Columba O'Hare

Category: FARMING

Published: 09 August 2021

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The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Ulster Wildlife, and Northern Ireland Badger Group have joined forces to launch a petition in opposition to DAERA’s recently proposed badger cull as part of its bovine TB eradication strategy. 

The Department’s strategy favours the introduction of an indiscriminate badger cull using controlled shooting of free roaming badgers, delivered and paid for by farmer-led companies. The native species has been under the protection of the law via the Bern Convention for 40 years.

Badger culls have been implemented in England and the Republic of Ireland in recent years with the only lasting result being the loss of hundreds of thousands of badgers and minimal impact on Bovine TB levels in cattle. 

Speaking at the launch of the petition, Alliance MLA and Chair of the All Party Group on Animal Welfare, John Blair said: “Whilst I am supportive of many of the measures proposed by DAERA to combat the disease, I strongly oppose intensive badger culling, which would lead to the destruction of protected wildlife on an unprecedented scale.

“There is little to no evidence to suggest that an indiscriminate cull of badgers in Northern Ireland would be an effective approach to controlling the spread of the disease. I am, also, disappointed more ethical alternatives to controlling bovine TB, in both the badger and cattle populations in Northern Ireland, such as cattle vaccination and ‘Test–Vaccinate–Remove’ (TVR) have not been proposed.”

 “I urge the public to add their voice to this campaign to Stop the Badger Cull by signing the petition.”

Ken Brundle, Chair of Ulster Wildlife, said: “At a time when Northern Ireland is the most nature-depleted part of the UK, to propose removing thousands of this keystone species from the countryside is completely unacceptable. There are alternatives to the indiscriminate killing of Bovine TB-free badgers, primarily through taking a badger vaccination-led approach.”

Brendan Mullan, Chief Executive of the USPCA, stated: “4 out of 5 badgers in Northern Ireland are healthy and there is therefore no justification for an indiscriminate cull. The slaughter of healthy badgers as outlined in the consultation document is unjustifiable and morally wrong. If a wildlife intervention is to be part of the strategy, it should follow a test, vaccinate or remove approach, which has been shown by DAERA’s own research project to be effective.”

 Mike Rendle from the NI Badger Group commented, “Culling is an outdated practice with an unfounded promise of results. The Westminster government’s own Independent Expert Panel branded the recent culls in England ‘inhumane and ineffective’. We are appealing to the public to join us in challenging the cull of healthy badgers, as outlined in the consultation document, by signing our petition today and also sharing their views via the online consultation.”

The public can access the petition by visiting WWW.USPCA.CO.UK or WWW.ULSTERWILDLIFE.ORG

Columba O'Hare

Category: FARMING

Published: 10 August 2021

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The NI Beef Shorthorn Club are hosting an Open Day this weekend at Mullaghglass, Newry.

The event takes place this Saturday 14 August from 2 - 4pm at 15 Church Road, Newry, BT35 6NX.

The Open Day is being hosted by Richard Henning of Mullaglass Shorthorns and is the perfect chance to check out some of their pedigree stock.

Refreshments will be served.

All visitors are welcome - please confirm your attendance by emailing the club secretary at NIBEEFSHORTHORNCLUB@GMAIL.COM.

Further details on Facebook or contact the chairman on 078 01063164

Columba O'Hare

Category: FARMING

Published: 13 August 2021

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Shop til you drop at this year’s Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank taking place from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 September 2021 at Balmoral Park, Lisburn.

Renowned for the array of trade stands on offer, the Balmoral Show is a one stop shop for all with plant machinery, agri machinery and equipment, fashion, food, country crafts, garden furniture and toys all on display for the four days of the Show.

Make sure to make the Eikon Shopping Village, a shopper’s paradise, your first stop as it provides an unrivalled selection of goods and services. With beauty companies galore, upgrade your makeup bag with popular products from Vita Liberata, Ciara Daly, Tropic and Oh My Glam. Plan that perfect getaway and visit the range of hospitality stands such as Roe Park, Johnstown Estate, Nutt Travel and Ireland’s Blue Book. Local talents Catherine Swan and Grace Scott are some of the artists attending who will be displaying a range of vibrant prints and products – all with their own special agri twist! Kildare Candle Barn, Serenity Candles and new exhibitor, Lampshade Jungle will also be on hand to help create your own haven at home with a range of unique homeware products and accessories.

New to the Show this year is the Annex Shopping Villiage and this year it will highlight new exhibitor E-Bikes NI as well as fan favourites Ideal Farm Models and All Country Music. 

As always, the outdoor trade displays at the Balmoral Show do not disappoint, with regular agri-exhibitors returning to prime locations including Burkes of Cornascriebe, Troughton & Bell, Wilsons of Rathkenny, D.A. Forgie as well as Dale Farm, Moy Park, Moore Concrete and of course the global phenomenon that is GRASSMEN!

WAC McCandless, Glenndun Plant, Slater Plant, HML Plant Hire and Construction, Northern Lift Trucks, MAC Gen and Essener Equipment are also set to return to help with all your plant equipment needs. 

This year the Show is delighted to welcome a range of new trade stands including McMullan Agri, Penderfeed, Agri-Kit, Keelagher Contracts, Wessex International, Northstone and Clarke Machinery Group.

For those who want to upgrade their wardrobe, stay ahead of the trend by visiting country fashion favourites such as the Yorkshire Clothing Company (Rydale), Edinburgh Clothing, Roalexs and Dubarry of Ireland.

As Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event, visitors can tantalise their taste buds and sample delights from the region's top producers in the NI Food Pavilion.

Jenny McNeill, RUAS Trade Stand Manager commented, “We are delighted to bring visitors an array of Trade Stand to this year’s Show. There really is something for everyone; from jewellery to clothing, tractors to e-bikes, milking machines to fence posts - it is a one stop shop for all!

“We can’t wait to welcome back visitors to Balmoral Park for the 152nd Show and we are thrilled to be hosting our highly competitive Trade Stand Awards that creates a buzz and some fun rivalry among the Trade providers at the Show.

She concluded, “Tickets are selling fast and I would encourage everyone to buy their tickets online and enjoy all that the Show has to offer. A full list of trade stands will be available online prior to the Show at WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK.”

The Balmoral Show will run from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 September 2021. Tickets are now available to purchase online. Please note this year tickets are day specific only and must be purchased prior to the Show. Conditions of entry can also be found online.

Columba O'Hare

Category: FARMING

Published: 17 August 2021

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An enhanced National Show Jumping schedule is set to make an appearance at this year’s Balmoral Show, due to take place from 22 – 25 September 2021.

Show organisers are urging all who have qualified, to submit their entries online through SJI Live at WWW.SJI.IE to ensure their rider packs are issued prior to the Show. Entries will open Monday 23 August and close on Friday 27 August at 9pm. Furthermore, stabling (if required) and parking are not included within entries. These must also be booked in advance of the Show online at WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK

A list of qualified combinations can be found below.

A highly anticipated National Grand Prix has also been confirmed and is set to attract an array of top ranking Irish Riders. The 1.40m Grand Prix is open to the top 35 riders who have declared expressions of interest. All declarations should be received by Vickie White at vickie@ruas.org.uk by 4.00 pm on Sunday 22 August 2021. Selection will take place on Tuesday 24 August and athletes will be notified by Wednesday 25 August.  Any athlete wishing to include a CV of the horse(s) put forward may do so. Entries from selected athletes must also be made via SJI Live by Friday 27 August 2021.

The Balmoral Show will run to Balmoral Park, Lisburn from Wednesday 22^nd to Saturday 25^th September 2021. Tickets are now available to purchase online at the Show website. Please note this year tickets are day specific only and must be purchased prior to the Show. Conditions of entry can be found online.

For the latest updates on the Show visit WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK  or follow Balmoral Show on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Qualified Combinations

Blue Frog 5 Year Old Championship

Havens Horsefeeds 6 Year Old Championship

TopSpec 7 Year Old Championship

Orthoderm Private Medical Clinic 1.35m Championship

Connolly’s RED MILLS Young Rider Championship

Botanica International Amateur Championship

Millar McCall Wylie Under 10’s Championship

Columba O'Hare

Category: FARMING

Published: 24 August 2021

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A warm welcome is in store for everyone who attends the NI Beef Shorthorn Charity BBQ and Fun Day set to take place on Saturday, 28 August.

Committee member Rachel Jordan and husband Kingsley have generously offered to host this fundraising event, with all proceeds going to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children via their Helping Hands platform.

There will be plenty to see and do at this family themed afternoon, with bouncy castle, crafts, animal farm, music in addition to a delicious Beef ShorthornBBQ and tasty desserts. The afternoon will be topped off by a charity auction with a number of farming and non agri items kindly dontaed. 

The Jordan Family know first hand just how essential the remarkable works are that are carried out by the team of doctors and nurses at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children as their daughter Grace was in their care a number of years ago with a life threatening condition. She has now made a full and wonderful recovery, and is a beautiful and caring little girl who loves her Beef Shorthorn cattle. 

The NI Beef Shorthorn Club are truly thankful to the Bank of Ireland, Moy Park and Slurrykat who have offered financial support to ensure that the event is a huge success. Also thanks to all thiose in advance who have dontaed items for the auction or have pledged help in any way 

The Family fun day kicks off from 3pm on Saturday 28th, and we would love to see you there!

It takes place at 123 Banbridge Road, Waringstown BT66 7RX. For details contact Rachel 07707 326012 or Kingsley 07749 327863

Columba O'Hare

Category: FARMING

Published: 24 August 2021

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The future direction of farming support in Northern Ireland has taken a step forward as Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, publishes a Future Agricultural Policy Framework Portfolio for Northern Ireland.

Publishing the Future Agricultural Policy Framework Portfolio Minister Poots said: “Farming has changed significantly over the past 100 years, with changing methods and investment in technologies across differing sectors. It is therefore very apt in this Centenary Year that we embark upon the development of farming support policies which target actions to meet our local priorities and needs much more effectively for the foreseeable future.

“Business as usual for many farms will not be an option. The future is about delivering both food and environmental outcomes in a sustainable way. Our farmers are up for the challenge and, indeed, many have already invested in green technology and embraced environmentally-friendly farming practices.  

“My ultimate aim is to ensure that Northern Ireland takes full advantage of the opportunity to develop a sustainable agricultural industry in which all farmers are able to make best use of the assets at their disposal and build a legacy of which they can be proud. This will be underpinned by a set of bespoke measures that will ensure the delivery of productive, profitable, environmentally sustainable, resilient and supply chain focused outcomes tailored for Northern Ireland. 

“All stakeholders with an interest in food production and land use must be involved in the co-design of new measures and interventions.  This will ensure that we have the right measures to boost efficiency and resilience whilst enabling a decrease in the agri-food industry’s environmental footprint and creating the means to enhance our natural assets and address climate change.  Our food producers should have confidence in their future whilst delivering multiple public benefits. 

“A healthy and resilient natural world underpins economic prosperity and I will seek the co-operation of others to work with us in developing policies which set a new direction for agriculture and which maximise the benefits for people who live and work here.  I want sustainability to be at the heart of everything we do in DAERA, taking a partnership approach with businesses and communities, enabling them to look after the environment, being its custodian for future generations and creating wealth.

“This Framework will form the basis of ongoing discussions with industry and stakeholders as my officials develop policy proposals, on which I intend to consult in the autumn.  I look forward to engaging with all those in the farming industry as we move forward with my vision for its future.”

Columba O'Hare

Category: FARMING

Published: 30 August 2021

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With the consultation period set to close on Northern Ireland’s first ever Rural Policy Framework, Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA is encouraging those who have yet to respond to do so before 06 September 2021.

Speaking about the consultation, the Minister said: “I am delighted to hear that over 100 rural stakeholders have taken the time to participate in the Department’s online webinars over the last number of weeks.  Officials will host the last online webinar on 31 August at 7.00pm and I would encourage rural dwellers to have their say and tell us what they think about the Framework as this is vitally important for the future of rural communities. 

“Formal responses to the Framework can be submitted through the Citizenspace website.  Once the consultation is complete and approved, my officials will draft a new Rural Business and Community Investment Programme that will ensure that we support a sustainable rural Northern Ireland going forward.

“People living in rural communities face particular challenges such as reduced connectivity, poorer health, lack of access to employment and inferior infrastructure. This Framework aims to create a sustainable rural community where people want to live, work and be active.”

The Framework focuses on five Thematic Pillars and associated priorities for intervention and will be a living document, flexible enough to respond to emerging rural issues as they happen. The five Thematic Pillars include: Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Sustainable Tourism; Health and Wellbeing; Employment; and Connectivity.

To respond to the consultation please visit CONSULTATIONS.NIDIRECT.GOV.UK

Columba O'Hare

Category: FARMING

Published: 07 September 2021

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Visitors to the Healthy Horticulture section at Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank taking from 22^nd to 25^th September, will have the opportunity to learn about two wonderful initiatives, Social Farming and Keeping Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Social Farming will be showcased as a service delivered by farmers, providing the opportunity for individuals with support needs to get involved in farming in a supportive way. Activities are structured, meaningful, and seasonal. Horticulture features across all farms offering Social Farming in Northern Ireland, both in terms of food production and the healing power of nature. Social Farming participants benefit through social inclusion in the farming community and the physical and mental benefits of being outside interacting with nature.

One farmer described their experience as “Providing Social Farming services has brought a new lease of life to our farm, and to us as farmers, allowing us to share our connection to the land and to nature with our community”.

The team from Rural Support’s Social Farming Support Service and practising Social Farmers along with participants will be available to speak to all visitors interested to learn more about this innovative service. Aoibeann Walsh, Rural Support’s Head of Social Farming and Innovation commented; “We are looking forward to sharing the story of Social Farming and its positive impact on the individuals participating on farms across Northern Ireland”.

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful (KNIB) is a local environmental charity dedicated to supporting local people and communities to make a real difference to improving where they live. 

Helen Tomb, Live Here Love Here manager at KNIB commented; “We have so much to talk about at Balmoral Show with calls to action on reducing plastic, tackling litter and showing our pollinators some love. We also want to gather the views of the agriculture, horticulture and farming communities on climate change with a very short survey or conversation to help us shape our Climate Action Training for these sectors.

Our team will be able to tell you all about tackling waste by taking steps to live more sustainably and grants available for local communities to improve their local environment. In addition, we’ll have lots of ideas on increasing biodiversity in your local area and how to apply for the newly launched Rural Community Pollinator Grants.

A new centre piece exhibit for 2021 has been designed by Jilly Dougan creating a platform that will engage, inspire and educate children and adults alike.

The 4 raised beds will have seasonal vegetables, fruit trees and bushes, gorgeous cut flowers and foliage highlighting the variety and diversity of produce that is grown and harvested locally.

One of the beds will illustrate a permanent productive school garden with under-planting for pollinating insects. Jilly said; “Working on Eco-Schools projects this year, with different funders, we installed 29 small orchard areas to provide both fruit for the pupils and whole school community and habitat for wildlife; a real win-win, low maintenance concept which any school or community group could implement”.

This year’s Show will run from Wednesday 22^nd September to Saturday 25^th September at Balmoral Park, Lisburn, that’s four action packed days of family fun.  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 online at the website above.

Columba O'Hare

Category: FARMING

Published: 09 September 2021

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Landowners are being asked to consider planting trees to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies. The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland is hosting a series of woodland clinics at the Balmoral Show from 22 – 25 September where landowners can find out more about different grants available to help farmers create woodland on their land. Grants to plant include the conservation charity’s flagship woodland creation scheme MOREwoods, and DAERA grants Forest Expansion Scheme and the Small Woodlands Grant.

The Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme is open to anyone wanting to plant woodland of at least 500 trees on at least half a hectare of land. The charity can visit your site with you to help design the woodland, create a bespoke species mix, help with form filling, supply the agreed trees and protection and cover up to 75% of costs as well as arrange for contractors to plant the trees. The Forest Expansion Scheme and Small Woodland Grant offer 100% funding to Northern Ireland landowners wishing to establish woodlands of 0.2 Ha (0.5 acres) or more.

All trees and shrubs the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland supply are native broadleaved species that are UK & Irish sourced and grown which will help local landscapes become more diverse and therefore more resilient to future threats, such as pest and diseases.

Gregor Fulton, Outreach Manager for the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland, said: “If you’re thinking of planting trees on your land, we have the trees, grants and funding schemes to help. Come and visit us at Balmoral from 22 to 25 September to find out where to start, what funding is available and the benefits tree-planting can bring to your farm or business in the Faughan Valley.

“There are so many reasons to plant trees. They provide shade and shelter for livestock, transform unproductive land, extend the grazing season, enrich soils, offer a solution for biosecurity, in addition to all the environmental benefits.”

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland will be at the Balmoral show from 22 – 25 September at Stand H4 in Section H of the showground.

To find out more about Woodland Trust Northern Ireland visit WWW.WOODLANDTRUST.ORG.UK