Farming Desk

He called for open dialogue and practical solutions and said Department officials were given a clear message that IFA would not accept any delays.

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA) has also called for farm payments scheduled this autumn to be paid in line with previous payment dates.

IFA reiterates calls for sheep farmer supports

Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture recently, IFA President Tim Cullinan said the challenging income situation on sheep farms was a major deterrent to new entrants into the sector.

Mr Cullinan said that gross margins on sheep farms decreased by 14 per cent in 2022 while net margins were down 71 per cent.

“Direct supports for sheep farmers must be increased to €30 per ewe to encourage generational renewal and ensure the economic viability of existing sheep farmers,” he said.

Sheep Committee Chair Kevin Comiskey said the crisis could only be alleviated by immediate Government support.

In terms of shearing, he said it costs approximately €8 to present a 3kg fleece rolled and packed on a farm and this was costing farmers over €21 million annually. He said shearing costs must be supported to incentivise farmers.

Role of female farmers highlighted on International Women’s Day

Marking International Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 8th, IFA National Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair, Alice Doyle, has called for the removal of social and cultural barriers and the introduction of additional supports to incentivise women to become more involved in the agricultural sector.

“It is so important for the future sustainability of farming and the wider agri-food sector that more women are empowered and supported to get involved in the sector,” she said.

“Rural women are an under utilised resource, and we need to introduce additional supports to encourage more women farmers to get involved.

“We need to increase women’s visibility in within the sector, to show younger women that there is a career for them in farming”.

Despite the recent inclement weather conditions and hazardous road conditions, up on 600 animals were sold on Thursday last. Trade remained firm for all categories of stock presented for sale with the forward bullocks making up to €2,070, heifers topping out at €2,190 and the dry cows making up to €2,460. The weanling rings noted a good clearance on the day with demand and price maintained from last week. The calf ring noticed larger numbers on offer this week with a good clearance taking place and lots making up to €420. Sucklers made up to €2,480 while the runners topped out at €1,190.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1,390 to €2,060 and springers made up to €2,480. Dairy cross calves made from up to €80, and Hereford and Angus lots made from €120 to €280 with continentals making up to €420. Runners made up to €1,190 for continental types.

Sales continue today (Thursday) with our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Sample prices for bullocks: Lm 475kgs €1780, Lm 455kgs €1590, AA 490kgs €1530, Ch 545kgs €1910, Ch 570kgs €1670, Ch 500kgs €1540, Lm 595kgs €1910, Ch 570kgs €1890, AA 635kgs €1970, AAx 710kgs €2070, AAx 730kgs €2070.

Heifers: Lm 420kgs €1310, Ch 420kgs €1350, BBX 415kgs €1310, Lm 490kgs €1750, BB 475kgs €1700, Ch 495kgs €1620, Lm 545kgs €2190, Lm 525kgs €2080, Lm 665kgs €2020, Ch 730kgs €2040, Ch 660kgs €2080.

Dry cows: Ch 830kgs €2460, Sim 865kgs €2440, Ch 765kgs €2360, Ch 780kgs €2340, Ch 775kgs €2200, Fr 465kgs €800, Fr 480kgs €880.

Weanling bulls: Lm 295kgs €1020, Hex 270kgs €1000, BB 270kgs €970, Ch 250kgs €830, Lm 363kgs €1240, Ch 320kgs €940, Lm 475kgs €1510, Lm 458kgs €1450, Ch 390kgs €1240.

Weanling heifers: Chx 285kgs €990, Ch 265kgs €970, Lm 245kgs €840, AA 233kgs €810, AA 350kgs €1270, Ch 345kgs €1110, Lm 310kgs €1020, Lm 365kgs €1000.