[1] The aim of the paper was to publicise and propagate the objectives of the IAOS, which set up dairy co-operative societies and co-operative banks, and introduced co-operation among Irish farmers by proving the benefits obtainable through more economical and efficient management.

Its headquarters were initially in the IAOS building in Dublin, 84 Merrion Square.

A major contributor of articles and essays was Susan L. Mitchell, who became assistant editor.

[2] It was the first publication to publish James Joyce, with his short story "The Sisters" in 1904.

In 1923 it was amalgamated with the Irish Statesman, and in this format it continued, under the editorship of George William Russell, until 1930.