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Countrywide Full Episode 31/01/2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland’s farm machinery sector is an unsung economic dynamo, creating nearly as much wealth as the tourist industry and a value to the economy of almost €5bn. Simon Cross from Cross Agri-Engineering in Kildare; Michael Farrelly, CEO of the FTMTA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 18th century, the father of the author Maria Edgeworth from Longford was the inventor of many agri-mechanical innovations still in use today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

40% of workplace fatalities happen on farms. Half of those involve machinery. Suzanne Campbell accompanies a HSA inspector doing a farm safety audit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An excerpt from Seamus’s memoir Leaning On Gates about what “innovating” with tractors in the eighties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 91-year old farmer from Westmeath still gets out on his Massey Ferguson 165 every day to do jobs around the yard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Hutchenson from Armstrong Machinery answers the question frequently asked by Countrywide’s listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Owners of large vessels are going to court to have the ban overturned, meanwhile owners of small vessels support it. Lorna Siggins with Donegal trawlerman John Menarry. Dr Simon Berrow assesses if it will conserve fish stocks or not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austrian dairy cow Veronika has taught herself how to use a tool. The scientists who studied her say that bovine intelligence needs to be reappraised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the price of a pint rises above €10 in some places, how much of that do barley growers get? David Walsh-Kemmis, Ballykilcavan Brewery discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lorna Siggins reports from Greencastle Boatyard in Donegal on the restoration of a uniquely Irish-Scandi vessel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The third warmest year on record has caused many plants to bloom in the depths of winter according to the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Della Kilroy reports on farmers Ned and Kate Sullivan who have fostered up to twenty children in as many years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the pressure on farms to diversify, Suzanne Campbell reports from one farm business with everything from trees to saunas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beef and Tillage farmer John Keogh assesses how the trade deal will impact his business in Co CarlowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.