Factory prices for stock have gone into reverse. Quotes for bullocks yesterday ranged from €3.90-3.95/kg, with that higher figure touted as being "hard got".
What is the point in traceability in tillage farming? Why do we have a grain assurance scheme? Why is the Department of Agriculture looking for every fertiliser and pesticide we use to be documented and quantified? Why do we have inspections?
The current displacement of suckler cows by dairy cows has been described as a kind of 'back to the future' type of transition by Teagasc director Professor Gerry Boyle.
The IFA's defence of the current Nitrates Derogation regime stepped up a gear this week when the association insisted that intensive farmers could not be threatened with further regulations or restrictions.
'If you have the opportunity to go out now and make good-quality silage, then do it. Don't wait until the first week of June just because you've always done it then. It is worth going a week or 10 days early if you can."
Dairy farmer and Fine Gael councillor Willie Aird was back milking cows on his farm in the centre of Portlaoise just 30 minutes after it was announced that he topped the poll in the town's local election.
A country crime cartel heavily involved in cattle rustling are the masterminds behind the spate of ATM robberies north and south of the Border.
