It’s been a busy week raising concerns on behalf of farmers, particularly over the delay to Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) payments, now not due until 27 October. @IFAmedia also raised concerns over malting barley prices, fertiliser supports and the future of CAP.

There are positives for farmers in Budget 2027, including on fertiliser, fuel, VAT and TAMS. But I am concerned that the agriculture budget is static and that this could lead to linear cuts in beef and sheep schemes.

Delighted to be back home today for the Knock Threshing Festival 2026 in Spink, County Laois. @IFAmedia

Great to be in Trim for the Royal Meath Show. A huge thanks to the committee and everyone involved for a fantastic day. It’s been great travelling to shows around the country this season, meeting farmers and seeing the enthusiasm of the next generation coming through. @IFAmedia

IFA has been relentless in highlighting the serious concerns around Brazilian beef & poultry entering the EU. Our work helped bring the evidence of antibiotic misuse to the Commission, ultimately contributing to the ban on imports. A major win for Irish farmers and food safety.

Delighted to be invited to open the Bantry Show, where I spoke about the EU ban on Brazilian beef & chicken imports and the importance of protecting our farmers and maintaining the highest standards in food production. Thanks to the Show Committee & West Cork IFA for inviting me.

Great to be up at the Moate Agriculture Show. Thanks to Richard O’Brien, Michael Scott and the committee for the welcome. Drought, CAP and the serious concerns facing farmers were to the fore. Govt needs to do much more to support farmers through the unfolding fodder crisis.

Farmers are facing a looming fodder crisis. The Minister for Agriculture must recognise the seriousness of the situation and immediately reconvene the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. #FarmersUnderPressure @IFAmedia

Last stop on my tour of 7 counties today. I visited John Large’s farm in Gortnahoe, Tipperary, to hear about the pressures he is facing. Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with me today and share their experiences. #FarmersUnderPressure #WhereIsTheMinister @IFAmedia

I visited the Flynn family farm in Fermoy this evening and spoke with local farmers about the challenges they have faced this summer and their concerns for the months ahead. #FarmersUnderPressure #WhereIsTheMinister @IFAmedia

We’re in Dunhill, Co Waterford, at the fifth farm visit of the day, meeting sheep and grain farmer Ned Morrissey and local farmer Luke Casey. #FarmersUnderPressure #WhereIsTheMinister @IFAmedia

In Kilkenny with horticultural grower Eddie Doyle, who warns the drought could lead to a major reduction in Irish fruit and vegetables on supermarket shelves, with yields potentially falling by more than half. #FarmersUnderPressure #WhereIsTheMinister @IFAmedia

Farm number three today, visiting David Rothwell in Bunclody, Co Wexford. The ongoing dry spell has stopped grass growth, leaving most cows on supplementary feed, with more than 20 bales of hay being used every week. #FarmersUnderPressure #WhereIsTheMinister @IFAmedia

On my trip to farms across the country today, I spoke with farmer Gilbert Wayne about how rising costs, the ongoing dry spell and concerns over fodder are impacting his farming business in Bagenalstown, Co Carlow. #FarmersUnderPressure #WhereIsTheMinister @IFAmedia