Speaker after speaker grappled with the prospect that China would in reality need only half the number of sows currently in the herd.
That’s according to the latest Central Statistics Office data for livestock slaughterings, which shows that more than 268,000 fewer heads were slaughtered so far this year.
Milk volumes in 2024 are projected to fall by 4%. However, prices are up by 7%, the CSO has estimated.
The document lined out supports for Irish farmers in case of market disturbances as well as that distinctive Irish food and drink products would be protected.
Coming into the Christmas period, there are employers in the pig, dairy and horticulture sectors who are looking for new employees.
David Wright explores the issues raised in three recent cases before the Planning Appeals Commission.
There may be just a few hundred commercial pig farmers but they underpin the third most valuable category of Irish agri-food exports.
Louise Clarke, pig specialist at Teagasc, Ballyhaise, takes a look at empty days in sows and the cost involved.
The US department of agriculture said the case was identified in a backyard farming operation in Oregon.