Irish Farmers Journal podcasts

This week, Stephen chats to Adam on the protests and a lift in the beef trade, Martin talks about the TAMS budget while Aidan discusses milk price and dairy markets. Siobhán joins us to talk about this year’s Crop Protection Magazine for all the latest in plant protection products. Stephen also caught up with Peter Linden from Grassland AGRO to chat about fertiliser options for grazing and silage ground. Join the Farm Tech Talk communityWe welcome any feedback and questions you have for the Farm Tech Talk team. Please email [email protected] or send a text or voice note to our WhatsApp number 086 836 6465Click here if you would like a weekly email notification when Farm Talk is released https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1LkIraRklQcK5mClBGXTpFgets9e  Farm Alert is now available for beef and sheep farmers as well as dairy farmers. Manage your herd and flock health with ease by signing up at www.farmalert.ie. To get started, watch our quick guide on how to register and set up your account https://youtu.be/zZD-8C7X4LgLearn how to build your calendars to receive automated text reminders https://youtube.com/shorts/uPDisMFEY-k Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s podcast we chat through fieldwork and jobs to be done. We take a look at Crop Protection Magazine and have the grain market and weather reports. This week we have an interview with Steve Dennis of BASF on product development and much more. The Tillage Podcast is supported by Bayer Crop Science. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside the Farmers Journal: fuel price protests cause chaosOn this week’s show, the team hears from protestors at the fuel price demonstration and discusses the protest.Get in touch with the show by leaving a comment below or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a week shaped by fuel protests and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, we break down what it all means for Irish dairy farmers — from input costs to global market ripple effects.Back on home soil, we dig into the Dairygold annual report, highlighting the key insights and what they signal for the months ahead.Our featured interview is with Limerick dairy farmer John McNamara, who shares his perspective on meal feeding — what’s working, what’s not, and where farmers should focus.Plus, we tackle one of the big on-farm decisions: heifer breeding — to synch or not? We weigh up the pros and cons to help you decide what’s right for your system. To contact the show, leave a comment below, or email us on [email protected] To hear the full episode of Inside Dairy, subscribe now.Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at www.ifj.ie/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Young Stock, hosts Daire Cregg and Sarah McIntosh sit down with one of Ireland’s most recognisable and outspoken business figures, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary. Blending sharp insight with candid conversation, the episode explores the mindset, decisions, and realities behind success across both aviation and agriculture.From the outset, the discussion dives into Michael’s early years, unpacking when his entrepreneurial instincts first took shape. The conversation then shifts to his deep roots in farming, where he explains the thinking behind his move into pedigree breeding and his preference for Angus cattle.Hiring and people management take centre stage as Michael shares why he values employees from farming backgrounds and how that perspective translates into business performance. Looking ahead, the trio tackle big-picture questions around the future of beef farming, including profitability, land consolidation, and whether scaling up is essential for survival in today’s agricultural landscape.The episode also explores the aviation side of his empire, with Sarah probing into rising fuel costs and what they could mean for holidaymakers, even with Ryanair’s fuel hedging strategies in place. Meanwhile, Daire raises the increasingly pressing issue of land prices, asking what levels may be considered unsustainable.On a more personal note, listeners get a glimpse beyond the boardroom and farmyard, as Michael reflects on his bucket list ambitions, daily routine, and how he balances a demanding career across multiple industries. The episode wraps with a look at his interests outside of work, from sport to horse racing and beyond.Insightful, honest, and grounded, this episode offers a rare look into the mindset of a leader operating at the intersection of global business and Irish agriculture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Stephen chats to Adam on TB changes and the beef trade, Darren talks about nitrates derogation applications and scheme updates while Daire discusses dairy markets and North Cork Creameries. Join the Farm Tech Talk communityWe welcome any feedback and questions you have for the Farm Tech Talk team. Please email [email protected] or send a text or voice note to our WhatsApp number 086 836 6465Click here if you would like a weekly email notification when Farm Talk is released https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1LkIraRklQcK5mClBGXTpFgets9e  Farm Alert is now available for beef and sheep farmers as well as dairy farmers. Manage your herd and flock health with ease by signing up at www.farmalert.ie. To get started, watch our quick guide on how to register and set up your account https://youtu.be/zZD-8C7X4LgLearn how to build your calendars to receive automated text reminders https://youtube.com/shorts/uPDisMFEY-k Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Tillage Podcast, we chatted to Michael Burke and Conor Condron of J. Grennan and Sons at the company’s HQ in Rath, Co Offaly, on the importance of producing high-quality feed using local ingredients.We toured the mill and talk about an investment of €4m to increase capacity and improve efficiency. We will of course talk fieldwork, fertiliser, look at the paper and have the grain trends and weather reports. The Tillage Podcast is supported by Bayer Crop Science. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s show we take a look at the new TB testing rules coming into force and hear about the pressure facing winter finishers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a taster of this weeks Inside Dairy, if you would like to subscribe, do so at the link below. This week on Inside Dairy, the Milk League is back!   We take a closer look at the latest developments in European dairy markets and discuss the current situation with grass on farms as the season gets underway. We also feature our interview with Dr. Eva Gocsik, who was speaking at the Bord Bia Dairy Markets Seminar, sharing her insights on the key challenges facing the dairy sector today. Later in the episode, we turn our attention to fertiliser—what’s the plan for your farm over the coming weeks, and what should you be considering to stay on track this spring? To subscribe to Inside Dairy https://ifj.supportingcast.fm/insidedairyAre you receiving our dairy newsletter? If not, join our Inside Dairy community today – link to sign up to receive the dairy newsletter https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1odLPQ4FsQhm-r0edaOnjsAets9e   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of our new series aimed at secondary school students, experts discuss exam tips and the importance of time managementThe latest instalment of our Growing Minds podcast examines the importance of time management and top tips for students ahead of their exam in June. This episode is in conjunction with the revision supplement published by the Irish Farmers Journal in partnership with IASTA and Agri Aware. In part two of episode four, Roisin Byrne from Agri Aware sits down with Sarah McIntosh to continue their conversation on the importance of exam preparation ahead of the Leaving Certificate ag science exam in June. It is essential for students that they know their timings and practice exam questions as often as they can to ensure they are prepared and confident when sitting their exam. They also discuss tips on time management to help students who are feeling overwhelmed and under pressure. It is a stressful time for students, but having the right resources and knowing what to expect can help them remain calm and focused. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah Furlong speaks to Joe Gibbons from Ballinasloe, Co Galway who recently won the IPAV Novice Rostrum Auctioneer Competition. Joe talks about his experience working in Ballinasloe mart, the practice that goes into standing up on the rostrum, what it was like to be crowned winner of the novice auctioneer competition and his future hopes for his career in auctioneering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Stephen is joined by Gary, Adam, Darren, and Aidan to discuss the recent rise in fuel prices and what it means for contractors. Adam covers the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the beef trade and the bluetongue vaccine scheme. Darren investigates how the trade for light cattle is powering ahead despite pressures on beef price, and Aidan has the latest on the proposed Aurivo and Dale Farm merger, now off the table.We also hear from Stephen Carey of Grassland AGRO on maximising production while reducing nitrogen costs.To register for our Beef Markets Event which takes place on Monday 30 March in Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, please fill in this form: https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1IPlLKS7IQlalWpNjVPXHAgets9ehttps://go.alltech.com/focus-for-100  Join the Farm Tech Talk communityWe welcome any feedback and questions you have for the Farm Tech Talk team. Please email [email protected] or send a text or voice note to our WhatsApp number 086 836 6465Click here if you would like a weekly email notification when Farm Talk is released https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1LkIraRklQcK5mClBGXTpFgets9e  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Tillage Podcast focuses on prioritising jobs in the fields, sowing, markets, the tillage payment and the whiskey technical file. We have a chat with Alister McRobbie of Corteva on herbicides for winter and spring crops and as always, we have the grain trends and weather reports. The Tillage Podcast is supported by Bayer Crop Science. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Bloodlines, Sweat and Tears, the Irish Horse Breeding podcast from Irish Country Living and The Irish Field, host Helen Sharp explores the enduring influence of Thoroughbred blood on Irish sport horse breeding.Long valued for adding stamina, sharpness and athletic refinement, the Thoroughbred has helped shape the success of the modern Irish Sport Horse. But as breeding trends evolve, is that influence changing—and what does it mean for the future?Helen is joined by an expert panel including Dr Alison Corbally, Dr Andrea Ryan, and Chris Ryan of Scarteen House. Together, they discuss the history, practical considerations, and future role of Thoroughbred blood in Irish Sport Horse breeding.A must-listen for breeders, producers and anyone passionate about the evolution of the Irish sport horse, this episode asks a key question: does the next generation still need that famous Thoroughbred edge? You can join the conversation by leaving comment in the box below the podcast player you are listening with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of Inside the Farmers Journal, host Amy Forde brings you the latest stories shaping Irish agriculture.From rising diesel prices to ongoing developments in CAP reform, Amy breaks down the key headlines from this week’s Irish Farmers Journal. The episode also features updates from the Minister for Agriculture on bluetongue, along with the latest news on TAMS supports.Plus, Amy is joined by Jacqueline Hogge to discuss a powerful and eye-opening exclusive report revealing how some farmers are being forced to sell cattle to repay drug-related debts.A sharp and informative listen covering the issues that matter most to farmers across Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Inside Dairy, we break down the latest movements in dairy markets as global uncertainty intensifies, with turmoil in the Middle East adding fresh volatility and raising questions for the months ahead.We also check in on conditions on the ground, with an update on how farmers are progressing with grazing and what it means for early-season performance.Laois dairy farmer John Keane joins us for this week’s interview, sharing his experience from the farm and his outlook for the season ahead.Later in the episode, we take a practical look at fertiliser—exploring the options currently available to farmers and how best to approach purchasing decisions in a high-cost environment.Plus, we examine the rise of GLP-1 drugs and what their impact could be on dairy consumption and the wider industry.All that and more on this week’s Inside Dairy. To subscribe to Inside Dairy https://ifj.supportingcast.fm/insidedairyAre you receiving our dairy newsletter? If not, join our Inside Dairy community today – link to sign up to receive the dairy newsletter https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1odLPQ4FsQhm-r0edaOnjsAets9e   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fifth episode of the new podcast aimed at secondary school students, experts discuss the revision guide supplement and how to prepare for the exams in June.The latest instalment of our Growing Minds podcast series takes a look at the revision guide supplement published by the Irish Farmers Journal in partnership with IASTA and Agri Aware. In part one of the fourth episode, Roisin Byrne from Agri Aware sits down with Sarah Mcintosh and discusses the different sections of the revision guide supplement and how ag science students can use it to aid their study ahead of the Leaving Certificate exam in June. They also talk about the different learning styles that people have and offer tips for students on getting into the study frame of mind. The touch on the key dates for the CAO ‘Change of Mind’ facility and why students should take some time after their exams are over to think about their next steps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Young Stock Podcast, Martin Merrick speaks with Darren Hession, who shares his journey into auctioneering, how he developed his own style, and the key techniques for selling different animals while building trust and confidence.Be in with a chance of winning two tickets to the All Together Now music festival by filling out our young farmer survey. Go to IFJ - Young audience survey before midnight on 27 March. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Stephen is joined by Adam, Darren and Daire to discuss the shortage of land and what’s driving long-term leasing. Adam outlines pressure on beef finishers, Darren covers the early lamb trade, and Daire updates on grazing progress. We also hear about TB eradication success in New Zealand, and Stephen chats with Aoibhin Lenehan from Alltech, who shares practical tips for managing the critical period post-calving. https://go.alltech.com/focus-for-100  Join the Farm Tech Talk communityWe welcome any feedback and questions you have for the Farm Tech Talk team. Please email [email protected] or send a text or voice note to our WhatsApp number 086 836 6465Click here if you would like a weekly email notification when Farm Talk is released https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1LkIraRklQcK5mClBGXTpFgets9e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s podcast we have all the latest news, prioritise jobs when weather allows for fieldwork and look at the grain trend and weather reports. Our guest this week is Alison Bosher, country manager with Life Scientific in Ireland and the UK, on generic plant protection product production. The Tillage Podcast is supported by Bayer Crop Science. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s show, Amy Forde is joined by Pat O'Toole, Declan O'Brien and Jacqueline Hogge as the team discuss rural planning permission guidelines, fertiliser prices and the battle to put beef on Britain’s plates.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Inside Dairy, we chat to Ciaran Aylward from Ornua about the latest developments in the dairy market and what impact the war in Iran will have on milk prices in Ireland. Aidan and Daire also update listeners about what’s happening in North Cork and Aurivo and breakdown the pro’s and con’s of the bluetongue vaccine.To subscribe to Inside Dairy https://ifj.supportingcast.fm/insidedairyAre you receiving our dairy newsletter? If not, join our Inside Dairy community today – link to sign up to receive the dairy newsletter https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1odLPQ4FsQhm-r0edaOnjsAets9e   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks Young Stock Podcast Gary Abbott spoke with Mayo native Rob Langan, Technical Manager with Claas UK, responsible for material handlers equipment alongside OEM and Xerion tractors. Now, entering his seventh year working with Claas UK, Rob discusses his journey through college, how the opportunity with Claas came about and what his role involves on a day to day basis.Be in with a chance of winning two tickets to the All Together Now music festival by filling out our young farmer survey. Go to www.ifj.ie/alltogethernow before midnight on 27 March. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Stephen chats to Adam on Bluetongue vaccines, to Darren on entitlements in CAP, to Aidan on the Aurivo and Dale Farm merger, while Lorcan Roche Kelly chats about Input prices. Aidan also talks to John Brennan from Grassland AGRO about management on farms.  https://go.alltech.com/focus-for-100  Join the Farm Tech Talk communityWe welcome any feedback and questions you have for the Farm TechTalk team. Please email [email protected] orsend a text or voice note to our WhatsApp number 086 836 6465Click here if you would like a weekly email notification whenFarm Talk is released https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1LkIraRklQcK5mClBGXTpFgets9e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Tillage Podcast features an interview with a member of the Tirlán grain advisory committee and two chats on biological plant protection products from companies that attended the Crop Tec Show in England. Of course, we look at this week’s paper and let you know what to look out for, including an introduction to our new video series Yield Watch. The Tillage Podcast is supported by Bayer Crop Science. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strong words from IFA president Francie Gorman as the battle for the next CAP begins, bluetongue, a shortage of sheep shearers in the UK and more feature on this week’s show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 What could rising tensions between the US and Iran mean for Irish dairy farmers — and could it push fertiliser, fuel and feed costs even higher this year? In this week’s episode, we break down the latest milk price developments, the backlash over the North Cork Creameries announcement, and what farmers should be thinking about right now as grass growth begins to lift across the country. We also discuss fertiliser availability, the latest on the Aurivo–Dale Farm deal, and how farmers are managing grazing in these early weeks of the season. And later in the episode, on The Breakdown, we tackle a question from a listener hoping to get started in dairy farming — should they be buying heifer calves at current prices, or is it better to wait? All this and a comprehensive chat with Vet Caroline Farrell.To subscribe to Inside Dairy https://ifj.supportingcast.fm/insidedairyAre you receiving our dairy newsletter? If not, join our Inside Dairy community today – link to sign up to receive the dairy newsletter https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1odLPQ4FsQhm-r0edaOnjsAets9e   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Young Stock Podcast, Sarah McIntosh sits down with Lucy Kirby, Ciara O’Driscoll, Niamh O’Sullivan and Ellen O’Neill from Sacred Heart Secondary School after they were crowned the winners of this year’s school competition. The four students discuss their winning topic, ‘Increasing awareness of the Certified Irish Angus brand’ and the importance of bridging the gap between farmers and consumers. They also talk about their plans to pursue agricultural science in college, having completed the competition. Along with this, Sarah, Martin and Daire discuss different calving tips they have seen online and festivals taking place in remote areas across Ireland. Don’t forget to get in touch with the team by messaging 087 4405351 or emailing [email protected] our Young Stock survey and be in with the chance of winning two weekend camping tickets for the music festival, All Together Now. Go to www.ifj.ie/alltogethernow to enter. Competition closes on 27 March. Terms and Conditions apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Stephen chats to Adam on Bord Bia and fertiliser prices, Darren on TAMS plus the sheep trade, Aidan talks about the dairy market, and Siobhan on the Iran war effect on global grain. Also, Aidan talks to MJ Doran from Alltech about the Focus for 100 Roadshow. https://go.alltech.com/focus-for-100  Join the Farm Tech Talk communityWe welcome any feedback and questions you have for the Farm Tech Talk team. Please email [email protected] or send a text or voice note to our WhatsApp number 086 836 6465Click here if you would like a weekly email notification when Farm Talk is released https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1LkIraRklQcK5mClBGXTpFgets9e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s Tillage Podcast we bring you the second part of our Tillage Podcast recorded live at the Irish Tillage and Land Use Society’s spring workshop. We hear about the delay to the new sustainability scheme for malting barley supplied to the Malting Company of Ireland. Have advice on fieldwork and much more. We’re joined by Craig England, farmer from Cork and ITLUS president, David Kennedy head of dairy and tillage at Bord Bia, agronomist John Metcalfe and political correspondent with the Irish Farmers Journal Pat O’Toole. The Tillage Podcast is supported by Bayer Crop Science. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s show the team discusses the chaos in the fertiliser trade as a result of conflict in the Middle East, the ending of the dispute between the IFA and Bord Bia, and more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aidan and Daire have a packed show for you this week including a chat with Siobhan Walsh, our colleague and tillage editor at the Irish Farmer’s Journal on the IFA’s proposal for a minimum inclusion rate of Irish grains in feed rations. Mark Waters from ICBF about Bluecards and how is the ngp going in terms of times now versus this time last year. Plus milk prices, weather issues and Fertiliser. To subscribe to Inside Dairy https://ifj.supportingcast.fm/insidedairyAre you receiving our dairy newsletter? If not, join our Inside Dairy community today – link to sign up to receive the dairy newsletter https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1odLPQ4FsQhm-r0edaOnjsAets9e   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Noel Bardon and Rachel Donovan discuss some of the common questions of students preparing for the next step in their study or career journey.Be in with a chance of winning two tickets to the All Together Now music festival by filling out our young farmer survey. Go to www.ifj.ie/alltogethernow before midnight on 27 March. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A podcast special with the five IFA members protesting for over three weeks inside the lobby of Bord Bia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Stephen chats with Adam on Bord Bia, Daire on the wet weather affecting dairy farms, Darren on the sheep trade, and Peter on bluetongue in Northern Ireland. Aidan also chats with Clodagh Bolger from Grassland AGRO about grass management.  https://go.alltech.com/focus-for-100  Join the Farm Tech Talk communityWe welcome any feedback and questions you have for the Farm Tech Talk team. Please email [email protected] or send a text or voice note to our WhatsApp number 086 836 6465Click here if you would like a weekly email notification when Farm Talk is released https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1LkIraRklQcK5mClBGXTpFgets9e  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.