This highly anticipated auction, hosted by RE/MAX Team Earley, will feature a wide range of quality farm machinery, equipment, and tools, with viewing available from 10.30 am on the day of the sale.

Among the stand-out lots, the highlight of the auction will be a 1991 Ford tractor with loader, a highly sought-after machine that is sure to generate keen interest.

Also going under the hammer are an 8ft mower, 12ft livestock trailer, 8ft livestock trailer, Tuffmac trailer, rainbow tipper trailer, and a selection of essential farm implements, including a fertiliser spreader, dung spreader, chain harrow, and quad sprayer.

In addition to farm machinery, the auction will offer top-quality tools and equipment, including a Mosa diesel generator, Milwaukee impact gun, Stihl consaw, and a tractor power washer.

Whether you are looking to upgrade your equipment or secure a great deal, this auction provides an excellent opportunity to invest in reliable machinery and tools.

Don’t miss out! This is a fantastic chance to acquire quality farm equipment at competitive prices. Whether you’re an experienced farmer or a machinery enthusiast, there’s something for everyone at this auction.

For further details, contact Remax Team Earley  on 090 66 26579, or auctioneer Keith on 086 0848590 today. Remax Team Earley look forward to seeing you there!

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Mr. O’Brien said that while Irish farmers are competing at European market scale for their produce, they often don’t have access to typical European rates for borrowings and are stuck paying rates not on par with other countries. Mr. O’Brien described it as frustrating for Irish farmers to see their European counterparts paying interest rates of between 3.25% and 5.5% in Spain for example, and 3.5% to 4% in France.  A recent ICMSA members’ survey showed that over 45% of participants are paying between 5% and 6% of an average interest rate on farm debt, while over 12% are paying between 7% and 8%.

Generational renewal is one of the biggest threats to the future of Ireland’s agriculture sector and Mr. O’Brien said that a key issue that farmers are repeatedly raising with the ICMSA is the rates of interest being charged on loans by banks and how it is impacting on their ability to invest in their farms.   The ECB has implemented reductions in interest rates in recent months however this has done little to improve Irish farmers’ positions in accessing affordable loans.

“Young farmers – like all farmers – are keen to invest in their enterprises and start their careers in the best possible position financially, but it is very difficult for them to do so if they are struggling to get approved for finance and, when they do get approval, they face interest rates of anything up to 6% and beyond,” Mr. O’Brien said.

“It is also an issue that farmers over the last number of years – due to the impact of weather and geopolitical events – have needed speedy access to finance, however the turnaround from when they first get in touch with the bank and receive the monies is far too lengthy and onerous a process”, said the ICMSA Committee Chairperson.

ICMSA is meeting with pillar banks in the coming weeks to relay farmer concerns on a number of issues including the need for competitive interest rates to be applied, and also the need for speeder decision-making and approval by banks.

“We do encourage farmers who are seeking finance to engage with banks as early as possible and to shop around for better rates that may be available to them. Banks should be supporting farming and the way to do that is through competitive interest rates. If they (the banks) can’t or won’t do that, then the relevant state authorities need to intervene and ensure that real competition is brought back into Irish banking”, he concluded.

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Pinion is a top US accounting firm and business advisory provider, and a global leader in food and agriculture consulting.

As American trade policies shift, indicating changes on the horizon for Irish food and agribusinesses who are exporting to the US, the IFAC and Pinion online food and agribusiness briefing will be of particular benefit to business owners and c-suite executives involved in export to the USA, international sales leaders in food and agribusiness, and policy executives at sector and government level.

The webinar will take place on Tuesday, 11^th March 2025 at 4 pm Irish time (and 11 am Washington D.C. local time).

The online event is also taking place on US President Donald Trump’s 50^th day in office.

The guest speaker for the event is Brian Kuehl, Director of Government and Public Affairs at Pinion and a leading food and agribusiness lobbyist based in Washington, D.C. Brian has extensive experience advising businesses and policymakers on US trade policy, tariffs, and market access.

Karol Kissane, Head of Public Sector Services and Economics and David Leydon, Group Head of Growth & Agrifood Consulting, both at IFAC, will also be speaking on the webinar.

David Leydon, Group Head of Growth & Agrifood Consulting at IFAC said: “This is a really good opportunity for Irish business owners and their teams to get a better understanding of what lies ahead for the food and agribusinesses sector in light of the recent developments in the US administration. Last year alone, Ireland’s export value of food, drink and horticulture exports stood at a record €17 billion* so any change in trade policies could make a significant impact on the future of the sector and businesses need to be aware of the current unfolding situation and guided through any future challenges.”

Visit https://www.ifac.ie/news-insights/news/ifac-pinion-washington-dc-briefing for more information and to save your spot.

(*According to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report 2024/25)

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Mr Greene said it is vital that organic farmers receive a price premium to reflect the additional costs associated with organic production. “Organic farmers must adhere to strict standards, including the use of organic meal, which is significantly more expensive than conventional feed. Currently, organic meal costs between €600 to €800/t for beef cattle. If organic farmers cannot secure a financial premium that reflects these costs, the entire organic sector is at risk.”

Mr Greene said organic farmers need to achieve a price of at least 15-20% more per kilo than conventional beef prices to remain viable. “In the past, organic beef commanded an additional 70c to €1/kg over conventional beef, which was essential to covering the higher costs of organic production. This premium must be restored if organic farming is to remain an attractive and viable option for farmers.

Farmers will not switch to organic if they do not see a financial reward for doing so. We need a pricing mechanism that ensures organic farmers are always paid a guaranteed premium over conventional beef prices. If we do not act now, the collapse of organic beef production is a very real possibility.”

Concluding, Mr Greene said he is urging processors and policymakers to ensure that organic beef prices reflect the true cost of production. “The bottom line is that organic farming cannot survive without a fair premium. While we welcome the price adjustment, the next step must be securing a pricing model that guarantees organic beef remains a financially viable enterprise for farmers.”

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Speaking on this INHFA President Vincent Roddy stressed the need to get payments out to these farmers stating that “no other sector of society would accept this”, before adding that “the Minister and his Department have a duty of care to these farmers that they need to recognise and act on.”

In assessing those that have not been paid the INHFA President pointed to the 10,216 farmers who were paid for 2023 but are now awaiting their first payment for 2024. For these farmers it should, he stated “be very manageable for Department staff to get an immediate payment of 85% out to these farmers if they base it on their 2023 payment.”

“For all other farmers , if the I.T issues can’t be resolved by the end of this month, the Minister will need to issue an interim payment as was done last year” added the farm leader. There may, he continued “be resistance inside the Department to this, but it is time we recognise that Department staff are not the ones still waiting for money.”

Farmers have, Roddy maintained “been more than patient and when we look at how the Department have chased down farmers for monies they may owe, then the double standard is quite shocking.”

In conclusion the INHFA President also took issue with the EU Commission asking why “they haven’t shown the same urgency in delivering justice for Irish farmers as they did in implementing additional regulation of farmers through GAEC 2 conditionality.”

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According to the latest figures, over 12,000 farmers have yet to receive their 2024 payments, while 2,764 are still awaiting their balancing payments from 2023.

Mr Phelan said this situation is completely unacceptable and would not be tolerated in any other sector. “Payment delays wouldn’t wash in any other industry, yet farmers are expected to just accept them. We heard from Minister Heydon at the ICSA AGM and Annual Conference last week that it will be months before all the issues are resolved. This is simply not acceptable. The Department of Agriculture continues to cite IT issues as the primary cause of the delays, but this excuse is wearing thin. If the system isn’t working, they need to get the chequebook out and pay manually,” he said.

“Payment delays cause serious cash flow problems, particularly for low-income beef, sheep, and suckler farmers, who are already under immense financial pressure. Farmers have spent significant sums of money fulfilling their obligations under the scheme, and they should not have to wait indefinitely to be paid.”

Mr Phelan said he is calling on Minister Heydon to make resolving this matter his “absolute priority” to restore confidence in the scheme. “Delays like these undermine trust in all farm schemes. Farmers need certainty, not excuses.”

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The CAPP scheme, launched in August 2024, provides €5,000 per hectare to landowners who clear and replant ash forests impacted by ash dieback disease. Payments are issued in three instalments under the Department of Agriculture’s Ash Dieback Reconstitution Scheme.

Roscommon context

Roscommon’s €38,900 payout in 2024 places it in the lower half of counties for CAPP funding, though it is ahead of neighbouring Longford (€1,875), Sligo (€5,875), and Leitrim (€29,600). However, Westmeath (€185,125) and Galway (€76,200) saw higher levels of funding.

At a national level, €2.53m was paid out across Ireland in 2024, with Tipperary (€241,550), Wexford (€206,400), and Clare (€194,475) among the biggest recipients.

Rollout and payments

A total of 280 applications have been received since the scheme’s launch, with 268 approved payments made to date, covering 1,015 hectares of reforested land. The first payments were made in late 2024, and while €38,900 was awarded to Roscommon recipients last year, no payments have been recorded yet for 2025.

No applications were disallowed under the scheme, though 12 applications remain under review.

Supporting farmers impacted by ash dieback

The CAPP scheme was introduced as part of broader government efforts to support farmers and landowners affected by the devastating impact of ash dieback, which has destroyed vast areas of ash forestry across Ireland.

The disease, first detected in 2012, has led to significant economic losses for those who invested in ash plantations under previous afforestation schemes.

With payments continuing into 2025 and beyond, Roscommon landowners with eligible plantations may still avail of funding, provided they meet the clearing and replanting requirements set by the Department of Agriculture.

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There was a small entry of stock on offer at Friday’s special sale of heifers (February 14^th). There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

Heifers fetched an average of €3.64 per kilo up to €4.68 per kilo. There was a small entry of dry cows and they made an average of €3.04 per kilo up to €4.00 per kilo.

Dry cows ranged from an average of €3.18 per kilo up to €3.81 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX -905KG -€3260 -€3.60 per kg, LMX- 840KG- €3020- €3.60 per kg, CH -775KG- €3100- €4.00 per kg, LMX -740KG -€2840- €3.84 per kg, CHX-665KG- €2300- €3.46 per kg, and LMX- 590KG- €1950-€3.31 per kg.

Heifers ranged from an average of €3.64 per kilo up to €4.68 per kilo.

Weanlings

There was a large entry of quality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday evening, February 18^th, with a strong trade for bulls and heifers. The next sale takes place on Tuesday, March 18^th.

Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €2.90 per kilo up to €5.57 per kilo and heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.24 per kilo up to €4.99.

There was a full clearance of in-calf heifers and cows, with a top price of €4,000 for a Simmental Heifer due in early March. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online buyers also active.

Bull weanlings ranged from an average of €2.90 per kilo up to €5.57 per kilo.

Sheep

There was a small number of sheep on offer at the weekly sale of hoggets and stag ewes on Wednesday, February 19^th. Prices for hoggets made up to €230 while stag ewes topped out at €220, and there was also a good entry of ewes in lamb making up to €330, while ewes with lambs made €390.

The next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, February 26^th. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com.

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Bullocks topped out at €2500, heifers hit €2550, and dry cows made up to €3270. The weanling rings and the runner rings witnessed bulls peak at €3260 or €5.47 a kilo and heifer weanlings hit €2100. The runner ring witnessed lots make up to €5.00 a kilo with an excellent clearance taking place.

Bullocks, sample prices: Sim 490kgs €2060, Ch 485kgs €1990, AA 470kgs €1870, Lm 545kgs €2220, Ch 505kgs €2040, Ch 550kgs €2260, Lm 555kgs €2200, Ch 620kgs €2500, AA 645kgs €2340, AA 665kgs €2360, and Ch 570kgs €2180.

Heifers, sample prices: Sim 420kgs €1710, Lm 355kgs €1650, Ch 385kgs €1650, Ch 405kgs €1600, Ch 465kgs €1850, Ch 460kgs €184,0 Ch 520kgs €2550, Sim 530kgs €2280, Ch 550kgs €2220, and Ch 505kgs €2170.

Dry cows, sample prices: Shx 945kgs €3270, Ch 820kgs €2680, Lm 795kgs €2570, AA 790kgs €2550, Sim 770kgs €2530, Sax 410kgs €1300, Lm 615kgs €2440, and AA 730kgs €2330.

Weanling bulls, sample prices: Lm 295kgs €1540, Ch 220kgs €1260, Sim 295kgs €1180, Ch 255kgs €1170, BBx 595kgs €3260, Ch 375kgs €1610, Ch 370kgs €1570, AA 415kgs €1560, Ch 340kgs €1530, and Ch 390kgs €1540.

Weanling heifers, sample prices: Lm 285kgs €1460, BBx 230kgs €1300, Lm 270kgs €1260, Ch 260kgs €1250, Lm 370kgs €1950, Ch 385kgs €1800, Ch 330kgs €1500, and AA 400kgs €1500.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1780 to €1890. Springers made from €1530 to €3000. Young calves made from €40 to €820, and runners made from €370 to €1200 for continental lots.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday. All sales commence at 11 am, with three rings in operation.

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The Vision for Agriculture and Food includes several of MEP Walsh’s agriculture priorities including a new platform for women in farming, a work stream for livestock and specific reference to farmers’ mental health – marking a step-change in the EU’s approach to this issue.

The document, which will have a range of impacts on the lives and livelihoods of Irish farmers, includes a mention of Ireland and the work done by Teagasc on mental health. This is the only reference to a specific EU member state throughout the document.

MEP Walsh has, however, criticised the lack of clarity provided within the plan on the CAP budget and is calling on the Commission to guarantee that it will be protected amongst mounting geopolitical pressures and financial demands.

MEP Maria Walsh, full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, said: “After many conversations with Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen, I am delighted to see the issue of generational renewal receiving the attention it urgently needs. Today’s Vision for Agriculture commits to the delivery of a Generational Renewal Strategy in 2025 which will provide policies to be implemented at EU, national and regional levels.

“Given that only 7% of Irish farmers are under 35, and with the average age standing at 58 years old, this Strategy is crucial to the viability of the Irish agricultural sector into the years ahead. In time, the Parliament will prepare a report on the Strategy which I look forward to taking a leading role in working on.

“The Vision also commits to the establishment of a Women in Farming platform. I will be working with Commissioner Hansen to ensure this platform includes representatives from Ireland, and that it addresses the uphill battle that women have in accessing the same investment as their male counterparts.

“Action, which is long-overdue, is finally beginning on tackling the epidemic of mental health illness amongst farmers. For the first time in a strategy of this significance from the European Commission, mental health is acknowledged and I am particularly delighted to see the brilliant work of Teagasc in this area referenced. Ireland is the only EU country to receive a specific mention throughout the many pages of this document – highlighting our leadership position on the issue of farmers’ mental health.

“While the Vision for Agriculture contains many positives for Irish farmers, it has failed to deliver the details we require on the financial future of the sector. The points on income sound good in theory, but we require guarantees from the Commission that during a period of competing financial demands arising from geopolitical changes, the CAP Budget and farmers will not be sacrificed.

“Many questions still remain; what is the new CAP going to look like? What financial support will farmers receive? How are their environmental efforts going to be rewarded?

“Until farmers receive answers to these questions, I will continue to push both the Commission and Commissioner Hansen on the need to provide Irish farmers with meaningful support that makes a tangible difference to their lives.”

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