The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, TD, today confirmed that agreement has been reached in Brussels today which provides for an advance payment under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme. ‘I am very pleased at the level of support evident at today’s meeting, the Minister said, adding ‘This will now allow us to make advance payments, at a rate of 50%, to those applicants whose applications are confirmed fully clear, with effect from 16 October, with balancing payments being made with effect from 1 December’.

The Minister explained that his approach to the Agriculture Commissioner had been prompted by the protracted unseasonable weather which prevailed throughout the country, which culminated in a serious national fodder shortage which led to severe difficulties for farmers.

Early planning of the winter feed budget is key to limiting the cost of importing winter feed.
There is no single option that will suit you. Remember that your stock have the following feed requirements over the winter period as set out in the table below. Consider the length of your winter feed requirements, number of livestock, type of livestock e.g. cows vs. young cattle, option of saving more silage etc when completing your calculations.

• All agricultural land should be tested every 5 years.
• Very expensive fertiliser prices: why waste your money on fertiliser when you have no accurate knowledge of what your soil requires?
• The basic test assesses the soil for pH levels, lime levels, Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) levels. Continue reading →