarter, largely driven by commonwealth energy rebates. ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty said there had been a "substantial easing in price for the goods and services' that retirees purchase.'However, the last couple of years of high inflation are still weighing on their ability to fund a comfortable retirement,' she said. Insurance costs rose 1.1 per cent, which was the weakest quarterly rise since June 2022, while food prices were up 3 per cent. Domestic holiday travel and accommodation rose by 5.7 per cent due to increased demand. The superannuation body calculated the superannuation lump sums needed for a comfortable retirement at age 67 were $690,000 for a couple and $595,000 for a single. It's worth noting that Super Consumers has put this amount lower at $420,000 for a couple and $310,000 for a single to maintain their living standards in retirement, combined with the age pension. Delahunty said recent strong investment returns were helping retirees and those planning for retirement to reach their desired retirement lifestyles, but warned topping up superannuation would be necessary. 'The most recent Retirement Standard budgets reinforce the fact that Australians need both compulsory superannuation and voluntary contributions which are preserved until retirement to have the sort of retirement they need and deserve,' Delahunty said. Balanced super funds showed a typical return of at least 10.5 per cent in 2024, with some funds recording nearly 12 per cent. SuperRatings found monthly returns turned negative in February, which marked the second negative monthly return for the financial year, as the risks of US President Donald Trump's tariffs loomed. Despite the Reserve Bank cutting interest rates in February, both Australian and international share markets, which are key drivers of super fund returns, declined over the month. 'The impact of tariffs on China and potential flow on effects to the Australian economy in particular influenced Australian share expectations, offsetting any potential benefit from the reduction in interest rates,' the group said. While markets are more turbulent, SuperRatings executive director Kirby Rappell said it was important for Aussies to remember that superannuation was about long-term outcomes.
