On the programme this week Pat O Toole from the Irish Farmers Journal chats about this weeks German general election and what the result will mean for EU policy and in turn Irish agriculture. Tom Cox auctioneer for the Irish Charolais Society speaks about the recent sale in Tullamore where star ratings were not displayed for the first time and it's impact on the trade. Padraig Egan from forestry group SEEFA gives an account of the huge amount of damage that forest owners sustained in the recent storm where new Minister Michael Healy Rae is being asked to aid with compensation for those affected. Noeleen Brereton from Teagasc gives an insight into a recent study done on when suckler cows are most likely to calve in a 24 hour period with the results making for interesting reading. Nick Kearney from Co. Offaly chats about an upcoming calf sale in Tullamore in aid of Offaly School of Special Education and Alice Doyle from the IFA gives an update on farmers waiting on ACRES payments.
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40:54
Episode 55
Country Life with MJ Clery
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44:47
Episode 54
On the programme this week MJ chats to Gordon Cobbe from GVM Tullamore on the current red hot cattle trade where prices are at an all time high. Ollie Ryan from Midland Vet speaks about the newly formed Merchants Alliance Ireland and how the current rules on purchasing dosing from merchants without a prescription is set to change in June of this year but they are lobbying for this to be delayed. Pat O Brien from the ICMSA speaks about how TAMS grants should be available on diesel generators as well as PTO driven generators to facilitate farmers with robot milkers. Paul Dillon from calfpens.ie speaks about his Colostrum Thaw Unit which will defrost 4 litres of colostrum from frozen in 25 minutes saving valuable time during calving season.
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45:43
Episode 53
60% Nutrient Storage Grant announced. This and much more on Countrylife.
On the programme this week MJ chats to Eugene Doyle from FRS on the dangers of operating a chainsaw when clearing storm damage. Eugene encourages all operators to undertake a basic training course in advance of using this type of equipment. Martin Merrick from the Irish Farmers Journal speaks about the new 60% TAMS Nutrient Storage Grant which is available for a variety of storage systems, it is important to note that farmers must have adequate storage for the duration of their closed period before then can apply for this grant which in itself is counter intuitive and something that needs to be reviewed by the Department of Agriculture. Shay Phelan from Teagasc speaks about a Spring Tillage Seminar taking place in Tullamore where the outlook for the sector for 2025 amongst other items will be discussed. Fiona O Malley from mental health charity Turn2Me speaks gives an overview on "Catfishing" and how people of all ages need to be wary and cautious of individuals online.
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46:18
Episode 52
On the programme this week MJ chats to Professor Frank O Mara from Teagasc about their recent publication Advancing Innovation, Sustainability and Technical Performance of the Agri-Food Sector in 2024 where water quality, the age profile of farmers and fertiliser usage amongst other areas are examined. Lorcan Roche Kelly from the Irish Farmers Journal chats about the economic impact the Trump administration will have on Irish exports and how as a result of the high value of our exports to North America it is unlikely tariffs will have a huge effect on Irish farmers. Dale Kavanagh from dalekavanaghsteel.ie speaks about his Laois based business where his Quick Cage for transporting calves has become a viral sensation on Tik Tok with over 2 million views. Nigel Sweetnam IFA Poultry Chair chats about his recent meeting with the newly appointed EU Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen where the Mercosur agreement was discussed and how it would have a huge impact on the Irish poultry sector.
Ireland