Martin Merrick

mmerrick@farmersjournal.ie

Galway farmer cuts costs by taking DIY approach to new suckler shed

Michael Boyle completed most of the work himself on the four-bay suckler shed, with one winter's work already under its belt.

BUILDINGS 30 September 2026

Galway farmer cuts costs by taking DIY approach to new suckler shed

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Beef management: grass tetany, housing preparation and mart events

Beef management: grass tetany, housing preparation and mart events

MANAGEMENT 30 September 2026

Mid weight store bullocks average €4.65/kg in Ballinasloe

Mid weight store bullocks average €4.65/kg in Ballinasloe

MARKETS 30 September 2026

MartBids analysis: gap narrows between marts and factories

MartBids analysis: gap narrows between marts and factories

MartBids analysis: gap narrows between marts and factories

MARKETS 30 September 2026

Grass+ Beef: time to start closing paddocks

Grass+ Beef: time to start closing paddocks

Grass+ Beef: time to start closing paddocks

GRASS & FEEDING 30 September 2026

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The Grass Week: predicted growth still over 50kg DM/ha

The Grass Week: predicted growth still over 50kg DM/ha

Strong grass growth continues to persist, with it being a saving grace for many farmers this back end.

GRASS & FEEDING 16 September 2026

MartBids Database: bull weanlings and beef cattle jump again

MartBids Database: bull weanlings and beef cattle jump again

It’s been another consecutive week of a jump in live prices, with the positive factory trade seeing agents become more active ringside.

MARKETS 16 September 2026

Camera at the Mart: keen demand for quality heifers in Balla

Camera at the Mart: keen demand for quality heifers in Balla

Balla Mart’s maiden heifer sale on Friday last saw farmers, northern buyers and specialist heifer producers battle it out to secure top-end heifers.

MARKETS 16 September 2026

Minister calls on industry for new TAMS items

Minister calls on industry for new TAMS items

Minister Martin Heydon has called on farmers and industry to submit their feelings on the current range of items available under TAMS III and new items of worth.

BUILDINGS 16 September 2026

Beef management: closing paddocks, nutrient application and ration composition

Beef management: closing paddocks, nutrient application and ration composition

Martin Merrick talks through some key management practices this week as well as upcoming mart events in partnership with Teagasc and several AI companies.

MANAGEMENT 16 September 2026

Barrett Engineering launches calf additions to adult crate at Ploughing 2026

Barrett Engineering launches calf additions to adult crate at Ploughing 2026

Adding a solid calf box to its manual squeeze crush allows for weighing, dehorning and other tasks to be completed safely.

BUILDINGS 16 September 2026

Beef Management: SCEP, weaning and Beef Welfare

Beef Management: SCEP, weaning and Beef Welfare

Martin Merrick discusses some key dates and action in regard to SCEP and weaning of calves, while the deadline for the Beef Welfare Scheme is fast approaching.

MANAGEMENT 16 September 2026

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Why Fergal Hanrahan invests in quality milk replacer for his beef calves

For farmer Fergal Hanrahan, successful calf rearing comes down to getting the basics right from day one.

Why Fergal Hanrahan invests in quality milk replacer for his beef calves

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