This week’s Farm Show started with an interview with Pat O’ Toole of the Irish Farmers Jorunal. Pat outlined the potential consequences of the EU Commission’s proposals to reduce fertiliser and crop protectant usage as part of its proposed Green Deal. He also discussed the beef market and the need to improve food prices to reflect production costs. The Wexford based journalist and tillage farmer also discussed how the current soil moisture deficit is affecting his crops.
John Kilboyle, a Teagasc advisor, gave advice on grass and silage management and warned that farmers need to constantly monitor grass growth.
We were reminded of the need to have their BPS and BEEP scheme applications submitted by Friday 15th of May. Farm families were also asked to maintain high safety protocols as many young people are now out of school.
Ann Marie McSorley spoke with Matt about an initiative involving farmers and ecologists to heighten awareness of the value and diversity of the river Nore through the Nore Vision Project. She asked for farmer volunteers to become involved in farm walks in the months ahead, subject to Covid distancing restrictions.
Eric Driver of Tullow Mart outlined the workings of the mart’s online livestock auctioning system and reported on cattle and sheep prices for the past week.
George Candler listed the prices of cattle, calves, cull cows and sheep for the week at Cillin Hill and commented on the strong prices.
