The inclusion of clover in grass reseed mixes has increased significantly over the past two years, according to Germinal Ireland technical director, Dr. Mary McEvoy. Dr. McEvoy told Agriland: “It’s a trend that can be traced back to the dramatic increase in fertiliser prices that directly followed Russis’s invasion of Ukraine. “It makes absolute sense for farmers to include realistic levels of clover as part of their grassland reseeding programmes.” The Germinal representative acknowledged that many grazing paddocks have been damaged as a result of the very wet spring conditions. “In some cas ..read more

A number of lambs were killed and several others were seriously injured in a dog attack in Co. Louth this week. Louth County Council said that the incident in the Ravensdale area involving a single pet dog was “a direct result of irresponsible dog ownership”. The county dog warden service attended the scene, while the incident has also been reported to An Garda Síochána. Dog attack Louth County Council recently launched a public appeal to dog owners, highlighting the responsibilities which come with owning a dog. Along with providing a home for a dog, and being responsible for their welfare ..read more

Agriland can reveal that Ballinakill Mart in Co. Laois has been purchased by James Mallon from Co. Meath. Speaking to Agriland, today, Friday, May 3, the new owner of the mart venue confirmed the purchase and outlined his plans for the continuation of weekly livestock sales at the mart venue and to further grow and develop livestock sales at Ballinakill Mart. There had been significant speculation over the past number of months that the mart was to be sold and that Mallon, the owner of Carnaross Mart, was interested in the purchase, which has just been confirmed today. The new owner of the ma ..read more

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA) has said it has secured changes to two measures under the National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS). These changes relate to the plunge dipping measure and clostridial vaccine measure, the farm organisation said. When the scheme was announced, the farm organisation said that the date for completion of the dipping measures would prove difficult for farmers. INHFA vice-president Michael McDonnell said that the October 15 deadline is “problematic for many hill flocks where sheep would still be on the hills and in many cases would not be down unti ..read more

Sheep specialist at Teagasc, Damian Costello, shared key advice to ensure that there is enough “high-quality silage” produced for sheep next winter. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) is one of the key factors influencing silage feed value. Costello gave practical tips on providing enough high DMD (target 75%) silage for sheep during winter housing. The guideline silage requirement for the average lowland ewe is 0.15 tons pit silage/ewe/month, or 0.19 bales/ewe/month. Budget for 15 to 16t pit silage or 19 to 20 bales/100 ewes/month. Where rotational grazing is practised, some or all of the sheep ..read more

The end of the month bullock sale at Ballinrobe Mart, Co. Mayo seen numbers keeping steady with “a heated trade for bullocks”. According to a sale report from mart manager Teresa Gibsey, prices reached €2,020/head or €4.27/kg. Bullock prices ranged from €800-€2,020/head or €2.32-€4.27/kg. The average price for bullocks in the 500kg plus weight category was €2.97/kg and bullocks weighing from 400kg-500kg averaged €3.12/kg. The top prices from the bullock sale included: 715kg Charolais bullock sold for €2,020 or €2.83/kg; 600kg Limousin bullock sold for €1,860 or €3.10/kg; 495kg Limousin bullo ..read more

The agri-food business, ABP, is getting ready for the 2024 Balmoral Show with a new-look stand to showcase the partnerships on which the group’s 70-year long heritage has been built. In line with its commitment to supporting communities where it operates, ABP is also sponsoring the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) and will present several prizes in the pedigree beef and sheep rings throughout the show which takes place from May 15-18. ABP provides beef and lamb products to supermarkets and food service customers. Last year the company replaced its traditional marquee at Balmoral Show ..read more

Teagasc is advising farmers to avoid “bulking up” the first cut of silage, as this may prove to be a “false economy”. Research by Teagasc shows that it is better to take two cuts, as this improves the yield and quality of the silage. When the first cut is taken, in mid-to-late May, an extra 1t/ha of dry matter is produced, which is the equivalent of 4.5 bales/ha of silage, according to Teagasc. The quality of the silage will also be “far superior” when cut earlier, as come mid-June, the grass plant enters its reproductive phase, producing a stem and seed heads. Teagasc stated that the first c ..read more

SSE Renewables has been named as the principal sponsor of the Irish National Sheep Dog Trials taking place this August in Co. Donegal. The trials, organised by a voluntary committee comprised of members of the International Sheep Dog Society, are being held in Clonmany, on the Inishowen Peninsula, from August 22-24, 2024. The annual event will see 150 sheep dogs and handlers from across the island of Ireland showcase their abilities. The winners will go on to represent Ireland in the International Sheep Dog Trials taking place in Scotland in September. National Sheep Dog Trials The Internatio ..read more

The Irish Grassland Association (IGA) is set to host a free to attend on-farm sheep event on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The event will take place on the award-winning sheep and cattle farm run by mother and son team Margaret and Jack Stevenson. The farm is located in south-east Donegal, midway between Castlefinn and Killygordon. The Eircode for the event is (F93 KF77. Host farmers Margaret and Jack Stevenson In 2023, the Stevensons won the suckler to weanling category in the National Livestock Show Sustainable Farmer Awards. The Stevensons sheep enterprise includes a mid-season flock lambing just ..read more