Latest from Agriland
Agriland
19 hours ago
- Health
- Agriland
DAERA: Bluetongue disease ‘will arrive at some stage'
Bluetongue disease will, inevitably, reach the island of Ireland. And this may well happen sooner rather than later. This is the strongly held view of Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) deputy chief veterinary officer, Dr. David Kyle. He made the comments at the recent Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science (NIIAS) annual conference. Dr. Kyle said: 'The disease carrying midges will arrive at some stage: we can't control the weather. 'DAERA is currently monitoring midge and virus populations, specifically in Irish Sea coastal areas.' The latest figures from Great Britain (GB) confirm the east/west march of the virus. However, to date, it has not reached those regions with high sheep populations. Once bluetongue reaches Irish shores, 20km radius incursion zones will be established in an attempt to get to grips with the disease, according to the DAERA deputy chief veterinary officer. Dr, Kyle referenced the future use of vaccines as a way farmers can get to grips with the problem within their own businesses. Chatting at the NIIAS conference, (l to r) Ian Stevenson, Dairy Council for Northern Ireland; and Dick Blakiston Houston, BlakistonHouston Estates According to the DAERA representative, a region's animal health status will have a direct bearing on its ability to export food products. In addition, disease has a direct bearing on animal performance and productivity. Illegal animal and food importations heighten the risk of new disease threats, and Dr. Kyle confirmed that DAERA has strengthened its presence at all of Northern Ireland's ports. He referred to the attempts that have been made by some people to smuggle live sheep into Northern Ireland as 'absolute folly'. The World Organisation for Animal Health lists 118 notifiable diseases. All of these are linked to international food trading conditions. Dr. Kyle said: 'Food exports are worth in excess of £6 billion to Northern Ireland's economy. So, protecting the future of our agri-food sectors is a key priority. 'And the same principle holds in the Republic of Ireland.' The DAERA representative referenced the triple threat of bluetongue, foot and mouth disease (FMD), and highly pathogenic avian influenza – or bird flu – as the key concerns for Ireland's agri-food sectors at the present time. While Dr. Kyle highlighted the tremendous efforts made by the poultry sector in keeping avian influenza at bay over recent times, he struck a cautionary note where FMD is concerned. This year has seen outbreaks of the disease confirmed in Germany, Hungary and Slovakia with two different lineages of the virus identified in these cases. However, when it comes to attributing the initial causes of the disease outbreaks, bio-terrorism has been one of the options followed up.
Agriland
19 hours ago
- Health
- Agriland
Farmers need to be ‘sun smart' to reduce skin cancer risk
With the sunny weather forecast in the coming days, the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are reminding people that sun safety is not just for trips abroad. The sun can be strong enough to cause sun damage from the start of April to the end of September in Ireland, according to the HSE. Whether you're out in the fields, heading to the beach, grabbing a coffee or relaxing in the garden, it is important to use sun protection each day between April to September, even on cloudy days. Minister of State for public health, wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said: 'Being active outdoors is good for our health and wellbeing, but everyone needs to be aware that exposure to the sun can be very harmful if we're not appropriately protected. 'I am encouraging everyone to take action to enjoy the sun safely and reduce their risk of skin cancer. It's very simple, just follow the five Healthy Ireland SunSmart steps whether you're at home or abroad. Your skin will thank you for it.' Skin cancer risk To reduce skin cancer risk, it is important to protect your skin when outside, especially from April to September when UV rays from the sun are strongest. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases annually. Yet in most cases, skin cancers could be prevented, according to the HSE. Data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) show that over 1,200 cases of melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer, are diagnosed in Ireland every year. This figure is projected to rise to over 3,000 cases per year by 2045. Specialist in public health medicine at the HSE's NCCP, Dr. Breeda Neville said: 'Melanoma skin cancer is strongly linked to intermittent, high-intensity UV radiation exposure which can occur during outdoor recreational activities like sunbathing or water sports, or if you use a sunbed. 'The more time you spend unprotected in the sun, the more UV damage your skin is exposed to which increases your risk of skin cancer, including the deadliest form – melanoma. Follow the SunSmart 5 S's whether at home or abroad this summer.' Almost nine in 10 cases of skin cancer could be prevented by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's to protect your skin: Slip on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves, collared t-shirts; on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves, collared t-shirts; Slop on sunscreen – use sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which provides high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly; on sunscreen – use sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which provides high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly; Slap on a wide brimmed hat; on a wide brimmed hat; Seek shade – sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; – sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; Slide on wraparound sunglasses. As well as the 5 S's the HSE has said that it is important to remember not to deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn and never use a sunbed. Patient advocate for the 2025 SunSmart campaign, Jacinta O'Brien is raising awareness of the importance of skin protection: 'I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer when I was 38. I've had three surgeries, targeted treatment, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. 'While I feel that I was quite safe with the sun obviously being fair skinned, I do know that in my early 20s I was at many concerts and festivals and days out where I probably wasn't as good as I should be in applying sunscreen. 'When you're younger you think you're invincible and you don't think it's ever going to be you. You don't need to have prolonged exposure to the sun to get skin cancer. 'It's so important to sit in the shade where possible, cover up with clothing and apply sunscreen on exposed skin to protect yourself even when you do think it may be overcast.'
Agriland
a day ago
- Business
- Agriland
US still Ireland's top export partner in April despite 62% fall
Ireland's top exporting partner in April remained the US, despite a significant fall amid Trump's tariff announcements. Of Ireland's total goods exported in April this year, 44.5% – equating to €9.7 billion – went to the US, latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show. Exports of total Irish goods to the US fell by €16 billion (-62%) in April 2025 compared with March 2025 (€25.7 billion). However, year-on-year, exports of goods to the US rose by €3.2 billion (+48.6%) in April 2025 compared with April 2024 (€6.6 billion). Imports of goods from the US fell by €600 million (-33%) to €1.2 billion in April 2025 compared with March 2025 (€1.8 billion). Year-on-year, imports from the US decreased by €573.6 million (-32.2%) in April 2025 compared with the same period a year ago (€1.78 billion). Food and live animal exports Food and live animal exports from Ireland to the US increased in April 2025 to €80 million from €64 million in April 2024. Imports of US food and live animals to Ireland declined to €15 million in April 2025 from €23 million a year previously. The latest figures underline the importance of the US as a key market for Ireland's food industry. Total exports to the US in the early part of this year – especially chemicals and related products, which include medical and pharmaceutical products – surged as companies acted to avoid potential tariffs that the US tried to impose from April. A significant threat is posed by US President Donald Trump's threatened tariff rates for EU goods if they come into force in July. Negotiations are ongoing between the US and the bloc amid a 90-day pause on the tariffs to allow for talks. This pause is due to expire on July 9. Other markets The Netherlands and Great Britain were also significant destinations for Irish goods in April, with 9.5% (€2.1 billion) and 6.2% (€1.35 billion) of total export goods destined for these markets. Ireland imported the highest value of goods from Germany, Great Britain, and the US in April 2025, with these countries representing 15% (€1.6 billion), 12.4% (€1.3 billion) and 11.3% (€1.2 billion) of the total import trade for the month respectively. Total exports to Great Britain increased by €3.9 million (+0.3%) to €1.35 billion in April 2025 compared with April 2024 (€1.34 billion). The products accounting for the largest share of exports to Great Britain were food and live animals at €452.7 million, and machinery and transport equipment at €260.5 million, representing 33.6% and 19.3% of total exports to Great Britain in April 2025 respectively. Imports from Great Britain – which accounted for 12.4% of total import trade in April 2025 – increased by €60.8 million (+4.8%) to €1.33 billion in April 2025 compared with the same month a year ago (€1.27 billion). The products accounting for the largest share of imports from Great Britain in April 2025 were mineral fuels, lubricant,s and related materials at €271.3 million, and food and live animals at €232.2 million, representing 20.4% and 17.5% respectively. Decline in value of exports Jane Burmanje, statistician in the CSO's international trade in goods division said that the value of exports of good declined in April 2025 compared with March 2025, but remained above April 2024 figures. She said: 'In April 2025, exports of goods fell by 43% (€16.2 billion) to €21.9 billion compared with March 2025 (€38.1 billion). 'Exports of goods increased by €2.5 billion (+12.7%) to €21.9 billion in April 2025 compared with April 2024 (€19.4 billion).' Burmanje said that the fall in the value of exports of goods in April compared with March 2025 was primarily driven by a decline in exports to the US.
Agriland
a day ago
- Business
- Agriland
Six Irish dairy farms setting the standard in 2025
From across the country, six standout dairy farmers are proving that dedication, innovation, and strong cow families still lie at the heart of modern Irish dairying. In an era where many challenges are facing the Irish dairy industry, these exemplary herds are showing that success is not one-size-fits-all. They come from different backgrounds and run very different systems, but they all share a focus on what matters – healthy fertile cows that perform year after year, strong genetics, and a system that works for their individual dairy farm and family. With their stories evolving from generations of hard work, a deep-rooted passion for cows, and an ability to adapt to the times, these farmers are quietly shaping the future of Irish dairying. Jim and Brenda Murray – Derrinsallow Herd, Co. Tipperary On the Tipperary-Offaly border near Birr, Jim and Brenda Murray, with help from their two daughters when home from Cork, manage the Derrinsallow Herd — a compact, efficient and high-performing system. On just 66ac of grazing platform, they milk 72 pedigree Holstein cows through a 12-unit herringbone parlour. The farm has been in the Murray family since the 1950s. Since taking over, second-generation farmer Jim graded the herd up to pedigree status in 2005. With a sharp focus on EBI, fertility, and milk solids, the herd averages 7,155kg of milk with fat at 4.42% and protein at 3.66%. A somatic cell count (SCC) of just 57 reflects strong herd health and management. Brenda and Jim Murray. Source IHFA The dairy herd is 100% homebred, featuring elite cow families like the Alices and Agneses — the cornerstones of generations of high-performing daughters. Jim has bred five AI bulls, including the influential Derrinsallow 812 Arthur (DSU), who has over 3,000 pedigree-registered daughters in Ireland. Operating a spring-calving system, calving was completed by April 22 this year. AI is used for most of the breeding season, with dairy stock bulls cleaning up the final three weeks. Surplus heifers are sold either privately or through Birr Mart. Each year, Jim selects a team of eight bulls from Progressive Genetics and Dovea, targeting improvements in solids, herd health and EBI. More recently, he has focused on raising the Milk Sub Index, aiming for €100+ bulls. With a low-input system — just 1t of concentrates per cow annually — the Murrays show that clever genetics and disciplined grassland management deliver results. Their 362-day calving interval is a reflection of excellent fertility and operational consistency. This consistency was marked in 2023 and again in 2024 when Jim was recognised as an IHFA Master Breeder. Henry and Sam Dudley – Dekeana Herd, Co. Tipperary Farming along the river that gives their herd its name, Henry and Sam Dudley are a dedicated father-and-son team in rural north Co. Tipperary. With 82 pure Friesian cows on 49 acres, the Dekeana Herd is the result of careful breeding and an unshakable commitment to cow quality. Henry's influence is rooted in generations of farming, but it is Sam — currently finishing his Ag Science degree at UCC — who represents the next chapter. Henry and Sam Dudley. Source: IHFA Their herd includes well-known Friesian lines like the Blossoms (from Micheal Spillane, Mountain Herd), the Lils (from Bill O'Connell's, Rossline herd), and the Savorys (from Bill Trousdell, Ardhu herd), selected for longevity, fertility, and solid production. Their vision is to ensure a herd where every cow is eligible for classification, and poor performers (feet, fertility, milking speed) are culled without hesitation. The herd is currently producing 7,021kg of milk with 528kgs of solids at 4.01% fat and 3.54% protein. Breeding is built around sexed semen for first services, followed by targeted beef or conventional artificial insemination (AI) and an Angus stock bull. This year's bull team features names like Bradash Patriot Red, Laharn Bruno, and Bradash Trailblazer, all sexed semen. The herd currently follows a 20% autumn and 80% spring calving pattern, with plans to move fully to spring for better labour efficiency. They milk in a 12-unit Delaval parlour with individual feeders. Cows are fed 1.1t of concentrate annually via the parlour, plus approximately 60t of a beet-maize blend in spring. With strong cow families behind them and a shared eye on the future, Henry and Sam Dudley are quietly shaping a Friesian herd built to last. PJ Brennan – Monataggart Herd, Co. Waterford In Co. Waterford, PJ Brennan farms with his wife Tracey, their children Éile and Seán, with support from his mother Helen and neighbour Seamus — who also helped PJ's late father John. The family milk 76 spring-calving cows on a farm he took over in 2011. PJ was inspired by the IHFA stand at the National Ploughing Championships to grade up his herd in 2022, after years of reliable milk recording and data. The herd Economic Breeding Index (EBI) currently stands at €263, averaging 7,013kgs of milk with remarkable fat and protein percentages (4.63% and 3.80%) Calving season starts late January, with over 85% calved in the first six weeks. PJ Brennan with his Monataggart herd. Source: IHFA Milk solids are a top priority — PJ selects AI sires based on a minimum of 33kg combined fat and protein, with close attention to percentages and positive 'Milk €' figures. His approach blends sexed, conventional, and Angus/Belgian Blue AI, rearing beef calves off-site. Infrastructure on the farm has transformed under PJ's leadership. Since 2016, he has added cubicles, a slatted tank, PV panels, and increased feed space — all designed to support a growing, efficient herd. Milking happens in a 12-unit Fullwood parlour with automatic cluster removers (ACRs), and cows are fed 1.2t of ration annually, along with spring beet. Keeping fifteen replacement heifers annually and ensuring strong cow families like the prolific Jameys carries the herd forward. The Montaggart herd epitomises efficiency and productivity. Michael McNamara – Barna Herd, Co. Cork On a 120ac platform in Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork, Michael McNamara, with daughters Rachel and Emma, manages the Barna Herd — a high-output, spring-calving operation supplying Kerry Agribusiness. From a modest 36 cows in 2004, the herd has grown to over 260 calvings per year, built on deep-rooted cow families and disciplined breeding. The Jills, Angels, Ingrids, and Cleanas are more than names — they're the foundation families on which the herd is built. Breeding strategies focus on fertility, milk solids and production and influential sires like Cogent Twist, Co-op Bosside Massey, Peak Mr Grey, and Westcoast Perseus have helped to shape the herd. As a result, the Barna herd is averaging 7,835kg of milk with 583kg of combined milk solids (l-r) Rachel, Michael, and Emma McNamara. Source IHFA Michael runs a tight spring-calving system with a calving interval of only 359 days, relying heavily on sexed semen (100% for heifers, 80% for cows) for the first three weeks. Conventional AI follows, with beef bulls cleaning up. A feed-to-yield system ensures top cows get what they need in the parlour. Michael's attention to detail is evident. In 2019, a cow he had purchased years earlier as a calf from the UK — Woodmarsh Cancun Lyme 2 — won multiple show championships, was Reserve Champion at the National Dairy Show, and named Best Cow in the Limerick-Clare Herds Competition. It was a crowning moment for a herd built on passion and hard work In 2024, Barna was crowned 1st place in the Elite Spring section of the National Herds Competition, well-deserved recognition for the years of dedication to breeding previous. TJ and Ryan Meegan – Munta Herd, Co. Louth In Co. Louth, TJ and Ryan Meegan are running a spring-calving herd that puts it focus on fertility, simplicity and profitability. With 314 cows on 178 acres, and around 100 calves reared annually, the Munta Herd balances size with attention to detail. After moving to 100% spring calving in 2022 to reduce labour demands and improve fertility, the Meegans now enjoy a streamlined system with a 90% AI'ed within three weeks and an 8% empty rate. All dairy AI is conventional — no sexed semen — and they have begun retaining six high-EBI bulls each year for maiden heifers. Genomic testing has shaped breeding for the past three years with the herd EBI now at €241 and the cows averaging 7,317kgs of milk at 4.10% fat and 3.58% protein. TJ and Ryan Meegan. Source: IHFA The herd calves from early February through April, milking through a 20-unit swing-over DeLaval parlour and monitored via SenseHub collars. Their diet feeder runs from September to April, reflecting the careful balance of inputs and output. TJ, who established the Munta prefix, having taken over the farm that was originally purchased in the 1950s, has put a lot of emphasis on genetics, breeding top AI bulls. One such bull, Munta Mystic, now has 1,300+ daughters in over 400 herds — a testament to the genetic strength behind the system. The Meegan family's operation is now a template for modern efficiency, with Ryan having joined the operation full time. The Meegans have managed to scale up without losing sight of the fundamentals: fertility, simplicity, and smart investment in genetics. Maurice Harty – Ballylongane Herd, Co. Kerry Overlooking Ballyheigue Strand in coastal Kerry, Maurice Harty and his family run the Ballylongane Herd, a dairy herd of high-yielding Holsteins established in 1968 by Maurice's father Martin. Milking 100 cows across a split-calving system, with 170–180 calvings per year, Maurice is supported by his wife Geraldine and their three children, Muiris, Gearoid, and Aisling. The cows are milked through a 16-unit Dairymaster parlour and diet-fed most of the year — using beet, barley, silage, and straw and a protein balancer. With 3.5t of concentrate fed per cow, Maurice prioritises output per animal — and it shows in the staggering 10,578kg milk and 811kg solids averages. Calving is split to allow a brief winter break and better use of labour and facilities. The farm's ground also grows cereals and beet, with 80% retained for on-farm feed use. Maurice and Geraldine Harty and their 3 children, Muiris, Gearoid and Aisling. Source: IHFA Maurice's eye for a cow is clear — strong, fertile, high-yielding animals with plenty of protein. Placing emphasis on positive daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) and linear traits, the herd features standout cow families like the Marys, Marthas, Lulus, Princesses, Peitjes, and Ravens. Sexed semen is used in two thirds of inseminations, complemented by Angus and Hereford, the herd has benefitted from heavy use of the SSI PR Renegade sire line, including sons Parfect and Trooper, and grandson Cirrus P. With scenic coastal views and a hardworking herd, Ballylongane shows what is possible when long-standing tradition is matched by modern ambition. Across every farm, one thing is clear — Irish dairying is in good hands. These farmers are not just chasing numbers; they're building systems that work for their land, their animals, and their families. With a strong focus on breeding and genetics, they balance tradition with progress. No matter the size of the herd or the type of system, the goal is the same – to do things well and keep improving. Focus Farm Walk There will be two Focus Farm Walk events, both taking place in August, with dates and locations to be confirmed. Please keep your eyes pealed for updates across the IHFA social media platforms.
Agriland
2 days ago
- Agriland
Woman (60s) dies following incident on Kerry farm
A woman aged in her 60s has died following a workplace incident that is understood to have occurred on a farm in Co. Kerry. The fatal incident occurred yesterday (Tuesday, June 17) at around 5:00p.m, in the area of Bonane, near Kenmare, and close the border with Co. Cork. The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. An examination of the scene was carried out. The coroner for Co. Kerry has been informed of the incident, and a file is set to be prepared for the Coroner's Court. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is aware of the incident and is investigating. A statement to Agriland from the Gardaí said: 'Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a work-related incident that occurred in Bonane, Kenmare, Co. Kerry on Tuesday…at approximately 5:00p.m. 'A woman, aged in her 60s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. An examination of the scene was conducted. The Coroner for Kerry has been notified and a file will be prepared for the Coroner's Court. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was notified and are investigating the matter,' the garda statement added. A spokesperson for HSA confirmed to Agriland that it is aware of the incident and has launched an investigation, but that no further information is available at present. In data published last month, the HSA said that farming had accounted for five of the 10 workplace fatalities that had occurred in 2025 up to that point. This is despite farming representing only around 6.5% of the national workforce, the HSA said. Following publication of that information, Minister of State with responsibility for farm safety Michael Healy-Rae voiced his concern over the level of work-related fatalities, particularly among farmers. The minister extended his sympathies to those who lost loved ones, and said that he recognises the pain that these families, friends and communities are going through.
