With temperatures exceeding 40° C across the European Union, there is a serious threat not only to people but to livestock throughout the continent. We’re also seeing heatwaves hit close to home. In July, Charlie McConalogue, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, had clear advice for farmers across Ireland: take the extra steps […]
A healthy horse is not measured on bone strength alone. Any equestrian specialist will tell you these majestic and powerful animals need a delicate balance of macro and micro-nutrients. The right supplement can improve the forage and feed horses eat without overdoing any aspect of their nutrition. The challenge is finding the right mixture for […]
Is Ireland and the EU about to enter a food security crisis? It’s possible. Charlie McConalogue, the Minister for Agriculture, wants to monitor the supply chain and has encouraged Irish farmers throughout the countryside to plant wheat, barley and other grains on their land. This news indicates that farmers might be struggling further to obtain […]
A recent article in the Irish Examiner showed the heavy financial strain upon pig producers in Ireland. Persistent supply chain issues and rising feed prices result in thousands of euros in losses with the potential for a 1,000-sow unit to lose almost €70,000 a month. Until finance ministers decide on a rescue package to address […]
You’ll see most of Ireland’s sheep farming nestled in counties from Galway and Mayo to Donegal and Wicklow. Though herd size rarely reaches the sheer numbers of countries like New Zealand, these humble sheep farms contribute to the prosperity of many Irish farmers and communities. In years past, sheep nutrition was only as good […]
Staying true to farming traditions while keeping family farms and large-scale operations viable is a tricky prospect. The world is changing, and it’s important for Irish producers to adapt practices that protect their livelihoods and amplify their profits. If farmers are going to effectively walk that tightrope, they’ll need to explore innovations in animal science […]
All over Ireland, people are eating more eggs. Last year, 705 million eggs were sold nationwide, up from 656 million the previous year. More than just fulfilling a cornerstone of the full Irish breakfast, eggs are proving to be a quick meal for working folks or a pre-workout boost for sporty types. Yet no matter […]
A healthy sounder can quickly be done under by one sick animal. All it takes is for contagious pathogens to enter your farm (through feed, farm conditions, or other animals) and the health of your pigs can rapidly decline. This is all too real for Irish pork producers who have been on watch for any […]
To say it is awfully warm this summer is an understatement. The sweltering heat and dangerous temperatures in July pushed a nationwide Status Yellow warning, with six counties (Cavan, Monaghan, south Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, and Westmeath) meriting a Status Orange warning with temperatures exceeding 30⁰C. Bad for anyone, but particularly bad for dairy farmers, who […]