The farming section in Monaghan is in a much better position going into 2011 than it was this time last year. This is the verdict of the local farming representatives – who have noted that 2010 was - for the most part - a favourable year for the sector.

The dairy, live exports and sheep sectors have all recovered well during the last year from a disastrous 2009 – with all indications pointing towards a continuance of this trend. A note of concern is being sounded for the pig industry however, with feed prices rising sharply over the course of 2010 and continuing to increase.

 The economic improvement in the agricultural sector is being attributed to a number of factors – including an increase in the price of commodities globally as well as favourable weather conditions for most of the year. According to local representatives, this stabilisation has led to farmers becoming more confident and looking towards expanding their operations, which is good news for the Irish economy as a whole.