Get set for calving

Alan Burton with the first of this seasons calves on his farm at Dromtariffe, Co Cork. \ Donal O' Leary

Alan runs a 120-cow pedigree Holstein Friesian herd that started calving last week and he expects to have 80% calved in six weeks. \ Donal O' Leary

Greenhouse gas guru

Prof Frank Mitloehner on the farm of Larry Hannon in Ballitore, Co Kildare. \ Finbarr O'Rourke

American scientist Prof Frank Mitloehner from the University of Davis in California said Ireland should not have to cut its national cattle herd in the drive to cut carbon emissions. However, the self-styled greenhouse gas guru did counsel against an increase in livestock numbers, saying that “an increase in livestock numbers is an increase in carbon output”. He was speaking at an IFA conference on climate change and agriculture on Tuesday.

Prof Frank Mitloehner speaking at the IFA climate event in Dublin titled 'Climate action in agriculture: a balanced approach'. \ Finbarr O'Rourke

Canvass at the mart

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar discussing future CAP payments with Irish Farmers Journal editor Justin McCarthy while campaigning at Corrin Mart. \ Donal O' Leary

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar campaigning at Corrin Mart. \ Donal O' Leary

Tánaiste Sinon Coveney interviewed by Irish Farmers Journal editor Justin McCarthy. \ Donal O' Leary

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed with farmer Mary Twomey Casey. \ Donal O' Leary

My Farming Week: Tom Keane, Askeaton, Co Limerick

Tom and Fiona Keane with their children Kevin, Seán and Ruairí among their Droimeann herd on their farm in Limerick. \ Odhran Ducie

Tom and Seán Keane with their dogs on their farm in Limerick. \ Odhran Ducie

Droimeann cattle on the farm of Tom Keane in Limerick. \ Odhran Ducie

Farming in Coolearagh, Co Kildare

Samantha Ginty with her flock of Dorset sheep, which she farms with Aishling Carroll in Coolearagh, Co Kildare. Samantha is a Southern Ireland Dorset Breeder and the NSBA secretary. Their lambs were weaned two weeks ago and were born in October. They have 22 lambs born in October and have 16 more to lamb this spring. \ Claire Nash

Samantha Ginty and Aishling Carroll. Aishling has been working alongside Samantha for two years. \ Claire Nash

Aishling Carroll. \ Claire nash

Treating lame cattle in Nenagh, Co Tipperary

Albert Purcell and his son Daniel on the Purcell Brothers' farm in Nenagh, Co Tipperary. Livestock export company Purcell Brothers is involved in supply of livestock from Ireland to major international markets including Turkey and Libya. \ Philip Doyle

Albert Purcell of Purcell Brothers and farm worker Pat Browne treat lame cattle on their farm in Nenagh, Co Tipperary. \ Philip Doyle

Pat Browne treats lame cattle in Nenagh, Co Tipperary. \ Philip Doyle

Philip Tyndall feeding colostrum to a newborn calf

Philip Tyndall feeding colostrum to a newborn calf. \ Philip Doyle

Philip Tyndall feeding colostrum to a newborn calf. Philip milks on his family dairy farm alongside his dad John in Templeshambo, Co Wexford. This year, they have moved to spring calving for the first time with the first of their calves now beginning to arrive. They hope to have the herd fully calved by March 1st. \ Philip Doyle

Ploughing ahead of sowing spring malting barley

Willie Masterson takes advantage of the break in the weather in Castlequarter, Co Wexford. He is ploughing ahead of sowing spring malting barley. Willie describes the field as dry given its good drainage and height but ploughing conditions are tough due to ground frost. \ Philip Doyle

This week in photos: protesting farmers and preparing pedigrees

This week in photos: producing traditional cheddar cheese

This week in photos: Christmas tractors and belles

This week in photos: Cullinan brings home the bacon

This week in photos: greenhouse gas guru defends farmers

Our top farming photos from the past week include ploughing ahead of sowing spring malting barley, An Taoiseach canvassing at the mart and Prof Frank Mitloehner defends farmers in Dublin.