The most recent Eco Eye programme on RTÉ dealt with agriculture – food for thought for many farmers on the treadmill of diminishing returns and increased costings. It is still be available for viewing on the

RTÉ Player. The main theme of the programme was to point out that farmers should think of diversifying dairy and beef and also out of cereal growing.

Putting acreage into forestry

I would have to go along with the main arguments set out. What is the point of the government’s push for increases in milk production if the farmer has to invest in more cows, machinery and buildings? One suggestion was to keep your existing main enterprise going, but to decrease the acreage and instead put part of this land into forestry or some other enterprise. One farmer interviewed had cut back on his beef herd and gone into vegetable production. He was making considerably more money by engaging in this new enterprise.

As regards the dairy, beef and tillage sectors, I hate to see younger farmers burdening themselves with bank loans when they could get into forestry on part of their land for virtually no outlay. All the fencing and the young trees and the planting are covered by grant aid.

Cutting milk production

I see some European countries and the UK have already cut back on milk production, while Ireland continues its merry way on expansion. In my view, this is heading for disaster.

Again, I dread to think of the capital tied up in a big cereal enterprise. Why not cut back as the returns are minimal at best? Forestry would fit in well with cereal production. In the overall picture, Ireland is in line for hefty fines if we do not cut our greenhouse gas emissions. Forestry is of course a recognised carbon sink.

I gather that there would still be time to plant forestry next spring. As there are many different schemes on offer, there is homework to be done and decisions to be made. At least take a look and take the first steps at reducing bank debt. I do not worry at all now about broken weather – I know that it helps my trees to grow!

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