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The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has launched an awareness campaign aimed at older farmers called ‘Farming gets riskier with age’. The media campaign is aimed at helping to keep older farmers safer in the workplace by asking them to consider their physical limitations before undertaking jobs on the farm.
Between January 2002 and December 2021, there have been 127 farm deaths in Northern Ireland. Tragically 67 of these incidents concerned farmers aged 65 or older. The majority of incidents involved animals, typically bulls or newly calved cows.
Launching the campaign at the 36th Royal Ulster Winter Fair in Lisburn, HSENI Principal Inspector Camilla Mackey said: “No matter what nature of work we undertake, as we get older, things can become more difficult.
“For older farmers especially, given the challenging conditions and environment they work in night and day, we would ask them to assess the jobs they are doing, know their limitations, and consider asking for help.”
The campaign prompts older farmers to recognise that as everyone gets older, jobs that they may have been considered easy years ago naturally become more challenging with age.
Welcoming the campaign, Harry Sinclair, Chairperson of the Farm Safety Partnership said: “Older farmers represent the backbone of our agricultural community. Many will have taught their sons and daughters the ‘farming way of life’ and helped them develop the many skills needed to manage a farm successfully.
“For those mature farmers, I would ask them to continue to lead by example, and when assessing jobs around the farm and take a moment and consider asking for help, especially for trickier jobs.
“By taking this simple step they can help ensure their own safety and demonstrate to the next generation how to keep safe on the farm.”
The campaign will feature on radio, in the press and outdoor advertising across Northern Ireland. To find out more about farm safety and the Farm Safety Partnership visit: www.hseni.gov.uk/essentials
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Time is running out to buy tickets for the Rose Moore Memorial Charity Raffle in aid of Marie Curie.
The winning tickets will be drawn on Thursday 26 January, at an event taking place in the Market House, Main Street, Middletown, County Armagh, commencing at 6.30pm.
Organisers extend a warm invitation for everyone to join them for a fun-filled evening suitable for all members of the family. The itinerary includes live music, light refreshments, free raffle and face painting, and other activities for children.
Star prize in the charity raffle is the pedigree Aberdeen Angus heifer, Millbrae Black Caoimhe X891, generously donated by Father Sean Moore in memory of his sister Rose.
Born in June 2021, the heifer was sired by the popular AI bull Oakchurch de Admiral P164, and is out of the home-bred Millbrae Blackbird U762 – a daughter of the 19,000gns Blelack Evermore J231.
Father Moore’s award-winning Millbrae Herd was founded 24 years ago, and currently comprises of five breeding females.
The raffle boasts a number of excellent prizes, including dinner, bed and breakfast for two people at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast, plus £200 spending money. An additional four tickets will be drawn, with the winners receiving cash prizes of £200 each.
Tickets are priced at £10 each, or three for £20. All proceeds will be donated to Marie Curie.
The charity raffle has attracted an unprecedented level of support from across the province and further afield, and anyone who hasn’t already purchased tickets can do so on or before Thursday 26th January.
Tickets are available Father Sean Moore tel: 028 37568406, his nieces Bernie McBride on mobile: 07753 612616, or Lisa Moore on mobile: 07731 982462. email: millbrae46@gmail.com.
Alternatively, purchase tickets using the Paypal account millbrae46@gmail.com, or via the Just Giving page which is available on Facebook: Marie Curie Fundraiser in Memory of Rose Moore.
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is to “urgently” seek a response from the UK government on how to replace “critical” single farm payments which are due to end.
The Council passed a motion at last night's 16 January Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism meeting as its constituent farmers look set to lose almost £55m in EU payments following Brexit.
In her motion, Slieve Gullion councillor, Oonagh Magennis said: “There are 25k farm businesses in the North with 40k employees and we will be directly impacted in this council area. “In my own constituency of Newry and south Armagh we are facing a loss of £26.5m and in south Down £27.5m.
“These payments are critical to farm profitability.
“Farming is a key pillar of our community.
“I would ask all to support the motion.
“We need to know how the British government will go ahead after 2024.
“They need to set this out urgently”
Reference was made during the debate to Agriculture Minster Edwin Poots’ pay out of £286.9m subsidies to more than 23k farm businesses in 2022, six weeks earlier than usual in the cost of living crisis.
DAERA and Minister Poots’ sustainability plan to 2050 was also highlighted as the “best policy” going forward away from EU funding.
Mournes councillor, Henry Reilly said: “Farmers from across the political and religious divide have all welcomed what Edwin Poots has done.
“There was a consultation on the way forward last year, that received 400 replies.
“It has now been heralded as the best agricultural policy in the UK and the Republic.
“There is no question or doubt about that.
“There will be maximum payments of £60k and a focus on small family farms.
“I believe the member bringing the motion is being unduly pessimistic.
“I think this motion is pointless and I will be abstaining.”
Fellow Mournes rep, Harold McKee added: “Once this EU parliament is over, the money for single farm payments would dry up and that is the way it was always going to be.
“There were 53% of farmers who voted for Brexit.
“We now need to lobby the UK government for the money.”
The Motion
This Council recognises the significant investment in rural communities and businesses, and the wider economy derived from the Single Farm Payment udner the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP); agrees that CAP Single Farm Payments were critical to farm profitibility, particularly for small family farms; is concerned with the significant uncertainty facing our farming community with the loss of CAP Single Farm Payments as a result of Brexit and the end of the replacement Basic Payment Scheme, worth £300m a year, beyond 2025; and calls on the British Government and the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture , Environment and Rural Affairs to set out urgently what replacement funds will be put in place to support our farmers and the wider agricultural sector.
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DAERA has announced the opening of the £300 million Single Application and Map Service and Entitlements Transfer Service from 1 March 2023.
Farm businesses are being encouraged to apply early as these payments represent the main income for many local farmers.
DAERA’s Director of Area-based Schemes Division, Dr Jason Foy, said: “We are asking farm businesses to submit their applications as soon as possible from 1 March onwards, to allow adequate time to check all their information and avoid unnecessary penalties. Entitlement Transfer applications must be submitted by Tuesday 2 May. Single Applications must be submitted by Monday 15 May, to avoid late claim penalties. The last date to submit Single Applications is Friday 9 June.”
“If they have any problems or questions, farmers can get support from our Advisory Service helpline on 0300 200 7848, our website, or at a local DAERA Direct office,” Dr Foy added.
Applications to the 2023 Single Application and Maps Service, and Entitlements Transfer Service can be made via DAERA’s Online Services from 1 March.
The Single Application is the method for claiming any of the following schemes:
Farmers should also use the Single Application and Map Service to notify the DAERA of any changes to their land in 2023. This should be done as early as possible to avoid delays in payment.
DAERA has also announced that the Protein Crops Scheme has been extended for another year in 2023 given the success of the two-year pilot.
Farmers will receive £330 per hectare in addition to their Basic Payment. The environmental benefits from the scheme including reducing the need to import animal feed and the associated carbon footprint. The scheme represents an important investment in promoting sustainable and diversified agriculture here. The maximum funding available under this scheme is £330,000 in 2023.
From 2023 DAERA will also be introducing a new ‘Secure Messaging Service’ as a way of communicating with customers. This new service is secure, convenient, and environmentally friendly. The Secure Messaging Service will be rolled out gradually to replace previous means of communication such as letters. Customers will be contacted directly by DAERA when a new Secure Message is available for them to view online.
Guidance documents and ‘how to’ videos will be available at Guides and Q&As to Area-based Schemes 2023 the videos provide step-by-step instructions on completing your Single Application, including how to make changes to fields or features within a field; How to Apply
The Advisory Service can be contacted on 0300 200 7848, for help and guidance on how to submit an application. Farmers can also email: areabasedschemes@daera-ni.gov.uk. Advisors will be ready to help Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Alternatively, an agent or trusted person can be nominated by farmers to complete the application on their behalf. Forms to nominate an authorised person can be downloaded from above site. Farmers can also opt in to receive emails and SMS text messages to keep up to date with scheme news and reminders on key dates. To do so, farmers should update their preferences on the ‘Personal Details’ page of their DAERA Online Services account, ensuring their email and mobile are up to date.
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Local Simmental breeders Joe and Alan Wilson had a memorable trip to this week’s breed society sale in Stirling, winning the intermediate and supreme overall championships, and topping the sale at 28,000gns.
This five-figure price tag sets a new record for the Rathfriland-based herd, and also surpasses the previous 25,000gns record for a Simmental bull bred in Northern Ireland. Joe and Alan also have a small farm at Martins Lane in Newry.
The father and son team run two herds, Ballinalare Farm and Bannhill Farm, totalling 60 pedigree Simmental cows.
Toast of the show and sale rings at United Auctions in Stirling was the twenty-month-old Bannhill Farm Masterpiece, described by Scottish judge Colin Fordyce as ‘perfect’.
Mr Fordyce, herd manager at Strathisla Farms in Perthshire, selected the bull from a 110-strong entry consigned by breeders from throughout the UK. “It has been a great show, with plenty of growthy Simmental bulls with good conformation, suitable for the commercial market.
“The supreme overall champion is a modern bull with great ring presence, and a perfect example of the breed. He is well-grown, displays great length, a superb backend, and boasts tremendous locomotion.”
The Wilson duo bred the February 2022 Stirling ‘Masterpiece’ using many of the breed’s most prolific and proven bloodlines. He was sired by the 12,000gns Kilbride Farm Bantry, who is a son of the 15,000gns Cairnview Snazzy – sire and grandsire of multiple Stirling champions.
Bannhill Farm Masterpiece was bred from Ballinalare Farm Evita – a full sister to Ballinalare Farm Galaxy, the successful AI bull available from Cogent’s Signature Beef Collection. Galaxy shared joint pole position as the sire of the most calves registered with the society in 2021.
Evita is a daughter of the 20,000gns Stirling junior and supreme champion (2010) Auchorachan Wizard, and bred from Raceview Tia Nicollette, purchased for 8,500 Euro as a six-month-old heifer.
Buyers were pedigree herd owners Noel and Mae Kilpatrick, owners of the noted Ballymoney Herd based at Banbridge, who were bidding in partnership with Bartley Finnegan from Elite Pedigree Genetics, Dungannon. The bull is going straight to stud, and semen will be available in due course.
The Wilson’s have previously had a reserve supreme Stirling champion, and sold bulls to a top of 10,000gns twice. This time last year Ballinalare Farm Legacy, a full brother to Masterpiece, sold at Stirling for 10,000gns.
Ballinalare Farm Masterpiece made his showring debut at Stirling at the weekend. He made the trip to Scotland along with herd mate, Ballinalare Farm Mack who stood second in his class and came under the hammer at 8,500gns.
Ballinalare Farm Mack was a first prize winner at NI Simmental Club’s National Show at Armagh in June last year. He is a Rabawn Ernie son, out of the home-bred Auchorachan Wizard daughter Ballinalare Farm Helena 2nd.
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The Rose Moore Memorial raffle which featured a pedigree Aberdeen Angus heifer from the award-winning Millbrae Herd, has raised a staggering £46,000 for Marie Curie.
The June 2021 born Millbrae Black Caoimhe X891 was generously donated by Father Sean Moore from County Armagh, in memory of his sister Rose who lost her brave battle with ovarian cancer two years ago.
Father Moore has been breeding Aberdeen Angus cattle for almost 25 years, and has been overwhelmed by the support received from family, friends, and the local and wider community.
“The support for the raffle has been phenomenal, and has far exceeded my initial expectations. I wanted to do something in memory of my late sister Rose, and I am delighted to be presenting a cheque for £46,000 to Marie Curie.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sold or bought tickets, donated money and prizes, and contributed to the success of the raffle. Tickets were sold across the north and south of Ireland, England and Scotland, and as far afield as the USA.
“Special thanks to my trusty team of volunteers, Bernie McBride, Lisa Moynagh and Martin McArdle.”
The winning tickets were drawn at a community event held in Middletown at the end of January. The evening was well supported and featured face painting for children, live music from the Colorado Cowboy (Stephen Lappin), and a delicious supper. Compere for the evening was Paschal Hughes, and a number of local businesses donated items for a free raffle on the night.
The star prize, Millbrae Black Caoimhe X891, was won by Danny McCague, Derrynoose, Keady, County Armagh.
Second prize was dinner, bed and breakfast at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast, plus £200 spending money. The lucky winner was Eoin McNally from Middletown.
Four additional tickets were drawn with the winners each receiving £200 cash prizes. They included Ronan McElroy from Augher, County Tyrone; Breige Duffy from Annyalla, County Monaghan; Jack Woods and Jack McKee, both from Middletown.
Accepting the cheque on behalf of Armagh Marie Curie Fundraising Group, chairperson Renate Kyle, said:”What an achievement! Well done, and thank you to Father Sean Moore and his team for raising such a fantastic amount of money.
“On behalf of Marie Curie, thank you very much to everybody who supported the raffle. This is a truly amazing amount of money, and will be used to provide care and support for terminally ill patients and their families.”
Former nurse Renate Kyle was one of the founding members of the Armagh Marie Curie Fundraising Group. The group was recently honoured at a civic reception to mark its 30-year anniversary, and fundraising initiatives which have exceeded more than £1.2m.
Hylda Mills, chairperson of the NI Aberdeen Angus Club congratulated Father Moore, and his family, on their fundraising efforts. “£46,000 is a tremendous amount of money, and a very fitting tribute to the late Rose Moore. She was a lady with a great sense of community spirit, and a keen interest in farming and pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle.
“Father Sean Moore is a valued member of the NI Aberdeen Angus Club, and his Millbrae Herd regularly features on the prize list of the club ‘s annual herd competition.
“Millbrae Black Caoimhe is a well-bred heifer by Oakchurch de Admiral, and out of a home-bred dam by the 19,000gns Blelack Evermore. I know numerous breeders who purchased tickets in hope of winning the star prize. Congratulations to the winner.”
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It's less than 100 days to go until the 154th Balmoral Show gets underway at Balmoral Park, Lisburn from 10 - 13 May 2023 celebrating the very best in food, farming, and rural life.
2023 will mark the 14th year for Ulster Bank at the helm of the show and visitors can expect the usual mix of live music, shopping opportunities, and the chance to sample some of the region’s finest food and drink over a jam-packed four days.
As always, agricultural and livestock displays will take centre stage with world-class livestock displays, shearing spectacles, equestrian competitions, machinery exhibits and rural demonstrations.
2023 will also see the return of some of the show’s most popular attractions including the hotly contested best-dressed competition and the healthy horticulture village which showcases the very best of Northern Ireland produce.
Rhonda Geary, Operations Director with RUAS said, “With less than three months to go until we open the gates to the 154th Balmoral Show, plans are well underway to build on the success of last year and grow the event even further.
“In 2022, we had over 100,00 visitors attend the show from all over Northern Ireland and beyond and we are confident that this year’s programme will attract an even bigger audience across the four days with so much to see and do for families, foodies, and farmers alike.
“With the support of our partners in Ulster Bank, we are focusing heavily on making this year’s Balmoral Show the most sustainable event to date and are looking forward to showcasing all of our enhanced environmental features as the agrifood industry comes together to support this mission.”
Tickets for the show are already available to purchase online at www.balmoralshow.co.uk . Keep an eye on the website for details of livestock competition entries, show opening hours, as well as the full programme of events.
Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager with Ulster Bank, said that Ulster Bank was proud to support the Balmoral Show once again.
“The Balmoral Show is the biggest event in the local agri calendar, and it is as important as ever that we come together as an industry to celebrate and recognise the enormous contribution this sector makes to the local economy.
“Ulster Bank has been principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show since 2009 and while there has been lots of changes to the show and the industry during this time, our message to farmers has remained the same. We want to support our local agri sector and have the tools and expertise required to champion this potential.
“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 in May.”
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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The agri-food business ABP is marking 25 years at the Balmoral Show with the replacement of its traditional corporate marquee with a 21.6m long x 15.2m agricultural shed. Visitors to Balmoral will have the chance to win it or an alternative cash prize of £20,000 by entering a prize draw* to raise funds for Rural Support’s Life Beyond programme. Whether a family member has a terminal diagnosis, has been incapacitated due to sickness or injury or where there has been death as a result of illness, farm accident, or suicide, the Programme provides business and emotional support to the family members left behind.
George Mullan ABP Northern Ireland Managing Director and Chairman of the Life Beyond steering groupe xplains the decision to replace their corporate marquee with a multipurpose shed, “ABP is a strong supporter of Northern Ireland’s largest farming community event, the Balmoral Show. We’ve been a platinum sponsor of the show for the past ten years. Our company had been a patron of the bereavement support service Embrace Farm Ireland for a number of years. In 2021 we were delighted to lend our support to get a similar programme off the ground in Northern Ireland under the auspices of Rural Support. The donation of our show stand to Rural Support to help raise funds for the Life Beyond programme is a progression of that commitment.”
Commenting on ABP’s contribution to Life Beyond, Chief Executive of Rural Support, Veronica Morris said, “We are delighted to be the chosen charity for this amazing shed raffle. ABP have been key supporters of the Life Beyond Programme since it began, and we can’t thank them enough for their continued commitment to supporting bereaved farming families in Northern Ireland. The money raised from this raffle will help these families to manage their circumstances and their feelings at these times of immense pressure and distress.”
Tickets to enter the draw, priced at £10, will be on sale throughout the four days of Balmoral, at both ABP stand no. B5 and Rural Support’s own stand no. B33a. Alternatively tickets can be purchased at the ABP/ Linden Food/ Kettyle Irish Foods sites at Newry, Lurgan, Dungannon and Lisnaskea.
*Terms & conditions apply visit www.ruralsupport.org.uk
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The annual Balmoral Show is back this week, opening this Wednesday 10 May and running all the way through to Saturday 13 May. The 154th Show in partnership with Ulster Bank will take place once again at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn with something for everyone; from prize winning livestock, an unrivalled array of trade stands, the mouth-watering NI Food & Drink Pavilion showcasing the very best of local produce as well as a wide range of family entertainment and attractions, this spectacular agri-food Show is not to be missed!
The Show is a fantastic day out for families. A new addition this year is the Animal Magic Kingdom, sure to be popular with children, they can see cute and cuddly animals as well as snakes and reptiles. There is exciting entertainment in the Main Arena across the four days, from a Quad Stunt Show and Army Parachute team to name a few highlights.
The Eikon Shopping Village has everything a shopper could need from crafts, tourism, toys, food, clothing, jewelry, beauty, health & wellbeing and so much more. New to this year’s Show is The Makers Market within the Eikon Shopping Village. This welcome addition is specifically for crafters and artisan makers to showcase their products.
Of course livestock remains at the heart of the Show with over 3000 head of livestock across all livestock, equine and showjumping classes being shown.
Rhonda Geary, Operations Director commented “We can’t wait to welcome visitors through the gates over four jam packed days. The Show promises to be a fun-filled day out, with so much to see and do. Whether you’re looking for family fun, fantastic food or the chance to view exceptional livestock, the Show has it all!’
All show tickets must be purchased online at www.balmoralshow.co.uk
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