Dairy
Farmers must be mindful of targets for their yearling heifers as they are turned out to grass for the first time once the weather improves.
Getting cows out to grass is still looking like a distant task considering the saturated condition of paddocks following the wet weather.
Farmers in 'Zone A' are being reminded that they will be able to spread chemical fertiliser from tomorrow, (Tuesday, January 27).
Farmers should consider analysing their milking routine to see if it needs improvement or adjustments ahead of spring calving.
The risk of milk fever (hypocalcemia) and other metabolic issues will be on the rise as calving kicks off.
With some calves already on the ground, and many more yet to come, dairy farmers will be keen to know what heifers are making in the mart.
As the calving season kicks of for many farms, managing the concern that is negative energy balances in freshly calved cows is crucial.
Machinery
Large crowds gathered in the Green Glens Arena, in Millstreet Co. Cork this week for the 2026 Spring Farm Machinery Show.
Although many herds have yet to start calving, farmers should already be considering when to book in their first milk recording.
A week out from the start of spring, farmers will be hoping the housing season and silage feeding will be soon behind them.
Following the announcement of the TB action plan by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, changes are set to kick in to place this April.
The Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) hosted its annual awards night in the Killeshin Hotel, in Portlaoise.
With slurry restrictions now lifted for the majority of the country and evenings begin to stretch, slurry tanks will be getting busy again.
With calving fast approaching and even starting on some farms, the risk of cows contracting mastitis increases dramatically.
With the calving season will kicking off this week, an immediate focus needs to be placed on the farms hygiene and biosecurity measures.
As farmers gear up for the busy calving season ahead, many may be considering once-a-day milking in early lactation.
Over the last decade technology has slowly been creeping into Irish agriculture, and now in 2026 it is at the forefront of many tasks.
One of the first dairy clearance sales of the year took place in Corrin Mart, Co. Cork, with a top price of €5,800 paid in the ring.
Agri-Business
Tírlan have being hosting a number of business and market outlook 2026 meetings during the week for its shareholders and suppliers.
Animal Health Ireland (AHI) is currently running a series of 'CalfCare' events on 16 different farms across the country.
With the first of the spring calves hitting the ground this month, farmers will be wondering what dairy animals are making in the mart.
Ahead of the busy calving season, farmers need to focus in on the key areas that need improving to prevent the onset of lameness.
With milk prices bottoming out and calving only around the corner, farmers will be considering if is worth feeding milk replacer this spring.
Just under 1.25 million animals were genotyped in 2025 according to the the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).
