Darren Carty

While the scheme is not expected to open until August, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has confirmed similar actions as in 2025 with the addition of bluetongue virus vaccination

Base quotes in the two ICM plants are steady at €9.70/kg plus 20c/kg quality assurance payment, while Dawn Kildare is 10c/kg lower at €9.60/kg plus 20c/kg QA.

Flocks with lambs approaching weaning should weigh regularly to check if there are any lambs fit for drafting.

A new action plan published last week sets a target timeline of 2028 to phase out live imports of calves from Ireland.

Exports to Ireland have reduced by over 50,000 head as a result of higher numbers exported to Britain.

A combination of relatively tight supplies and factory agents keen for numbers curtailed attempts by agents to significantly reduce prices.

Live export buyers and a number of customers from Northern Ireland competed strongly, with the top third of calves rising by as much as €120 to €160 per head.

The deadline for approximately 4,600 applicants to correct errors identified by the Department in preliminary checks is approaching fast on 22 June.

The event taking place on Saturday 20 June includes an update on the Co-Adapt project on sustainable management of parasites and a demonstration on the Cotter Crate.

Mart prices have also come under pressure in recent days, with prices falling by an average of €5 to €8 per head and by upwards of €10 per head in cases.