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Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has urged Northern Ireland's farmers and farm families to look after their physical health and mental wellbeing at the launch of a new campaign aimed at protecting the most valuable asset of the agricultural industry – its people.
The Minister spoke as he launched the ’Protecting the Asset that is You’ campaign. The Minister said: "Given the challenging environment created by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is now more important than ever to look after ourselves both physically and mentally. This programme, 'Protecting the Asset that is You' will deliver up-to-date health messages to farmers and their families and support people to look after themselves."
The campaign is funded via DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) fund and delivered through Rural Support and the Farm Family Health Check Programme (FFHCP) - designed to help those in the farming industry look after themselves and their families.
The Minister continued: "The overall aim of the 'Protecting the Asset that is You' campaign is to continue to improve the health and wellbeing not just of farmers and farming families but also rural communities through crucial health messages and signposting the pathways to appropriate services when and where they are needed.
"This partnership between Rural Support and the FFHCP will enable us to make more people aware of various health conditions that the farming community can be more vulnerable to than other communities and therefore need to be a lot more mindful of. These include conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular health and skin cancer. These conditions are preventable and we as farmers can help ourselves greatly with the support of health care teams."
Throughout 2020-2021, Rural Support will receive £150,000 from the TRPSI fund to provide farmers and rural dwellers with a listening ear and support service. DAERA also provide over £150k p.a. to support the Farm Family Health Checks project..
The Minister concluded: “We must be very mindful not to let the physical and psychological pressures involved in running a farm become harmful to the wellbeing of farmers or their families. That is why the ‘Protecting the Asset that is You’ campaign is so important. I am asking our farmers to remember that they and their families are the greatest asset on our farms. Without them, the farm will not work effectively. I urge you all, to please look after yourselves, be aware of potential health issues and seek the appropriate help."
Check out Rural Support at WWW.RURALSUPPORT.ORG.UK
Rural Support Helpline 0800 138 1678
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A 35-year old farmer, David Devine, has shared his personal experience of poor mental health in a special Podcast commissioned by the agri-food company, ABP, to help the rural community stay connected during challenging times. He was speaking to broadcaster Karen Patterson about the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the wellbeing of rural communities along with Northern Ireland’s newly appointed Interim Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill and the Chief Executive of the charity, Rural Support, Veronica Morris.
David was keen to take part in the podcast discussion in the hope that those listening could recognise the signs of poor mental health and feel able to ask for help, “If I had only known what to look for. I let it go on and on until it got to a stage that it probably was nearly irreversible. I was dying inside. I was putting a face on it and nobody had a clue. I was able to sing and dance for an arts festival but really didn’t want to go out of the house. It sounds clichéd, but I finally said, ‘I need help’. The biggest step is recognising something is not right, then take a step back and ask for help.”
The newly appointed Interim Northern Ireland Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill said that the community spirit during the Covid-19 pandemic could be harnessed as we move to a new normal so that we can continue to help one another.
Professor O’Neill, who also lives on a farm said that lockdown has taken its toll. “We are social animals and we’ve lost that social integration. Isolation can cause stress and mental health problems. Farming families are often doing multiple jobs and looking after school children. We now need to attend to our mental health and ensure that people get the help they need.”
She emphasised her new role was about prevention as well as improving access to treatment. “We need to train up members of the public to be able to have conversations that can help each other. There are so many people within communities that can play a stronger role. We’ve seen so much of that during the pandemic. Let’s harness it.”
Professor O’Neill is encouraged by the renewed interest in key workers, “Farming families provide us with food. They should now be valued in a way they might not have been before. We appreciate our environment and outdoor spaces so hopefully farmers, as custodians of that space, are valued too. We’ve learnt the value of good health and the importance of caring for the vulnerable people in our community, We now appreciate more things that really are so important to us.”
Chief Executive of Rural Support, Veronica Morris, said the organisation receives many calls from people in a similar situation to that which David found himself in, and praised his bravery for speaking up. “Despite mental health being somewhat taboo within the farming community, thankfully that is starting to change, as David has demonstrated. There are many things that people can do to help themselves, as well as various professional agencies out there that can walk with you through challenges with emotional and mental health, including Rural Support.”
ABP commissioned the former-BBC broadcaster and farmer, Karen Patterson, to host the podcast at a time when the agri-food industry would normally be meeting up at summer agricultural shows which have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. All episodes of ‘Now We’re Talking Farming’ are available to watch/listen in to at WWW.ABPFOODGROUP.COM and on YouTube
Rural Support Helpline: 0800 138 1678 WWW.RURALSUPPORT.ORG.UK
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With the COVID-19 support scheme now open MLA Cathal Boylan has urged qualifying farmers to apply before the closing deadline of Wednesday 23 September.
Mr Boylan said, “I welcome the opening of this scheme which is much needed and deserved by our farmers who work tirelessly to provide food to the highest standards, but who took a severe financial hit when the food service sector closed as a result of COVID.
“Whilst this funding will not cover all of the losses incurred nor address the wider issues of low farm gate prices and challenges such as Brexit, it is a welcome contribution towards the losses incurred.
“While I welcome the scheme, it should be noted that there are still many farmers who took a hit but are not currently eligible for compensation. For example, during Agriculture Ministers question time this week the plight of sheep farmers impacted by the collapse in price of wool was highlighted by my colleague Declan Mc Aleer
“I also acknowledge that suckler farmers who sold cattle when prices collapsed in February/March can get support from this scheme. The criteria that payments will be made to those who had eligible cattle registered in their herd on the qualifying dates is an important inclusion and will help direct payment to those who invested in and reared the cattle but got a poor price in the ring.
“However, there are many farmers who sold their stock in Feb/March when the market was depressed but they were slaughtered outside the 30th June qualifying date. These farmers will not qualify for the scheme and I believe it would be important for the Minister to consider these farmers, along with any other sector that missed out, when he is deciding on how to allocate the remaining £7.2m”.
“I strongly encourage farmers to get their applications in. Most of those who are eligible will have received a letter already from DAERA. However, farmers do not have to wait for the letter before accessing DAERA Online Services to submit their application”.
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The agri-food business, ABP, has been recognised by the responsible business movement, Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITC NI) with two separate accolades. The company has been named a Responsible Business Champion in both the Education Partnership and Environmental Leadership categories. ABP was recognised for its leadership in environmental sustainability within the agri-food sector. The company is also a BITC NI Climate Change Champion. Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, George Mullan said, “ABP has already adopted a science-based target measuring model to our environmental strategy across our business here and the wider group. We have several projects underway, including a new dairy beef partnership with Dale Farm which is supporting the sustainability of dairy beef production through the reduction of emissions using the very latest in animal genetic research. As a Climate Change Champion, we are supporting BITC NI’s campaign to invite local businesses to sign up to a pledge to cut their GHG emissions ahead of the UK government trajectory to achieving Net Zero by 2050.”
ABP’s skills development programme for teenagers, the ABP Angus Youth Challenge was also highlighted as a solid education partnership that has succeeded in raising the aspirations of young people. The ABP Angus Youth Challenge, launched in 2017, helps teenagers aged between 14-16 years of age to bridge the gap between education and employment. 14 schools are currently competing in the 2020 semi final. George Mullan continued, “we have adapted certain aspects of the competition to the challenges of the pandemic and it will open again for new entries on 5th October.”
Congratulating ABP, Kieran Harding, Managing Director of Business in the Community Northern Ireland said, “there is no doubt that 2020 has been a very different year to the one we expected. However, throughout the pandemic, so far, I am continually heartened by the determination of companies across Northern Ireland to being even more responsible through their activities as they take care of their people, the environment and their communities.”
Visit WWW.ABPANGUSYOUTHCHALLENGE.COM for information about the Angus Youth Challenge
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The 2020 RUAS Winter Fair due to take place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn in December has been cancelled.
Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Royal Ulster Winter Fair in association with sole sponsor Danske Bank.
Dr Alan Crowe, RUAS Chief Executive said, “It is with great sadness that the RUAS has taken the decision to cancel this year’s Winter Fair, scheduled to take place on Thursday 10th December 2020 at Balmoral Park, Lisburn.
“The Winter Fair is Northern Ireland’s premier dairy event and attracts a large number of exhibitors and spectators in the lead up to the festive period.
“After several meetings, we were regretful to come to the conclusion that the Winter Fair would be unable to run as successfully as previous years.
“We understand that this news will be disappointing to many however the Society will continue to take great pride supporting and showcasing our vibrant dairy farming community and we look forward to returning in 2021 where the 35th Royal Ulster Winter Fair will now take place on Thursday 9th December.”
For the latest news and updates on the Winter Fair, visit WWW.WINTERFAIR.ORG.UK or follow Winter Fair on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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New trial work at AFBI, Hillsborough shows that feeding a high level of Volac's unique whey based functional protein, Imunopro, enhances calf performance.
Put simply , the more Imunopro there is in a finished milk formula the better the growth rate and health of calves.
This independent trial at AFBI, Hillsborough in Northern Ireland with 28 Holstein Friesian calves split into two equal groups found that the growth performance of calves fed milk formula with a low level of Imunopro was good.
However, growth rates were even better when calves were fed milk powder with a higher level of this valuable, functional dairy protein.
The whey faction of milk contains important bioactive components used to programme the calf to success. Volac produces Imunopro through a unique , low temperature ultra filtration and evaporation process.
This process gently sifts out the valuable proteins, without denaturing them, plus oils and sugars that the calf needs to form a highly digestible concentrated milk protein. This Volac calf milk powder has a final analysis of 35% protein, 5.5% oil and 48% sugar.
Imunopro contains high levels of essential amino acids needed for calf growth and development such as lysine and leucine.
It also contains concentrated levels of the important immunoglobulins and lactoferrins needed for calf health and vitality. For example, lactoferrins play a key part in priming the calf's essential defences against disease threats such as scours.
Likewise Imunopro benefits from having concentrated milk oil – at five times the level contained in standard whey or skim powders. Its sugars are similarly concentrated allowing this uniquely processed, high value nutritional complex to encourage the development of a healthy population of bacteria in the young calf's gut.
This exciting independent trial result from AFBI, Hillsborough verifies that feeding higher levels of this functional protein Imunopro will produce heavier, healthier calves at weaning. 77.7kg at day 56 on higher levels of Imunopro compared to 74.1kg with calves fed a low level. And this despite calves on the lower level of Imunopro starting the trial with a head start being, on average, 1.2kg heavier.
For further details browse WWW.FEEDFORGROWTH.COM or contact Volac NI business manager Alistair Sampson tel; 07860 626442 or e mail alistair.sampson@volac.com
by Dr Jessica Cooke, Volac research scientist
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This year the Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships will take place on Tuesday 24th November 2020 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park however due to COVID-19 restrictions, the show of premium beef cattle and lamb will be closed to the public.
Bank of Ireland will return as the principal sponsor of the event which includes a wide selection of beef and lamb championship showing classes will culminate with the ever-popular auction in the evening. On the day, the live auction will be streamed online where buyers can bid for champion livestock. A limited number of buyers can also pre-register for this event and will be permitted entrance on the day.
A copy of this year’s prize schedule can be found at BEEFANDLAMB.ORG.UK and Livestock exhibitors can enter online for all beef and lamb classes.
Dr. Alan Crowe, RUAS Chief Executive commented, ‘‘The RUAS is looking forward to hosting the third Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships at Balmoral Park albeit the event will take a different format to previous years with no public permitted and the live auction being streamed online”.
He continued, “In these challenging times, we are extremely grateful to have the generous financial support of Bank of Ireland UK and it highlights our own and the bank’s support of the local beef and sheep industries.”
Ian Sheppard, Managing Director NI, Bank of Ireland UK, added, “We are very proud to partner with The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society once again to host this prestigious show and sale. The local beef and sheep industry plays such a vital part in the local economy and although people cannot physically attend, the new online approach helps to connect the buyers and sellers with even more people this year.”
The Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships will take place on Tuesday 24th November 2020 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn with the live auction commencing from 6pm.
To keep up to date with the latest news visit their website or follow the Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Markethill and Belleeks are ably represented in a brand new motoring series from BBC Northern Ireland.
Tricked-Out Tractors, has brought together a dream team of petrol heads who have been restoring beloved vintage tractor models, building custom one-of-a-kind monster machines and crafting bespoke rebuilds. Aaron Taylor from Markethill has always been surrounded by tractors and Jason McVerry from Beleeks wants his 'family heirloom' tractor transformed.
The three-part Green Inc production for BBC Northern Ireland was filmed mainly before current Covid-19 restrictions.
Together master mechanic Tylor Cartin from Claudy, County Derry; restoration guru Stephen Lennon from Loughbrickland, County Down, and machinery expert Darren Bailey from Portlaoise have been tackling mechanical mess ups and major makeovers.
The trio have worked on complicated tractor builds, ground up restorations, and cutting edge designs in this new one of a kind resto-mod series. All done while taking on the pressures of hard to get parts and difficult deadlines.
Viewers will see the team go wild with paint schemes, get hands on with engine upgrades, have fun out and about go karting, and getting inspiration from a custom car show.
From an almost 100-year-old Fordson, to a champion winning pulling tractor and a classic red Porsche, the TOT workshop has been graced with some of the most sought after tractors around.
Tylor Cartin said: “In this series I’m the chief mechanic/technician. I do the engine work, anything mechanical on the tractor that needs replaced. You have to have a strong backbone, but I just have had so much craic working with the guys.
Stephen Lennon said: “This series is something new and completely different. It has big entertainment value and you might just learn something about tractors and the history of tractors too!”
Darren Bailey said: “It’s amazing how we have taken tractors destined for the scrapheap and transformed them into basically shiny new shoes again.”
Programme two is on Monday 2 November on BBC One Northern Ireland at 7.35pm. ‘Return of the Fordson’, sees Markethill farmer Aaron Taylor bring in a rust ridden almost 100-year-old Fordson Model F. This immediately puts the team to the test as they set about restoring it back to its former glory. And when owner Aaron from County Armagh shows them an interesting signature on the side of the tractor the gang call in an expert to find out if the tractor could be worth a lot of money.
The final programme, Cruisin’ In My ‘674, a family heirloom tractor is now in the hands of 17-year-old Jason McVerry from Belleeks, County Armagh, who wants to have it tricked out. For this International 674, new metalwork, windows, and doors are just the beginning of the transformation. Tylor thinks up some modern touches for this classic tractor, with some encouragement from tractor pulling expert, Darren.
Can the team convince restoration guru Stephen it’s all a good idea?
The series Continues on Monday 2 November on BBC One Northern Ireland, 7.35pm
Also available on BBC iPlayer
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Karen Hughes, Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) reminds livestock exhibitors that the close of entry deadline for the 2020 Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships is Friday 6thNovember at 5pm.
Entries can be made online at BEEFANDLAMB.ORG.UK
A copy of the Prize Schedule can also be downloaded for all livestock classes.
This year, the Society’s prestigious show and sale will take place on Tuesday 24th November 2020 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park however due to COVID-19 restrictions, the show of premium beef cattle and lamb will be closed to the public.
The event which includes a wide selection of beef and lamb championship showing classes will culminate with the ever popular auction in the evening. On the day, the live auction will be streamed online where buyers can bid for champion livestock. A limited number of buyers can also pre-register for this event and will be permitted entrance on the day. Please email carolyn@ruas.org.ulk for more information.
To keep up to date with the latest event news follow the Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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