Four Weeks to Balmoral Show

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: Columba O'Hare; Category: FARMING; Published: 19 April 2025

Rebecca McConnell, Chair of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists, Mark Crimmins, Head of Ulster Bank NI and John Henning OBE, RUAS President

Balmoral Show is just four weeks away and main sponsor Ulster Bank recently welcomed farmers, producers, industry leaders and policy makers to its annual pre-Balmoral Show breakfast briefing.

The event, hosted in conjunction with the Guild of Agricultural Journalists, featured Ulster Bank's Head of NI, Mark Crimmins, and Senior Agriculture Manager, Cormac McKervey, who provided a sectorial update covering the health of farm businesses across Northern Ireland.

Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager, Ulster Bank, delivers his annual farming update ahead of the 2025 Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank

Cormac McKervey said: "Generally speaking, farming is generating good returns and is in a relatively stable position. Margins are sufficient for milk, beef, lamb, pigs and poultry and while there is still room for improvement with arables, the situation is more positive than it has been in recent years. Land prices continue to rise, and the recent spell of good spring weather has eased the pressure on field work.

"Much of this positivity is being driven by strong consumer demand for locally produced food with today's consumer placing more value on provenance than ever before. We are seeing a return to equilibrium when it comes to supply and demand and input prices, particularly animal feed, have fallen to below average prices. This buoyancy is also being reflected in bank borrowing and our message to farmers continues to be that we are open to lend and keen to support new businesses."

John Ferris, Regional Ecosystem Manager, Ulster Bank, speaks to Gareth McDonald and Gareth Gordon, Co-Founders of livestock management app, Farm Drive

Attendees also heard about Ulster Bank's support for the agri-tech sector through its entrepreneur accelerator programme, highlighted by Farm Drive app founders Gareth McDonald and Gareth Gordon, who will be exhibiting at this year's Balmoral Show.

Mark Crimmins added: "Ulster Bank is very proud of our longstanding association with the Balmoral Show and while we are looking forward to the landmark event, it is by no means our only association with the agri-food sector which we recognise as being one of the key drivers of our local economy."

The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank returns to Balmoral Park from 14th-17th May. For more information, visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk