Business Archives - The Tipp Echo

IFA reaction to Trump Tariffs

Posted in Business By Reporter In an initial reaction to the announcement of tariffs by US President Donald Trump, IFA said the relative differences will impact the competitiveness of Irish products on the US market, including Kerrygold.The fact that New Zealand only has a 10% tariff for dairy products and the UK only has a 10% tariff on drinks, while the EU will have 20% tariffs, will leave us at a competitive disadvantage against some of our biggest competitors in these two sectors. Ireland exported circa €1.9bn worth of food and drink products across the Atlantic in 2024. The US market is an important outlet and accounts for circa 11% of our total food and drink exports. Within the €1.9bn figure, dairy at €830m and drinks, predominantly whiskey, at €900m account for 91% of what we export. We also export pigmeat (€23m), beef (€8.8m) and... Read Article

IFA asks: Out of season milk price bonuses – are they worth chasing

Posted in Business By Reporter IFA has undertaken a cost benefit analysis of the various milk price incentives offered by dairy processors to encourage farmers to supply more milk during off peak months. Five processors offer out of season bonuses for milk supplied over the winter period (November to February). This analysis shows that some of the actions required to achieve these bonuses are costly and, in some cases, outweigh the return. IFA Dairy Chair Martin McElearney said farmers need to analyse the full costs and benefits of chasing these so-called bonuses. “A flatter milk supply curve works for processors as they make more efficient use of their plants, but does it make sense for farmers? This analysis attempts to answer that question,” he said. Modelled on a 92-cow herd and a flat milk price of 46cpl, the analysis explores the revenue generated and the... Read Article

New dairy beef weighing scheme must be built on – IFA

Posted in Business By Jamie O’Flaherty Commenting on the Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme announced by the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, IFA Livestock Chair Declan Hanrahan said the scheme is a step in the right direction. However, it must be built on to adequately support farmers making long-term investments in rearing beef calves from the dairy herd. The scheme for 2025 will pay farmers rearing these calves €20/calf to a maximum of 50 calves and is a start in addressing the huge mistake made by Government in not providing a scheme of this nature in the CAP strategic plans. “The challenges in retaining farmers in this production system are well documented. If we are to have a long-term sustainable approach to rearing dairy beef calves the level of direct support available to farmers must be built on to bring the payment to €100/calf reared,” he said.... Read Article

Credit Union strengthens SME support with development initiatives

BUILDING on a strong 2024, Clonmel Credit Union is set to enhance its support for local businesses and communities in 2025, focusing on accessible finance for SME and Agri businesses. As part of their strategy to support businesses in South Tipperary, Clonmel Credit Union organised a first-of-its-kind continuous professional development (CPD) event designed to reinforce […]