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The finalists for the 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year have been announced, with the competition now entering its final stage. The finalists were announced earlier today, Tuesday 8 September, at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard. They will now face individual interviews with the judging panel before the winners are revealed at this evening’s awards banquet.The competition, sponsored by FBD and run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with IFA and Macra Agricultural Skillnet, recognises the achievements, innovation and commitment of young farmers across a range of farming enterprises.Following a highly competitive application process, finalists have been selected across the...

Macra has welcomed the suspension of Brazilian beef and other animal product imports into the EU from today, describing the decision as a significant step towards protecting a level playing field for Irish and European farmers.  The suspension follows concerns regarding Brazil's compliance with EU rules on the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals. Brazil has been excluded from the list of countries authorised to export these products to the EU until it can demonstrate compliance with the bloc's requirements. Macra National President Josephine O'Neill said: “The decision to suspend Brazilian beef imports from Thursday is a welcome and significant...

Macra has called for urgent action to support young farmers facing mounting financial and fodder pressures as prolonged dry weather continues to impact farms across the country.  Macra joined other farming organisations in meeting Minister Martin Heydon, highlighting that many young farmers are already feeding winter fodder and purchasing concentrates due to poor grass growth, adding further pressure to already tight cash flows.  Macra President Josephine O’Neill said: “Young farmers are facing another significant and unforeseen cost. Many are feeding silage intended for the winter while purchasing concentrates far earlier than planned. With margins already extremely tight, this is creating...

Macra National President Josephine O’Neill has called for the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) to be reconvened urgently amid ongoing drought warnings and growing concerns over fodder supplies for the coming months.Ms O’Neill raised the issue directly with the Minister for Agriculture at a meeting on 22 July, calling for the committee to be reconvened. She subsequently followed up in writing to the Minister on 29 July, reiterating the urgency of the situation.“Action appears to be slow, but we cannot afford to keep waiting until it is too late,” said Ms O’Neill. “The continued dry conditions are putting...

Macra has expressed serious concern following the announcement that Brittany Ferries will cease transporting livestock from Ireland from September, warning that the decision represents another significant setback for competition within the Irish livestock export market.The organisation said the loss of another livestock transport operator further weakens Ireland's live export capacity and risks reducing competition for Irish farmers, particularly those relying on the live export trade as an alternative market outlet.Macra National President Josephine O'Neill said: “This is another blow to competition in the Irish livestock sector. Irish young farmers have lost choice and bargaining power which will no doubt further...