On this weeks Farmview we discuss the impact / implications of the ongoing fuel & fertilizer price crisis on farm as well as the EUs vote to delay Mercosur with a legal challenge

Hear from hill sheep farmers from the Knockmealdown area who feel they are being forced off the land by excessive rent increases  

Talk to Mary Kate Burke Head of SETU’s dept of Veterinary which opens this September

On this weeks <a href="/podcasts/farmview">Farmview</a> we discuss the impact / implications of the ongoing fuel &amp; fertilizer price crisis on farm&nbsp;as well as the&nbsp;EUs vote to delay Mercosur&nbsp;with a legal challenge
Hear from&nbsp;hill sheep farmers from the Knockmealdown area&nbsp;who feel they are being&nbsp;forced off the land&nbsp;by excessive rent increases &nbsp;
Talk to Mary Kate Burke Head of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.setu.ie/">SETU&rsquo;s</a> dept of Veterinary&nbsp;which opens this September

You certainly don’t have to be a farmer to enjoy and be informed by Kieran O’Connor’s long-running ‘Farmview’ programme which continues to be a popular feature of the WLR schedule! Everything from farm gate to dinner plate is up for discussion with emphasis on local news and views across the county of Waterford. Farmview on WLR is brought to you in association with Tirlán. Listen back to Farmview interviews here.

You certainly don’t have to be a farmer to enjoy and be informed by Kieran O’Connor’s long-running ‘Farmview’ programme which continues to be a popular feature of the WLR schedule! Everything from farm gate to dinner plate is up for discussion with emphasis on local news and views across the county of Waterford. Farmview on WLR is brought to you in association with Tirlán. Listen back to Farmview interviews here.

Farmview

Farmview  March 26th

On this week’s Farmview May 7th podcast, we get the reaction from the Irish Farmers' Association to the Government’s Fuel Support Package and what it means for the agri sector, from rising costs to the pressure on farm incomes. We also discuss why early cutting is the key to producing top-quality first cut silage and how timing can make a major difference to feed value and winter performance. Plus, we bring you the latest update on this season’s winter and spring tillage crops, looking at current conditions, crop progress, and what farmers can expect in the weeks ahead.

On this week&rsquo;s <a href="/podcasts/">Farmview</a> May 7th podcast, we get the reaction from the <a href="https://www.ifa.ie/farm-sectors/govt-fuel-support-package-must-deliver-for-farmers/">Irish Farmers' Association</a> to the Government&rsquo;s Fuel Support Package and what it means for the agri sector, from rising costs to the pressure on farm incomes. We also discuss why early cutting is the key to producing top-quality first cut silage and how timing can make a major difference to feed value and winter performance. Plus, we bring you the latest update on this season&rsquo;s winter and spring tillage crops, looking at current conditions, crop progress, and what farmers can expect in the weeks ahead.

Farmview May 7th complete

WLRFM’s Farmview April 30th, Tirlán Quality Milk Awards and practical advice for reseeding success.

This week’s edition of Farmview on WLRFM, presented by Kieran O’Connor, delivered a strong mix of celebration and practical farming advice, reflecting both the achievements and ongoing priorities within the agricultural community. From award-winning dairy producers to timely discussion around grassland management, the programme struck a balance between recognising excellence and promoting best practice on the ground.

Celebrating Excellence at the Tirlán Quality Milk Awards

A major focus of this week’s show was the Tirlán Dairy & Sustainability Quality Milk Awards, an event that continues to highlight the high standards being achieved by dairy farmers across the region. The awards not only recognise milk quality but also place a strong emphasis on sustainability, animal welfare, and overall farm management.

It proved to be a particularly successful day for Waterford suppliers, who were strongly represented among the winners. The standout achievement came from the Fitzgerald family from Portlaw, who secured the overall award. Their success reflects a consistent commitment to excellence across all aspects of their dairy enterprise, from milk quality to environmental stewardship.

Listeners heard how attention to detail, strong herd management, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability played a key role in their win. Their story serves as an example of what can be achieved when high standards are maintained year-round.

Regional Success for the Ahearne Family

Adding to Waterford’s success, the Ahearne family from Stradbally were honoured with the Southern Region Award. Their recognition highlights the depth of quality among dairy farmers in the region and reinforces the importance of consistency and innovation in modern milk production.

During the programme, discussion centred on what sets award-winning farms apart. Key factors included maintaining excellent hygiene standards, careful monitoring of herd health, and adopting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and farm profitability.

The achievements of both the Fitzgerald and Ahearne families underline the strength of the dairy sector locally and provide encouragement to other farmers striving for similar standards.

Sustainability at the Core of Modern Dairy Farming

A recurring theme throughout the discussion on the awards was sustainability. Today’s dairy farmers are increasingly required to balance productivity with environmental responsibility, and the Tirlán awards reflect this shift.

Kieran O’Connor and his guests explored how sustainability is no longer an optional extra but a central pillar of successful farming. From efficient nutrient management to reducing emissions and improving biodiversity, farmers are adapting their practices to meet evolving expectations.

The award winners showcased how sustainability can go hand in hand with profitability, demonstrating that careful planning and innovation can deliver strong results on both fronts.

The Importance of Reseeding for Grassland Farmers

Alongside the celebration of dairy excellence, this week’s programme also turned its attention to a key seasonal topic: reseeding. With the growing season well underway, reseeding remains one of the most effective ways for grassland and livestock farmers to improve productivity.

The discussion highlighted how reseeding can significantly increase grass yields, improve feed quality, and ultimately boost animal performance. For livestock farmers, high-quality grass is one of the most cost-effective feed sources available, making investment in grassland renewal particularly worthwhile.

Listeners were reminded that older swards often underperform due to weed ingress and lower-performing grass species. By reseeding with modern, high-performing varieties, farmers can maximise output from their land.

Practical Advice for Reseeding Success

The programme also provided practical insights into getting the most from reseeding efforts. Timing was emphasised as a critical factor, with suitable soil temperatures and weather conditions playing a key role in successful establishment.

Other important considerations included soil testing, proper seedbed preparation, and selecting appropriate grass varieties to match farm systems. Attention to detail at each stage can make a significant difference to the long-term success of a reseeded field.

Kieran O’Connor noted that while reseeding requires investment, the return in terms of increased productivity and improved grass utilisation makes it a worthwhile decision for many farmers.

A Balanced Programme for Today’s Farmers

Overall, this week’s Farmview programme offered a well-rounded mix of inspiration and practical advice. By celebrating the achievements of award-winning dairy farmers while also addressing everyday management decisions like reseeding, the show continues to provide valuable insights for its audience.

As always, the programme reflects the realities of modern farming—where excellence, efficiency, and sustainability must go hand in hand.

WLRFM&rsquo;s Farmview April 30th, Tirl&aacute;n Quality Milk Awards and practical advice for reseeding success.
This week&rsquo;s edition of <a href="/podcasts/">Farmview</a> on WLRFM, presented by Kieran O&rsquo;Connor, delivered a strong mix of celebration and practical farming advice, reflecting both the achievements and ongoing priorities within the agricultural community. From award-winning dairy producers to timely discussion around grassland management, the programme struck a balance between recognising excellence and promoting best practice on the ground.
<hr data-start="480" data-end="483">
Celebrating Excellence at the Tirl&aacute;n Quality Milk Awards
A major focus of this week&rsquo;s show was the Tirl&aacute;n Dairy &amp; Sustainability Quality Milk Awards, an event that continues to highlight the high standards being achieved by dairy farmers across the region. The awards not only recognise milk quality but also place a strong emphasis on sustainability, animal welfare, and overall farm management.
It proved to be a particularly successful day for Waterford suppliers, who were strongly represented among the winners. The standout achievement came from the Fitzgerald family from Portlaw, who secured the overall award. Their success reflects a consistent commitment to excellence across all aspects of their dairy enterprise, from milk quality to environmental stewardship.
Listeners heard how attention to detail, strong herd management, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability played a key role in their win. Their story serves as an example of what can be achieved when high standards are maintained year-round.
<hr data-start="1517" data-end="1520">
Regional Success for the Ahearne Family
Adding to Waterford&rsquo;s success, the Ahearne family from Stradbally were honoured with the Southern Region Award. Their recognition highlights the depth of quality among dairy farmers in the region and reinforces the importance of consistency and innovation in modern milk production.
During the programme, discussion centred on what sets award-winning farms apart. Key factors included maintaining excellent hygiene standards, careful monitoring of herd health, and adopting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and farm profitability.
The achievements of both the Fitzgerald and Ahearne families underline the strength of the dairy sector locally and provide encouragement to other farmers striving for similar standards.
<hr data-start="2310" data-end="2313">
Sustainability at the Core of Modern Dairy Farming
A recurring theme throughout the discussion on the awards was sustainability. Today&rsquo;s dairy farmers are increasingly required to balance productivity with environmental responsibility, and the <a href="https://www.tirlan.com/our-story/news/tirlan-honours-suppliers-at-2026-dairy-sustainability-awards">Tirl&aacute;n</a> awards reflect this shift.
Kieran O&rsquo;Connor and his guests explored how sustainability is no longer an optional extra but a central pillar of successful farming. From efficient nutrient management to reducing emissions and improving biodiversity, farmers are adapting their practices to meet evolving expectations.
The award winners showcased how sustainability can go hand in hand with profitability, demonstrating that careful planning and innovation can deliver strong results on both fronts.
<hr data-start="3068" data-end="3071">
The Importance of Reseeding for Grassland Farmers
Alongside the celebration of dairy excellence, this week&rsquo;s programme also turned its attention to a key seasonal topic: reseeding. With the growing season well underway, reseeding remains one of the most effective ways for grassland and livestock farmers to improve productivity.
The discussion highlighted how reseeding can significantly increase grass yields, improve feed quality, and ultimately boost animal performance. For livestock farmers, high-quality grass is one of the most cost-effective feed sources available, making investment in grassland renewal particularly worthwhile.
Listeners were reminded that older swards often underperform due to weed ingress and lower-performing grass species. By reseeding with modern, high-performing varieties, farmers can maximise output from their land.
<hr data-start="3934" data-end="3937">
Practical Advice for Reseeding Success
The programme also provided practical insights into getting the most from reseeding efforts. Timing was emphasised as a critical factor, with suitable soil temperatures and weather conditions playing a key role in successful establishment.
Other important considerations included soil testing, proper seedbed preparation, and selecting appropriate grass varieties to match farm systems. Attention to detail at each stage can make a significant difference to the long-term success of a reseeded field.
Kieran O&rsquo;Connor noted that while reseeding requires investment, the return in terms of increased productivity and improved grass utilisation makes it a worthwhile decision for many farmers.
<hr data-start="4676" data-end="4679">
A Balanced Programme for Today&rsquo;s Farmers
Overall, this week&rsquo;s Farmview programme offered a well-rounded mix of inspiration and practical advice. By celebrating the achievements of award-winning dairy farmers while also addressing everyday management decisions like reseeding, the show continues to provide valuable insights for its audience.
As always, the programme reflects the realities of modern farming&mdash;where excellence, efficiency, and sustainability must go hand in hand.

Farmview April 30th 

Farmview April 23rd

This week’s edition of the Farmview programme on WLR FM, presented by Kieran O'Connor, brings listeners a rich mix of innovation, local enterprise, and community highlights. Combining forward-looking agricultural developments with a celebration of food and rural life, the programme continues its tradition of delivering relevant, engaging content for farmers and rural audiences across the region.

A Milestone in Renewable Energy: Tirlán’s Solar Farm
A major highlight of this week’s programme is an in-depth look at Tirlán’s recently commissioned solar farm, a significant step in the co-op’s journey toward sustainability. This development marks a key milestone in reducing carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy within Ireland’s agri-food sector. Listeners will gain insight into how the solar farm supports low-carbon manufacturing and what it means for the future of dairy and food production.

Kieran explores the broader implications of this investment, including how renewable energy projects like this can help farmers and co-ops meet increasingly strict environmental targets while maintaining efficiency and profitability. The discussion also reflects the growing importance of sustainability as both a responsibility and an opportunity within modern agriculture.

Celebrating Local Flavour: Waterford Festival of Food Preview
The programme also turns its focus to one of the region’s most anticipated events, the Waterford Festival of Food. Kieran is joined by CEO Eunice Power, who shares what visitors can expect from this year’s festival. From artisan producers to culinary demonstrations, the event promises to showcase the very best of Waterford’s thriving food culture.

Listeners will hear about how the festival supports local farmers, producers, and small businesses, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and exposure. The preview captures the vibrant atmosphere of the event and highlights its role in strengthening connections between agriculture and the wider community.

Spotlight on Craft and Innovation: Legacy Cider
Continuing the celebration of local enterprise, the programme features Déise Drinks and its distinctive Legacy Cider. Kieran speaks with Liam McDonnell about the inspiration behind the brand and the process of crafting high-quality cider rooted in local tradition.

This segment highlights the growing interest in artisanal food and drink, as well as the opportunities for diversification within farming. By adding value to locally grown produce, ventures like Legacy Cider demonstrate how innovation and creativity can open new income streams for rural businesses while preserving heritage and quality.

Community Engagement: CountryLife Competition Results
No episode would be complete without a nod to the loyal listeners who tune in each week. This programme includes the much-anticipated results of the CountryLife text competition, bringing a sense of excitement and community involvement to the show. Competitions like this not only reward listeners but also strengthen the connection between the programme and its audience.

Kieran’s warm and engaging delivery ensures that even these lighter moments feel like an integral part of the farming community, reinforcing the programme’s role as more than just an information source—it’s a shared weekly experience.

Why This Episode Matters
This week’s farming programme strikes a balance between progress and tradition, showcasing how the agricultural sector continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in local identity. From renewable energy advancements to food festivals and craft production, the episode reflects the diversity and resilience of rural Ireland.

With insightful interviews, practical relevance, and a strong community focus, Kieran O'Connor once again delivers a programme that informs, inspires, and connects listeners across the farming landscape.

Farmview April 23rd
This week&rsquo;s edition of the <a href="/podcasts/">Farmview</a> programme on WLR FM, presented by Kieran O'Connor, brings listeners a rich mix of innovation, local enterprise, and community highlights. Combining forward-looking agricultural developments with a celebration of food and rural life, the programme continues its tradition of delivering relevant, engaging content for farmers and rural audiences across the region.
A Milestone in Renewable Energy: Tirl&aacute;n&rsquo;s Solar Farm A major highlight of this week&rsquo;s programme is an in-depth look at <a href="https://www.tirlaningredients.com/?ppc_keyword=tirlan&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22609728233&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA_y9OrVu9HZxPMcLWYFvJxgQHmgI-&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwqazPBhALEiwAOuXqdIDHcw15gtSYDSJRPxebApq8VqKunlFoGIydgshMiMFvbhHf7pPUEhoCWl0QAvD_BwE">Tirl&aacute;n&rsquo;s</a> recently commissioned solar farm, a significant step in the co-op&rsquo;s journey toward sustainability. This development marks a key milestone in reducing carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy within Ireland&rsquo;s agri-food sector. Listeners will gain insight into how the solar farm supports low-carbon manufacturing and what it means for the future of dairy and food production.
Kieran explores the broader implications of this investment, including how renewable energy projects like this can help farmers and co-ops meet increasingly strict environmental targets while maintaining efficiency and profitability. The discussion also reflects the growing importance of sustainability as both a responsibility and an opportunity within modern agriculture.
Celebrating Local Flavour: Waterford Festival of Food Preview The programme also turns its focus to one of the region&rsquo;s most anticipated events, the <a href="https://www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com/">Waterford Festival of Food</a>. Kieran is joined by CEO Eunice Power, who shares what visitors can expect from this year&rsquo;s festival. From artisan producers to culinary demonstrations, the event promises to showcase the very best of Waterford&rsquo;s thriving food culture.
Listeners will hear about how the festival supports local farmers, producers, and small businesses, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and exposure. The preview captures the vibrant atmosphere of the event and highlights its role in strengthening connections between agriculture and the wider community.
Spotlight on Craft and Innovation: Legacy Cider Continuing the celebration of local enterprise, the programme features D&eacute;ise Drinks and its distinctive <a href="https://legacyirishcider.ie/">Legacy Cider</a>. Kieran speaks with Liam McDonnell about the inspiration behind the brand and the process of crafting high-quality cider rooted in local tradition.
This segment highlights the growing interest in artisanal food and drink, as well as the opportunities for diversification within farming. By adding value to locally grown produce, ventures like Legacy Cider demonstrate how innovation and creativity can open new income streams for rural businesses while preserving heritage and quality.
Community Engagement: CountryLife Competition Results No episode would be complete without a nod to the loyal listeners who tune in each week. This programme includes the much-anticipated results of the <a href="https://www.countrylife.ie/shop?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=2038332673&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAC0yj3Kn5bmxXAuu9RT_XmGxZ3BqT&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwqazPBhALEiwAOuXqdKpvsI6E_Mpre6V-hTzrIU4puf0mMEvylBft9Vnih-FRBEmC7DvBqBoChsIQAvD_BwE">CountryLife</a> text competition, bringing a sense of excitement and community involvement to the show. Competitions like this not only reward listeners but also strengthen the connection between the programme and its audience.
Kieran&rsquo;s warm and engaging delivery ensures that even these lighter moments feel like an integral part of the farming community, reinforcing the programme&rsquo;s role as more than just an information source&mdash;it&rsquo;s a shared weekly experience.
Why This Episode Matters This week&rsquo;s farming programme strikes a balance between progress and tradition, showcasing how the agricultural sector continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in local identity. From renewable energy advancements to food festivals and craft production, the episode reflects the diversity and resilience of rural Ireland.
With insightful interviews, practical relevance, and a strong community focus, Kieran O'Connor once again delivers a programme that informs, inspires, and connects listeners across the farming landscape.

Farmview March 26th

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