There is good news for farmers this week as Donegal minister, Charlie McConalogue, has announced that the balance of payments in respect of participation in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) in 2023 are commencing this week. Commenting on the decision, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said: “Payments will issue to 26,677 […]
Donegal finalist hoping for success at this week’s National Dairy Awards
DONEGAL has a finalist in this year’s National Dairy Awards recognising the quality and talents of the county’s dairy farmers and vets. The dairy sector is the jewel of the Irish agricultural industry but it is facing many challenges. The National Dairy Awards recognise and celebrate those who have embraced these challenges and are driving the […]
China’s resumption of beef imports positive development for Donegal sector – McConalogue
China’s decision to resume Irish beef imports has been described by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, as a positive and welcome development for beef sector in Donegal. Speaking after discussions between himself, the Taoiseach, Minister of State, Martin Hayden, and the Chinese premier Li Qiang, the Donegal minister confirmed the […]
‘Biodiversity is in fashion now, but I have always embraced it’
Biodiversity farmer of the year, Andrew McMenamin chats to Paul Bradley in this week’s edition of The Third Degree about the future of livestock farming, adopting new ideas to achieve emissions targets, and his love of beekeeping. Hi Andrew, thanks for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little about yourself, please? I grew up on […]
Aurivo Co-operative launches Farm Solar initiative
Aurivo Co-operative, in partnership with PV Generation, has announced the launch of Aurivo Farm Solar, a unique renewable energy offering aimed at empowering farmers to reduce their carbon footprint. Aurivo Farm Solar will provide TAMS and SEAI grant application assistance and financing solution advice to farmers looking to invest in solar innovations on farm that […]
Potato harvest worst in recent memory
A SENIOR IFA official in Donegal has said this year’s potato harvest is the worst he has seen since 1985. Describing this year’s potato season as being a “complete shocker”, Donegal’s Potato Chairman, Donald Logue said 1985 was the only other year he remembers being a complete “wash out”. “Ground is more or less nearly at […]
Green Ribbon Walk Set for Donegal
IFA President Tim Cullinan has encouraged farm families to attend and support the Green Ribbon walks organised by IFA in partnership with See Change, Coillte, and Mental Health Ireland in support of the Green Ribbon campaign this month. A Let’s Talk and Walk Green Ribbon walk will take place in Drumboe Forest Trails, Co Donegal on […]
Minister ignoring sheep sector challenges – IFA
THE IFA Sheep Chairman has called on the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to step up for sheep farmers. Kevin Comiskey said the income crisis on sheep farms is there for everybody to see, with Teagasc figures clearly showing the extent of the problem for sheep farmers last year where incomes collapsed by over 80% […]
Support for farmers to conserve traditional farm buildings
Funding is now available to farmers for the conservation of County Donegal’s traditional farm buildings under the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme. The aim of the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme is to ensure that traditional farm buildings that contribute to landscape character and are of heritage value are conserved for agricultural use. Only on-line […]
Sheep Sector Crisis Deepening, Urgent Action Needed – IFA
IFA Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey said the crisis in the sheep sector is deepening as prices continue well below last year’s levels. He said prices this year are still 70c/kg behind last year with input costs on sheep farms showing no signs of reducing. “Last year’s margins of just €7/ewe as presented by Teagasc at […]