ON THE FARM: Embracing the Petrichor
In normal non-covid times, we would be just after enjoying the first summer show of the year our very own Newmarket-on-Fergus agricultural show on the May bank holiday.
Joe Melody
ON THE FARM: Discrimination of rural Ireland must stop
The wonderful thing about growing up in Rural Ireland is the variety of experience one gets to gratify themselves with seeing the seasons progress and the cycle of creation and destruction that is at the very essence of nature.
ON THE FARM: Every day is a school day
*The Melody senior herd sire, F.H. Unique Last weekend we welcomed Dr. Keir McNamara and his Agricultural Science class to our farm to discuss all things agriculture with a special focus on the environment. It was great to have such an engaging group of students walking the farm and drawing up the connection between their …
ON THE FARM: Want to get more from our land? Just add lime
Joe Melody is predicting a day will come where Irish farmers will be able to monetise on their carbon capture potential.
ON THE FARM: Lack of ambition dilutes attractiveness of forestry sector
*Jack Enright & Joe Melody happy to see the sheds emptied for the spring. A strong forestry sector must be attractive for farmers but currently there is little ambition for the sector from Government, Joe Melody writes.
Madeline Taylor Quinn to take on prominent role within Clare Fine Gael
*Madeline Taylor Quinn during her time as Mayor of Clare. Photograph: Mick Murtagh A former Clare TD and Senator is to make a political comeback, of sorts.
ON THE FARM: Special feeling to produce a product enjoyed by many
*Hens on the Melody farm in Bunratty. Photograph: John Mangan Producing an in-demand product that is enjoyed by many has proven to be a special feeling, farming columnist Joe Melody remarked on the success of Melody Farm Eggs.
ON THE FARM: Farming a white collar profession that pays blue collar salary
Farming columnist Joe Melody believes farmers need to show due diligence for any agri-environmental scheme that may arise in the near future.
ON THE FARM: A Land Use Plan would create myriad of unintended consequences
St Patrick’s Day is traditionally the day where a lot of pastoral farmers across the county would target to let cattle and sheep out to grass.
ON THE FARM: Farming women continue to embody female empowerment
With International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day taking place this week, Joe Melody pays tribute to the contribution of women in the farming world.