Latest News from Agriland
Agriland
4 hours ago
- Business
- Agriland
Flock and price-bonus prizes for ICM young sheep farmer contest
Irish Country Meats (ICM) has announced details of a competition for farmers aged 25 or younger with a total prize fund of over €10,000. Titled 'Flocks of the Future,' the competition is supported by Teagasc, Sheep Ireland, and Bord Bia and is described by ICM as 'an initiative to support and encourage young entrants into sheep farming'. Four winners will be selected, with each receiving a mini-flock comprising of a five-star ram and five breeding hoggets, worth over €2,500 in total. Winners will also receive access to one-on-one advisory supports, industry insights, and a 20c/kg price bonus on lambs sold to ICM under the initiative. The prize includes tailored supports from ICM, Teagasc, Bord Bia, and Sheep Ireland. How to enter To enter the 'Flocks of the Future' competition, applicants must submit a short video outlining their plans for the flock, as well as a written entry answering three key questions around flock management, sustainability, and the role that ICM can play in supporting their success. The closing date for entries is June 12, 2025. Young farmers can click here to download the application form. Commenting on the initiative, managing director at ICM, Jerome Aherne said: 'Irish sheep farming is facing a generational challenge. 'Through this competition, we want to give young farmers the opportunity, support, and confidence to establish and grow their own flocks. 'We're proud to play a role in securing a sustainable and vibrant future for the sector.' In keeping with the theme of supporting young farmers, ICM will also sponsor the 'Battle of the Ag Colleges', a competition among Ireland's top agricultural students. ICM and its affiliates constitute the specialist sheep meat division of ABP Food Group. ICM processes and markets a full range of lamb products and is a supplier to retail, foodservice, and manufacturing customers across Europe. The company has processing facilities in Camolin, Co. Wexford and Navan, Co. Meath, and is a key supporter of innovation and sustainability in Irish sheep farming.
Agriland
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Agriland
Heydon: ‘We want to incorporate' women farmers in EU presidency
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has said he 'absolutely wants' to incorporate the issue of women in agriculture into Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU. The minister was speaking at a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine this week, his first meeting with the committee as the senior minister at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. In the second half of 2026, Ireland will hold the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, which means Minister Heydon, if he is still minister at that time, will chair the meetings of the EU's agriculture ministers. Among the wide range of issues that came up at this week's committee meeting was women in agriculture, with Senator Victor Boyhan asking the minister if he will make the issue a priority during Ireland's EU council presidency. Boyhan also pointed out that 2026 has been designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Boyhan told the minister: 'The UN have designated 2026 – which is timely as you'll be [in] a critical role in all of this – as the international year of women farmers. 'There is a lead-in time, and a very significant lead-in time, and I want to use some of my time in this agricultural committee to really, really champion women in agriculture,' Boyhan added. 'I think it's really, really important that we support women in agriculture, that we have this UN designation in 2026, we also have the presidency [of the EU council] in 2026. 'I'd ask you to take away this request…that you would really place a high focus on that, and perhaps you might initiate some engagement later in the year back to this committee to see how can we build around stakeholder involvement; how can we put that to the fore of agriculture and our deliberations in the Oireachtas and this committee, because I think that is really important,' Boyhan said. In response to Boyhan's comments, Minister Heydon said: 'That is something we absolutely want to incorporate into our presidency.' According to the minister, the issue of women in farming is important globally, not just in Ireland or the EU; and that the EU has role in promoting that. 'There is an element that when you have the presidency of the EU, it's a huge honour, but it comes with it a responsibility, not just within the EU, but obviously then…outward facing. 'Women in agriculture is something that I promoted at events when I was on trade missions in Mexico previously, and different areas, but one area where it's really important is the area of Africa,' Minister Heydon said. 'Incorporating the women in agriculture role and linking it to food security in places like Africa is really important as well,' he added. Turning back to Irish farming, the minister said: 'Women in agriculture also features in our programme for government, and there are key measures I would look to progress over my term in the Department of Agriculture to be able to enhance that role because I know how important it is. 'We have so many farms where women are the key drivers of the farm but their name may not appear on the blue card or on the herd number and therefore their role isn't as recognised, but it's absolutely integral. 'I'm happy to work with you and the committee members on any ideas you might have on that or other elements of our presidency [of the EU council],' Minister Heydon added. Speaking to Agriland at Leinster House after his comments in the committee, Senator Boyhan, said: 'We have a vast array of interests on the committee, so I chose today to speak about women in agriculture because there was…an action plan arising from the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture, so I particularly zoned in on that. 'I think to be effective in the agriculture committee given our limited time, we have to use that time wisely and I persuaded the minister to commit to [that], particularly next year because next year is the international year for women in agriculture, also we have the presidency, so I think it's important that we dovetail them, and I got that commitment from the minister,' Boyhan added.
Agriland
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Agriland
Merlo Multifarmer clocks 100 hours in just six weeks
First impressions count and it has been nearly two months since the Guinan family of Tullamore, Co. Offaly won a year's use of a Merlo Multifarmer 34.7, giving them enough time to get used to working it and discover its strengths. Overall, the Guinans are finding the Multifarmer a great addition to the farm, making the tasks around the yard quicker and easier. They are particularly enthused about the manoeuvrability of the machine with the four-wheel steering enabling it to spin around the yard more quickly than the tractor and loader it is replacing for the time being. Hearty engine Power is never an issue either – the 140hp Deutz engine has yet to meet its match and moves the 6.6t machine with a convincing rapidity, even with a heavy bucket of stone attached, which in this case can amount to a further 2.7t. The 140hp Deutz engine is set at a slight angle in the frame Tested on an agitator, there was no issue with the power available at the power takeoff (PTO) either. The PTO drove the pump as well as any tractor on the farm and jobs like this go to prove the versatility and ability of the Multifarmer to fit in to the system when other machines may be tied up. Multifarmer goes mowing Other non-loading jobs the machine has been tasked with include pasture topping with a standard mounted disc mower on the rear linkage. While this would usually be the job of a tractor, it was given a go with the Multifarmer despite it being a standard right-hand machine on a loader with a cab to the left. Although fitted with a three-point linkage, the Multifarmer is used mainly for loader work such as pushing up the muck heap The combination worked well, although there was an extra niggle in addition to the reduced vision to the right, which was that the release cord used to unlatch from the transport position had no clear way into the cab. Having to dismount from the loader to release the mower bed was not a major inconvenience, but – as suggested by Kevin Guinan, owner of the Co. Offaly farm along with his father Michael – it was a situation that could be improved upon with some sort of opening in the rear of the cab. There is no clear pathway for a mower release cord into the rear of the cab. The ride and comfort of the cab is another feature admired by both Kevin and Michael who have now spent over 100 hours between them using the loader. Full cab and boom suspension add up to a smooth ride, with the bonus that the whole frame can be tilted slightly to either side. Kevin said he has already made good use of this feature when loading a lorry for a neighbour that was parked on a slope. The frame can be tilted to either side, thanks to the rams located between it and the axles, seen here on the right. It is a small feature, but it made a big difference to the the ease of the job and is something that has greatly added to the appeal of the machine. However, Kevin pointed out that there is no auto return to level it out afterwards. This may appear a minor omission but is a niggle he feels should be addressed by the manufacturer. Heavy lifting There is no complaint about the lifting performance of the machine. Some trackway maintenance required stone to be shifted with the bucket. Michael Guinan told Agriland that, according to the on-board weigher, 2.7t of stone can be carried, which is around three times as much as the Guinans' own loader. The Multifarmer has proven to be a useful tool around the yard and sheds of the farm Yet the Multifarmer handled this weight with ease and precision, allowing this job, and some tree clearance, to be performed quickly and safely, far more so than would have been possible with the Guinans' tractor. The hydraulics are quite quick, according to Kevin. The boom lifts and extends swiftly, but not so fast that it could be judged as unsafe. Attaching implements is also a breeze, with Kevin having great regard for the single central locking pin. The central locking pin for attachments is a great hit with Kevin When approaching the end of its reach, or return, the movement of the boom slows down for the last half metre or so, creating a cushioning effect and stopping it banging against the travel stops. This is another small feature perhaps, but makes for a calmer operation and – along with the suspension already mentioned – the user experience is smoothed out, making for a less tiring day. Joystick joy Control through the joystick is another item appreciated by the Guinans. On the rear, there is a selector switch for direction, and here opinion differs. Michael finds it particularly useful whereas Kevin still prefers to use the lever mounted in the traditional place below the steering wheel. The cab interior and control layout draw praise, with the joystick being highlighted as workable and precise However, the neutral button on the top, next to the boom and external service switches, is used by both and pressed before dismounting, ensuring the loader stays where it is while there is nobody in the cab. According to the Guinans, he air conditioning/heater works well, keeping the cab glass clear of condensation, though the filters at the rear top of the cab appear to be vulnerable to water ingress and the area is avoided when using a pressure washer. They are probably quite safe, but reassurance is required. The large grain bucket is a useful attachment but not always best suited to stock-related tasks Being a cab on a farm vehicle, the floor quickly accumulates spanners, pins, and the usual mix of odds and ends. A toolbox mounted on the outside is an item that would be immeasurably useful. If the Multifarmer was owned by the Guinans, they might have already added one, but having one fitted as standard would be a bonus. From within the cab, the engine fan can be reversed to clear the radiator, producing a satisfying cloud of dust and debris when it is engaged, Verdict so far It is often said that a materials handler of any type soon becomes the busiest machine on the farm, and this appears to be the case at the Guinans. With over 100 hours of use within just six weeks, they are obviously finding plenty of work for the Multifarmer, and this in a quieter period for such machines, especially here where the silage pit is filled by contractors and bales have not yet been made. For next winter, Ronco have added a silage grab to the prize pot It is unlikely that there would be this intensity of use if the Guinans did not find it of value and convenience. Generally speaking, they are delighted with how it has worked for them so far. Yes, there are one or two niggles, as there will be with any machine, and maybe this particular model might be a little too large for the farm, especially with the grain bucket supplied. But the Guinans keep climbing on board every day and will be pushing the 1,000-hour limit come the end of the trial year – that is the real judgement of any tractor or loader.
Agriland
4 hours ago
- Business
- Agriland
Watch: Manor farm celebrates 250 years in business at Bloom
Manor Farm is celebrating its 250th year in business this summer, with a specially designed garden at the Bord Bia Bloom 2025 festival. The garden is called 'Manor Farm – 250 Years of Taste and Tradition', and has been developed by award-winning landscape designer Tunde Perry. Manor Farm CEO, Cathal Garvey The garden tells the story of Manor Farm through thoughtful planting, historical references and sustainable design. CEO of Manor Farm, Cathal Garvey told Agriland: 'We're 250 years old this year, the oldest food company in Ireland. It's a significant milestone. A good bit of work has gone into this. 'The key thing for us, we are invested in sustainability in Manor Farm. We are going to relocate this garden up to Shercock where we're based.' 'This company has evolved in so many ways over the last 250 years. When you go through the history it's absolutely fascinating. We are basically doing 1 million chickens a week. There is nobody in Ireland who hasn't eaten some of our chicken,' Garvey added. Manor Farm Visitors enter the garden through a train track inspired path, which is made from recycled railway sleepers. The path symbolises the time when live chickens were shipped unaccompanied by train to Dublin markets in the 18th and 19th centuries. The garden also contains a biodiverse landscape with a wildflower meadow, native trees and shrubs as well as a regenerative oat and wheat field, a nod to both farming roots and a sustainable future. A water feature symbolises the company's home in Co. Cavan, known for its 365 lakes. At the heart of the garden, is 'Manor Street', a creative copper and metal sculpture echoing the original urban market setting. A small café-style table invites visitors to pause and reflect. The garden also features sensory planting, including hazel, elder, hawthorn, birch and fragrant herbs, linked to Manor Farm recipes via QR codes. A colour palette of blues and yellows subtly pays tribute to Manor Farm's Swedish ownership under the Scandi Standard Group.
Agriland
4 hours ago
- Health
- Agriland
NI brucellosis compensation rates for June 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published the brucellosis compensation rates for Northern Ireland for June 2025. Farmers are compensated for losses if animals have to be slaughtered under DAERA's brucellosis prevention and eradication control programme. The compensation payable, for reactors and negative in contacts for which notice of intended slaughter is issued in June 2025 will be either: 75% of the animal's market value; 75% of £2,632 (75% of £2,932 in the case of pedigree animals). Valuations on animals are carried out by a DAERA livestock valuation officer and, in the case of a disagreement over the DAERA valuation, a second individual valuation is carried out by an independent valuer. DAERA Separately DAERA has advised that from Sunday (June 1) bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) herd restrictions are being introduced for herds with animals over 30-days-old that have not been tested for BVD. New BVD legislation, which came into force in Northern Ireland on February 1, 2025, introduced a number of BVD control measures in a phased manner. Initially targeting herds with positive animals these measures will now be extended from Sunday to introduce movement restrictions on herds with animals over 30 days old that have not been tested for BVD. These measures will initially be applied if there are 20 or more untested animals in a herd, with the threshold for the application of restrictions being reduced over the next 12 months. Herd restrictions will prohibit all moves into the herd, and all moves out except to direct slaughter or for disposal. The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, has warned that in Northern Ireland there are a 'small cohort of farmers that are not testing all their animals for BVD on time, some of which may be infected with the virus, therefore posing a risk to their herd and to other herds.' The minister said: 'I therefore urge all farmers to test their calves promptly and test any BVDU status cattle in their herd either by using a supplementary ear tag or through blood sampling carried out by their own vet. 'Only through the concerted efforts of all livestock keepers will we continue to make progress towards the eradication of this disease in Northern Ireland.'
