ICSA seeks to encourage dairy farming

The leader of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association has said more of his members should be encouraged into the production of grain and milk.

ICSA president Malcolm Thompson told the association's AGM in Mullingar that cattle and sheep enterprises are consistently losing money from the marketplace, while dairy and cereal prices are rising significantly.

Mr Thompson said it should be easier for farmers to switch between enterprises.

He complained that while a dairy farmer can get into sheep, cattle or tillage production it is not possible the other way round.