AgriFocus

On this episode of AgriFocus, Agriland editor Stella Meehan is joined by Simon MacAllister, EY Ireland Partner and Co-Head of Geopolitical Strategy to chat about the EU-Australia Freed Trade Agreement and its effects, especially with everything that is currently going on in the Middle East at the moment.They discuss the immediate impact of oil prices, the challenges faced as a result of a reduction in gas supply and the differing views on the latest trade deal between the EU and Australia

The conflict in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through global agriculture.It has also shone the spotlight firmly on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane that normally carries roughly a quarter to a third of the world’s nitrogen fertilizer exports.What will this mean for Irish farmers who rely heavily on imported fertiliser?In this episode of AgriFocus Francess McDonnell is joined by Sam Taylor an executive director with RaboResearch, a division of Rabobank.Currently based in the US, Sam has been involved in agriculture throughout his life, having grown up in a large farming family in the UK with mixed crop, livestock, and broiler farms.He said what Irish farmers need to know now is that nitrogen, ammonia, and sulphur markets all rely heavily on Middle Eastern supply. Once those flows are disrupted, the effects ripple right through the fertiliser supply chain—from producers to distributors, and back to them is significant.Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

It is one of the busiest times of the year for dairy farmers with calving season in full flow.Days are long, the weather has been less than helpful and the sheer tiredness of it all can see some people slip into survival mode.Add to the mix a downward trending milk price and stubborn production costs and some dairy farmers may simply be too busy to think about what may lie ahead for the rest of 2026.In this episode of AgriFocus Francess McDonnell is joined by Patrick Gowing Dairy Specialist at Teagasc who says it is vitally important for dairy farmers to consider where they might be by September.According to Gowing what they need to do now is understand their true cost structure and tighten budgets to maximise grass as their most valuable feed.He also shares practical, no-nonsense ways for dairy farmers to protect profit and build a more resilient business. Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this week's episode of AgriFocus, Agriland editor Stella Meehan speaks to some Irish MEPs during the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.Firstly she speaks to Fine Gael Ireland South MEP, Sean Kelly who is a member of the EPP political grouping in the EU. He discusses the importance of resourcing farmers sufficiently in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to ensure they can maintain and develop further environmental measures.AgriFocus also speaks to Fianna Fáil, Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher, who is a member of the Renew political grouping in the EU about the EU-Mercosur trade deal, CAP funding and the impact of bluetongue virus on live exports.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is continuing to carry out epidemiological investigations and surveillance following confirmation of an outbreak of bluetongue in Co. Wexford.According to DAFM the case was detected in a cow which had no clinical symptoms.But what what might confirmation of the first case mean for Ireland?In this episode of AgriFocus Stella Meehan is joined by the deputy chief veterinary officer at DAFM, Dr. Eoin Ryan to explain why bluetongue is in Ireland and how it spreads.Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

Tens of thousands of Irish farmers showed their strong opposition to the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement at a major protest in Athlone, Co. Westmeath but the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, is still preparing to travel to South America on Saturday (January 17) to sign the trade deal.But once the deal is officially signed what will this really mean for Ireland?In this episode of AgriFocus Francess McDonnell is joined by Thijs Geijer, a senior sector economist at the Dutch banking group ING who specialises in the food and agriculture sector. Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

Live from the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEP Ciaran Mullooly speaks to AgriFocus about the momentum that is building this week in opposition to the EU Mercosur trade deal in its current form.

Over the past week Agriland reported on the news that there was a suspected bluetongue case reported on a farm near Bangor, Co. Down in Northern Ireland.Results from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) active surveillance for bluetongue indicated the presence of the disease in two cows.As a result they have activated stringent disease control measures including a 20km temporary control zone and restrictions on the movement of livestock.In this episode of AgriFocus, Agriland editor Stella Meehan speaks to Dr. Gerald Barry, assistant professor of virology & deputy director of the One Health Centre at UCDHe explains how bluetongue is detected, the ways in which it spreads and why vaccines are not the ultimate panacea.He has stressed that rapid robust surveillance now needs to be completed both north and south of the border.Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In general most dairy farmers have had a relatively good year but since July there has been a downward trend in milk prices which has only accelerated in recent months.Teagasc has forecast that 2025, on average, will likely be “the second most profitable year on Irish dairy farms after 2022”.However as co-ops and processors have repeatedly highlighted since the summer months milk supply growth is outpacing demand which in turn is hammering commodity prices.In this episode of AgriFocus Francess McDonnell chats to Tom Booijink, a senior dairy specialist with Rabobank, focused on Europe and Africa on what the outlook may be for Irish dairy farmers in 2026.Tom has warned that it is likely that next year “will start with low milk prices” and it could be challenging to begin with.But he believes demand for dairy remains good and “for the longer term” he is optimistic.Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this episode of AgriFocus we are taking a closer look at the issue of rural crime – from trespassing to illegal hunting and theft and the impact it has on farm families.We speak to one dairy farmer who has had a number of terrifying encounters with trespassers.Limerick dairy farmer, Louise Crowley, who is the chair of the Limerick Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), tells us what it is like when you come face to face with unwanted and often threatening individuals in your own yard or in your fields.We also hear from Barry Carey, who is the co-secretary of the National Rural Safety Forum and crime prevention office with the IFA about why farmers “feel under seige” in some parts of the country.Finally we ask An Garda Siochana’s first ever Rural Crime Lead, Super Intendent, Michael Corbett who is based in Fermoy in Co. Cork, what is being done to help people living in rural communities and on farms feel safer.Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this special episode of AgriFocus, we are joined by Alison McHugh, EY Ireland tax partner and head of private client services, to take a look at everything effecting agriculture and rural life that was announced today in Budget 2026.Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

On the latest episode of the AgriFocus podcast, in association with AXA Farm Insurance, Agriland technical beef journalist Breifne O’Brien speaks to Mark Waters of the ICBF about the National Genotyping Programme (NGP).In the podcast, they discuss the benefits of both dairy and suckler farmers joining the NGP and what benefits it offers to farmers breeding cattle as well as farmers buying-in cattle.The ICBF representative details the reduced cost of genotyping cattle through the NGP which is currently open for applications.

On the latest episode of the AgriFocus podcast, Agriland Editor Stella Meehan sits down with award-winning journalist, Michelle Michael to discuss 'World Without Cows' a documentary Michelle co-wrote and directed alongside Brandon Whitworth.The documentary which was aired at Alltech Dunboyne starts an important conversation about the role cows play in our daily lives and in the world around us. It features interviews with farmers, ranchers, scientists, academics, advocates and other experts.*This podcast is sponsored by AXA Farm Insurance.

On the latest episode of the AgriFocus podcast, brought to you by Agriland in association with Axa Insurance, Agriland editor Stella Meehan takes you behind the scenes of the latest agri-food trade mission to Japan.Find out why Japan is such an important market for Ireland’s agri-food sector and discover how premium Irish produce is being showcased in this market.Japan is the number two beef importer in the world and in recent years Irish beef tongue has surged in popularity, with restaurant chain Negishi selling beef tongue at 49 locations across Japan to 100,000 customers per week.Joining Stella on the podcast is the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, Joe Burke, Beef and Livestock Sector manager with Bord Bia and Meat Industry Ireland (MII) director Dale Crammond.

On the latest episode of the AgriFocus podcast, brought to you by Agriland in association with Axa Insurance, Agriland editor Stella Meehan chats to head of Crops Knowledge Transfer Department with Teagasc, Michael Hennessy.They discuss how winter crops, as well as spring-sown cereals, are performing across the country.Hennessy outlines the tasks growers should be undertaking in the coming days and weeks as growth progress is monitored and pests and diseases are controlled.

In this episode of AgriFocus Francess McDonnell is joined by Ann Griffin, regional advocate for the north-west with Sage Advocacy – which is the National Advocacy Service for Older People – to chat about what happens to the family farm if an older person needs to consider nursing home care.Ann addresses common concerns among older farmers and their families who fear losing the farm if they enter the scheme. She explains how the HSE assesses income and assets – such as homes, land, and farms – and clarifies the 3-year cap that limits how much can be charged against these assets.The episode also touches on broader issues facing older people in rural Ireland today.

In this episode of AgriFocus, Stella Meehan is joined by Dr. Frank Harrington who is chair of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) Rural Agency Committee and discipline lead of Real Estate and Valuations at TU Dublin.Auctioneers and valuers from the SCSI have said that the outlook for the agricultural land market remains strong for 2025 and they are forecasting that the price of agricultural land nationally will increase by 6% on average this year.In a major report with Teagasc, auctioneer and valuer members of SCSI operating in the agricultural sales and rental market, say average rental prices in 2025 are expected to increase by 7%.

On this week's episode of AgriFocus, we take a closer look at why the fallout from wildfires which swept through some parts of the country earlier this month could deliver fresh challenges for some farmers in ACRES.Joining Agriland's Francess McDonnell on this episode of AgriFocus is Fergal Monaghan, programme director for ACRES Breifne, Leinster and Munster/South Connaught regions.Fergal has has 25 years’ experience in the agri-environment sector, including 20 years as a farm advisor working with farmers in high nature value areas throughout Ireland.He sets out what support and guidance is available to farmers who may be concerned about the negative effects of wildfire and why it is important for them to have mitigation procedures in place. The programme director for ACRES Breifne, Leinster and Munster/South Connaught regions also highlighted what measures farmers can put in place, including bracken strimming, managed grazing and raising the water table on peatland commonages.The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

On this week’s episode of AgriFocus, Agriland editor Stella Meehan sits down with technical dairy journalist with Agriland, Hugh Harney and deputy news editor, Francess McDonnell to discuss the most topical agricultural issues at the moment.From beef price to breeding to US import tariffs, the team gauges the feeling among the farming community and agri-business about the current state of the sector and the future outlook.The podcast delves into the recent, and ongoing, ‘beef boom’ and what direction factories are heading this week as Agriland heads out and about to talk to farmers ‘on the ground’.Hugh Harney fills listeners in on the current state of affairs for milk suppliers and what dairy farmers are, and should be, focusing on at the moment.Stella Meehan also discusses the impact on tariffs on Irish agri-food exporters and the short-term impact for the dairy, drinks and other sectors.

In this episode of the AgriFocus podcast, Agriland’s Stella Meehan sits down with Carol Lynch, tax partner and head of customs and international trade services with BDO Ireland, to discuss what has become a hotly debated issue – tariffs.With Ireland exporting 90% of its agri-food produce international exports are hugely important to Ireland’s domestic economy.In this podcast Carol Lynch discusses exactly what a tariff is and what the impact of the US president’s plan to place tariffs on EU agri-food exports to the US could mean for Ireland and Irish exports.

The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this episode of the AgriFocus podcast, Agriland’s Stella Meehan sits down with chairperson of Irish Forest Owners (IFO), Derek McCabe to discuss the aftermath of Storm Éowyn and the damage it caused to forestry across the country.Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae has said that satellite data shows more than 23,000ha of forestry destroyed as a result of the hurricane force winds in January.Now forest owners are under pressure to remove and harvest the fallen timber before it begins to rot and decay on the ground, losing value and worth as each day passes.

Agriland Editor Stella Meehan speaks to Bord Bia Beef Sector Manager, Mark Zieg.We hear what lies ahead for the beef trade in Ireland in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode of the AgriFocus podcast, Breifne O’Brien chats to Sean Coughlan, CEO of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) about the move by a number of Irish cattle breed societies to vote ‘no confidence’ in the revised Euro-star evaluations.Over the past two months, several of the Irish cattle breed societies have issued statements outlining they are to cease publishing ICBF Evaluations in their society sales catalogues.The ICBF CEO confirmed that the economic values of the indices will be updated this summer and confirmed that Teagasc’s Dr. Paul Crosson is currently working on these updates.Coughlan also discussed farmer issues relating to the star ratings of cows as well as the weightings of each trait in the composition of the overall figures.The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this episode of the AgriFocus podcast, Francess McDonnell chats to David Whelehan, agricultural technical consultant with Vogelsang Ireland and part time beef farmer in Co. Westmeath, about the “huge value” in organic fertilisers and how farmers can make the best use of slurry on their farmsUnder the Nitrates Action Programme, Ireland is divided into three zones (A, B and C) based on soil type, rainfall and length of growing season. Farmers in zones A and B have been able to spread organic manures from January 13 and January 16 but this farmers in Zone C – which includes Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan – can begin the application of organic manures from February 1.The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In the first episode of the 2025 season on AgriFocus, Agriland editor, Stella Meehan is joined by superintending veterinary inspector, Audrey Jenkinson from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to discuss avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.Most recently, the highly pathogenic virus has been discovered in a wild buzzard in Dublin and another wild buzzard in Co. Galway.There have also been multiple cases reported in the UK, across Europe and in the US, transferring to dairy cows and in some cases, farm workers.In this episode, Jenkinson breaks down the different strains of avian influenza, the threat to Irish exports and whether or not humans are at risk.The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

As nationwide efforts continue to restore power to homes, farms and businesses in the aftermath of Storm Darragh farmers have been urged to be aware of the dangers of damaged power lines and fallen live wires.In this episode of the AgriFocus podcast, Michael Murray, public safety manager at ESB Networks, joins Francess McDonnell to highlight why farmers and agri-contractors should “not take chances” when it comes to storm damaged power lines and other electrical equipment.The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this episode Francess McDonnell chats to Gary Murphy, Professor at Dublin City University’s School of Law and Government.The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this episode, Agriland editor, Stella Meehan sits down with chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Animal Health Committee, TJ Maher to discuss bovine tuberculosis (TB), it’s impact, cost and future.Maher explains the main sources and vectors of TB and the steps farmers themselves must take to ensure the disease is eradicated.They also discuss the cost to the farmer of a TB reactor in the herd and what supports might be available to families as well as the possibility of a TB vaccine for cattle and the badger vaccination programme.The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this episode, the first of Season Two of the AgriFocus series, Agriland editor, Stella Meehan sits down with EY tax partner Alison McHugh to delve into the detail of changes relating to agricultural relief following the publication of Budget 2025.Alison outlines various scenarios where a land or property owner may need to make decisions urgently before changes are implemented on January 1, 2025.She explains the relief that is now available from a tax perspective and discusses options for farm transfers and how to take advantage of tax breaks now and into the future.Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this special episode of AgriFocus, we take a look at everything effecting agriculture and rural life that was announced today in Budget 2025.Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In the final episode of the first season of the AgriFocus podcast, we're joined by Teagasc advisor Fergal Maguire.Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In today's episode we're joined by Dr Eimear Cotter, Director of Evidence and Assessment with the Environmental Protection Agency. We discuss how the land use sector plays an important role in fighting climate change.Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In today's episode we're joined by Head of Tax for IFAC, Marty Murphy to discuss Revenue's new guidance on VAT refundsGo beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In today's episode Agriland Editor Stella Meehan is joined by ICMSA president Denis Drennan to discuss the ICMSA's election guide and the issues effecting farmers right now.Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this episode, Agriland editor Stella Meehan sits down with chartered valuation surveyor, Dillon Murtagh of Murtagh Bros. to discuss the land sale and rental market in Ireland.Last week the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) along with Teagasc published the Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook Report 2024.Among the findings of the report is that national average farmland sales prices are forecast to rise by 6% in 2024. Last year average land rental prices increased by 5%.Dillon Murtagh explains to Agriland where the geographical variances lay, what type of farmers are likely to buy and where the market is heading for the rest of 2024.

In this episode, head of Crops Knowledge Transfer Department at Teagasc, Michael Hennessy joins us to discuss everything to do with the effect the extended wet weather has had on the tillage sector.Go beyond the headlines with our new podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this episode, Agriland editor, Stella Meehan sits down with associate director with Sherry Fitzgerald Country Homes, Farms & Estates, Philip Guckian to discuss the latest Agricultural Land Price Barometer.He explains what type of land is fetching the highest prices, why large estates are more difficult to come by in some areas of the country and what factors are influencing whether or not farmers buy land.

In this episode, Agriland deputy news editor Francess McDonnell, speaks to sheepmeat and livestock manager with Bord Bia, Seamus McMenamin about record sheep prices being seen in the run-up to Easter.They discuss the prospects for the sheep trade for 2024, how prices and have improved since 2023 and markets for Irish sheepmeat and lamb.The AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In this episode, Agriland editor, Stella Meehan sits down with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett to mark International Women’s Day.The minister outlines her route into organic farming, the challenges she faces as a Green Party politician working in agriculture and what she feels is the most rewarding part of her job.The AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

In a sit-down interview with Agriland, following his announcement that he would be joining Independent Ireland, Deputy Fitzmaurice spoke about the reasons why he decided to join the party established by fellow independent TDs Michael Collins and Richard O’Donoghue.The party was established late last year with an aim to “respect the work and changes farmers are making”.This is the full unedited interview that was featured on the Agriland site.

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.In this episode Agriland editor Stella Meehan, is joined by former president of Macra and former vice-president of CEJA (European Council of Young Farmers), Thomas Duffy.Duffy farms in partnership with his parents and sister on their Co. Cavan dairy farm.He explains the impact, if any, of European protests, what the future holds for the Mercosur trade deal and why the loss of a nitrates derogation would destroy Ireland’s agricultural industry.

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.In this episode Agriland editor Stella Meehan, is joined by chair of An Rialálaí Agraibhia (The Agri-Food Regulator) board, Joe Healy.Healy is former president of Macra and the Irish Farmers’ Association and was the first vice-president of Copa, the European farmers’ organisation. Currently, he is chair of ‘Cultivate’ (Credit Unions agri-finance).He explained that the regulator’s office cannot get involved in price, but can take action for Unfair Trading Practices (UTP).

In this episode Agriland editor Stella Meehan, is joined by president of the Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA) who sits down to discuss the pressure on advisors and farmers as the consider slurry management during the month of January.He also stresses that the system of farm advisory services in this country needs to be completely reviewed with the government making more use of private consultants.Rate, review and follow AgriFocus on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from.

In December, Agriland spoke with former ICMSA president Pat McCormack to discuss his time in the role, and the future of the Irish dairy sector. We also caught up with new ICMSA president Denis Drennan about the challenges facing the sector, how he will change public perception, and the outlook for 2024.Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

Go beyond the headlines with our podcast series – AgriFocus – where we take a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.