Billy Cotter, Cork north

There are a lot of dairy farmers in my region. For them, and me, it’s all about making savings and cutting costs. We need to see an improvement in dairy price as soon as possible. Maybe the weak euro will prove a help.

One issue that is affecting a lot of farm families is the Fair Deal Scheme. We have an ageing generation – people, particularly women, who cared for their parents. Now as they require care, the system is working against them. I would like to see that issue brought to the fore this year. We also have a lot of pig farmers in north Cork and they are getting poor prices.

I’m not happy that 50% of Irish butchers are selling imported pigmeat products. It’s just not acceptable.

James Speares, Cavan

The key issue in Cavan will be commodity prices, particularly for dairy, beef and pigs.

One third of the country’s pigs are in Cavan, with MaCarren meats processing about 5,000 pigs a week. Glanbia and Lakeland have two important dairy processing plants in the county and then there’s Liffey meats killing cattle. Farming’s the heart of the local economy. Of course, farmer income has to be improved for pig and drystock farmers, and we need a quick recovery in dairy markets.

For myself, I’m enjoying my farming. Two sons of mine, working off-farm, are pitching in whenever they are around. There’s a real buzz in the yard when they’re working.

I’m optimistic. There are always difficulties, but the mood should be good locally and nationally among farmers. We are good at what we do.

John Hanley, Roscommon

Getting GLAS open is vital in Roscommon. We’ve a lot of farmers in the two most vulnerable sectors – suckers and sheep. The well-stocked 40-cow, 100-ewe farmer works hard, and is getting a big cut in his Single Farm Payment this year. GLAS is not going to fill that gap, but it will be welcome. The live export trade is vital for Roscommon farmers.

Andrew Dundas Clare

Incomes – pure and simple. In the period from 2011 to 2014, farm output has increased in Clare from €189m to €200m, but income has dropped from €91m to €71m.

The farmers who have driven output from farming over the last 15 years are looking at 25% cuts to their single payments over the next five years.