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The 35th Royal Ulster Winter Fair in association with sole sponsor Danske Bank will take place next week, Thursday 9December from 9am to 6pm at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn.
This one-day event organised by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) is a firm favourite in the agricultural calendar in the run up to Christmas having established itself as the meeting place for the dairy industry in the island of Ireland.
Visitors to the Winter Fair will be able to watch top quality livestock compete for championship titles including the enviable title of Supreme Interbreed Champion of the Show. The RUAS is delighted to welcome livestock judge Edward Griffiths and Dairy Stall & Trade Stand Awards judge Anna Marie McHugh to the Show.
With trade stands galore showcasing the latest technologies and innovations, visitors to the Winter Fair will have the perfect opportunity to browse almost two hundred dairy related trade stands throughout the day.
Another key feature this year will be the return of the Hoof Trimming Presentations facilitated by Eko Hoofcare. This popular demonstration will take place near the entrance of the Logan Hall at 12pm and 2pm. On the day, they will share their knowledge on the causes, treatment and prevention of lameness in cows.
For the first time in its history, the Royal Ulster Winter Fair will be streamed live throughout the day online at WWW.WINTERFAIR.ORG.UK
There will be a number of COVID-19 mitigations in place. Visitors to the Show will be asked to demonstrate their COVID-19 status on arrival by providing proof of a negative lateral flow test, proof of their vaccination or proof of natural COVID-19 antibodies. Visitors are also required to wear a face mask while indoors within the exhibition and livestock halls. Further details on entry requirements can be found on the Winter Fair Website
Rhonda Geary, RUAS Operations Director commented, “The Royal Ulster Winter Fair continues to grow year on year, and it has become a firm favourite in the agricultural calendar in the run up to Christmas and has established itself as the meeting place for the dairy industry in island of Ireland. The one-day show offers the chance to interact with dairy related trade exhibitors and hear about up-to-date technological advances, difficulties and solutions within the industry. It really is a pinnacle event for farmers and industry enthusiasts.
“We are delighted to be able to stream this popular event online and viewers will be able to enjoy the action and fierce competition from their home, office or even live from the milking parlour!
She concluded “Once again we have the generous financial support of Danske Bank for the event. Their continued support is pivotal in making the Winter Fair the successful event it is year on year. We are extremely proud of the ongoing partnership between ourselves and Danske Bank as it highlights our own, and the bank’s support of the Dairy Industry.
Tickets will be available on the gate, or they can be purchased in advance of the Show online at WWW.WINTERFAIR.ORG.UK/BUY-TICKETS
Admission for adults £10, 12-18 years £8, seniors (over 65) £8, under 12’s free when accompanied by an adult. RUAS members enter free of charge with a valid membership card.
To keep up to date with 2021 Winter Fair news visit their website or follow the Winter Fair on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) has launched its 2022 ‘Avoid Harm on the Farm’ child farm safety calendar which delivers potentially lifesaving messages to children in over 430 rural primary, and special schools across Northern Ireland.
In June this year HSENI invited rural Primary School pupils (foundation, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2) and pupils from Special Schools in Northern Ireland to enter a poster competition highlighting common farm dangers. Twelve winning hand drawn pictures were selected from over 2750 entries with each ‘junior artist’ receiving a £30 gift card and having their picture included in the 2022 calendar.
Launching the calendar at Irvinestown Primary School, Enniskillen, HSENI Chief Executive Robert Kidd said:“Farming continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations in Northern Ireland with 69 work related fatalities in the ten years up to the end of last year. Tragically this includes three children under the age of 15.”
Over 43,000 copies of the calendar will be distributed exclusively to rural primary schools and special schools for children to take home.
Robert Kidd continued: “Our calendar competition continues to be a great way to deliver safety messages in an engaging way to children that will help form their approach to farm safety now and in the future.
“This year we had entries from 80 schools and I thank all the pupils, teachers, and our sponsors for helping us keep children safe on the farm.”
The calendar was sponsored by Farm Safety Partnership members and affiliates: Abbey Autoline, NFU Mutual, PowerNI, Ulster Farmers Union, Northern Ireland Safety Group, CAFRE, and LANTRA.
For more information about child safety on farms visit: WWW.HSENI.GOV.UK/FARMSAFETY
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A group of pupils from Newtownhamilton High School has received an early Christmas present of a mini-herd of Angus cross calves courtesy of the agri-food company, ABP and the Northern Irish Angus Producer Group.
Over the next year Aimee McCombe, Ellen Bailie and Sophie McKnight who are all in Yr. 11, will have to rear their calves and sell them to ABP as part of reaching the final stage of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge. They will be competing against three other schools teams from Banbridge Academy; St. Catherine’s College Armagh and Cookstown High School for the title of Overall Winners.
Along-side the practical experience in beef production, the Challenge will see them working on special projects relating to the beef industry. The pupils at Newtownhamilton High will be exploring Trends in Beef Consumption and the Younger Consumer. A College of Agriculture Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) advisor will provide mentoring to the team. The pupils will also benefit from first-hand insights into ABP’s sustainable business practices and be trained in communication and interview skills relevant to the world of work.
To reach the final four, the pupils had to compete against 21 other teams at an exhibition that was judged by an independent panel of industry experts. Their performance across all aspects of the final stage will be continually assessed.
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From 1 January 2021, there are new procedures to follow when moving live animals from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has been working with the Farmers' Unions, GB market operators and other stakeholders to put in place the new arrangements.
Traders in GB, exporting livestock markets, and sales, are working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) to put the necessary arrangements in place to support the movement of cattle and sheep.
Speaking on the changes Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said: “My Department and Defra have worked with the EU Commission to introduce changes to existing EU legislation to make these movements possible.
“The movement of animals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland has been subject to conditions for many years. Import controls are important to maintain our high health status, preserve export markets and support industry. It is important for breeders of top genetic merit animals in Northern Ireland to retain access to markets both in the UK and in Europe. The new arrangements will achieve this objective.
“I am pleased to note the efforts being taken by the livestock industry across the UK and notably sales organisers, to welcome livestock from Northern Ireland and to improve biosecurity for all the animals which attend these events. Purchasers can buy with greater confidence and if animals remain unsold they can be returned to their premises of origin without impediment.
"I am, however, concerned with the requirements for segregation and separation, as I believe that they will not work in practice. I am also opposed to the retagging requirements for animals moving from GB to NI, which go against traceability.
“As DAERA Minister, I have ensured pragmatic approaches to the unprecedented challenges which we have faced over the past year and I can assure the farming community that I will continue to do so and to press the UK Government and the EU to find solutions which work on the ground.”
Details of the new easements and on moving livestock from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are available on the DAERA website:
Shows and Sales: WWW.DAERA-NI.GOV.UK
Moving Live Animals NI-GB www.daera-ni.gov.uk
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Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced that Tier 2 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme - Capital (FBIS-C) is now open for applications.
Tier 2 is for projects costing from £30,000 - unlimited (within the overall maximum grant limit of £250,000 available under the NI Rural Development Programme 2014-20) and is primarily for construction projects and the purchase of higher value equipment linked to the needs in the farmer’s business plan.
Minister Poots said: “I am delighted to announce the re-opening of Tier 2 FBIS Capital. The focus of this multi-million pound fund is on larger-scale investment to encourage a step change in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
“We want to drive transformational investment in future proofed, fit-for-purpose, modern infrastructure and equipment, guided by a robust business planning process within assisted farms.
“I am now inviting those farmers and growers who submitted an Expression of Interest and who are ready to make a significant investment to transform their business to come forward now with their application to the scheme.
“I would encourage all applicants to familiarise themselves with the online guidance which is available on the DAERA website, ahead of making an application to what will be a highly competitive scheme. My Department will issue invitations later this month for all eligible applicant to attend further online information sessions.” he added.
There was a significant number of Expressions of Interest in this tranche of Tier 2 FBIS – Capital, which were used to explore the type of investment planned, approximate total costs and potential time for completion.
DAERA held online information events in October for potential applicants to the scheme, which will provide a grant rate of 40% of eligible costs, with £250,000 the maximum grant available.
Only those farm businesses which submitted an Expression of Interest will be eligible to submit a full application for Tier 2 tranche 2 by the application closing date, 4pm on 1 April 2022.
Applicants will be required to submit a separate robust, viable and sustainable business plan as part of their full application, which shows that they have carefully planned their investment and what difference the proposed project will make in transforming their farm into a more sustainable, efficient and safer business.
All projects which involve construction or extension of buildings will require planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness to be in place before a full application to the scheme is submitted.
Further information on the FBIS-C Tier 2 is available on the DAERA website at: WWW.DAERA-NI.GOV.UK
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Thanks to funding from the Princes Countryside Fund, the Rural Health Partnership will soon be running a series of programmes, events, and workshops for Rural Farming Women.
Mrs Teresa Nugent CEO of the Rural Health Partnership said, “ We are delighted to have been the only group from NI in this round who were successful in our application for funding to the Princes Countryside Fund to support rural farming women, and we thank the Princes Countryside Fund for their support. With this funding we intend to run a range of programmes, workshops and events aimed primarily at supporting the women members of farm families, be they wives of farmers, daughters of farmers or indeed farmers themselves. We want to establish a support programme for Women in Farming - understanding & recognising the role women play in farming acknowledging they are the backbone of a rural community. Giving recognition and valuing the importance of the role of rural farm women. Breaking down barriers addressing inequality”
The Rural Health Partnership believes this project is timely especially as the NI Agriculture Assembly Committee have just backed a survey called “Breaking the Grass Ceiling” examining the barriers women face in the agricultural sector.
Majella Gollogly Project Worker with the Rural Health Partnership said, “ We thank the Princes Countryside Fund for supporting our innovative project . We believe that women are the Unsung Heroes of farming - their importance on the farm is more than "standing in a gateway" to facilitate the movement of livestock, rather they are the "gateway" through which most of the day to day management and operations of the farm are facilitated. So as well as being the farm hand, they are also the one who keeps the farm office operational and looks after the family. For many women life on a farm despite being busy can be isolating, and lonely, it can be pressurised balancing and juggling all the daily requirements of a Wife, a Mother, a Farm Hand, a Farm Office Manager, and maybe working part-time off the farm as well. Living in a rural setting can compound feelings of isolation, lack of support and the COVID pandemic has significantly contributed even more to that”.
Majella continued “With this programme we want to celebrate the role of women in farming, break down barriers, providing skills, peer support, build resilience, instil coping mechanisms to enhance mental health and wellbeing. Examine ways on how to address family needs and issues that can arise at different life stages, building confidence and peer support”.
If you would like more information on our “Women in Farming - More than Standing in a Gateway” project, please contact Majella Gollogly by email on majellagollogly@rhpsa.org or by mobile on 07596997883 or private message our Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK.COM
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Balmoral Show returns this year to its usual May slot and with less than 100 days to go Ulster Bank has confirmed it will remain at the helm of the event and continue as principal sponsor for 2022.
Following the move to September in 2021 as a result of the pandemic, the Show will return to its traditional spring date and take place this year from 11-14 May. Visitors can expect the usual mix of machinery exhibits, local food, shopping outlets and family entertainment, along with some new additions to be announced in due course.
As always, agricultural and livestock displays will take centre stage across the four-day Show with cattle parades, show jumping events and the ever-popular Sheep Shearing 6 Nations tournament all included on the bill.
Show organisers have also confirmed that many of the livestock classes will be streamed online again, having attracted an international audience in 2021. Rhonda Geary, Operations Director with RUAS said “Last year we took the decision to live stream many of our livestock classes purely for Covid 19 reasons and while we are hoping to return to a full scale, in-person Show, it’s clear there is a real appetite to continue offering this service. We found that the live streams attracted an international following and we’re keen to boost the profile of the Balmoral Show to a wider audience and highlight the standard and competitiveness of Northern Ireland livestock.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming back all of our exhibitors, competitors and visitors and are working hard to deliver a world class event. With the help of our partners in Ulster Bank, we are focused on broadening the appeal of the Show to a mass audience and as always, appreciate all of the support and guidance this partnership offers.”
Mark Crimmins, Regional Director, Ulster Bank NI, said that Ulster Bank was proud to once again support the Balmoral Show.
“We have been principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show since 2009 and during this time have worked hard to raise the profile of the event and ensure it grows from strength to strength.
“While Covid caused many challenges for the agri sector, it also highlighted the resilience of the industry and shone a light on its importance to our local economy. While many of these challenges still exist for local farmers and producers, we want to use our association with the Balmoral Show to reassure our agricultural customers that we are here to support them through these difficult periods and reaffirm our commitment to the wider industry.
“We are ready to work with the team at RUAS to ensure that this year’s Balmoral Show is a memorable one and hope to provide a place for famers and producers to come together and share experiences over the course of the four days.”
Tickets for the Show will be day specific again this year and will be available to purchase online at WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK from this Friday (February 04). The website will also list details on livestock competition entries, Show opening hours, as well as the full programme of events.
To find out more about Ulster Bank’s support for agri-food customers or to get in touch with a member of the team, visit WWW.ULSTERBANK.COM
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Environment Minister Edwin Poots has expressed his deep disappointment and concern after proposals to reach net zero emissions by 2050 were backed last night in the Assembly. The Minister believes the evidence and science based data should be followed.
Speaking about last night’s debate, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister said: “While we have ensured that the target to net zero is set at 2050 rather than 2045, to push to net zero within that timeframe will have profound and irreversible consequences for our agri-food sector and our economy. This is deeply disappointing.
“I know the agriculture sector fully recognises the climate challenges we face and they have already put a range of steps in place to helps us tackle the issue together. There is widespread acceptance of the need to minimise the impacts of climate change in both the agriculture and environment sectors – but this must not be to the detriment of one particular sector that employs almost 100,000 people and generates £5billion for our economy.”
Continuing, Minister Poots said: “The targets in the Bill I had introduced to the Assembly had been endorsed by a majority of the AERA Committee and the Executive, and the evidence based and science-led targets set within it, would have put us on a balanced pathway to meet our commitments to the UK’s wider net zero targets through a just transition, without damaging our economy and agri-food sector.
“No one benefits from impossible targets. I still believe we must apply science and evidence in full. I will now consider last night’s events and aim to find a way forward that minimises the impacts on our agri-food sector and maximises the benefits for the climate change agenda. The approach and actions have to balance climate change, the economy and the wider environment. ”
Speaking about the work ongoing in his Department, Minister Poots said: “In the meantime, I will not sit back and wait. I’ve already introduced significant policies and announced consultations that help in our fight against climate change. Since I launched the Forest for Our Future programme, over 1.75 million trees have been planted and we will shortly be launching a Peatlands Strategy. All of which will help to sequester carbon, reduce emissions and ensure that we have a more resilient environment.
“I’ve launched the Executive’s draft Green Growth Strategy, the new Future Agricultural Policy Framework Portfolio for Northern Ireland and DAERA’s Plan to 2050. I’ve also consulted on Northern Ireland’s first ever Environment Strategy and Clean Air Strategy, the draft Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework and a Call for Evidence on a Plan to Eliminate Plastic Pollution. Work on these consultations is progressing at pace.
“We’ve also issued millions of pounds worth of funding via the Environmental Farming Scheme, the Environment Challenge Fund, the Small Woodland Grant Scheme and the Environment Fund.
“All of these initiatives, policies and consultations are focused on finding a balanced approach to the problem that is based on evidence and science.”
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Local farmers are being asked to make sure their voices are heard after public representatives here have claimed that proposals by Agricultural Minister Edwin Poots could devastate small farms and rural planning. A Consultation is out for public input and it closes on 15 February.
Newry, Mourne and Down Councillor Oonagh Magennis, has said that small farmers must have their voices heard. The Slieve Gullion Councillor said “Farmers have been waiting anxiously to find out what policies the Minister plans to put in place in the wake of Brexit and the loss of EU funding.
“One of Minister Poots’ proposals is to increase the minimum claim size from the current 3 hectares (7.4 acres) to 10 hectares (24.7 acres). If implemented, would exclude thousands of small farmers, putting many of them out of business.
“Such proposals are bad news for up to 5000 small farms which would not be eligible for the proposed area based Resilience Payment which is the successor to the Single Farm Payment.
“Not only would this be devastating for the businesses impacted and the local economy but in most cases the only option to secure planning permission in rural areas is access to an active farm business number.
“If implemented, this decision would have a severe impact on young families wanting to set up home in the country with the added impact of depopulation on schools, shops, sport clubs and other local services
‘’Sinn Féin want to ensure that the voices of farmers and rural communities are not only heard but that they are listened to and reflected in any new proposals coming from the Department of Agriculture. We are currently preparing a robust response to this consultation.
“I am also extremely disappointed that Minister Poots did not agree to a request from my party colleague, Declan McAleer, for an extension to the consultation period. I believe that 6-weeks is an insufficient time to give this policy full consideration, particularly given that it was launched days before Christmas when people were pre-occupied with the festive season.
“I would encourage all those farmers and rural communities that are likely to be impacted to make a submission to the Departments consultation and challenge these unfair and short-sighted proposals before the 15th of February deadline.”
Reject Proposal
South Down MP Chris Hazzard is also encouraging local small holdings farmers to respond to theConsultation on the DAERA Future Agricultural Policy.
In particular Mr Hazzard is warning farmers to reject a hidden proposal to remove financial support for small holdings.
Chris Hazzard MP said “Buried in among the various proposals in this consultation is a plan to increase the minimum claim size for resilience payments from 3 hectares to 10 hectares.
“I am astonished that this proposal has received so little attention from both the media and the industry. I do not exaggerate when I say, if this increase is allowed to go ahead it will rip the heart out of rural Ireland. Such an increase will remove one of the few safety nets that smallholdings farmers have and leave thousands vulnerable to bankruptcy."
Mr Hazzard believes that knock on consequences are just as bad as the direct effect.
“For example, the removal of this fund will have consequences for your farm business number, without which you cannot get planning permission to build in the countryside.
“Not content with driving farmers off the land, DAERA now seems intent on running future generations out of the countryside altogether.' he said.
“Is this the future that Minister Poots wants? To return us to the days of a small number of ‘Big House’ farmers owning all the land in an area?
“And this is to say nothing of the devastating effect this move will have on the mental health of farmers. For many smallholdings farmers, having a bit of land and a few cattle isn't about making money, it's as much a cultural and social enterprise as an economic one.
“Moving the cattle, drawing in silage, and purchasing meal gives isolated rural farmers a sense of purpose. It keeps the mind and the body active, it's something to talk about in the pubs, it's a chance to socialise at the mart.
“To take this away is to condemn them to isolation, depression and worse. I'm astonished that Minister Poots has concocted such a bare-faced plan to run the small farmers out of rural Ireland and appalled that DAERA is allowing him to do it."
To reply to consultation go to WWW.DAERA-NI.GOV.UK and scroll to the bottom of the page and click 'Respond Online' by 15 February 2022.
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