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Balmoral Show is back and once again promises four fun-filled days for all the family. Taking place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn from 22-25 September 2021, the Show is a fantastic day out with something for everyone. With a host of family entertainment, shopping outlets, a full schedule of livestock classes and displays, food and drink stalls showcasing the very best of local produce, it really is an event not to be missed.
Ulster Bank will once again return as the principal sponsor having been a proud partner of the Show since 2009. Having missed last year’s Show due to the pandemic, Ulster Bank’s Head of NI, Mark Crimmins, said he was looking forward to returning to Balmoral Park in the autumn and building on the bank’s close relationship with the RUAS.
“The 2021 Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank will be our 13th year as principal sponsor and over the past decade and more, we have worked hard to raise the profile of the Show and strengthen our links with RUAS to create a world class event.
“The cancellation of the 2020 Show reinforced for many just how important Balmoral is to the local farming sector, not just in terms of economic importance but also as a social event, and as we move into the next phase of our sponsorship, our message is that we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to the local agri-food industry.
“These are challenging times for many farmers and producers and we want to use our sponsorship of the Balmoral Show to reassure our agri-customers that we are here to guide them through this period. We are looking forward to catching up with colleagues and friends across the four days of the Show, and while some elements may look and feel different, we welcome the opportunity to meet, share experiences and offer support for the year ahead.”
Alan Crowe, RUAS Chief Executive, said: “We are excited to welcome visitors to the 2021 Balmoral Show, particularly after our disappointment at having to cancel last year’s Show due to the Covid-19 pandemic and then having to postpone this year’s May Show.
‘‘We are pleased to announce that plans for our September Show are going well, we have of course had to implement a number of necessary changes to ensure a Covid-safe event, however the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, exhibitors, stewards, officials and contractors remains the greatest importance.’’
Of course local agriculture remains at the heart of Balmoral and competition will be fierce for the prestigious Balmoral titles. As always, there will be top class attractions at this year’s Show including some new additions, such as, falconry, dog agility, the RAF Parachute team and a Polo Exhibition. This is in addition to a full complement of livestock classes and new National Showjumping classes.
Visitors can also look forward to the return of many family favourites; the Children’s Farm, Downtown Show Stage, Healthy Horticulture Area, many mobile family attractions and the NI Food Pavilion will all return to the showgrounds.
Alan concluded by saying, ‘‘We cannot wait to bring Balmoral back for 2021, as always the Show promises a fun-filled day out, with so much to see and do there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, fantastic food or the chance to see exceptional livestock displays, it’s all in the Show.
‘‘We are, as always indebted to our sponsors for their continued support, especially our principal sponsor Ulster Bank and our platinum sponsors M&S, SPAR, Tesco and ABP.’’
This year’s Show will run from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 September, that’s four action packed days of family fun.
Tickets will be available to purchase online from Friday 23 July at WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK
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A new book for primary school children that uses poetry to help simplify the science behind Northern Ireland farming and food for health and wellbeing, has just been made available to every primary school in Northern Ireland.
‘Northern Ireland: Our Food, Our Story’ is written through the medium of poetry, accompanied by beautiful colourful illustrations. While the book is primarily aimed at children aged 4-12 via this particular schools project, it is also targeted at adults. The science-based and curriculum-linked educational resource is presented in a way that is accessible and engaging for children and covers a wide range of topics such as food nutrients, sustainability, traceability, soil health, grass-fed food, greenhouse gases and carbon sequestration, biodiversity, PGI, PDO, the importance of a balanced diet, dental health, farm safety and Northern Irish culture.
The book was written by Dr. Vanessa Woods, a scientist and consumer engagement professional who is focused on informing and educating consumers of all ages about the story of sustainable and nutrient dense food grown by farmers, underpinned by world-class science, and the importance of collaboration across the food value chain, adopting a ‘One Health’ approach to communication.
Commenting on the launch of ‘Northern Ireland: Our Food, Our Story’’, Josephine Kelly, Acting CEO of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and partner in this project, said: “AFBI is delighted to be involved in this schools project as it brings the story of farming, food, culture and health to our young people in an imaginative way. We are particularly pleased that the book is curriculum linked, as it is important that we educate our primary school children on the important role that food plays in human health and how crucial it is in this era of climate change that we produce our food sustainably”.
Now living in Co. Down, Vanessa grew up on a farm and has a passion for the land and marrying the science of farming, food and health. She holds a BSc in Microbiology from NUI Galway and a PhD in Animal Nutrition from University College Dublin. She has also served as CEO of Agri Aware, the independent agri-food education body; as a senior scientist with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute; and she delivered lectures at Queens University Belfast. Vanessa was also appointed as the first Chair of Examiners for the GCSE in Agriculture and Land Use in Northern Ireland, working with the Council for Curriculum Examinations and Assessment. She also works with the European Commission as an evaluator of Horizon Europe funding proposals and holds a European Communications Award for ‘Communication to the public’. In 2018, she founded Vanessa B. Woods Communications, the first Science Communications Consultancy on the Island of Ireland, with a company mission statement to ‘communicate complex science simply’ and a vision to ‘marry the science of farming, food and health’, working both B2B and B2C.
Vanessa says she wrote ‘Northern Ireland: Our Food, Our Story’ to help encourage science-based discussion on food nutrients, healthy eating and the green climate agenda in primary schools and homes across Northern Ireland: “Farmers grow high quality nutritious food which consumers require for health. We are often guilty of treating food as a commodity because it can be more plentiful nowadays. Nutrient-dense food contains more nutrients (e.g., protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, etc.) than calories. If consumers don’t eat the essential nutrients, health is compromised, and nobody wants that”.
“The work of farmers is underpinned by science as they seek to become more sustainable. ‘Northern Ireland: Our Food, Our Story’ is the first step in delivering science-based messages to children, their teachers and parents by telling the story of sustainable and nutritious food and its importance for good dental health, human health and wellbeing. Understanding the nutrient density of food and nutritional sustainability will assist consumers in forming a shopping list for important nutrients (e.g., shopping for calcium, iron, protein, minerals, vitamins, etc.). UK households waste on average £700 per year by throwing food away. We all have a role to play in delivering sustainable food production systems-starting with the soil on our farms, right through to the kitchen table in every single home. Consumers and farmers have a natural partnership and as with all successful partnerships, relevant and effective communication is key”.
‘Northern Ireland: Our Food, Our Story’ has just been delivered to school principals in all primary schools across Northern Ireland with the support of Key Partners: ABP; ASDA; Cavanagh Free Range Eggs; Deansgrange Dental Clinic; Grassland Agro; Irish Farmers Journal; Livestock and Meat Commission; White’s Oats; and Partners: Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation.
Danielle Mc Bride, Brand Manager, White’s Oats said ‘’We are delighted to partner on the launch of ‘Northern Ireland: Our Food Our Story’, inspiring the next generation in understanding where their food comes from and the importance of a food first approach for health and wellbeing’’.
This novel curriculum-linked book is suitable for all primary school classes. It can be used by teachers and their students for years to come, starting this coming September when the children return to school.
‘Northern Ireland: Our Food, Our Story’ can also be ordered online at:VBWOODSCOMMUNICATIONS.COM
George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, said “We are delighted to support this great initiative. It is a fitting way to promote the important role that agriculture plays in Northern Ireland and Vanessa’s book is an ideal showcase to tell this story to younger audiences”.
LMC Chief Executive, Ian Stevenson, commented, “We are delighted to be supporting the publication and distribution of ‘Northern Ireland: Our Food, Our Story’ to every primary school across Northern Ireland. The book is expertly written in the form of simple and informative poetry, which will be a great educational resource for primary school pupils as they learn the important story behind our farming and food and its connection to culture and health. As an organisation, LMC has been actively involved in the educational arena for over 20 years carrying out hundreds of cookery demonstrations every year with beef and lamb in post-primary schools across Northern Ireland and this exciting book launch and distribution is a natural extension of important learning about our world-class food into primary schools”.
David Wright, NI Editor, Irish Farmers Journal, said “The Irish Farmers Journal is delighted to partner with this important educational initiative. The agri-food industry is vital to the economy of Northern Ireland and will play a key role in our future as we collectively tackle important issues such as climate change. Our industry is open and welcoming to all our young people, and keen to communicate the many positive aspects of our countryside and rural life. Engaging the next generation in the high quality nutritious food that is grown on our farms is also important”.
Harry Wick, CEO of Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation, said “Northern Ireland’s Fishermen harvest some of the world’s most sustainable, top quality seafood and we are delighted to take this opportunity to introduce the next generation to the fantastic produce we have right on our doorstep”.
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The 8th annual Embrace FARM (Farm Accident Support Network) Ecumenical Remembrance Service took place in Most Holy Rosary Church, Abbeyleix on Sunday June 27.
Embrace FARM was founded by Brian and Norma Rohan, a farming family from Shanahoe, Co. Laois in 2014 after Brian lost his father Liam Rohan in a farm accident in 2012.
Liam Rohan was a popular farmer who represented Ireland many times at the World Ploughing Championships. Like most farming families the Rohan’s experienced great and invaluable support from neighbours and friends but were surprised to find that there was little or no emotional or practical support networks available to farm families suffering such loss.
So, they established Embrace FARM which remembers those who have lost their lives, have been injured, supports survivors of farm accidents, their family members, friends and the wider community.
Speaking at the virtual remembrance service, founder Brian spoke about a recent trip to Aras an Uachtarain. He said: “Today we will remember all who have been affected by farm accidents in the 32 counties of our island. Farm families, extended family members, neighbours and friends who have lost a loved one and also those who have survived accidents. All of you are part of a story involving a long journey of loss, grief and trauma.
“Early last week Embrace FARM was kindly invited to Aras an Uachtarain by the President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina to be presented with a tree to acknowledge the work that Embrace FARM does. “What an honour it was to ring the Peace Bell in remembrance of all the lives lost and injured on the farms of Ireland.
“Embrace FARM are delighted and grateful to be joined today by the Most Reverend Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, Canon Patrick Harvey and Fr Paddy Byrne, who will lead today’s service with the help of our local resident musicians.
“We speak their names because they are a part of everything that we do, everything that we are. We speak their names because they are still, and always will be, a part of us.”
Brian Rohan read out the names of 228 deceased victims of farm accidents from the island of Ireland going back to 1945. Embrace FARM records show that 15 of these were from his own county Laois. Cork was top of the list with 33 deaths which is not surprising as it is the biggest county. Next on the list was Wexford with 18 deaths, Kilkenny had 17 deaths, Tipperary had 16 deaths and Galway had 8 deaths. There were 29 deaths from the 9 counties of Ulster.
John Keane, National President of Macra read a poem by Brendan Kennelly, Liam McCarthy from Portaferry, Co. Down and representing the ABP group did a reading from the book of Genesis (9: 8-17) while Mairead Lavery, Agri journalist who lost her father at 12 years of age was the key note speaker. Martin Heydon TD, Minister for State at the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Farm Safety etc. lit four candles representing the four provinces of Connacht, Leinster, Munster & Ulster.
A notable feature on the altar which took two hours to prepare by Embrace Farm volunteers were the photos of 105 farm accident victims. The service was filmed and by Kairos Communications based in Maynooth and live streamed on the Embrace Farm website.
Tina Cuddy led the group of local musicians with the instrumental accompaniment to the service. Their vocals and harmonious tones brought home the poignancy of the service in what it means to so many to have their loved ones remembered each year. This service will also be broadcast on RTE1 television station next Sunday, 4th July at 11am.
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Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA has launched the 2021 Rural Business Development Grant Scheme, which will provide grant funding to rural micro businesses to help with their sustainability and development, as well as assisting recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Minister made his announcement during a visit to ‘All Blinds and Curtains’ in Ballinderry, Lisburn, Co. Antrim. Owners Neil and Suzi Bacon submitted an application to DAERA’s 2020 Rural Business Development Grant Scheme through the Department’s delivery partners Lisburn City and Castlereagh Borough Council for a vertical blind louvre cutting machine.
The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme is delivered in partnership with the 11 rural District Councils, with the focus this year on penetrating and supporting those businesses most in need and those that have not benefitted from the Scheme in the past two years.
Welcoming the launch of this year’s scheme, Minister Poots said: “I am delighted to visit Neil and Suzi’s business ‘All Blinds and Curtains’ today to hear first-hand how a small investment of £3,250 has benefitted their rural micro business. The purchase of a cutting machine has enabled the business to move from manual cutting and be more competitive with regards to pricing for prospective trade suppliers, thus considerably developing the business.
“Covid-19 has hit Northern Ireland’s business community hard and micro business owners, particularly in rural areas, have been impacted by a downturn in trade. The benefits of this Scheme are two-fold in that the grant aid helps the rural businesses to develop and grow, but also in the majority of cases the items purchased are secured locally and hence this is a further boost for the Northern Ireland economy.”
The Minister continued, “This scheme, along with the support that is currently provided to rural businesses through my Department’s NI Rural Development Programme, Rural Business Investment Scheme, the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme and the Micro Business Growth Pilot Scheme are vital in playing a key role in supporting, sustaining and indeed growing the development of rural businesses across Northern Ireland.
“I want to thank all the local Councils for their commitment as delivery partners and I encourage those rural businesses that have not benefitted from the Scheme in the last two years to avail of this opportunity to be considered for grant assistance.”
Applications to The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2021 open on 01 July 2021 and close at noon on 30 July 2021.
Find details at WWW.DAERA-NI.GOV.UK
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This week is Farm Safety Week (19-23 July) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is encouraging the farming community to ‘wake up’ to the issue of tiredness during their daily routines.
Tiredness is a normal part of everyday life. It is particularly relevant to farming life in Northern Ireland in the summer period and during the silage season with farmers often working long into the evening to complete tasks.
Farm Safety Week 2021 is supported by the Farm Safety Foundation, Farm Safety Partnerships, the Health and Safety Executive, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and the Health and Safety Authority, Ireland.
The Farm Safety Partnership comprises the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), NFU Mutual (NFUM), the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), the Farm Safety Foundation, and the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association (NIAPA). It is tasked with assisting Northern Ireland’s farming community to work safely and tackle the problem of work-related fatalities and injuries on farms.
HSENI Chief Executive Robert Kidd, said: “Tiredness and fatigue can have serious consequences within the farming community, and can lead to minor and major injuries and even fatality. HSENI is encouraging farmers and contractors to consider their working patterns and ensure that sufficient breaks are taken to combat the issue of tiredness.
Over working can lead to conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, work-related stress and decreased awareness which in turn can lead to incidents, so it is important not to underestimate the risks of tiredness.
Advice on workplace occupational health issues can be found on the HSENI at WWW.HSENI.GOV.UK
he Farm Safety Partnership’s ongoing ‘Stop and Think SAFE’ farm safety campaign focuses on the four main causes of death and injury on our farms – slurry, animals, falls and equipment (SAFE).
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The 2021 Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank will return to Balmoral Park from Wednesday 22 September to Saturday 25 September 2021 and Entries for the Show close on Wednesday 28 July at 5pm.
All entries must be submitted online or posted directly to the RUAS for then. Prize Schedules are available for download. For more information visit BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK.
Tickets will be available to purchase online from Friday 23 July 2021.
For the latest updates on the Show visit their website or follow Balmoral Show on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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The Health and Safety Executive in Northern Ireland (HSENI) is encouraging everyone to take care when in the countryside. The message comes in support of Farm Safety Week (19-23 July) as a timely reminder to those who work and farm in the countryside, and to those who visit for recreation.
HSENI Chief Executive Robert Kidd said: “The countryside offers many attractions all year around. Camping, fishing, general sight-seeing and walking, especially in the summertime, it attracts an increasing number of visitors.
“Our advice is simple. Always be mindful of the natural dangers and hazards that exist in the countryside.
“Farm animals may look friendly, but they are not pets. All animals present a risk and can quickly become agitated and aggressive when disturbed. Large animals, such as bulls, cows and calves can cause serious injury or even death.
“By following the Countryside Code, and respecting private farm land, everyone can enjoy a safe and enjoyable visit.”
The farming community plays a vital role and they are being asked to continue with their work in helping keep everyone safe by erecting warning signs advising of local dangers such as hedge cutting; ensuring all gates are closed; and taking extra care when operating farm vehicles on public roads.
Visitors to the countryside should keep to marked paths. Cyclists, and horse riders, should ensure that they can be seen by others by wearing bright, contrasting clothing by day and reflective clothing at night.
The Countryside Code can be found under Resources at: FARM-SAFETY-PARTNERSHIP
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The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) have launched the 152nd Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank.
As Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event, it promises to be four fun-filled days out for all the family. Taking place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn from Wednesday 22 September to Saturday 25 September 2021, the Show prides itself on offering something for everyone.
With an array of Trade stands to browse, the ever popular competitions and classes competing for prestigious Balmoral titles, the NI Food Pavilion showcasing the very best of local produce as well as a wide range of family entertainment and attractions, this spectacular Show is not to be missed!
Alan Crowe, RUAS Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to officially launch the 2021 Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank. This week marks the 7 week countdown until the 152nd Balmoral Show and plans are well underway.
“We are excited to welcome visitors back to Balmoral Park for the 2021 Balmoral Show and we have implemented a number of necessary changes to ensure a Covid-safe event and the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, exhibitors, stewards, officials and contractors remains the greatest importance.’’
As always, there will be top class attractions at this year’s Show. The Show will feature an enhanced National Show Jumping Schedule including two fantastic new Championships including a Young Rider Championship and the National Grand Prix, a welcome addition to our Show Jumping portfolio. The Show will also feature some new additions, such as, the RAF Parachute team and a Polo Exhibition.
Visitors can also look forward to the return of many family favourites; the Children’s Farm, Downtown Show Stage, Healthy Horticulture Area, many mobile family attractions and the NI Food Pavilion will all return to the showgrounds.
Alan concluded, ‘‘We cannot wait to bring Balmoral back for 2021, as always the Show promises a fun-filled day out, with so much to see and do there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, fantastic food or the chance to see exceptional livestock displays, it’s all in the Show!
‘‘We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support, especially our principal sponsor Ulster Bank and our platinum sponsors ABP, Marks & Spencer’s, SPAR and TESCO.”
Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager, Ulster Bank, said he was looking forward to returning to Balmoral Park for this year’s Show.
“The cancellation of the 2020 Show reinforced for many just how big an event Balmoral is for the local farming sector, not only in terms of economic importance but also the social aspect of the Show. I know our teams across Ulster Bank are looking forward to returning to Balmoral Park in September for what promises to be an excellent event for farmers and those connected with the sector and of course for families and day-trippers in search of a great day out.
“As we move closer to the Show, Ulster Bank’s message is that we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to the local agri-food industry. We recognise thatthese are challenging times for many farmers and producers and we want to use our sponsorship of the Balmoral Show to reassure our agri-customers that we are here to guide them through this period. We are looking forward to catching up with colleagues and friends across the four days of the Show, and while some elements may look and feel different, we welcome the opportunity to meet, share experiences and offer support for the year ahead.”
This year’s Show will run from Wednesday 22nd September to Saturday 25th September. Come along and visit us this year, whether you’re from the city or countryside, a first time visitor or repeat show-goer, we hope to see you there. Tickets are now available to purchase online at WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK.
Please note this year tickets are day specific only and must be purchased prior to the Show. Conditions of entry can be found on the show website.
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Following the successful rollout of the vaccination programme along with the ongoing easing of restrictions in Northern Ireland, the Balmoral Show organisers are confident that the Show will run safely in September.
This year’s Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank, takes place from Wednesday 22nd to Saturday 25th September 2021 at Balmoral Park Lisburn.
Following the successful rollout of the vaccination programme along with the ongoing easing of restrictions in Northern Ireland, the Balmoral Show organisers are confident that the Show will run safely in September.
Show organisers have implemented a number of COVID safety measures after consultation with relevant Government departments and their Healthy and Safety Advisors to ensure the event meets the criteria in order to proceed safely.
To ensure the safety of all who attend, as a condition of entry to this year’s Show, visitors are being asked to demonstrate their COVID-19 status on entry by providing ONE of the following;
Other safety measures will be put in place also including:
Speaking about this year’s Show, RUAS Chief Executive, Dr Alan Crowe commented, “We are excited to welcome visitors back to Balmoral Park for the 2021 Balmoral Show, after having to cancel last year’s Show due to the Covid-19 pandemic and following the postponement of this year’s May Show
“The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society staff and committees have been busy planning the 2021 Balmoral Show. This year there are a number of necessary COVID safety measures implemented to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our visitors, exhibitors, stewards, officials and contractors.
He continued “We are looking forward to four fun-filled days out for all the family, with so much to see and do, there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, fantastic food or the chance to see exceptional livestock displays, it’s all in the Show!”
Tickets are already selling fast and are available to purchase online at www.balmoralshow.co.uk. Tickets for his year’s Show are day specific and must be purchased in advance.
Opening hours for the 2021 Show have changed to facilitate shorter daylight hours. The Show will now operate from 9.30am to 6.00pm (Wednesday 22nd to Friday 24th September) and 9.30am to 5.00pm (Saturday 25th September).
For the latest updates on the Show visit the Balmoral Show site or follow Balmoral Show on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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