I see Dublin Zoo has become the latest farm to succumb to expansion fever.

The zoo has doubled its dairy herd with the arrival of an in-calf cow called Niamh to join the Agri Aware family farm.

The second-calver was supplied by well-known livestock dealer David Clarke, who normally handles bigger deals but was delighted to deliver her in person to the Phoenix Park.

Clarke’s home farm in Co Westmeath is to feature in an upcoming episode of Ear to the Ground, not for the 1,000 cattle he farms there but for its links with ancient Ireland.

Clarke’s farm contains the Hill of Uisneach, which was said to be a gate to the mythical fifth province of Ireland.