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Rural crime cost the north £2.2 million last year, according to the NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report. Newry and Armagh MLA Aoife Finnegan has called for greater resources and a stronger partnership response to protect farming families and rural communities.
The NFU Mutual report recorded a 24% rise in the financial cost of rural crime in the north during 2025, even as costs fell elsewhere in Britain.
Finnegan said that while some figures point to a reduction in recorded incidents, the true financial impact continues to grow.
"Rural crime continues to have a serious impact on farmers, their families and wider rural communities. While it is welcome that some figures show a reduction in recorded incidents, the latest NFU Mutual report highlights the growing financial cost of crime in our rural areas and serves as a reminder that this remains a very real concern for people living and working in constituencies such as Newry and Armagh."
She said theft, vandalism and other criminal activity places a heavy financial and emotional burden on farming households, and has wider consequences for the sense of safety felt within rural communities.
"Farmers are already facing significant pressures and the additional burden caused by theft, vandalism and other criminal activity can have devastating financial and emotional consequences. These crimes affect not only individual farm businesses but also the wider sense of safety and security within rural communities."
The MLA said effective partnership working is central to tackling the problem, pointing to the role of the PSNI, government departments and rural organisations.
"Partnership working between the PSNI, government departments and rural organisations is crucial to addressing the challenges facing our rural communities. We must continue to ensure that rural areas receive the attention and resources needed to keep communities safe and protect livelihoods."
Cllr Finnegan has welcomed efforts by the Rural Crime Partnership and the Ulster Farmers' Union to raise awareness, stressing that reporting incidents remains critical to ensure policing resources are directed where they are most needed.
"I welcome the work being undertaken by the Rural Crime Partnership, the Ulster Farmers' Union and all those working to raise awareness of this issue. It is vital that incidents are reported so that policing resources can be allocated effectively and the true scale of rural crime is properly understood."
She said she will continue to engage with the Department of Justice, DAERA, the PSNI and relevant agencies to keep rural crime on the political agenda.
"Rural communities deserve to feel safe, supported and protected." she added.
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The 2026 Castlewellan Agricultural Show has confirmed it will return to Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday 18 July, with organisers promising the biggest programme yet.
Running from 9am to 5pm, the show will feature farming, food, rural life and family entertainment throughout the day.
Thousands of animals will compete in a wide range of livestock classes, including beef and dairy cattle, sheep, horses and ponies, donkeys, pigs, poultry, rabbits and cavies. Displays and competitions will include show jumping, pony games, dog agility and the family pet show.
New for 2026, a Sheep Speed Shearing competition will make its debut at the show. Food will also feature prominently, with a dedicated Food Tent highlighting local producers and live cookery demonstrations from chefs at Killeavy Castle, Hillyard House Hotel, Burrendale Hotel and Dundrum Inn.
Live music will come from Country Harmony, Box Car Brian and Lauren McCrory, with the popular Jiving Competition with JivinGym also returning. Younger visitors will have bouncy castles, inflatable slides, bumper cars, face painting and interactive activities to enjoy, while adults can browse trade stands, the craft marquee, Eco Village and Home Industries marquee.
Show Secretary Mary Valentine said: "Castlewellan Show is always a fantastic day for the whole community, bringing together farming, food, local talent and family entertainment in one of the most beautiful settings in Northern Ireland."
She added: "This year's programme is packed with something for everyone, from livestock competitions and food demonstrations to children's activities, live music and our new Sheep Speed Shearing competition. We are delighted to be welcoming visitors back to Castlewellan Forest Park for what promises to be another memorable show day. We are also incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their continued support, and to the dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy each year. Quite simply, the Show would not be possible without them."
Outgoing Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman Councillor Philip Campbell said: "Castlewellan Agricultural Show has been part of the fabric of this area for generations and continues to make a hugely positive contribution to the local economy and tourism offering. It brings thousands of people into Castlewellan and the surrounding area, supporting local businesses while showcasing the very best of rural life, agriculture and community spirit."
Admission is free for primary school-aged children, with complimentary car parking on the day. Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets in advance at castlewellanshow.com.
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ABP's approach to sustainable food production, local farming and regional economic growth took centre stage at the inaugural Newry Chamber Sustainability Conference and Expo, held recently at the Canal Court Hotel. ABP UK's Environmental and Sustainability Manager Declan Gaughan delivered a keynote address at the event, which brought together businesses and stakeholders from the area to examine environmental challenges and local growth opportunities.
Gaughan outlined the scale of ABP's European operations, which employ 14,000 people across five divisions including fresh beef and lamb processing, pet foods, proteins and renewables through its Olleco division. In Northern Ireland, ABP facilities in Newry, Lurgan and Dungannon source from thousands of livestock farmers to supply beef and lamb to UK and international markets.
The Newry site was highlighted as a particular example of environmental progress, with investment in water management at the facility having been shortlisted for its collaborative work with NI Water in this year's Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards. Mr Gaughan noted that such work is often less visible but important in delivering real progress on the ground.
On broader environmental performance, he pointed to strong progress on science-based climate targets, including reductions in reliance on single-use plastics and achieving the company's energy reduction target four years ahead of schedule.
Gaughan said sustainability should not be framed in extremes but instead based on balancing the need to produce nutritious, affordable food with the responsibility to reduce environmental impact. He said there is no single solution, but steady, evidence-based progress is achievable.
With the most significant environmental impacts occurring at farm level, ABP's Programme for the Improvement in Sustainability of Red Meat is engaging directly with farmer suppliers to assess their environmental performance and identify practical improvements that can support the wider supply base to make commercially realistic changes that improve both environmental performance and farm resilience.
Supporting young people is also a key part of ABP's long-term sustainability approach. Education partnerships such as the ABP Angus Youth Challenge and a partnership with Forestry Schools NI are helping connect young people with farming, food production and the natural environment, while supporting the development of future skills within the sector.
Mr Gaughan added that sustainability cannot be delivered by any one organisation alone and requires collaboration across business, farming, government, education and local communities. He said Northern Ireland has both the opportunity and the credentials to play a significant role in that transition.
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The traditional Comber Earlies potato harvest has started with growers reporting good tuber size and quality despite some uncertainty over yield. The first variety being lifted is Accord, grown by William Gilmore on his farm near Newtownards.
Gilmore's family has been involved in early potato production for 75 years. The crop was planted on 04 March without the use of fleece, and Gilmore said it was too early to predict yield, though tuber size and eating quality were both good.
He said the growing season had been kind so far, with no late frosts, which can sometimes hit Comber crops hard. Almost 60mm of rain fell on the crop in the past two weeks, which Gilmore said was enough to push on growth rates and bring the potatoes ready ahead of schedule.
Describing the harvesting process, Gilmore said digging first earlies was very precise. He said a single row harvester was used to ensure skin damage was kept to an absolute minimum as the potatoes were lifted from the soil.
Gilmore supplies his first earlies to Co Armagh potato packer and processor Wilson's Country. The company's sales and marketing manager, Joanne Weir, visited the farm to see this year's first crop coming out of the ground.
Weir said Comber Earlies were in the shops within 24 hours of harvest, with freshness central to that approach. She said the potatoes were widely regarded as a delicacy throughout Northern Ireland.
For many consumers, she added, the arrival of Comber Earlies marked the start of summer, adding to seasonal dishes prepared at this time of year. She said real connoisseurs preferred them simply boiled in their loose skins with a bit of butter, calling them a stand-out treat even on their own.
Weir was joined on the farm by Tesco produce buying manager Nigel Doherty, who said customer demand for Comber Early potatoes remained extremely strong. He said the potatoes would be available in 23 of the supermarket's stores in the north.
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Entry forms and schedules are available for the Northern Ireland Aberdeen Angus Club’s annual Herd Competition.
This year’s competition will be judged by former breed society president Angus Stovold, owner of the noted Rosemead Herd based at Lydling Farm, near Godalming, Surrey.
Judging will take place week commencing Monday 17th August. The results will be announced on Saturday 22nd August during an Open Day hosted by the Wallace family’s Baronagh Herd, 98 Edenbane Road, Garvagh, BT51 5XE. The event will commence at noon.
The Herd Competition is open to members of the NI Aberdeen Angus Club who own a minimum of three pedigree breeding females (includes in-calf heifers).
The entry fee is £30 per herd, and the various sections include: Small herd, 3-9 females; Medium herd, 10-20 females; Large herd, 21 or more breeding females.
Prizes will also be awarded for the best cow family, best calf born in year of competition, best stock bull (must have progeny in herd) and best new entrant.
There is also a class for a futurity heifer born in 2024. To be eligible for entry, heifers must have calved before 26 months of age, and have a calf at foot. Pedigree certificates for mother and calf will be required for inspection.
Entry forms are available on request from club secretary Cathy O’Hara, email: granagh@btinternet.com, or mobile: 07968 868001.
Completed entry forms and fees must be returned via post to the club secretary on or before Friday, 31st July. Telephone entries and late entries will not be accepted.
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Farmers in the north are being urged to apply for the 2026 Farming with Nature Transition Scheme before applications close at 5pm on 31 July 2026. The scheme offers farm businesses the opportunity to secure up to £20,000 to undertake practical environmental improvements while supporting a more sustainable and resilient farming sector.
The scheme forms part of DAERA's Sustainable Agriculture Programme and is a key Ministerial priority to support farmers in delivering environmental improvements. Following a successful Year 1, the 2026 scheme includes new actions, greater flexibility and expanded eligibility, giving more farmers the opportunity to benefit, with enhancements introduced following feedback from farmers and stakeholders.
Key changes for Year 2 include eligibility extended to include active Environmental Farming Scheme agreement holders, along with the introduction of eight additional actions. These include three new arable field margins, two herbal leys and three management actions for hedgerows, trees and seven metre riparian buffer strips established under Year 1. Farm businesses can apply for up to £20,000 to undertake environmental actions this year, and there is no minimum application value.
To be eligible, applicants must have a DAERA Category 1 or 2 Business Identification Number. Farm businesses that applied in Year 1 are welcome to apply again in Year 2, and businesses that were unable to complete approved actions in Year 1 may reapply for those actions, alongside any additional actions available in Year 2, provided no payment claim was submitted for the unfinished work.
As part of the wider Farming with Nature Package, the scheme is helping to expand nature-friendly farming in Northern Ireland. Approval notifications for the scheme will issue through DAERA Message, and applicants should check their email regularly, including junk mail. Work on Year 2 actions must not begin until an approval notification has been received.
Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and how to videos, is available at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/farming-nature-package. Applications can be made via an online application, accessed through www2.daera-ni.gov.uk/
For assistance, farmers can contact FarmingwithNature@daera-ni.gov.uk or call 0300 200 7848, selecting option 2 for Grants and Funding, then option 2 again to speak to the Farming with Nature team.
Further information on the Sustainable Agriculture Programme is available on the DAERA website at www.daera-ni.gov.uk, and further information on the Farming with Nature Package can be found at sap-payment-schemes
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Thousands of visitors attended Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday 18 July with the 2026 Castlewellan Agricultural Show enjoying one of its biggest and most successful events to date. Excellent weather and a packed programme of attractions drew huge crowds throughout the day, with families, farmers, exhibitors and visitors travelling from near and far to celebrate agriculture, food and rural life in the heart of County Down.
The show featured thousands of animals competing in a wide range of livestock classes, including beef and dairy cattle, sheep, horses and ponies, donkeys, pigs, poultry, rabbits and cavies. Showjumping, pony games, dog agility and the ever popular Dog Show also attracted large crowds and provided entertainment throughout the day. A new addition to this year's programme, the Sheep Speed Shearing Competition, proved to be a major attraction, drawing spectators eager to watch competitors demonstrate their skill and speed.
The Limousin Cattle National Show was also held at Castlewellan on 18 July. The overall Supreme Champion was Trevor Shields of Glenmarshal with Glenmarshal Anastasia, while the NISA Danske Bank Sheep Championship Final was won by the Rowan family of Ballintogher Cheviots.
Visitors also explored the extensive trade stands, craft marquee, Eco Village and Home Industries marquee, while younger visitors enjoyed a wide range of family attractions, including bouncy castles, inflatable slides, bumper cars and face painting. The Food Tent remained a popular destination throughout the day, showcasing some of Northern Ireland's finest local produce through live cookery demonstrations by chefs from Killeavy Castle, Hillyard House Hotel and Burrendale Hotel.
Live entertainment added to the atmosphere, with performances from Country Harmony, Box Car Brian and Lauren McCrory, while the return of the Jiving Competition with JivinGym once again proved a favourite with competitors and spectators alike.
The organising committee extended its sincere thanks to the volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, competitors, judges, stewards, traders and everyone who attended and supported this year's show, with their continued commitment helping make Castlewellan Agricultural Show one of the north's foremost agricultural events. The show continues to celebrate the very best of farming and rural life while providing an important showcase for local businesses, food producers and community organisations, and the annual event also brings significant economic benefits to the local area by attracting visitors from the wider region.
Following the success of this year's event, preparations are already underway for the 2027 Castlewellan Agricultural Show, with organisers looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Castlewellan Forest Park for another memorable day celebrating farming, food and family fun.
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More than 1,700 applications were received for the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme before it closed on Friday 31 July, with a combined value of £12.37 million. The figure represents a 94% increase in applications compared with 2025, reflecting growing interest among farmers in taking part in the scheme.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir welcomed the response from the farming community. "I am delighted at the strong response from farmers to the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme. I am particularly pleased to see a significant increase in applications this year, demonstrating the willingness of farm businesses across Northern Ireland to take practical action to support nature while enhancing the sustainability of their farms."
Now in its second year, the scheme forms part of the Department's Sustainable Agriculture Programme and allows farmers to choose from 14 environmental actions best suited to their farm, whether arable, livestock or mixed. Eligible applicants could apply for support of up to £20,000 per farm. Applicants have applied for over 10,000 environmental actions, including 535 km of new hedges, more than 207 km of riparian buffers to protect waterways, 69 hectares of new tree planting, 758 hectares of herbal ley and 5,366 hectares of actions on arable land. Herbal ley is a multispecies grazing mix that improves soil health, reduces the need for fertilisers and promotes biodiversity.
Farm businesses will begin receiving email notification of the outcome of their application in the coming weeks. Applicants have been reminded that scheme actions must not begin until formal approval has been granted. Minister Muir said: "Once approved, I urge successful applicants to move forward with their chosen actions, helping to deliver important environmental gains for biodiversity, water quality and the wider countryside, while strengthening the sustainability and resilience of their farm businesses."
The scheme is targeted at agricultural land outside designated sites and other priority habitat and species areas. By incorporating environmental data into the application system, the Department said risks of unintended impacts on sensitive habitats and species are minimised while ensuring measures are delivered where they can provide the greatest benefit for nature and biodiversity. The underlying environmental data and eligibility criteria will be kept under review as the scheme develops, with refinements made where necessary.
Further strands of the Farming with Nature Package are under development, which will support environmental action on agricultural land within designated sites and other priority habitat and species areas, creating additional opportunities for farm businesses to take part in future years. Further information on the Sustainable Agriculture Programme and the Farming with Nature Package is available on the Department's website at www.daera-ni.gov.uk
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Local teenagers in Yr 11are being invited to enter the ABP Angus Youth Challenge, which offers young people the chance to gain hands-on experience of the beef supply chain. ABP Northern Ireland, which has a site in Newry, is behind the initiative alongside Certified Irish Angus.
The competition is open to teams of two to four 14 to 15-year-olds from schools, clubs and societies. Teams enter via the ABP Angus Youth Challenge website, with a selection then invited to showcase their ideas at a high-profile exhibition event at Balmoral Park, where a panel of judges will determine which teams progress to the finalist stage.
Teams selected to reach the final stage will have the opportunity to rear their own mini-herd of Angus-cross calves, valued at approximately £3,500, with guidance from a College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise mentor. They will also retain the proceeds from the sale of their animals to ABP. As an additional reward, finalist teams will embark on an exclusive farm-to-fork inspiration trip with ABP and Certified Irish Angus, giving them the opportunity to see different aspects of the beef industry and broaden their understanding of the journey of beef from farm to consumer.
The Challenge is designed to complement students' GCSE studies through practical learning and real-world experiences, supporting subjects including Agriculture, Biology/Science, Geography, Business, Mathematics, English, Home Economics and Learning for Life and Work. From livestock production, sustainability and the food chain to numeracy, communication, research, teamwork and presentation skills, students have the opportunity to broaden their classroom learning and gain experience of best practice techniques in beef farming. The finalist programme also provides training in communication, presentation and interview techniques, helping students develop transferable skills and confidence that can support them in school and when seeking employment.
George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP Northern Ireland, said, "We know from participating schools that the programme complements classroom learning across a wide range of GCSE subjects, while giving young people the opportunity to learn more about potential employment in agriculture and the wider food manufacturing sector."
Charles Smith of Certified Irish Angus added, "The competition is aimed at opening young minds to the opportunities in the agri-food industry, Northern Ireland's largest private sector employer. Many of our past participants have progressed to relevant courses and degrees and are on a path to or are already working in our industry."
The overall winning team at the end of the Challenge will receive a £1,000 prize for the benefit of their school or club. Participation can also count towards the skills section of the Duke of Edinburgh/Joint Award.
Enter at abpangusyouthchallenge.com
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