Write a commentCefetra in Newry and Tullyherron Feeds, Mountnorris are just two of the local Grain Traders and Feed Merchants taking part in a 3,700 mile charity relay cycle this month.
The relay will travel from Belfast, arriving at Cefetra, Monaghan Court, Monaghan Street, Newry 17 July. The relay will start again from the same site the following morning and stop at Tullyherron Farm Feeds, Mountnorris before making its way towards County Tyrone
The itinerary for this 3,700 mile marathon will take in the principal feed mills, ports, grain stores and supply trade business sites in the UK.
All the regional Grain and Feed Trade Associations have come together to support the farming industry through the Farming Community Network (FCN) with all funds raised in Northern Ireland going to assist with the work of Rural Support NI.
“Supply businesses play an integral part in the farming community and we see at first hand the pressures that many farmers face” according to Robin Irvine of NIGTA.
“The stress caused by economic and regulatory pressures, the sense of isolation and anxiety can affect both the farm business and the farm household”.
“We aim to help increase awareness of the issues facing farmers, while at the same time raising funds to provide on-going support for all members of the farming community and their families. Our team of riders include drivers, mill operatives, accountants, sales managers and chief executives and they are working hard to raise sponsorship for this very worthy cause” says Robin.
The Relay is already under way, having started outside the Houses of Parliament in London on 20th June and will visit over 170 different sites representing 75 companies before crossing the finishing line at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on 31st July.
Richard Cooksley, one of the organisers, said: “With considerable economic and political pressures of farm businesses, GAFTA and UK Grain and Feed Trade Associations, which are an integral part of UK farming community have committed to do something significant to support the farming industry. The aim of the relay is to help raise awareness of the issues facing farmers, while at the same time raising funds to provide on-going support for all members of the farming community and their families. We hope as many people in the industry as possible will turn out to support the relay and help us achieve our target.”
The relay starts in Belfast visiting Belfast Docks, Co Antrim, Armagh, Omagh and North Antrim between the 17th and 20th July Riders from at least 14 companies will be saddling up and visiting 14 sites, covering over 240 miles.
Companies supporting the relay in N Ireland include Tolland’s, Devenish Nutrition, United Molasses, United Feeds, W&R Barnett, Thompsons, Cefetra, Tullyherron Feeds, Gortavoy Feeds, Fane Valley, Moy Park, AB Vista, Chestnutt’s and Agri-Research.
To donate to the fund and support FCN in the invaluable work it does for the industry, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/GAFT
