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Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty has said that governments north and south must move to provide clarity for the future of the farming industry after Brexit.
Mr McNulty was speaking after the SDLP and Fianna Fáil held a meeting in the Carrickdale last week with the Irish Farmers’ Association’s Director General Damian McDonald, entitled ‘Brexit and the Agri Food Sector.’
Commenting Mr McNulty said, "Brexit is the greatest political challenge this island has faced since partition. The shenanigans in Westminster have been disturbing and almost comedic and the sad thing is, as each day passes, they’re getting worse. The problem is the Brexit backing MP’s haven’t a clue about the impact their ideological stance is having on this island and our economy.
"There is so much chaos and an outright lack of clarity. Not only is it unclear what the outcome of Brexit will be, but it is also completely up in the air what supports will be in place for the farming and agri-food industry.
"In recent weeks we have seen HMRC announce proposals for import and export tariffs. This news has sent a shockwave through the industry and farmers are genuinely fearful for their livelihoods. We can’t be sure if the tariffs are just scaremongering or if that is what they will put in place. To think that, after two years, they are putting this on the table shows the inept and ill-informed level of thinking of the UK Governement.
"It is particularly important to remember that if there are barriers to trade, the problems it would create would have an major impact on this entire island and on Europe as well."
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The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland are highlighting farm health and safety issues under the strapline ‘Keeping Farming Families Safe’ at this year’s Balmoral Show which begins tomorrow 15 MAy and runs till Saturday.
As well as stressing the importance of farm safety, the HSENI will also host, along with its Farm Safety Partnership associates, a ‘Keeping Farming Families Safe Treasure Trail’ competition aimed at testing visitor’s knowledge on safety around the farmyard, and offering four iPads as prizes, one per day of the Show.
‘Child Farm Safety’ as well as ladder safety and Power Take Off (PTO) guard demonstrations will also feature heavily on the stand this year, with HSENI offering a wide range of advice for farmers and their families, to help educate them about the dangers lurking for children on a farmyard. Girlguiding Ulster will assist on the stand showcasing their commitment on promoting child farm safety.
Falls from height are a major causes of accidents across all industries, and Polaris Safety Training and Rescue will be explaining how to work safely when climbing and undertaking short tasks when on a ladder.
PTOs are the power source for many machines attached to and powered by tractors – shafts can rotate at speeds up to 1000 rpm. To highlight the danger attached to working with PTO’s, there will be a series of demonstrations on the proper and safe maintenance of a PTO guard, and how to put a guard on a PTO.
Speaking ahead of the show, new HSENI Chief Executive Robert Kidd said: “I am delighted to have taken up the role of HSENI Chief Executive and am looking forward to meeting more of our stakeholders from the agricultural industry during the Balmoral Show.
“It is unfortunate that farming continues to top the table for the largest number of fatalities in the workplace. I want to stress the need for all those who live and work on our farms to be vigilant and ensure that they routinely consider the risks around all of their activities to ensure that both farm workers and young children remain safe from harm.
“The role of my agricultural team is to, not only carry out inspection and enforcement, but also to work alongside our education officers to raise awareness of the dangers of farming, and this is done in a variety of ways beginning with children in primary schools in rural areas, and seeking to continue that engagement and education of farming as they grow up.
“I would like to express my thanks to all of our partners who assist and facilitate us in farming issues, as well as paying tribute to my own staff who carry out their work with enthusiasm and dedication.”
The Farm Safety Partnership would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the partnership’s joint working with Rural Support on developing a hand book to assist farmers and their families with dealing with the pressures of farming. The book will launch on the first day of this year’s show.
Also at the stand this year, qualified nurses from the Farm Families Health Checks Programme screening van will be offering free health checks, which take approximately 15 minutes, and cover:
The health checks also look at your lifestyle and, where relevant, you will receive advice tailored for you about smoking, healthy eating, physical activity and alcohol consumption. You will also receive a copy of your results, and with your consent, a copy can be sent to your GP.
Rural Support will be providing information on its services which help to address a number of issues that can cause added pressure for farmers, including:
The Balmoral Show is situated at Maze, Long Kesh – off the M1, close to Lisburn. The HSENI/Farm Families Health Checks Programme/Rural Support will be at stand C67, close to Stockman’s Restaurant.
To find out more about the ‘Stop and Think SAFE’ campaign, or general farming health and safety issues in Northern Ireland, please contact the HSENI Helpline on: 0800 0320 121, visit us on www.hseni.gov.uk or follow us on Twitter @Hsenigov.
For more information about the Farm Families Health Checks Programme, please phone: 028 2563 5573 or email: christina.faulkner@northerntrust.hscni.net.
For more information about Rural Support please contact the helpline on: 0845 606 7607 or visit www.ruralsupport.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @RuralSupport.
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The Balmoral Show was back for another successful year, with more than 120,000 people attending one of the biggest events in the Northern Ireland agriculture calendar from 15th – 18th May 2019. This year’s theme, ‘It’s all in the Show’ sums up the excitement and huge effort that goes into this extraordinary agricultural event, whether it is as a livestock exhibitor, trader or visitor.
Newry based Autoline Insurance Group was once again ensuring that its farming partners and community are ahead of the herd as it exhibited at this year’s event and continued its commitment to the sponsorship of the Beef Shorthorn Category for the fourth year in a row. The competition is a highlight of the show and, just like every year, aims to showcase some of the very best of Beef Shorthorn cattle for the Champion spot.
The Autoline team was out in full force to support the farming community, encouraging visitors to get involved through a number of fun and engaging farm themed activities and children’s entertainment at its stand opposite the cattle ring. Entertainment at Autoline’s interactive marquee included face painting and Jumping Clay Mini Makes Clay workshops for kids.
The Balmoral Show provides opportunities to not only view the finest livestock but enjoy top-class entertainment and delicious food. The NI Food Pavilion at Balmoral showcased a wonderful display of the best local food produced across NI, from very niche, home-based businesses to much larger producers, providing a platform for everyone to exhibit and meet the local consumers.
Autoline is delighted to have partnered with leading food producers across NI to showcase some of the best talent and food that is produced in the province. This includes behind the scenes clips, displaying the hard work that goes on, documented as part of its engaging Autoline’s #downonthefarm docu-series with a foodie twist. The series includes videos profiling the people behind the brands, their stories and the processes of the well-known local products including Newry's Neary Nogs chocolate.
Autoline’s ‘Road to Balmoral’ mini-series is available to view on its Facebook channel, celebrating local businesses and behind the scenes footage of successful homegrown food producers.
Autoline’s Head of Agriculture, Richard Henderson, commented, “Balmoral Show is the biggest event in the farming and agriculture calendar. It continues to change, develop and expand each year and it is now truly an event for everyone, bringing together people of all ages and from all walks of life, to celebrate all that NI has to offer. As one of Northern Ireland’s leading agriculture insurance brokers, we are passionate about supporting our current clients and assisting new farmers with advice on how to protect their business with tailored insurance. We are delighted to be sponsoring the Beef Shorthorn Category for the fourth year in a row, which we believe is a highlight of the iconic event.”
Autoline is passionate about supporting local NI agriculture through farming events, but also ensuring its expert advisors understand the region’s farming enterprises. The majority of Autoline’s insurance advisors come from a farming background, so the company is best placed to understand the effort, time and commitment that goes into producing some of the finest foods in the world. Therefore, the company has expert knowledge of the farming world and understands business success.
The Autoline team is available to provide expert advice and knowledge to farm owners interested in enhancing and protecting their business through bespoke farm insurance. For more information visit www.autoline.co.uk.
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A NIFDA/Invest NI led initiative – Harvesting Tomorrow’s Skills - is continuing to support Northern Ireland’s agri-food companies as they face the on-going challenge of recruiting and retaining staff.
A half-day seminar at Craigavon’s Oxford Island brought together experts in people development, higher education and recruitment to update on the latest schemes and apprenticeships opportunities which are available to attract talent to the sector.
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Embrace FARM the support network for those affected by farm accidents will host its Annual Ecumenical Remembrance Service in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Abbeyleix on Sunday 30 June 2019 at 2.00pm.
Everyone who wishes to remember a person in their life affected by a farm accident- this includes most recent and historic fatalities or those seriously injured are invited to attend.
The Remembrance Service is now in its sixth year, with the first service in 2014. The service will be led by local clergy from the Church of Ireland, Canon Harvey and Roman Catholic, Fr. Ahern.
We will especially remember this year the passing of Fr. Cummins who presided over the service in 2018 and was tragically killed earlier this year.
The Remembrance Service is well supported each year by Agribusiness, the farming organisations and government organisations such as ABP group, DAFM, Glanbia, ICMSA, ICSA, IFA, IHFA,
Farm Contractor Organisations, FBD Insurance, FRS Networks, HSA, HSENI, Macra na Feirme, Teagasc, UCD, UFU, YFCU and by the Agri Media.
Embrace FARM will be represented by the co-founders Norma & Brian Rohan and the voluntary board of directors who give their time freely in the development of the organisation.
Embrace FARM were contacted by over 150 families to have their loved ones remembered at this year’s Ecumenical Service.
Behind these numbers is a father, mother, a husband, a wife, a child, a relative, someone important to a family and a community.
We especially ask you to bring along anyone who was a support to you during your bereavement and journey of grief, to give thanks to them for their kindness and remember the life of the loved one passed.
This is a day to speak their names because they are always a part of us. We honour their memories and give thanks for the time they spent with us.
Light refreshments (sponsored) will be served at the Manor Hotel in Abbeyleix following the event and all are welcome.
The Embrace FARM vision is to be ‘a caring and supporting Agri-community for all those affected by farming accidents’.
It values include being a guiding and listening service, empathic to all, offering shared personal experience and mutual support, being transparent in all its actions, holding respect and integrity always.
Throughout 2018, Embrace FARM has continued its work in raising awareness of those affected by farming accidents.
It held its residential widowed spouses’ weekend in Kilkenny for people who lost their partners in a farming accident.
In addition it hosted a residential weekend in November where several families and their children shared their experiences and supported one another in how losing a loved one has impacted and changed their lives.
To remember the 290 lives lost across the 32 counties of Ireland in ten years (2007-2017), Embrace FARM drove a tractor kindly sponsored by WM Shaw around the country.
This was done in conjunction with Macra na Feirme and the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster,
Over 150 members from several clubs in every county took it in turn to navigate the tractor into the most rural parts of Ireland to bring the message to all affected.
The tractor left from Tullamore show on August 12th and arrived at the opening of the National Ploughing Championship on September 16th, 2018. The tractor covered nearly 5000km on its journey, and the message of farm safety was also part of the Embrace Farm awareness campaign.
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Breeders from Armagh and Down were very active and successful at the British Blue Cattle Society annual May sale in Carlisle with Brendan O'Hare of Newry paying Kevin Watret, Annan, Scotland 5,000gns for female Solway View Moonlight ET.
Top priced bull Almeley Lighting was Ulster bound when vendor Graham Morgan, Herefordshire accepted a 20,000gns bid from Kevin McGrane, Oak Grange Estate, Derrynoose, Co Armagh.
The top priced British Blue sold by a Northern Ireland breeder was Springhill Mighty Mate from James and Sam Martin, Ballyblack, Newtownards, Co Down. Bought for 12,000gns by Adam and Jess Neachell of the Cromwell Herd based at Walsall in the Black Country this 1st placed junior bull born August 2017 is a son of Ballygrange Dudley out of Springhill Fizz.
Meanwhile J A Woods & Sons, from Shrewsbury in the Welsh Marches bought two bulls, both second prize winners, brought forward by Ulster breeders. Paying 11,000gns for Droit Max ET from Richard J Mowbray, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone. Max is a Sept 2017 born blue and white bull from the Mountjoy Utopia and Droit Enid ET flush.
Two lots later the Woods family again paid 11,000gns this time for Knockchree Max from SH Gordon of Kilkeel, Co Down. A Sept 2017 bull by Blackford Big Ben, who is out of the noted Bringlee Sandy.
Other NI British Blue breeders to enjoy success in Carlisle included O & A Maguinness, Greysteel, Co Londonderry and Oliver McCann, Castlewellan, Co Down.
In the female side of the sale prices reached 8,000gns with Brendan O'Hare of Newry paying 5,000gns for Solway View Moonlight ET.
Commenting Blue Society council member Anne Morrison of Armoy, Co Antrim noted that this small region had again produced livestock selling well in competition with breeders from right across the UK.
“The results from the May sale in Carlisle, coming in the same week as Balmoral Show, again prove that NI breeders can bring out the best of the ultimate beef terminal sire, the British Blue. The breed that adds value to calves from dairy and suckler herds.
“Locally the quality of Blue cattle on display at the RUAS Show was a source of great pride to office holders. Well done to our dedicated members in turning out such a great display of NI Blues in the same week at Balmoral and the Borderway Mart, Carlisle..”
May Sale Average,Borderway Mart
26 Senior Bulls £5682.11
26 Junior Bulls £6195.00
52 Bulls Overall £5938.56
27 served/maiden heifers £2854.44
1 cow with calf at foot £5355.00
3 embryo calves £3080.00
For further details browse www.britishblue.org
Report: Rodney Magowan
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The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is calling on the farming community to keep children safe on the farm this summer.
Summer is a particularly dangerous time for children on farms as they’re off school and are about more when farms are particularly busy - often with contractors on-site operating potentially dangerous vehicles and machinery.
Tragically, since the year 2000 eleven children have lost their lives due to work related accidents on farms.
The ‘Be Aware Kids Child Safety on Farms’ campaign aims to eradicate fatal and serious accidents through an extensive education and outreach programme which includes a programme of planned school visits throughout Northern Ireland. This involves HSENI staff visiting rural primary schools to deliver interactive workshops about farm safety and this year more than 75 schools have been visited since Easter with over 10,750 children attending the presentations.
Urging farming families to take extra care this year, HSENI Chief Executive Robert Kidd said: “Keeping children safe on farms is one of those things that everyone agrees on. It is simply unthinkable to lose a child or have them seriously injured in a farming incident. Those who have experienced this bear unimaginable pain for the rest of their lives. But it needn’t be this way in the future. We can take action to keep our children safe and we must do everything we can to prevent our children being injured or killed in farming incidents.
“It is really important that our children are educated about safety on farm so that they are aware of the potential dangers and learn how to avoid them. I am making a personal plea to all farm families to make child farm safety a priority, particularly at this busy time with longer evenings and with schools winding down for the summer. Please talk about safety as a family and put in place simple, practical, measures to make sure your children are safe at all times.
“There are plenty of materials and guidance available on the HSENI website to make safety interesting and engaging for children. We are all now well aware of the dangers from livestock, harmful substances, falling objects, slurry, high places and moving vehicles. However this awareness must be matched by changed behaviours to ensure incidents are avoided. The Farm Safety Partnership will continue to do all it can, but the initiative must come from parents if we are to really make our farms safe places for our children. Please make that change today and prioritise your family’s safety over everything else.”
UFU president Ivor Ferguson says, “Children are naturally curious. Farms, and in particular working farms, can be tempting places for them to play and often children do not understand the dangers a farm can present. It can be very difficult to both supervise children and work on the farm. With this in mind, parents should think about preventative measures they can put in place to help protect children from the dangers. These measures include providing children with a securely fenced off play area, ensuring unattended vehicles are kept locked, and discouraging children from using bales of any description for playing.”
Farm safety checklist for parents:
have a safe and secure play area for young children
prevent children from playing in or around farmyards and livestock
prevent all children under the age of 13 from riding on tractors and farm machinery
restrict the use of the quad and provide suitable safety equipment
secure all heavy wheels, gates, heavy equipment and stacked materials to prevent them from toppling over
ensure your slurry lagoon is securely fenced to prevent children from gaining access and make sure tank covers are always in place
always keep children well away when mixing slurry
keep track of where family members are playing or working and when they are expected back
make sure everyone washes their hands before eating and drinking
keep chemicals locked in a secure store when not in use
make sure that guards are in place to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery
make sure all family members know what to do in an emergency
prepare a list of emergency contact telephone numbers
Councillor Terry Hearty has also urged everyone involved in farming to put preventative measures in place to protect children on farms.
The Slieve Gullion area Councillor was speaking after figures released by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that since the year 2000, 11 children had lost their lives due to farm related accidents.
"Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the north and unfortunately we have had a number of tragic deaths on farms in recent years.
I would urge all those involved in farming to take heed of this warning and to show extreme care and caution while children are working or playing on the farm”.
Cllr Hearty continued “I would advise parents to talk to their children about the importance of staying safe on the farm and and to put in place simple, practical, measures to make sure children are safe at all times.
We don't want to see any more deaths on our farms across the north."
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In finishing Farm Safety Week 2019, HSENI are advising the farming community to ‘Stop and Think SAFE’.
The 'Stop and Think SAFE' campaign was developed by the Farm Safety Partnership to help tackle the high rates of serious accidents and deaths on Northern Ireland's farms, and reflects the four main causes of fatal accidents on local farms, namely Slurry, Animals, Falls and Equipment.
In 2018 there were 8 fatalities in the agricultural sector – 1 more than the previous year. Causes were: Animals: 4; Falls: 1; Machinery: 2 and Other: 1.
Slurry
The slurry mixing code –
Always
Never
Remember
There is no safe slurry tank. The gases can kill people and animals almost instantly. Prevent accidents and save lives by always following the safe system of work.
Animals
Working with animals –
Always
Never
Remember
Never underestimate the risk from cattle, even with good precautions in place. It could save your life.
Falls
Falls from heights –
Always
Never
Remember
Falls often occur because no precautions are taken, or the equipment employed is defective, not appropriate, or used incorrectly. Often people about to do a job believe it will ‘only take a few minutes’. They take the risk in the hope that simply being careful will be enough.
Equipment
Equipment safety checklist - Always
Never
Remember
Farmers and farm workers use tractors and other equipment every day. These machines are powerful, and if not operated safely, can lead to disabling injuries or death.
For more information on Farm Safety Week visit www.yellowwellies.org or follow @yellowwelliesUK in Twitter/Facebook using the hashtag #FarmSafetyWeek
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The second annual EU Sustainable Dairy Symposium took place on Monday 30th September 2019 at CAFRE College, Greenmount, with this year’s theme focusing on Carbon Footprint.
The Symposium was hosted by the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland in conjunction with the European Milk Forum as part of their EU Sustainable Dairy Programme, with 100 delegates in attendance.
The keynote speakers were Brian Lindsay, Sustainability Sector Lead for the Global Dairy Platform, and Dr Adam Drewnowski, Professor of Epidemiology and the Director of the Center of Public Health Nutrition at the School of Public Health, University of Washington.
Newry man, Professor Sean Strain, leading academic in Human Nutrition represented Ulster University at the event.
Since 1990, the Northern Ireland dairy sector has reduced fuel and electricity emissions by around 70%, manure emissions by some 27% and enteric fermentation emissions by 30%, with a 50% increase in milk production in the same period.
The dairy sector is making great strides in reducing carbon footprint at the national and international level. The role of Northern Ireland’s grasslands in carbon capture, on farm emissions mitigation measures, the use of renewable energy sources, grassland management, and fertility management focusing on breeding more efficient cows with higher milk yields, all contribute to lowering carbon footprint.
Brian Lindsay of the Global Dairy Platform commended the Northern Ireland dairy audience on its sustainability efforts to date and provided further context for where the sector can go next, “One of the strengths of the dairy sector’s sustainability initiatives is its ability to provide local solutions to local challenges. Soil sampling, new technology and efficiency measures must be tailored to suit the needs of each individual context.” He continued, “The sector is also bolstering its environmental credential through knowledge sharing opportunities and today’s event is the perfect example.”
Dr Mike Johnston MBE, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council said, “The dairy sector takes its responsibility as the custodians of the land very seriously, and we realise the importance of preserving the planet for future generations. The investment that has been ongoing on dairy farms throughout NI as well as in processing plants is testament to our commitment to producing milk and processing it into nutritious dairy products in ways that are efficient in minimising emissions. The esteemed speakers we have welcomed here today have demonstrated from a global and local perspective, all the advances being made to lower the sector’s carbon footprint and enhance efficiency and sustainability.”
Nutrition expert Professor Adam Drewnowski highlighted the important role that dairy can play in a healthy, sustainable diet based on its nutrient richness, affordability, appeal and environmental credentials.
Other speakers at the Symposium were Dr Debbie McConnell, Dairy grassland researcher at Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Dr Paul Keatley, Principal Agricultural Economist at the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Case studies shown from dairy processor, Dale Farm, and local farmers Hall Donnell of Ballymagorry, Strabane, and Hugh Harbison of Aghadowey, Coleraine, showcased energy efficiency measures on farm and on the processing site, and demonstrated the efforts made at every juncture of the dairy supply chain to reduce carbon emissions and boost sustainability.
To read more about the EU Sustainable Dairy Programme visit the Dairy Council website WWW.DAIRYCOUNCIL.CO.UK
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