Last year saw a five-fold increase in the number of outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pigs in the EU compared to 2022, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In new research, the EFSA said that 14 EU member states were affected by ASF in 2023, including Sweden and Croatia (which had not seen outbreaks previously, though their cases were in wild boar only), as well as Greece, which did not see any cases in 2022. The number of outbreaks in domestic pigs reached a similar level as 2019, and was predominately driven by the introduction and subsequent spread of AS ..read more

Agriland recently paid a visit to a multi-faceted farming operation based in Mullagh, Co. Cavan. John Smith is a dairy, beef and free-range chicken producer who merges the resources used for his three-seperate farming enterprises into one overall successful farming operation. The farm encompasses approximately 145ha, with approximately 62ha of this leased. With the farm spanning across counties Cavan, Meath and Dublin, it is very much a fragmented farm and is uniquely managed to maximise efficiency. John has a humble mantra for his impressive farm operation, saying: “Our system here is not id ..read more

The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) has ruled out the presence of avian influenza (bird flu) in a flock of poultry in Monaghan. A suspected case of bird flu in Co. Monaghan was reported to the department earlier this week and an investigation was immediately launched. The premises in question was restricted while the investigation was ongoing. DAFM has confirmed to Agriland that laboratory testing has now subsequently ruled out the presence of bird flu in the flock. A spokesperson said: “The restrictions have now been lifted.” Bird flu HPAI bird flu was first identified i ..read more

Fines have been paid by a meat factory that breached carcass trim requirements in 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed. A total of three fines were handed to the Dawn Meats abattoir facility in Grannagh, on the Waterford/Kilkenny border. The DAFM has confirmed to Agriland that there were three carcasses with breaches of carcass trim requirement at Dawn Grannagh, which resulted in a total fine of €750 (three €250 fines). The department also confirmed that the fine has been paid. Authorised officers of the Department of Agriculture (Carcass Cla ..read more

EU milk supply is expected to remain stable in 2024, while beef production is set to drop, according to a new report. The European Commission’s spring edition of the short-term outlook for EU agricultural markets presents the latest trends and prospects for key sectors. The report warns that the evolution of “geopolitical crises”, particularly in the Middle East, could impact on trade, prices and the overall economy which would place even more pressure on farmers. The expectation of real economic growth in 2024 has been revised downwards due to falling household purchasing power, lower extern ..read more

Two Teagasc researchers have been awarded funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to further their work in the area of generational renewal and pig health. Economist and senior research officer with the Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department, Emma Dillion received funding for the GEN FARMS project under the DAFM’s Policy and Strategic Studies Research Call. The project explores the interplay between gender, age and their influence on farm sustainability and innovation. One of its key goals is to assess the current involvement of women and you ..read more

One meat factory has been fined for breaching carcass trim specifications to-date in 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed.  The Dawn Meats abattoir facility in Grannagh, on the Waterford/Kilkenny border has been fined this year for a breach of carcass trim specification. It is the first factory to be fined for such a breach since Ballon Meats in Co. Carlow in 2020. Details of each factory fined for breaches of carcass trim specification from 2016 to date can be found in the table below: Year Factories fined 2016 Kildare Chilling ..read more

Global pork production has returned to profitability after several months of herd contraction, according to a new report from Rabobank. The report shows a dip in consumption in key Asian markets during the first quarter of the year, however pork continues to maintain its position as a cost-effective protein choice for consumers worldwide. Higher global stocks of grains and oilseeds have resulted in lower feed costs for producers, helping to boost the industry. Better herd health in the US, Canada and China is also helping to stabilise production. Image source: Rabobank Senior animal protein a ..read more

By Chris McCullough In an idyllic region of southern Spain seemingly unaffected as yet by climate change, a special breed of pigs roam the open countryside producing one of the world’s most famous meats. These are Iberian pigs which are renowned for their outdoor lifestyles munching through hundreds of acorns that gives their special Jamon Iberico de Bellota its intense flavour. Not only is this meat tasty, it brings with it some health properties due to its beneficial fat content, and it is protected under quality regulations. The ham’s high proportion of oleic acid, around 63%, is a mono-un ..read more

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched an action-oriented, country-focused initiative to reduce the need for antimicrobials on farms. It comes amid the growing threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food and agriculture sector, impacting animal health, plants and the environment and causing significant economic losses to farmers across the globe. FAO director-general QU Dongyu said: “The persistent use of antimicrobials in livestock production is concerning for human health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. “We must explo ..read more