Biomethane is taking centre stage with regard to Agri policy at the moment and PJ McCarthy from the Renewable Gas Forum of Ireland chats to MJ about an event taking place in Croke Park next week to educate farmers on the potential in this area. West Offaly discussion group celebrates 25 years in existence this year and Hughie Egan founding member from Doon Co. Offaly chats about the origins of the group and how over the years farmers have benefitted from both a financial and social perspective while being members. Fiona Doolan Teagasc advisor for Co. Laois chats about water quality and the eight actions for change which farmers can make to help ensure water is at its optimum level in watercourses throughout the country. The Irish Grassland Association have an upcoming suckler and sheep event taking place on the farm of Martin Saughnessy, Martin chats about his enterprise where a premium price is being paid for his beef animals as a result of high genetic merit through the use of AI sires.

Country Life with MJ Clery

On the programme this week Adam Woods from the irish Farmers Journal chats to MJ about the beef trade and how factories are trying to pull prices earlier than most years. Adam also speaks about the positive news that over 3,000 yearlings were exported in the last couple of weeks and that how that export trade is vital to the future viability of the beef trade in the country. Emma Dillon from Teagasc speaks about a recent Teagasc survey which looks at "small farms" in Ireland. These are farms that are circa under 30 acres and have output of €8,000 or less. The study looks at the hugely positive environmental impact these farms can have in relation to their contribution to the biodiversity of the local environment.

Country Life with MJ Clery

On the programme this week MJ chats to CEO of Arrabawn Conor Ryan about the co - ops financial performance for 2023 which saw turnover fall but operating profit increase. The co - op paid its second highest milk price of all time to its suppliers in 2023 at just under 44 cents per litre which as a result of input prices and weather was a very difficult year for dairy farmers. Stephen Robb from the Irish Farmers Journal speaks about an upcoming event in Athlone where all aspects of renewable energy will be discussed on the night. Dermot Callaghan from Teagasc speaks about the Irish apple industry and how 90% of all apples sold in supermarkets are imported. With the market worth well in excess of 100 million euro, Teagasc feels there is huge room for growth in our own indigineous apple sector. Ann Maree Manly from Co. Offaly speaks about the upcoming Emerald Expo a dairy show in Co. Cavan while Marianne Mulhall chats about an organic farm open day in Co. Laois.

Country Life with MJ Clery

On the programme this week MJ chats to Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel about the wettest spring in memory and what the forecast has in store for us going forward. Pearse Kelly speaks about a Teagasc helpline which has been established in order to help farmers who are in need of support during these tough times. Belinda Gyves from People's First Credit Union in Portlaoise and Joe Healy former IFA President speak about the Cultivate Loan package which is offered to farmers by Credit Unions across the country. James Donnellan from the Irish Aubrac Society chats about an upcoming bull sale which will see interest from both suckler and dairy farmers for the dual purpose breed. Martina Neville from the Tullamore Show joins MJ in studio to speak about the upcoming launch of the show which includes a young handlers event aimed at children of all ages who have an interest in showing cattle.

On the programme this week MJ chats to Joe Patton from Teagasc about the poor growth rates and weather conditions which are putting farmers to the pin of their collars with huge pressure on fodder and slurry storage. Robert Birney from FRS chats about their new fencing post which has recently launched, the Dura 2 post. FRS had to look to the market for a new preservative on posts as the use of creosote was banned last year. Marty Murphy from IFAC accountants speaks about how renewable energy companies are now looking for land from farmers for battery storage as well as solar panels. Eugene Larkin from Glen Field Rapeseed Oil chats about the business based in Co. Offaly where everything from planting, harvesting, pressing, bottling and delivery are handled by the family members.

Andrew Bergin tillage farmer from Co. Kildare chats to MJ about the huge global surge in the price of cocoa, the base ingredient in chocolate where unfortunately primary producers mainly in equatorial Africa are not seeing an increase in their margins. Michael Moroney from the FCI chats about their annual contractor price list which gives a guide price on all contractors fees for 2024. Senator Paul Daly from Co. Westmeath speaks about how TAMS funding needs to be increased urgently as the costings are hugely outdated and not in line with current prices. Darren Carty from the Irish Farmers Journal chats about the livestock trade and how the new dairy calf scheme has excluded beef farmers. This latest move shows a real lack of foresight from Department of Agriculture as all calf rearers should receive this payment.

On the programme this week MJ chats to Sean McNamara from the ICSA who believes that spring lamb will break the €10/kg threshold for the first time in Irish farming history. Mike Brady well known ag consultant chats about his recent trip to Australia where he gained first hand experience about their dairy model where food production is paramount and red tape is minimal. John Curran from the IFA gives an update on the ACRES planting deadline and Steven Meyen from Teagasc chats about what tree to chose when planting on your land. Janine Kennedy from the Irish Farmers Journal speaks about a traditional staple from the Irish breakfast table, our famous black pudding. Janine explores how a handful of producers are still using real blood as opposed to powder form which is the traditional method of production.