The Irish Farmers Journal team is on the ground today to bring you all the news, views, and exclusive analysis from Budget 2027. We delve deep into what it means for each farm sector. Follow our live blog updates here: farmersjournal.ie/news/news/…

Big day for Galway Wool Co op with visit from Uachtaràn na hÈireann Catherine Connolly at their annual Meitheal to celebrate the collection of this season's Wool. Producers paid premium price of €2.50/kg for high-quality native wool. @farmersjournal @galwayruraldev

Volkswagen to use flock of sheep to graze under solar panels eu1.hubs.ly/H0wL2S60

This week Kilkenny Mart saw a 'booming trade' for sheep in the words of auctioneer George Candler eu1.hubs.ly/H0w35Jk0

"The designations have increased cost for around 35,000 farmers since they were first introduced in the mid-1990s, with no real intent by the state to address this injustice,” according to the INHFA. eu1.hubs.ly/H0v--k60

Early results from an AFBI-run study suggest that targeted selective treatment for parasites can improve lamb growth. eu1.hubs.ly/H0vX-v30

Activity from wholesalers added more competition to the trade, helping to steady the trade and clawing back a small segment of the price drop endured in the previous week. eu1.hubs.ly/H0vXcmw0

Base quotes for Tuesday are steady to 20c/kg lower while quotes for hoggets are unchanged at €9/kg plus a 20c/kg quality assurance payment. eu1.hubs.ly/H0vQPt00

Shearing is underway at Shearfest 2026 in Mountbellew Mart in Co Galway on Sunday 31 May. A packed day of competitions awaits with a new provincial competition added for 2026. Over 1,500 sheep will be shorn across Sunday's competitions.

The purebred Texel ewes were the sale highlight, but there was also keen demand for ram lambs, with live export buyers active. eu1.hubs.ly/H0vCVlH0

Semi Final of the National wool handling competition taking place. #BalmoralShow Live blog: eu1.hubs.ly/H0vkPVZ0

Overall Hampshire Champion judged by Harry Middleditch went to Loughbrae Livestock for their Shearling ewe. Live blog: eu1.hubs.ly/H0vjVZT0

Tune into the Irish Farmers Journal's live blog of Balmoral Show 2026 where the team reports from the cattle and sheep lawns. eu1.hubs.ly/H0vhc5R0

Shaun Diver, Farm Manager at Tullamore Farm, uses Farm Alerts to stay on top of vaccine & parasite dates during the busy season. Never miss a treatment. Sign up now 👉 eu1.hubs.ly/H0tT2RP0

JUST ONE WEEK TO GO! #Grass2026 Don’t miss Ireland’s must-attend silage and grassland demonstration event for farmers, contractors, and operators. 🗓️ Wednesday April 29th 📍Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny 🔗 Tickets on grass2026.ie or pay at gate

"My ambition is to increase both participation and the overall number of organisations in Ireland, so that farmers can capitalise on their collective bargaining power to improve the efficiency of their holdings," Minister Heydon said. eu1.hubs.ly/H0tgb9S0

Agents have been active in mart sales and in sourcing lambs direct off farm in recent days, with factories looking to replenish supplies. eu1.hubs.ly/H0tdVqf0

Some of our favorite farming photos from this week include mart sales activity, an IFJ beef markets event, and fieldwork action. eu1.hubs.ly/H0tcH600

Acorns are toxic to sheep, cattle and horses and can prove fatal if ingested. eu1.hubs.ly/H0tbmpX0

After several years of growth, Australian sheepmeat production is expected to decline for the second year in a row in 2026. eu1.hubs.ly/H0tb1J50