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Balmoral Show have created a handy pocket tool to help guide you on your visit around the Show.
The Balmoral Show App features trade stands and key attractions. To stop you missing out on the action, it also features the Show timetable of events across the action packed four days.
Users will also be able to live stream all livestock and equine classes from the Cattle Rings, Sheep Shearing Fold, Horse Rings 1 & 2 as well as the Main Arena.
The app is available for download from next Monday 20th September on Apple Store and Google Play. Simply search for “Balmoral Show” and download!
The 152nd Balmoral Show takes place from Wednesday 22nd September to Saturday 25thSeptember at Balmoral Park, Lisburn. Tickets are selling fast and must be purchased online in advance at WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK
Conditions of entry can be found online also.
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The Rural Health Partnership (RHP) in conjunction with the Public Health Agency and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, is delighted to facilitate the Farm Families Mobile Health Checks Programme. This programme is a one stop mobile health check facility.
On Friday 1st October the mobile unit will be located at the Fane Valley Stores Altnamackan from 10am – 3pm. The Rural Health Partnership would like to thank Mr Stanley Henderson Manager of the local Fane Valley Store for agreeing to offer his store as the location for the Farm Families Health Check Vehicle.
Speaking about this initiative Majella Gollogly from the Rural Health Partnership said, “The Rural Health Partnership is delighted to have the Farm Families Health Check Vehicle available in our local area. We recognise that Farmers and Farm Families are very busy people and often don’t take the time to look after their own health and wellbeing. Having the Health Checks Unit at the local Fane Valley Store in Altnamackan makes it more accessible and convenient for local farm families to avail of - what better a way to spend 15 minutes!” The health checks will offer a good indicator of one’s overall health, including blood pressure, BMI, Cholesterol, Diabetes risk score and overall wellbeing.
The Rural Health Partnership will be running a series of programmes in the Autumn to support Farmers and Farm Families, including a workshop on Coping with the Pressures of Farming facilitated by Rural Support in the WALD Centre Cullyhanna on 12th October at 7.30pm. If you would like to find out more about what’s coming up, please contact Majella at the Rural Health Partnership email majellagrhp@hotmail.com or phone 07596997883. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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It's Balmoral Show time and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots is looking forward to this year’s Show, which will showcase the very best of Northern Ireland’s agri-food and rural sectors.
The show is taking place from 22 - 25 September at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn and DAERA has a number of exhibits at the event highlighting the work of the Department including the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Forest Service, Green Growth, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and also an exhibit to commemorate Northern Ireland’s centenary year.
DAERA Minister Edwin Poots said: “The 2021 Balmoral Show promises to be a real showstopper with exhibitors from all over Northern Ireland. We will see the very best that NI has to offer in terms of agriculture, food and livestock and there will be plenty of entertainment, shows and good fun.
“We all missed the show last year after the pandemic meant it was unable to go ahead. I am therefore delighted that the show is able to go ahead this year and am looking forward to attending it for the first time as DAERA Minister.
“My Department also has a range of exhibition stands that will demonstrate what we do in DAERA in the areas of Green Growth, CAFRE, Forest Service, NIEA and a Centenary exhibit. Of course, in Northern Ireland’s Centenary year, we reflect on the changes in our agri-food sector, which has rapidly moved forward with innovative new methods and ground-breaking practices. We have seen advances in medicine, technology and robotics and our agri-food sector has always been ready and willing to embrace new ways of working.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the RUAS for all of their hard work in getting the show to this point and ensuring it goes ahead in a safe manner. I have no doubt that everyone who attends it will have a great experience.”
Vaccination Clinic
This week’s Balmoral Show will also have a walk-in Vaccination Clinic, run by the South Eastern Trust, will be open 10am to 6pm from Wednesday to Friday (September 22-24) and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday (September 25).
Tickets for this year’s show must be purchased in advance of attendance and more information on buying tickets and COVID information can be found at WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK
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The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank will celebrate 60 years of Sheep Shearing sponsored by Lister.
A special celebratory installation has been installed in the new Fold at Balmoral Park to celebrate the occasion.
With a full range of sheep shearing classes, make sure to drop by the Fold at Balmoral Park, Lisburn between 22 – 25 September to watch the fast and furious sheep shearing competitions take place.
Tickets are selling fast for this year’s Show that will take place from Wednesday 22ndSeptember to Saturday 25th September. Tickets are day specific and must be purchased online in advance at Please note this year WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK
Conditions of entry can be found online.
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Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has previewed this year’s Balmoral Show ahead of the doors opening to the public today for four days filled with food, livestock, entertainment, competitions and fun.
The Minister was shown the exhibits, the main arena, livestock areas, show jumping arena, horticulture area, children’s farm and the food pavilion by RUAS President, Billy Martin OBE.
Speaking after the visit, Minister Poots said: “We were all disappointed by the cancellation of last year’s show due to COVID-19. Balmoral is the largest agricultural event in Northern Ireland and it is the highlight of the year for many in the agri-food sector. It’s a chance to show off the world-class, award-winning produce we have in this region.
“I am therefore delighted that the show is able to go ahead this year and I pay tribute to the RUAS for their hard work in ensuring the show is safe and enjoyable for everyone who’s got a ticket.
“I am pleased to get a preview of what visitors can expect when they arrive here. While this year’s show is slightly different to previous years, there is still much to see and do. There are well over 300 trade exhibitors, including over 30 food stalls and an extensive shopping village, as well as activities, shows, competitions and displays throughout the four-day show.”
The Minister concluded: “I wish the RUAS all the best for the forthcoming Balmoral Show and trust that everyone will enjoy it.”
President of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, Billy Martin said: “After the disappointment of having to cancel the 2020 Show and the postponement of our Show from May to September, the Society is excited to be able to run the 152nd Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank. Excitement is building at Balmoral Park and tickets are selling well in advance however we are encouraging visitors to buy their tickets online at WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK
“As Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event, it promises to be four fun-filled days offering something for everyone. We are delighted to have almost 2100 head of livestock on show with a record number of entries in the poultry and ponies classes. We also have a range of exhilarating main arena attractions, an array of delicious food and drink providers as well as our unrivalled range of trade stands to shop and explore - it’s all in the Show.”
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Rural Health Partnership (RHP) is running a free workshop for Farmers and members of Farm Families called Coping with the Pressures of Farming in the WALD Centre Cullyhanna on Tuesday 12th October at 7.30pm.
The workshop is part of CAFRE’s Farm Families Key Skills Programme and is facilitated by Rural Support. It will look at the day-to-day management of the farming business as well as including how to deal with health and wellbeing issues that can impact on day to day living.
The workshop is aimed at supporting local Farmers and Farm Families to cope with the pressures that everyday farming and farm management presents. The workshop explores how to recognise stress and in so doing provide tips on how to manage stressful situations, recognising that the most important asset on the Farm is not a piece of machinery but rather the Farmer him/herself.
To register please contact Majella at the Rural Health Partnership email majellagollogly@rhpsa.org or phone 07596997883
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‘Fill Your Boots’ sponsored by Hillmount Garden Centre and 3T Power returned this year to the 2021 Balmoral Show.
Angela Martin and Alan Mercer had the difficult task of judging the competition on the day. Once again, rivalry was fierce as green-fingered enthusiasts battled it to be crowned champion within the Healthy Horticulture section of the Show.
The following winners were announced;
Pre School & Primary School up to 11 Years
1st Ruby McConnell, Ballynahinch
2nd Samuel Little, Poyntzpass
3rd Tornin McConnell, Annalong
12 - 17 Years
1st Cookstown High School Learning Support Cantre
2nd Chloe McConnell, Ballyclare
3rd Zara Little, Poyntzpass
Over 18 Years
1st Bayview Day Care Centre & Lisburn Links YMCA
2nd Ruth McElroy, Dromara
3rd Cheryl Jess, Ballynahinch
Next year the Balmoral Show will take place from Wednesday 11th May – Saturday 14th May 2021 at Balmoral Park, Lisburn. To keep up to date with the latest Balmoral Show information visit WWW.BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK or follow Balmoral Show on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Environment Minister Edwin Poots has launched Northern Ireland’s first ever Rural Community Pollinator Scheme to improve the health of our bees and pollinators and help protect our eco-systems.
The £700,000 scheme, is part of DAERA’s Northern Ireland Centenary Celebrations and will provide grants between £3,000 and £12,000 to rural community groups and schools to create or enhance a rural community pollinator garden and will be delivered by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
Speaking about the fund, Minister Poots said: “In Northern Ireland, butterflies, moths, hoverflies, some beetles, flies, wasps but most importantly bees are our pollinators. They visit flowers, collecting pollen and transferring it to help plants fruit and reproduce.
“They are absolutely central to our eco-system and its diversity. Our countryside, forests and gardens would look starkly different if our pollinators didn’t work so hard to help plants, trees and seeds reproduce and flourish. They also help to provide the habitats where you can find our wildlife.
“Pollinators are vital to our food production and our economy – crops and fruits rely on them to reproduce and grow. One in three bites of food we eat is pollinated by insects.
The Minister continued: “Sadly pollinators are in decline and we need to take urgent action. That is why I am announcing the first ever Rural Community Pollinator Scheme to help improve the health of the pollinator population.
“This scheme is part of the Northern Ireland Centenary celebrations and will create a lasting legacy for rural communities whilst at the same time creating much needed habitat. It will also open up spaces for rural communities to enjoy and share together.
“I look forward to visiting some of these gardens in the future and I am sure they will be enjoyed by the whole community. The Covid pandemic showed us all that we need outdoor shared space in our rural towns and villages, in addition this scheme will create an educational opportunity for people young and old to learn about pollinators and the important role they play.”
Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, which runs the Live Here Love Here programme and will be distributing the pollinator funding on behalf of DAERA, said: “Improving the situation for our pollinators is crucial. DAERA’s recognition of the vital role of pollinators to our economy and agriculture is welcomed in the scale of the rurally focused pollinator grants being launched today.
“Planting trees and wildflowers for pollinating species also enhances the beauty of our local communities which is vital for mental health and wellbeing. We’re delighted to be here today at an amazing Eco-School and we would encourage rural schools, community groups and environmental organisations to contact our grant officers without delay if they need support in making an application.”
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The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is reminding farmers to follow the slurry mixing code to stay safe, as the closed period for slurry spreading is due to commence at midnight on Friday 15 October 2021.
Slurry gas is a mixture of gases, including the extremely poisonous gas, hydrogen sulphide. Even a low concentration of hydrogen sulphide can knock out your sense of smell so you won’t even know it’s there. At higher concentrations you will rapidly find it harder to breathe and become confused - and at certain concentrations, just one breath can kill.
Mixing slurry can be a dangerous job as the gas is released very quickly, and in large quantities, as soon as the mixing starts.
The first 30 minutes are the most dangerous, so it is important to remove all stock from the shed before mixing starts and for farmers to leave the building as soon as the mixing starts. It is also vitally important to stay out of the shed for at least 30 minutes after the mixing starts.
Brian Pryce, part of the Agri-Food team at HSENI, said: “When mixing slurry, please stop and take time to think of the risks involved. Do not take any chances when mixing slurry, your life may depend on it. Stop and think about the entire job ahead and ensure you follow the slurry mixing code.
“Always keep children and animals away at all times during the mixing process. Farmers must stay out for 30 minutes after starting mixing or after moving or re-directing the pump.”
Slurry Mixing Code
Never:
For more information about working safely with slurry contact the HSENI helpline on 0800 0320 121 or visit their farm safety topic page: WWW.HSENI.GOV.UK/FARMSAFETY
Or you can visit HSENI.GOV.UK/ESSENTIALS page and find out more information about ‘Giving Slurry Space’.
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