IFA Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey said the stronger regulations on dog controls that will go before Cabinet today will go some way to address the growing problem of dog attacks on livestock. “IFA had looked for a centralised database, larger fines and more dog wardens to enforce stricter controls. The authorities have been slow to […]
Consignment of Fertiliser Delivered from the North to Galway
As part of IFA’s campaign on fertiliser prices, IFA Connacht Regional Chair Pat Murphy has sourced fertiliser from the North for farmers in Galway. It was distributed on Friday morning. “We are now at the point of the year where all farmers need fertiliser. It will be spread in the next few weeks, both for […]
IFA President hits out Agriculture Minister over delayed farm payments
IFA President Tim Cullinan said the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue cannot stand idly by while his officials railroad through changes which will mean up to a month’s delay in some farm payments. The Department met with IFA and others last week to negotiate a new Farmers’ Charter, including payment dates. They proposed to significantly […]
Potato farmers issue stark warning of sector struggles
A SENIOR IFA official in Donegal says a potato shortage and job losses could be on the way unless there is urgent intervention to help the farming sector. Farmers met in Dublin recently to discuss ways to keep the industry afloat. But with land rental, fertiliser, fuel and storage costs at an all-time high, fears are mounting that many potato […]
Settling into new role as Donegal IFA chair
DONEGAL’S new IFA Chair, Joe Sweeney from Dunfanaghy is set to travel to Bluebell, Dublin, this week for his first National Council Meeting. Farming from an early age, Joe attended Ballyhaise Agricultural College after secondary school before going on to study farm management for three years. Newly qualified as a farm manager, Joe managed a […]
Decision to Include All ACRES Applicants the Correct Call – IFA
IFA President Tim Cullinan said the inclusion of all applicants for ACRES was the best outcome for those wishing to participate in an agri-environment scheme. “The Dept has made the right decision here. It would have sent a very negative signal if farmers had expressed an interest in the scheme and then found themselves […]
Milk price cuts wipe out premium for liquid milk producers
The price cuts of between 5cpl and 7cpl announced by milk processors last week have effectively eliminated the liquid milk premium paid to liquid milk producers according to IFA Liquid Milk Chairman Keith O’Boyle. Input costs for dairy farmers producing fresh milk through the winter months remain at an all-time high as there is a […]
Global fertiliser price reductions must be passed on to farmers
IFA President Tim Cullinan says that Merchants and Co-ops must pass on the significant reductions in global fertiliser prices to farmers. “We have seen a sustained significant drop in the price of natural gas of up on 85% since September 2022. The spike in natural gas prices was referenced as the main driver of increased […]
‘Sheep Farmers are in Crisis’ – IFA
IFA held a protest in Roscommon Town today highlighting the deepening income crisis on sheep farms. The protest was organised following the latest price cut, which has hit sheep farmers already grappling with severe input costs and slashed margins. Addressing the assembled farmers, IFA President Tim Cullinan called for immediate action from the processors and […]
‘No Dogs Allowed’ Campaign to continue until authorities take action
THE IFA have re-launched their campaign on dog control after IFA President Tim Cullinan criticised the failure of the authorities to tackle what is a growing problem on farms. IFA began the ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign in 2021. Speaking about the issue, Tim said unfortunately, the situation has worsened over the last two years, with […]