Irish Farmers Journal podcasts

In this episode of Young Stock, hosts Daire Cregg and Sarah McIntosh sit down with one of Ireland’s most recognisable and outspoken business figures, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary. Blending sharp insight with candid conversation, the episode explores the mindset, decisions, and realities behind success across both aviation and agriculture.From the outset, the discussion dives into Michael’s early years, unpacking when his entrepreneurial instincts first took shape. The conversation then shifts to his deep roots in farming, where he explains the thinking behind his move into pedigree breeding and his preference for Angus cattle.Hiring and people management take centre stage as Michael shares why he values employees from farming backgrounds and how that perspective translates into business performance. Looking ahead, the trio tackle big-picture questions around the future of beef farming, including profitability, land consolidation, and whether scaling up is essential for survival in today’s agricultural landscape.The episode also explores the aviation side of his empire, with Sarah probing into rising fuel costs and what they could mean for holidaymakers, even with Ryanair’s fuel hedging strategies in place. Meanwhile, Daire raises the increasingly pressing issue of land prices, asking what levels may be considered unsustainable.On a more personal note, listeners get a glimpse beyond the boardroom and farmyard, as Michael reflects on his bucket list ambitions, daily routine, and how he balances a demanding career across multiple industries. The episode wraps with a look at his interests outside of work, from sport to horse racing and beyond.Insightful, honest, and grounded, this episode offers a rare look into the mindset of a leader operating at the intersection of global business and Irish agriculture.

This week, Stephen chats to Adam on TB changes and the beef trade, Darren talks about nitrates derogation applications and scheme updates while Daire discusses dairy markets and North Cork Creameries. Join the Farm Tech Talk communityWe welcome any feedback and questions you have for the Farm Tech Talk team. Please email farmtechtalk@farmersjournal.ie or send a text or voice note to our WhatsApp number 086 836 6465Click here if you would like a weekly email notification when Farm Talk is released https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1LkIraRklQcK5mClBGXTpFgets9e  Farm Alert is now available for beef and sheep farmers as well as dairy farmers. Manage your herd and flock health with ease by signing up at www.farmalert.ie. To get started, watch our quick guide on how to register and set up your account https://youtu.be/zZD-8C7X4LgLearn how to build your calendars to receive automated text reminders https://youtube.com/shorts/uPDisMFEY-k

On this week’s Tillage Podcast, we chatted to Michael Burke and Conor Condron of J. Grennan and Sons at the company’s HQ in Rath, Co Offaly, on the importance of producing high-quality feed using local ingredients.We toured the mill and talk about an investment of €4m to increase capacity and improve efficiency. We will of course talk fieldwork, fertiliser, look at the paper and have the grain trends and weather reports. The Tillage Podcast is supported by Bayer Crop Science.

On this week’s show we take a look at the new TB testing rules coming into force and hear about the pressure facing winter finishers.

This is a taster of this weeks Inside Dairy, if you would like to subscribe, do so at the link below. This week on Inside Dairy, the Milk League is back!   We take a closer look at the latest developments in European dairy markets and discuss the current situation with grass on farms as the season gets underway. We also feature our interview with Dr. Eva Gocsik, who was speaking at the Bord Bia Dairy Markets Seminar, sharing her insights on the key challenges facing the dairy sector today. Later in the episode, we turn our attention to fertiliser—what’s the plan for your farm over the coming weeks, and what should you be considering to stay on track this spring? To subscribe to Inside Dairy https://ifj.supportingcast.fm/insidedairyAre you receiving our dairy newsletter? If not, join our Inside Dairy community today – link to sign up to receive the dairy newsletter https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1odLPQ4FsQhm-r0edaOnjsAets9e  

In the final episode of our new series aimed at secondary school students, experts discuss exam tips and the importance of time managementThe latest instalment of our Growing Minds podcast examines the importance of time management and top tips for students ahead of their exam in June. This episode is in conjunction with the revision supplement published by the Irish Farmers Journal in partnership with IASTA and Agri Aware. In part two of episode four, Roisin Byrne from Agri Aware sits down with Sarah McIntosh to continue their conversation on the importance of exam preparation ahead of the Leaving Certificate ag science exam in June. It is essential for students that they know their timings and practice exam questions as often as they can to ensure they are prepared and confident when sitting their exam. They also discuss tips on time management to help students who are feeling overwhelmed and under pressure. It is a stressful time for students, but having the right resources and knowing what to expect can help them remain calm and focused.

Hannah Furlong speaks to Joe Gibbons from Ballinasloe, Co Galway who recently won the IPAV Novice Rostrum Auctioneer Competition. Joe talks about his experience working in Ballinasloe mart, the practice that goes into standing up on the rostrum, what it was like to be crowned winner of the novice auctioneer competition and his future hopes for his career in auctioneering.

This week, Stephen is joined by Gary, Adam, Darren, and Aidan to discuss the recent rise in fuel prices and what it means for contractors. Adam covers the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the beef trade and the bluetongue vaccine scheme. Darren investigates how the trade for light cattle is powering ahead despite pressures on beef price, and Aidan has the latest on the proposed Aurivo and Dale Farm merger, now off the table.We also hear from Stephen Carey of Grassland AGRO on maximising production while reducing nitrogen costs.To register for our Beef Markets Event which takes place on Monday 30 March in Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, please fill in this form: https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1IPlLKS7IQlalWpNjVPXHAgets9ehttps://go.alltech.com/focus-for-100  Join the Farm Tech Talk communityWe welcome any feedback and questions you have for the Farm Tech Talk team. Please email farmtechtalk@farmersjournal.ie or send a text or voice note to our WhatsApp number 086 836 6465Click here if you would like a weekly email notification when Farm Talk is released https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1LkIraRklQcK5mClBGXTpFgets9e 

This week’s Tillage Podcast focuses on prioritising jobs in the fields, sowing, markets, the tillage payment and the whiskey technical file. We have a chat with Alister McRobbie of Corteva on herbicides for winter and spring crops and as always, we have the grain trends and weather reports. The Tillage Podcast is supported by Bayer Crop Science.