Cows

It seems to have been an extra hard year on heifers as I hear empty rates are a lot higher than normal on most farms, writes Padraig Callanan.

Trade was red hot in Skibbereen for the annual fatstock show and sale at the west Cork mart. Demand for show-standard breeding heifers helped drive trade to higher levels.

Not correcting grazing targets in the first rotation in spring can also reduce growth rates by as much as 20%, researcher Dr Áine Murray has said.

The announcement of the trials in the UK "has caused mistruths and misinformation" about the safety of Bovaer, the company that manufactures the additive, DSM, has said.

The winners were presented with their cheques at the ICMSA AGM on Monday.

Arla has said it would never compromise on the quality or standards of the milk it produces.

Maurice Brosnan, manager of Gortatlea Mart in Co Kerry said that he expects trade to get stronger over the next three weeks.

Factory demand for forward and heavy cattle was very evident at the annual fatstock show and sale in Kanturk Mart. Aside from the prizewinners, similar prices were on offer in the general sale.