I see that Ballygarret farming couple Peter and Mary Earle are retiring from dairy farming. Peter gained prominence as the Wexford IFA county chair during the high-stakes drama that was the 2000 beef blockade.

He led the delegation that brokered the first price increase agreement, with Slaney Foods, the breakthrough moment following a fortnight of injunctions, massive fines and mass resignations by IFA officers, including then-president Tom Parlon.

It all ended very quickly after that, with farmers getting the 90p/lb (I know) and withdrawal of increased veterinary fees that they had been demanding.

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Peter and Mary’s 120-strong herd is being sold in Carnew mart next Tuesday, 20 January. I wish them luck in that and all their future endeavours.