NEWS & EVENTS

ICMSA say April cut “frustrating” and say milk price must be “consolidated” starting next month

2020-05-13

The Chairperson of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee said that farmer-suppliers would be left “frustrated” by the announcement of further cuts by Glanbia and Lakelands, but Gerald Quain was emphatic that this latest cut must be the last and there could be no question of a cut for May milk. The cut…

ICMSA say tomorrow’s EU Farm Council has to “straighten up, get serious and provide the support”

2020-05-12

Speaking in advance of tomorrow’s EU Farm Council meeting, ICMSA President, Pat McCormack, said that he hoped and expected that the overwhelmingly negative and disappointed reaction to the EU’s derisory support of its farming sector thus far – a reaction that Mr. McCormack said was fully justified – had concentrated…

Cancellation of 2020 Ploughing – ICMSA share disappointment but “understand completely”

2020-05-08

“Obviously we share the disappointment of everyone involved in farming, as well as the many thousands of the wider rural population who look forward to going to the Ploughing every year. But we understand completely the nature of the decision and the reasons behind it. It’s an essential part of…

ICMSA querying “over-pessimistic” view on milk price – March price cut cost farmers €15 million

2020-05-08

While fully recognising the impact of Covid-19 on dairy markets since mid-March, the Chairperson of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee has queried what he said was the “over-pessimistic” outlook on milk price that was being advanced by certain commentators and bodies. Ger Quain said that while it was obviously important that milk…

Access to Finance and Welfare supports during COVID-19 for Farmers

2020-04-24

Here are some practical steps, supports and guidance to help your farm business currently. Talk to your bank All the banks have announced that they will offer flexibility to their customers, and they may be able to provide payment holidays or emergency working capital facilities. A summary of the main responses…

ICMSA Welcomes Changes To TB Testing Programme

2020-04-01

In the context of the ongoing Covid crisis, ICMSA welcomes the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s decision to extend the requirement of a TB test for calves from 42 days to 120 days. This decision means that calves can be sold off the farm for up to four…

ICMSA ask farmers to respect procedure in Co-op outlets and feed merchants

2020-04-01

As the present Covid crisis goes into its third week, Denis Drennan, Chairperson of ICMSA’s Farm & Rural Affairs Committee, cautioned against any degree of complacency and familiarity creeping in to our day-to-day routine and reminded farmers of the vital importance that all practice social distancing and the safety guidelines…

ICMSA Call For “Immediate Suspension” Of All Beef Imports To EU

2020-03-26

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a complete redefinition of the EU beef market in a matter of weeks and represents a market shock of a magnitude that requires immediate response by the EU Commisson according to Des Morrison, Chairperson of ICMSA’s Livestock Committee. Mr. Morrison said that while the…

As Marts Close ICMSA Wants Them To Continue To Match Livestock Buyers & Sellers

2020-03-25

The announcement yesterday that livestock marts will close from today as a result of Covid-19 means that farmers who traditionally sell or buy cattle at this time of year will have to consider alternative options and it is vital that livestock marts play their part in providing a viable option…

ICMSA’s McCormack says reaction of Farm Sector “practical and efficient but delivery required”

2020-03-25

The President of ICMSA described today’s Conference Call between Minister Creed and the leaders of the state’s farm organisations as “practical and efficient” but he also identified key policy measures must be delivered immediately to stabilise food markets. Pat McCormack said that decisions must be taken by the EU Farm…