81% of farmers to reconsider future in beef farming after 2016

Some 81% of farmers said they would reconsider their future in beef farming after 2016, a recent Agriland poll has found.

It was a difficult year for beef farmers with the income generated from beef farming sitting between €12,000-16,000.

Beef farmers also had to contend with falling beef prices and volatility in the market caused by a 80,000 head increase in beef cattle supplies and the fallout from the Brexit vote in the UK.Meanwhile, the poll results also show that many farmers don’t see a future for the Irish suckler cow, with 65% of the poll respondents saying they don’t see a future for such enterprises.

This comes after rapid growth in the Irish dairy herd, following the abolition of milk quotas in 2015, which is likely to lead to an increase in the number of dairy-born calves available on the market.

This is further galvanised by the figures from the ICBF which show that an additional 66,210 dairy calvings occurred on Irish farms in 2016 (to the week ending December 16), bringing the number of dairy calvings for 2016 to almost 1.34m head.

When farmers were asked if they would consider making the switch from suckler farming to calf rearing in the future, the response was divided evenly.

Some 50% of farmers said the would consider moving away from suckler farming to calf rearing, while the remaining 50% said they wouldn’t.

Prospects for beef farming in 2017

As part of the recent Teagasc Annual Review and Outlook for 2017, Teagasc Economists indicated that the beef sector is facing into a difficult year ahead.

Beef supplies are forecast to increase across the EU next year, while the demand for beef will not be not particularly strong.

All-in-all this is likely to lead to a 10% fall in European beef prices next year.

And given that the UK market is particularly important for Irish beef exports, the weakness of Sterling will also __have an adverse impact on beef prices in Ireland, which are forecast to fall by 12%, it says.

5 gifts that definitely won’t be under your tree this Christmas

It’s Christmas morning and the world is filled with wonder and glee, but __have you every wondered what presents haven’t made the Christmas wishlist this year.

To enlighten you on this Christmas morn and to make you really appreciate the gifts (if any) you __have received, the team here at Agriland has compiled a list of very, we mean very, unlikely Christmas gifts this year.

1. A blind sheepdog

As the old saying goes a dog is for life and not just for Christmas, but if you happen to stumble down the stairs and find a blind sheepdog, you are sure to question the reasoning behind such a gift.

However, don’t write this present off too quickly as he might still be able to work.

Sheepdogs are a creature of habit and you never know, he might still herd sheep on instinct, but this is not advisable if you farm contains watercourses – believe us on this one folks!

2. Rodent fearing cats

Like the trusted sheepdog, no Irish farm is complete without a cat to keep the vermin at bay.

As useful as a chocolate teapot or a mini skirt on an Angus heifer, a rodent-fearing cat will make you really question the reasoning behind such a marvelous gift.

Some say that these wonderful animals may be allergic to rodents, but we have a feeling they are just pure lazy.

3. A load of the WESHT’S finest turf

Naughty boys and girls, both young and old, may be in for a shock this year when they find their living room filled with a load of the ‘wesht’s’ finest turf.

We have it one good authority from the jolly man in red that he plans to switch from coal to turf in a bid to reduce the emissions generated from his trusted reindeer.

Please don’t ask us where the exhaust pipe is on a reindeer!!

4. A dozen Jersey bull calves

Beef cattle numbers are set to increase this year and with the doom and gloom currently surrounding the market outlook, the last thing you want to see on Christmas morning is a dozen Jersey bull calves.

What could be worse than finding a dozen Jersey bull calves panned out on the floor or your sitting room after a heavy night on the eggnog?

The answer is quite simple really – Two dozen!!

5. A load of the finest golden Barley straw

Poor weather during this year’s harvest has seen the demand for straw rocket and although an extra load of straw would be on the top of many farmer’s wishlists, the likelihood of this happening is extremely unlikely.

First of all how would you get it down the chimney and secondly what farmer would go without a fire of Christmas eve to ensure that the straw does catch light??

5 gift ideas for the little farmer in your life this Christmas

Source: Smyths

Picking the perfect Christmas gift for the little farmer in your life can be tough, but we __have managed to narrow it down to five items.

From tractors, to animals, to farm sets, any budding farmer would adore these presents if they found them under the tree on Christmas morning.

A Wooden Cattle and Machinery Shed

This wooden cattle and machinery shed is sure to take pride of place in any young farmer’s toy farm.

This shed is complete with cubicles, a place to park a toy tractor two and a loft for all the bales.

The shed, which retails at €49.99, will require some assembly and is not suitable for a child under three-years-old.

Source: Smyths

Lego Farm

A Lego farm could be the perfect gift for a younger child this Christmas and it will provide hours of fun.

Suitable for children over 18 months old, this Lego toy farm set can be chopped and changed to create a number of different buildings.

The good news is that it doesn’t require batteries and it retails at just €17.99.

Source: Smyths

John Deere Roarin’ Tractor

With this impressive machine a little farmer won’t __have to make his own engine sounds as the toy can already do it itself.

The John Deere features motion activated engine sounds when pushed along, while there are some other light and sound actions.

It will require three AA batteries, but they are included with the toy, which retails at €26.99. 

Source: Smyths

Massey Ferguson Tractor

This Massey Ferguson 6613 tractor is a 1:32 size model which has a rear hitch that is compatible with all 1:32 size accessories.

The toy doesn’t require batteries and is suitable for children who are three-years-old and older.

A perfect gift idea for any budding farmer and it is available for €24.99.

Source: Smyths

A Silage Trailer

If the little farmer in your life already has a number of tractors why not choose an accessory that they can play with alongside their favourite tractors.

This 1:32 size model Kane silage trailer will have any farming child imagining they are the biggest contractor in the parish.

The trailer has an automatic opening door when the trailer tips up, rear wheel steering and a special spring loaded hitch to soften the impact on the tractor hitch when transporting heavy loads.

It doesn’t require batteries and is compatible with most other 1:32 size models, while it retails at €23.99.

Source: Smyths

All products are available in Smyths Toys Superstore and online at www.SmythsToys.com.

Christmas tractor run expected to attract over 200 participants

Valtra

A Christmas charity tractor run due to place tomorrow, Tuesday, December 27, in Co. Limerick is set to attract over 200 participants.

The annual tractor run is now in it’s seventh year, according to William Bourke, who is a member of the Anglesboro Vintage Club which organises the run.

“We decided to set up the run a few years ago and it has continued to progress. It has helped to develop the community spirit.

“Our numbers __have held around the 200 mark for the last few years but we’re hoping to improve on that number this year,” he said.

The Christmas tractor run, which is in aid of the Irish Kidney Association, is an ideal opportunity for farmers to bring out their tractors, Bourke added.

Everything is quiet on the farm and some of the women could be gone off shopping, so lads can hop up on the tractor for the day.

“Tractors of all sizes are invited to take part, from modern to vintage. A few vintage cars will also take part, we don’t discriminate,” he said.

Registration for the charity tractor run will begin at 9.30am and a charge of €20 will be in place, while the run is expected to take off from the Anglesboro community hall in Co. Limerick at 12pm on December 27.

The tractor run is expected to attract drivers from across counties Limerick, Tipperary and Cork, Bourke said.

Lads could get on their tractor at 8 o’clock in the morning and drive 20 or 30 miles before they get to us.

“Then they set off on the 20 mile run and __have a bit of craic when the return before beginning the journey home,” he said.

The tractor run should take between an hour to an hour and a half to complete, with refreshments back in the community centre following the event.

Any vintage cars which take part in the event will set off on a different route, which will be about 50 miles long, Bourke said.

Some other fundraising events are also set to take place on the day, including a charity auction and a raffle.

How does agricultural income compare to the ‘industrial wage’?

This year has been tough for farmers, as recent figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show the value of Irish agricultural output at farm-gate prices fell by 2.9%.

Estimates from the CSO show that the value of cattle output decreased by by 2.1% or €51m, while the value of milk produced declined by 6.2%, even though milk intakes increased by 4.7%.

But what does this mean for agricultural income?

The CSO estimates that all of the farms in Ireland generated a total income of €2,149.4m in 2016 – an increase of 5.3% or €107.8m year-on-year.

Basing this on the last available figure from the CSO, which shows that there were 139,600 farms in Ireland, it brings the average income across all farms to almost €15,470.

This figure represents the agriculture income generated across all Irish farms, irregardless of enterprise, and it excludes earnings generated from off-farm employment.

When compared to the ‘industrial wage’ or the average annual earnings from 2015, it shows the stark differences between the income generated by agriculture and other sectors.

Back in 2015, the average annual earnings stood at €36,519, more than double than the estimated income generated from each individual farm in 2016.

Subsidies boost farm incomes

Despite the estimated fall in the value of agricultural output, the total agricultural income generated is predicted to increase.

The CSO estimates that agricultural income will be up by 5.3% or €107.8m this year on 2015 levels. Meanwhile the agricultural operating surplus is expected to jump by 3.5% or €88m year-on-year.

The rise in operating surplus in 2016 can be attributed to an increase of 16.9% in the value of net subsidies and a decrease of 1.6% in the value of total intermediate consumption, which was mainly driven by the lower cost of fertilisers and energy.

The value of other subsidies less taxes on production is estimated to __have increased by 10% from €1,402m in 2015 to €1,542m in 2016, figures from the CSO show.

The increase is mainly due to a number of new direct payment schemes, which started in 2015, becoming fully operational in 2016.

However, the CSO also says that expenditure on retail feedstuffs increased by 3.7% to reach €1,366m.

Man (84) dies in farm accident involving cattle in Galway

An 84-year-old farmer has died in Co. Galway after he was involved in a farm accident while he was moving cattle.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed to Agriland that the man was pronounced dead at the scene today, December 22, and removed to University Hospital Galway.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Gardai are investigating the accident which happened in Athenry. This is the third farm death to occur on an Irish farm this month.

Yesterday, the news broke that a 59-year-old man died following a farm accident near Schull, Co. Cork over the weekend.

The man suffered fatal injuries after falling from a 10 foot height whilst working on his own. It is understood that the victim fell through a roof.

It is also understood that the victim died at the scene on Friday as a result of the injuries sustained and local emergency were called to the accident on Saturday.

Earlier this month, a man in his 70s died following a farm accident in Co. Tipperary after he was crushed under the vehicle he was working under.

The incident happened in Cullen, Co. Tipperary and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Today’s farm death brings the number of fatalities on Irish farms this year to 21. In November, three people died on Irish farms.

HSA figures show that farming continues to be the most hazardous occupation in Ireland, consistently reporting the highest number of fatalities in comparison to other sectors over the last number of years.

Scientists develop system to remove phosphorus from slurry

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists __have developed a mobile system for removing phosphorus from cattle and, potentially, pig slurries.

This system may offer farmers greater flexibility in terms of where, when, and how they use the nutrient to fertilise crops.

The idea behind the Manure Phosphorus Extraction System (MAPHEX) is to remove the phosphorus and concentrate it in a form that’s easier to manage, according to Clinton Church, an environmental chemist with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

“Hauling slurry off the farm to new locations where it can be spread isn’t always practical or economical,” he said.

However, transporting concentrated phosphorus from the new treatment method could offer a less costly alternative

Church is part of a team that has developed and tested MAPHEX as a way for farmers to not only ‘mine’ phosphorus from their manure stores but also market the nutrient as a value-added product.

To do this, the team mounted an auger press, centrifuge, vacuum-filter unit, and other components on top of two trailer beds so that the entire system could be driven to a farm and operated onsite. This allows the system’s use on either a daily or rotational basis depending, on the size of the dairy operation.

According to Church, the system can service 10 small farms on a 10-day rotational basis. On a larger farm, such as one with 2,000 cows, the system could operate over 24 hours. MAPHEX works quickly.

In about 10 minutes, for example, it can extract 99% of the phosphorus from 250 gallons of slurry. It also removes the smell from the manure.

Church added that testing for pig manures is planned for this coming winter and spring.

“The system should work equally well on pig slurries: with one caveat.

“Provided the pigs are fed the enzyme phytase in their feed mixture it should work equally well.

“However, the current chemistry used would not remove phytate, which contains significant quantities of phosphorous, from pig slurries. MAPHEX should also work more efficiently on pig slurries, in terms of the gallons treated per hour.”

‘Almost one in five dairy cows will succumb to lameness each year’

Approximately 20% of dairy cows in Ireland will succumb to one form or other of lameness problem during any 12-month period, according to Co Waterford vet Gerard Cusack.

There are direct and indirect costs associated with the problem, he said.

“Factors in the first category [direct costs] include the drop in yield recorded by the affected animals, the discarding of antibiotic-contaminated milk and associated veterinary fees.

“The problem is more serious in early lactation cows, given the much larger drop in milk output that can be expected over the subsequent months.

“Indirect costs include increased culling and reduced fertility.”

Cusack confirmed €300 as the average cost of a lameness case. This is made up by an average treatment of cost amounting to €55, milk losses of €75, an average culling cost of €100 and reduced fertility costing €50.

Cusack cited a range of lameness of problems that occur on Irish dairy farms: white line disease, sole bruising, sole ulcers, overgrown hooves and digital dermatitis.

“White line disease is the most common hoof problem associated with grazing cows.

“In essence, it is a consequence of the wear and tear that impacts on hooves as cows walk long distances to and from the grazing paddocks during a normal grazing season. The white line is a point of weakness on the cow’s hoof.

“The average hoof is 11mm thick. Hoof grows at a rate of 1mm per week. So if hoof tissue is wearing away at a rate which is actually greater than the cow is actually making it, then lameness related problems can be expected.”

Cusack said that dairy farmers must identify lameness problems as quickly as possible.

“Regular mobility scoring is strongly advised in this regard. But prevention is always better than cure. With this in mind, farmers should always strive to __have their roadways and yard surfaces in good condition. Standing times for cows should also be minimised.

“In this context, it is crucially important to __have sufficient cubicles for cows, particularly during the winter months.”

12 things you didn’t know about Christmas trees

In 2016 over 40% of Irish households are expected to __have real Christmas trees in their homes for this festive season.

The Irish Christmas Tree Growers Association (ICTGA), which represents 80 growers from all over the country, are actively encouraging people to opt for a real Christmas tree this year through the #lovearealtree campaign.

By choosing a real Christmas tree, people will contribute to a healthy environment and help create jobs at the same time.

But how much do you actually know about Christmas trees and their history? The ICTGA __have pulled together the 12 most interesting facts on Christmas trees as well as the Irish sector.

12 things you didn’t know about Christmas trees

1. Up to 400,000 real Irish Christmas trees are expected to be sold in Ireland this season.

2. The Christmas tree industry is worth approximately €21m to the Irish economy.

3. Christmas tree grower, Paudie Sugrue, from Belfield Nursery in Tralee, Co. Kerry, uses geese to control weeds in an environmentally friendly manner.

4. Kate Byrne, from Hackettstown in Co. Carlow, is one of Ireland’s only woman Christmas tree growers.

5. The average price of a real Irish Christmas tree is €43.

6. The first decorated Christmas tree can be traced back to city of Riga, which is the capital of Latvia, in the year 1510.

7. The use of evergreen trees to celebrate the winter season occurred before the birth of Christ.

8. Most Irish Christmas trees are grown in counties Wicklow and Wexford, thanks to the climate, hilly land and the pH balance in the soil.

9. 44% of Irish households are expected to opt for a real Irish Christmas tree this year.

10. It takes approximately 10 years to grow a real Christmas tree.

11. The most popular tree is the Nordmann Fir, which has a dark green needle. Other species in demand are the Noble Fir, Fraser Fir, Korean Fir, Norway spruce and Lodgepole Pine.

12. The first use of the term ‘Christmas tree’ was in 1835.

Merry Christmas from Agriland

The team here at Agriland would like to wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

It was another year of phenomenal growth for Agriland, with over 250,000 monthly unique visitors to the website and over 20,000 daily readers.

As Ireland’s largest farming news portal, which is updated 365 days a year, our news app remains the most downloaded farming news app in the country.

We’d like to thank all of our readers, for continuing to provide us with feedback across all of our platforms and for picking up the phone to call us.

We will be announcing exciting developments early in 2017 so stay tuned!

Many farmers will be glad to see the back of 2016, with prices on the floor across all the commodities, but there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

We’d like to ask farmers to look after themselves this Christmas, both on the farm and off it. In 2016, there was 21 farm fatalities on Irish farms – 21 too many. Farm safety and mental health should be a priority for all farmers next year.

So, from all the team here at Agriland, we wish you all a Happy Christmas and a healthy 2017.

€17,500 raised for Irish Cancer Society through pink bale wrap campaign

Mark Mellet, Head of Fundraising at the Irish Cancer Society, Gillian Foley, Marketing Manager, Coopsuperstores and John O’Carroll, Head of Retail, Dairygold.

As part of the ‘Wrap It Pink’ campaign, both farmers and Dairygold raised €17,500 for the Irish Cancer Society.

The campaign, which sees farmers wrap their silage bales in pink plastic, has become increasingly popular with farmers as they willingly get on board with Dairygold to help in the fight against cancer.

Produced in Ireland, the silage wrap was launched in the summer of 2015 and for every roll of pink silage wrap sold a contribution to the Irish Cancer Society is made by both the farmer as well as Dairygold.

The wrap was sold across Dairygold’s network of retail stores, co-op superstores and through it’s online store.

The campaign’s two main aims was to raise awareness of cancer across rural Ireland while also raising funds to support the work of the Irish Cancer Society, according to Head of Retail at Dairygold John O’Carroll.

Fields of pink were a constant reminder to people to get screened and to talk openly about cancer and it is clearly a strategy that is working as the funds raised this year are significantly up on last year.

The campaign is a very important tool for raising awareness of the disease, Head of Fundraising at the Irish Cancer Society Mark Mellett said.

“Wrap It Pink plays a vital role in raising awareness of breast cancer in rural Ireland and also funding vital cancer research and services to support those affected by the disease.

Every year in Ireland over 2,800 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. We are there to support them on their cancer journey every step of the way, but we can’t do this without your support.

“We’re very grateful to farmers nationwide for backing this campaign and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Dairygold into the future,” he said.

What to look out for when buying a second hand tractor

If you are interested in purchasing a second hand tractor it is important to take your time inspecting the machine, according to Stephen McEvoy, a mechanic at WR Shaw.

With over 15 years experience as a tractor mechanic, McEvoy believes it’s important to thoroughly check the tractor over as well as bringing it for a test drive before deciding to buy it.

“If you are going to spend big money on a tractor the seller should allow you to fully inspect and test drive the tractor, no matter how long it takes.

“You should start at the front of the tractor and work your way back,” he said.

Inspecting the Tractor

Once the tractor has been turned on and is warm a buyer should remove the engine’s oil cap to check whether or not there is an issue with blowing, McEvoy said.

If there is issue with blowing this will indicate that there is compression leaking back down around the pistons, the tractor may still run fine depending on the severity of the problem, he said.

“You should also check the radiator for any damage to the fins and check to see what type of coolant is used.

If the oil in the sump is black and thick this will tell you that the oil in the tractor hasn’t been changed recently.

Moving into the cab of the tractor, a buyer should make sure that all gauges, lights and windscreen wipers are working, as well as moving the steering wheel to see if there is much play in it.

“A farmer should look at both the clutch and break pedals to see if they are worn. They are generally made of steel and and are press plated.

If a tractor has very low hours but the pedals seem to be worn then I would start to get a little suspicious.

According to McEvoy, it is not unheard of for the hours shown on a tractor’s clock to be tampered with, but the hours can be easily verified on modern tractors by plugging a laptop into the machine’s ECU.

At the rear of the machine, special attention should be paid to the lift arms and pick-up hitch.

Similar to the steering wheel, a buyer should check and see if there is much play in the lift arms by lifting them up and down.

With regards to the hitch, a farmer should check that it is working properly, especially if it is a hydraulic extendable hitch by sliding it in and out, the WR Shaw mechanic said.

Meanwhile, a hydraulic pressure gauge can be purchased in a motor factors in order to the check the hydraulic pressure in the back end of a tractor, he said.

McEvoy believes that the most important area to check for damage on a tractor’s tyre is the side, as there will always be some damage in the area where the wheel is touching the ground.

“When checking the tyres you should check for wear as well as cracks and other damage.”

Bringing it for a Test Drive

A buyer will get a better feel for the machine if they bring it for a test drive and warm the engine up, he said.

“Some lads don’t bring the tractor for a long enough test drive. It is important to warm the engine and check that it is running properly.

Once the engine is warm and the tractor is changing gears sweetly enough it should mean the gearbox is okay.

In order to check the clutch a buyer can drive the tractor along the road in a high gear, press the brake and clutch and if the tractor cuts out once the clutch is released it will indicate that the clutch is in good working order, McEvoy said.

During a test drive, a buyer should listen out for any suspicious noises from the brakes, the mechanic advised.

If the machine is four-wheel-drive, this should also be checked to see if it engages and disengages properly, he said.

The different PTO options should also be engaged to ensure that they are working 100%. Once the engine is warm any leaks should become more apparent, so it is important to pay close attention once you are parked, the experienced mechanic said.

A second Set of Eyes

When going to view a second hand tractor, a buyer should consider bringing someone else along, he said.

It is always better to bring a second set of eyes with you, as they will be looking at the tractor with a different perspective.

“Sometimes you can become half-blinded with the thoughts of buying the tractor that you could miss something, but it is always better to __have someone there that is independent.”

McEvoy also advised buyers not to be afraid to remove panels to get a closer look at the engine as well as getting in under the machine to inspect the undercarriage.

By getting in under the machine a buyer can also check for rust, especially under the mudguards as well the corners of the cab, he said.

Ultimately, it is up to the buyer to decide whether he wants to purchase the machine or not. Some buyers may be willing to overlook some cosmetic damage as long as it is mechanically sound, McEvoy said.

ABP to promote farm safety at 2017 BT Young Scientist event

ABP Food Group is set to promote farm safety at the 2017 BT Young Scientist and Technology Event (BTYSTE) for a third consecutive year.

At the 2017 event, ABP Food Group will sponsor a special farm safety prize which will recognise projects that __have the potential to make a difference when it comes to improving farm safety.

The company will also __have a farm safety zone at the exhibition where students and visitors will have the opportunity to pledge their support to making farms a safer place.

Over 60,000 people are expected to visit the popular annual exhibition which is set to take place between January 11 and January 14.

Safety on a farm is a very important issue for the company and it is fully committed to driving change in this area, according to Group Director of Communications at ABP Food Group, Seamus Banim.

The facts speak for themselves, over 2,000 people are seriously injured on Irish farms every year and 183 people have lost their lives through farm accidents since 2008.

“At BTYSTE, we want to create awareness of farm safety and empower young people, particularly those from rural backgrounds, to advocate for change on farms throughout the country.

“We look forward to meeting and engaging with thousands of potential young farm safety ambassadors during the event,” he said.

ABP Food Group has also partnered with Macra na Feirme’s ‘Safe Agri Skills’ programme.

This programme will offer people working in agriculture the opportunity to complete a suite of short training courses in relevant areas around farm safety.

It is one of the only course of its kind in Ireland, covering basic awareness and the major causes of accidents in agriculture.

Farming continues to be the most hazardous occupation in Ireland, consistently reporting the highest number of fatalities in comparison to other sectors over the last number of years, the Health and Safety Authority outlined.

In recent years 19 people, on average, have been killed each year in farm related workplace incidents.

New Greenways Strategy in the pipeline from Department of Tourism

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is planning to develop a new strategy for the future development and funding of greenways in Ireland, Agriland can confirm.

The proposed strategy will include the approach to be taken by authorities and agencies tasked with delivering greenway infrastructure where engagement and consultation with landowners is required.

When finalised, it will inform the approach to be taken to progress delivery of the section of the Galway to Dublin Greenway between Athlone and Galway.

The Department will undertake a separate public consultation process in the new year to inform the public of the development of the new Greenways Strategy and all interested parties will __have the opportunity to give their views on such issues as part of this public consultation process.

Separately, the Department has announced that a public consultation on the SEA Environmental Report on the Dublin to Galway Greenway Plan opened on December 16.

The consultation process remains open for submissions until January 27, 2017.

In the west of the country, work has stalled since 2015 on the Athlone to Galway section of the Dublin to Galway Greenway as landowners objected to the route going through their lands.

While work on the section has been paused, it has not been halted and the Minister for Tourism, Shane Ross, said that his Department will consult all stakeholders in the coming months on the issue.

Speaking earlier this year he said that he understands the problems for landowners and the fact that they feel threatened by the possibility of compulsory purchase orders.

“My officials and I are determined to promote greenways throughout Ireland. The possibility of a coast to coast greenway of the sort envisaged here is something which we must turn into a reality. We will __have to examine all the possibilities.”

Over €2m in funding awarded to Animal Welfare Organisations

Minister Michael Creed and Chris Conneely Blue Cross

Funding awards of €2,460,500 were today announced for 137 animal welfare organisations throughout the country involved in protecting animal welfare by the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed.

The payments will be made with immediate effect.

Minister Creed said that these organisations contribute greatly to protecting animals, by providing sanctuary for in many instances surrendered, abandoned and at-risk animals.

“The funding being awarded is evidence of my Department’s on-going commitment in the area of animal welfare and is a recognition of the important role played by these organisations in safeguarding animals particularly pet and companion animals.

“I wish to give a special mention also to the many volunteers and supporters involved with these organisations for their ongoing commitment to animal welfare.”

The workload for many of these organisations has increased over recent years on account of the greater enforcement of animal welfare legislation brought about in the main by the enactment of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, together with greater enforcement of equine identification and new dog microchipping legislation, according to the Department.

“While I don’t wish to be prescriptive on how organisations should use funds awarded, I would nevertheless ask that efforts be concentrated over the coming year in ensuring that through whatever means at your disposal e.g. posters, social media, education talks in schools, etc that you get the message out to people keeping equines and dogs on the necessity to __have the animals identified as required under legislation.”

I am greatly concerned with continuing incidences of sheep being terrorised and killed by roaming dogs.

“The message needs to get out to all dog owners in both urban and rural areas on the importance of knowing the whereabouts of your dog at all times.”

In many parts of the country, particularly urban areas, indiscriminate breeding particularly of dogs and cats has led to an oversupply of these animals and consequently increased abandonment.

The Minister went on to remind recipients of funding of the importance of neutering programmes for cats and dogs and all animals being re-homed should be neutered unless veterinary opinion advises otherwise.

The Minister asked those welfare organisations involved in equine rescue to ensure that stallions being re-homed are castrated.

Some of the recipients of today’s funding are working in conjunction with Local Authorities and supported by the Department in developing facilities for urban and traveller horse populations and to educate young people among these communities in the care and welfare of horses.

The Minister said that these initiatives are a positive and welcome development and will assist horse owners in complying with equine related legislation including identification and control of horses and the education courses provided within the framework of the projects gives the horse owners an opportunity to acquire skills in relation to caring and managing horses alongside a broader education.

The importance of good governance is stressed in all communications with the welfare organisations and funding recipients __have been provided with and have signed up to the Terms and Conditions/Code of Practice to be adhered to.

These conditions set out my Department’s recommendations on sound welfare and management practices and it is important that these conditions are adhered to in their entirety.

The Minister stressed the importance of adults being responsible when considering gifting animals as pets this Christmas time and said that taking ownership of a pet involves an extensive commitment and a high financial cost.

“There are times that while gifting animals may well be well intentioned, the reality is that pets being gifted are often abandoned by their new owners when the novelty wears off and it is left to the animal welfare charities to deal with the consequences of these abandonments and this places unnecessary pressure on their resources.”

Finally, Minister Creed stated that he and his Department would continue to work closely with animal welfare groups. He reminded the public of the dedicated email address and helpline in operation in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for members of the public to report incidents of animal neglect and cruelty.

Animal Welfare Organisations in receipt of funding from the Department

Organisation Name and Address	2016
A Dog’s Life, Glenmore, Co Kilkenny	€5,000
Ainmhithe Animal Rescue,Ballina, Co. Mayo	€9,500
An Cat Dubh,  Mullagh, Ennis, Co. Clare.	€5,000
Animal Help Net Kerry,  Tralee, Co. Kerry	€5,000
ASH Animal Rescue, Rathangan, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow	€28,000
Animals in Need Donegal Ltd,  Donegal Town, Co Donegal	€25,000
Athlone & West Midlands SPCA,  Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon	€4,000
Athlone Animal Welfare,  Athlone, Co. Westmeath	€1,000
Aughrim Cat Rescue,  Aughrim, Co. Wicklow	€2,000
Blackwater Animal Rescue, Lismount, Kilworth, Co. Cork	€4,000
Burren Animal Rescue, Rockforest, Tubber, Co. Clare	€3,500
Cappanagarrane Horse Rescue and Sanctuary, Thurles, Co. Tipperary	€2,000
Carrick Dog Shelter Ltd, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan	€16,000
Cat & Dog Protection Association of Ireland,  Nrth Brunswick St, Dublin 7	€19,000
Cat’s Aid, Loughlinstown, DunLaoghaire, Co. Dublin	€10,000
Cavan SPCA,  Shankill, Cavan	€27,000
Chipper’s Sanctuary,  Gorey, Co. Wexford	€6,000
Clare Greyhound Project, Doolin, Co. Clare	€1,000
Clare SPCA, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare	€17,000
Clifden Animal Rescue, Ardbear, Co Galway	€3,500
Rehoming Cork Pets, Carrigadrochid, Co. Cork	€1,000
Clondalkin Animal Aid Ltd.,  Boot Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22	€6,000
Community Cats Network, Kilbgrittain, Co. Cork	€7,000
Cork Animal Care Society Ltd,  Kilmichael, Co. Cork	€7,000
Cork Cat Action Trust, Blackrock, Cork	€15,000
Cork Dog Action Welfare Group Ltd, Milford, Charleville, Co. Cork	€25,000
Cork SPCA, Link Road, Mahon, Cork	€80,000
Cottage Rescue, Longfield, Cashel, Co. Tipperary	€6,000
Deise Animal Sanctuary, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford	€8,000
Dog Rescue Coolronan,  Ballivor, Co. Meath	€4,000
Dog’s Aid Animal Sanctuary, Meakstown, Dublin 11	€13,000
Dogs in Distress Ltd, Ash Hill, Dunboyne, Co. Meath	€11,000
Donegal Donkey Sanctuary, Castledooey, Raphoe, Co Donegal	€4,000
Drogheda Animal Rescue Ltd,  Drogheda, Co. Louth	€19,500
DSPCA, Mount Venus Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16	€290,000
Dundalk Dog Rescue, Walterstown, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth	€7,000
Dungarvan SPCA Rescue Kennels,  Dungarvan, Co. Waterford	€15,000
Enniscorthy SPCA, Marshalstown, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford	€13,000
Fairyglen Animal Sanctuary, Arigna, Co. Leitrim	€10,000
Fellenberg Foundation Ireland Ltd, Flesk, Woodford, Co Galway	€3,000
Fingal SPCA, Portrane, Co. Dublin	€4,500
Flying Irish Greyhounds,  Moycullen, Co Galway	€2,000
Forgotten Horses Ireland, Kinvara, Co. Galway	€5,000
Friends For Wildlife, Derryinver, Letterfrack, Co Galway	€4,000
Friends of Animals, Cullionbeg, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	€6,500
Fur Babies-Audrey Quinn,  Ballygibbon, Edenderry, Co. Offaly	€4,000
Galway & Claddagh Swan Rescue,  Knocknacarra, Galway	€5,000
Galway Cat Rescue, 120 Seacrest, Knocknacarra, Galway	€4,000
Galway SPCA,  Augustine Street, Galway City	€40,000
Great Hounds in Need,  Kilcash, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary	€3,500
Greystones Kitty Hostel,  Greystones, Co. Wicklow	€3,000
Hollys Horse Haven, Omeath, Co. Louth	€16,000
Homeless Animal Rescue Team, Highfield Drive, Buttevant, Co. Cork	€1,000
Homes for Unwanted Greyhounds,  Muckross, Killarney, Co. Kerry	€4,000
Hungry Horse Outside, Currygranny, Newtownforbes, Co. Longford	€75,000
Inistioge Puppy Rescue, Ballygub, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny	€10,000
Irish Horse Protection League,  Blessington, Co. Wicklow	€5,000
Irish Horse Rehoming Programme Beacon Stud, Cloneygowan, Co. Offaly	€10,000
Irish Horse Welfare Trust Ltd., Ballinamona, Arklow, Co. Wicklow	€50,000
Eagles Flying/Irish Raptor Research Centre, Portinch, Ballymote, Co. Sligo.	€10,000
Irish Red Grouse Association Conservation Trust Ltd, Moate, Co. Westmeath	€1,000
Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co. Clare	€3,000
ISPCA, National Animal Centre,  Keenagh, Co. Longford	€290,000
ISPCA Equine Rescue Centre, Dromsligo, Mallow, Co. Cork	€20,000
Kath’s Kitty Corner, Oldrock, Ballymote, Co. Sligo	€3,500
Kerry SPCA, Rackett Lane, Tralee,Co. Kerry	€18,000
Kildare & West Wicklow SPCA, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare	€20,000
Kilkenny SPCA, Norebank Lodge, Greenshill, Kilkenny City	€15,000
Kitten Cottage, Lurganboy, Virginia, Co. Cavan	€4,500
Kenmare Locality Animal Welfare Society (KLAWS), Killarney, Co. Kerry	€5,000
KWWSPCA  Pound Dogs, Craddockstown Road, Naas, Co. Kildare	€3,000
Laois SPCA Ltd,  Baltracey, Donadea, Co. Kildare	€17,000
Last Hope Animal Charity,  Navan, Co. Meath	€10,000
Leinster Horse & Pony Rescue, Navan Road, Trim, Co. Meath	€4,000
Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre Ltd, Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim	€17,000
Lily’s Rescue, Annagherin, Shercock, Co. Cavan	€3,500
Limerick Animal Welfare Ltd, Moorestown, Kilfinane,Co. Limerick	€55,000
Limerick Feral Cats, 6 The Cottages, Murroe Village, Co. Limerick	€5,000
Limerick SPCA, C/o ISPCA, Derryglogher Lodge, Keenagh, Co. Longford	€14,500
Little Wings Bird Sanctuary, Banada, Co. Sligo	€3,000
Longford SPCA, No 2 Market Square, Longford Town	€23,000
Louth SPCA, St Alphonsus Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth	€23,000
MADRA , Connemara, Co Galway	€10,000
Martina’s Babydog Rescue, Ennis, Co. Clare.	€2,000
Mayo Animal Welfare, Westport, Co. Mayo	€5,000
Mayo SPCA, Pattenspark, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo	€1,000
Meath SPCA, Nobber, Kells, Co. Meath	€1,000
Mochara Animal Rescue Ltd,  Liberty Square, Thurles, Co. Tipperary	€9,000
Mollies Animal Rescue,  Duleek, Co. Meath	€3,000
Monaghan SPCA, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan	€26,000
Munster Lost & Found Pet Helpline,  Ballinhassig, Co. Cork	€7,000
My Lovely Horse Rescue,  Moyvalley, Enfield, Co. Kildare	€10,000
National Exotic Animal Sanctuary,  Ballivor, Co. Meath	€14,000
New Ross SPCA, New Ross, Co. Wexford	€14,000
North County Dublin SPCA, Drumcondra, Dublin 9	€25,000
North Mayo Horse Sanctuary, Killala Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo	€3,000
North West SPCA Ltd, Carrowreagh, Killala, Ballina, Co. Mayo	€31,000
North Wexford SPCA,  Gorey, Co. Wexford	€21,000
Offaly SPCA, Market Place, Off Market Square, Tullamore, Co. Offaly	€21,000
Paulines Rescue, Lauragh, Milford, Charleville, Co. Cork	€20,000
PAWS Animal Rescue, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary	€40,000
Phibsboro Cat Rescue, Royal Canal Bank, Dublin 7	€1,000
Precious Paws Animal Sanctuary, Gurteen, Co. Sligo	€3,500
Pro Animale Ireland Ltd, Woodford, Co Galway	€8,000
Renvyle Cat and Dog Rescue, Renvyle, Connemara, Co Galway	€3,500
Roscommon SPCA,  Castlerea, Co. Roscommon	€20,000
Roscrea SPCA, Rosemount, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary	€17,500
Animal Magic,  Kilmallock, Co. Limerick	€10,000
Rover Rescue,  Shanaway Road, Ennis, Co. Clare	€4,500
Royal Dog Rescue, Williamstown, Navan	€2,000
Rural Animal Welfare Resources,  Bantry, Co. Cork	€13,000
Sathya Sai Sanctuary Trust For Nature, Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo	€12,000
Seal Rescue Ireland,   Gorey, Co. Wexford	€12,000
Second Chance Animal Rescue Ltd,  Shannon, Co. Clare	€12,000
Sligo Dog Welfare,  Drumcliffe, Sligo	€4,000
St Francis Dispensary,  Inchicore, Dublin 8	€12,500
Sunset Appeal,  New Ross, Co. Wexford	€3,000
T.N.R. South Roscommon, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon	€3,000
The Animal Trust Fund,  Passage East, Co. Waterford	€5,000
The Daisy Fund,  Tralee, Co. Kerry	€2,000
The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland Ltd,  Mallow, Co. Cork	€120,000
The Equus Foundation, Rathmore, Naas, Co. Kildare	€4,000
The Hogsprickle Wildlife Rescue,  Broadford, Co. Clare	€2,000
The Inner City Cat Rescue Group,  Ballybough, Dublin 3	€2,000
The Irish Blue Cross,  Inchicore, Dublin 8	€180,000
Tipperary Friends of Animals SPCA,  Nenagh, Co. Tipperary	€8,000
Traveller Animal Welfare,  Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow	€5,000
Twin Town Lost and Found Dogs,  Killygordon, Co. Donegal	€10,000
Valley View Equine Retirement ,  Athea,  Co. Limerick	€3,500
Waterford Animal Welfare, The Quay, Co. Waterford	€12,000
Waterford SPCA Ltd, Yellow Road, Waterford	€30,000
West Cork Animal Welfare Group, Clonakilty, Co. Cork	€14,500
Westmeath SPCA,  Killucan, Co. Westmeath	€10,000
Westown Animal Shelter, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare	€1,000
Wexford SPCA, The Veterinary Centre, Distillery Road, Wexford	€42,500
Whiskers New Park Animal Sanctuary, Williamstown, Co. Galway	€6,000
Wicklow SPCA,  Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow	€40,000
	€2,460,500

9 essential apps farmers should download this Christmas

Getting a new smartphone or tablet for Christmas will mean farmers now __have the chance to download a whole range exciting and useful apps.

If you were lucky enough to find a new smartphone or tablet under the Christmas this year then here are 10 essential apps every farmer must download.

1. Agriland

Agriland.ie is Ireland’s largest and fastest growing farming news portal thanks to you, our readers.

Our readers can access all of our content for free on both our website and app, making it easier to stay up-to-date with all the latest agricultural and farming news from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Europe and around the world.

We deliver the most relevant news from all agricultural sectors, including dairying, beef, sheep, tillage, machinery and agri business.

News is published daily, 365 days of the year, while there is no restrictions on usage or article limits.

Features of the Agriland app include:

• Unlimited scrolling.
• A feature to send breaking news alerts direct to your phone or tablet device.
• The option to save stories to read later.
• Swipe for the next story feature.
• The ability to search for a story.
• The option to adjust text size and settings.

The Agriland app is available free of charge on the Google Play Store and iTunes.

2. Herdwatch

Give the gift of no more farm paperwork and more time with the family and friends this Christmas.

Give the gift of Herdwatch, the award-winning app used by over 4,000 farmers, saving them hours on Bord Bia paperwork.

Compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops or PCs, the app offers a range of features including:

• Record Bord Bia Remedies and Feed purchases.
• Paperless Farm to Farm Movement Certs.
• Calf birth Registration in under a minute.
• Record Weights in seconds.
• Manage Full Breeding Cycle.
• Easy spray compliance for new pesticide regulations.

The Herdwatch app is available on the Google Play Store and iTunes.

3. Donedeal

The Donedeal app remains very popular in Ireland, with over 500,000 visitors a day on the country’s busiest and fastest selling website.

Users can easily create ads directly from their smartphone or tablet using the app, or search for items among the other 250,000 classified ads.

Through the Donedeal app, you can mange your own ads as well share an ad you are interested in on social media sites

The app includes features such as searching for adverts by keyword, browse by section, call and email sellers from within the app and save favourite ads for viewing later.

Available for free on the Google Play Store and iTunes.

Source: Google Play Store

4. Beef PriceWatch

The Beef Price Watch app is an essential tool for farmers to check the latest prices from factories around the countries.

Prices for steers, heifers, cows, bulls and young bulls, which are collected by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, are included.

All prices shown in the app are final prices paid including VAT, while other statistics such as numbers slaughtered, different grade prices and average weights can also be viewed.

The app can be downloaded to a smartphone or tablet by visiting the Department’s website.

Source: Beef PriceWatch

5. Met Eireann

The Met Eireann app provides users with the latest Irish weather information, meaning it is essential for every farmer in Ireland.

The Met Eireann app includes the following features:

• Weather warnings
• Radar animation
• National and provincial forecasts
• Latest hourly weather reports
• Sea area forecasts
• Ferry crossings
• Coastal reports
• Inland lakes forecasts
• Satellite imagery

Available for free on the Google Play Store and iTunes.

Source: Google Play Store

6. FarmHedge.ie

If your looking for an alternative weather app, the FarmHedge app could provide the answer while also offering the ability to book the delivery of farm inputs such as feed, fertiliser and animal health products.

By using a farm’s location the app can create a set of weather alerts relating to grass growth, harvesting, animal health, as well as fertilising and seeding, according to the developers.

Meanwhile, the app also aims to co-ordinate farmer buyer decisions locally so as to reduce input costs.

The developers of the FarmHedge app aim to improve the information flow between farmers and suppliers, so both individual or group discount levels can be taken advantage of.

The FarmHedge app is available for free on the Google Play Store and iTunes. 

Source: Google Play Store

7. Geo Area

Geo Area is designed to allow farmers to measure field areas, collect ground samples, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) surveys, and measuring perimeter shareable on all GIS platforms.

The app can be used by farmers for several agricultural applications, including land based surveys, farm fencing and crop yield estimation.

The app allows users to measure areas in feet, metres, acres, hectares or kilometres.

Geo Area is available on Android phones only, and is available for free on the Google Play Store.

Source: Google Play Store

8. Dry Grain Calculator

The Dry Grain Calculator app illustrates to farmers the effect that varying grain and oilseed moisture levels __have on crop weight.

The app can compute the shrink weight and percentage that would result by drying grain to reach the targeted moisture content set by the app.

All users have to do is select the crop and the crop’s net weight as well as the starting moisture content.

The app includes a diverse range of crops, including corn, soybeans, sunflowers, oats and wheat. It has flexibility in enabling users to enter weights in bushels or pounds.

The app is available for free on the Google Play Store and iTunes.

Source: Google Play Store

9. FarmGRAZE

For users interested in managing grass levels on a farm the FarmGRAZE app may be the perfect app for you.

This app is designed to help farmer make full use of their grass and save money on bought in feeds and fertilizer.

The app has a wide array of features, including:

• Record grass sward height or kilos of dry matter per hectare
• Choose from a large selection of livestock types
• Include the type of grazing (rotational or continuous) and supplementary feeding activities
• Enter a Rising Plate Meter value if you have one
• Receive an instant calculation on the level of grazing on your field and advice on how to manage it

The app is available on Android phones only, and is available for free on the Google Play Store.

Source: Google Play Store

Farmers can apply to €24m ‘locally-led’ project fund

The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has announced the launch of an Open Call under the European Innovation Partnerships Initiative (EIP) and is inviting applications for funding.

Projects developed under this Open Call will form part of the Department’s new ‘Locally-Led’ initiative, a measure proposed by Ireland under the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020.

“This is a completely new way of responding to local challenges and we look forward to working with, and supporting, groups who are dealing with practical problems in their localities in a new and innovative way,” he said.

This is also an opportunity for farmers, researchers, advisors and scientists to look at new and traditional practices, develop ideas and research, and promote forms of co-operation in their own areas.

Support for these Open Call applications is structured around a competitive fund, the Department of Agriculture has said.

In effect there are two streams within this call which will be administered via the same process throughout, the Department has said.

The first stream will focus on themes such as farm viability, economic performance, sustainable forest management, and innovative technologies.

The second stream will be focused on challenges related to environmental, biodiversity and climate change issues.

Proposals for projects targeting the restoration of upland peats are specifically invited, but it is hoped that a very wide range of ideas and proposals will emerge in response to this Call, with innovation the common denominator across them all.

This will be a competitive process with Round 1 being an initial call for ideas using a simple application form.

All proposals will be evaluated by a committee for relevance to the EIP programme and compatibility with Rural Development Priorities.

A shortlist of applicants will be chosen to go forward to Round 2 and these will be funded to prepare detailed project plans.

These plans will then be assessed and a final shortlist drawn up for implementation on the ground, with up to 100% funding provided under the new initiative.

Minister Creed announced that this would be the first of two separate calls, with the next one likely to issue in the middle of 2017.

An overall funding package of €24m has been set aside to support EIPs under these two calls.

All dogs over 12 weeks of age must be micro-chipped and registered

Under regulations brought into force in March of this year, all dogs over 12 weeks of age must be micro-chipped and registered on an approved database.

All dog owners __have been reminded of these regulations by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed.

The Minister also urged anyone thinking of giving a puppy or a dog as a Christmas present to buy or adopt from a reputable source.

As well as this, the Minister advised people to fully consider the significant commitment, including financial aspects, that becoming a pet owner represents.

The micro-chipping regulations impose obligations on both buyers and sellers, according to Minister Creed.

“I understand this is a significant change in the way people are accustomed to buying and dealing in animals.

However, these rules are vital to enable early reunification of lost dogs with owners, protect the welfare of dogs and to protect animals against sheep worrying.

He also reminded parents thinking of buying a dog as a pet for Christmas to give careful consideration to the future care of the animal.

“A number of animal welfare groups __have recommended that people do not buy puppies as Christmas presents at all.

“However, if you are going to do so, please buy or adopt from a reputable source.

A reputable dog breeder will have ensured that pups they sell are correctly micro-chipped and vaccinated and have the right paperwork.

These procedures provide reassurance that the dog has probably been raised in the proper conditions, he said.

There are a total of four authorised databases where dogs can be registered, Animark, Fido, The Irish Coursing Club and The Irish Kennel Club, the Minister said.

Meanwhile, the authorised database must provide a certificate which indicates the owner of the dog and provides a form for changes of ownership to be registered.

As well as that, buyers and sellers are also required to indicate that they have verified the identity of the person they are dealing with.

“If details are not correctly kept up to date, you will remain legally responsible for a dog you may have sold. This will encourage people to ensure registered details are up to date,” Minister Creed said.

‘Bloodstock industry is taking the lifeblood out of rural communties’

The bloodstock industry is taking the lifeblood out of rural communities and it cannot be supported, Independent TD Mattie McGrath has said.

Speaking in the Dail yesterday, the Tipperary TD said that he has many issues with what is happening in the horse racing industry.

“Conglomerates such as the one in my area __have done great work and are recognised all over the world for their prowess in the racing industry.”

However, McGrath questioned why they need Government support and the generous tax regime Charlie Haughey introduced in his day to stimulate the industry when they can buy up every parcel of land that comes up for sale in Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford, Cork, Kilkenny, Kildare and beyond?

They are not leaving a living for anybody else. We cannot support an industry that takes the lifeblood out of our communities, which is what is happening in the bloodstock industry.

“The same is happening in other parts of the country. I __have called for legislation in this regard.

“The Minister of State spoke about legislation due next year. I ask him to consider this issue in the legislation. He has failed to do so in the Finance Act or in any other legislation.”

McGrath highlighted the fact that Ireland does not have a land league.

“We do not have anybody to protect ordinary small farmers who want to extend their farms to survive and to keep up with quotas, costs and the necessary investment.

“They can no longer buy a cottage acre; they now resort to buying the cottages with the acres. They want a landscape free of anybody else. Nobody is allowed to live or support anything else,” he said.

Earlier this year, McGrath labelled the issue of stud farms in Ireland’s horse industry buying up large amounts of land in parts of the country as “downright madness”.

McGrath said that he had sought for the introduction of a land tax in his pre-Budget submission, for large conglomerates who purchase and hold land banks of over 750ac.

He said that such conglomerates, some of which are in his own area of Tipperary, need to “be reined in”.

While McGrath said that we have a world-renowned and world-class equine industry, they’re buying every little hamlet, every little perch and any bit of land at all that comes up.

“There are other horse industries in other parts of the country who are doing the same thing.

“It’s immoral, it’s wrong, it’s downright madness and very damaging to rural Ireland.

“We won’t have a football team, a school, a community, nothing, if one, two or three people buy up all our land.”

GLAS payments expected to reach accounts in the coming days

The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has announced that 2016 payments will begin to issue this week under the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS).

This scheme is co-funded under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP).

Minister Creed said he is pleased that payments will commence for the first full year of the GLAS Scheme to participants in the first two tranches of GLAS.

Payments representing 85% of the full year payment for 2016, the first full year of the Scheme, will commence and are expected to reach bank accounts in the coming days.

“These payments worth just under €100m, will give a welcome boost to both the wider rural economy and to individual Scheme participants which will be particularly welcome given the challenges faced by farmers in recent times,” he said.

Further GLAS payments will continue to issue on an ongoing basis as queries are resolved.

The Minister urged participating farmers to return any outstanding documentation, including any interim Commonage Management Plans and annual Low Emission Slurry Spreading Declaration Forms as soon as possible to facilitate payment.

In cases where these and any other outstanding issues with individual applications are resolved, payments will issue on an ongoing basis.

Minister Creed also said he was delighted with the level of interest shown in the third tranche of GLAS, with 14,000 applications received by the Department in advance of the closing date of December, 15, 2016.

The overall target for GLAS was to attract at least 50,000 farmers into the scheme over its lifetime and Minister Creed commented that the Scheme was a major success in reaching this target.

An analysis of the breakdown of these applications is underway.

A decision on the number of farmers to be accepted into this third tranche of the scheme will be made when this analysis is complete and it is anticipated that GLAS 3 approval letters will issue to applicants before the end of January 2017 for approval into the scheme with effect from January, 1, 2017.

I am very pleased with the progress with the GLAS Scheme to date with the issuing of the first full year of payments and the level of interest shown by Irish farmers in participating in the third tranche of the Scheme.

“This is indicative of the level of commitment of Irish farmers to protecting and nurturing environmentally sensitive areas as part of their farm enterprises and will yield important environmental dividends in respect of the promotion of biodiversity, climate change mitigation and the protection of water quality into the future,” he said.

Students highlight importance of farm safety in meeting with Minister Creed

Farm safety topped the agenda in a meeting between secondary school students from Co. Limerick and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed.

The four students from Salesian Secondary College in Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick attended a meeting with Minister Creed in Dublin last week.

The students are also one of the 2015 national finalists in the Certified Irish Angus Beef School Competition, which is run by the Irish Angus Producer Group and is supported by ABP and Kepak Group.

As part of the competition the Pallaskenry students completed a project, with farm safety being their main theme.

The project was carried over an 18 month period, to coincide with the rearing of five certified Irish Angus cattle, which they were presented with at the 2015 National Ploughing Championships as part of the competition.

At the meeting with Minister Creed, the Leaving Certificate students discussed the topical issue of farm safety and the importance of promoting farm safety amongst young people.

Farm safety is not going to improve overnight, it is going to take a lot of work and education, according to the students.

Research Project Findings

While researching the project the students discovered some alarming statistics, including that the farming sector represents just 5% of the total workforce but contributes almost 30% of workplace deaths.

Meanwhile, the project also focused on how the Angus breed could help to improve the safety on Irish farms as they are naturally polled and do not require to be de-horned, saving farmers time during peak working months.

Their research showed that January and March were two months where there was a rise in farm deaths, which they attributed to an increased workload during calving time in a spring calving herd. 

According to the student’s research, farm safety can also be improved with the help of modern livestock handling facilities.

As part of the final step of the competition the students will __have to make a final presentation to a panel of agricultural experts on January 5, 2017.

The overall winners of the Certified Irish Angus Beef School Competition will be announced at an event in Croke Park on March 15, 2017 and will receive an additional €2,000 to further their education.

Gogglebox Ireland is looking for farmers to star in the second series

Image: Channel 4

Gogglebox Ireland is looking for farmers and people from rural Ireland to apply to become cast members for the second series of the show.

After becoming a massive hit in the UK, the Irish version of the show was aired on TV3 this year.

Gogglebox is a reality show where ordinary people are filmed as they watch television and provide a commentary to the shows they are watching.

Filming for the second series of the reality programme is set to begin in the New Year and the show is looking for representatives from the farming community to voice their opinions on what’s on TV.

Applicants for the show should be relaxed in front of a camera and just be prepared to be themselves, according to a spokesperson for Kite Entertainment, the company in charge of recruitment for the show.

The show is seeking applications from people living in rural Ireland so as to provide a true representation of people right across the country, the spokesperson said.

People from rural Ireland tend to be a little more laid back, they can __have a different outlook on life compared to people who live in the city.

“We want to keep the same cast for the next series if they are willing to do so, but we are looking for a few extra people for the next series,” the spokesperson also said.

The reality programme features the cast watching a mixture of programmes from games shows to documentaries as a well as blend of Irish, UK and US shows.

With filming for the next series of Gogglebox Ireland set to begin in the New Year, people interested in applying are advised do so as soon as possible.

People interested in applying are asked to send their applications, including the programmes they most like to watch and who they watch them with, to [email protected]