The consultation was on Northern Ireland’s 2030 and 2040 emissions reduction targets and the first three carbon budgets.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is seeking views on the advice of the CCC – which includes reducing dairy cattle numbers by 22%, beef cattle numbers by 17% and sheep, pigs and poultry numbers by 18%.

UFU president David Brown said that, while the union recognises that action is needed, that it “cannot support” any proposals to achieve net zero that will impact Northern Ireland’s food security and suppress the livestock industry.

“Cutting livestock numbers is not going to change consumer demand for dairy and meat. It will result in products produced to lower standards being imported to replace what we can no longer produce,” he said.

“If this happens, we wouldn’t be playing our part in tackling climate change, we would be passing the buck.

“We would be putting countries that have higher emissions from food production and are working to feed a growing global population, under pressure to produce more food.”

Sustainable food production

Brown said it is vital that a balance is found between sustainable food production in Northern Ireland and climate action.

“It’s critical that a balance is found between sustainable food production in NI which is the backbone of rural communities, and climate action to prevent carbon leakage,” he said.

“Especially when NI dairy farming has reduced its carbon intensity by 34% since 1990 and greenhouse gases from UK beef are about half the global average.

“Government needs to step outside their bubble and wake up to the social and economic impact their net zero targets in NI will create at home and abroad.”

Brown said the union is largely in support of DAERA’s alternative suggestion for reducing emissions from agriculture based on the policies and proposals within the Future Agricultural Policy Programme.

“This remains a very tough challenge for the industry, but we will continue to combat climate change,” he said.

“Agriculture is one of few sectors in NI that has policy ready, and a budget allocated to continue delivering climate action in line with the first carbon budget.

“It’s vital that policy supports us to do the same without supressing local farming.”

The post UFU opposes DAERA consultation on cutting NI livestock numbers appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Members of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) are set to strike for five days, from October 30 until November 3, disrupting Northern Ireland’s ports and abattoirs.

DAERA warned that if the strike action proceeds as has been indicated, that there may be disruption to the flow of goods through the department’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) inspection facilities at Belfast Harbour, Larne Port, Warrenpoint and potentially the airports.

A spokesperson for DAERA said that, while the department has not been formally notified of strike action, that it expects to receive formal notification on the strike this week from NIPSA.

“If strike action proceeds as has been indicated, there will be significant disruption for meat processing establishments, which may present issues in relation to animal health and welfare, public health and continuity of the food supply chain,” the spokesperson said.

“DAERA is taking all steps open to it to mitigate these issues and maintain its essential statutory obligations and is working with its stakeholders, industry, and other partners to explore how the impacts might be alleviated.

“It will also continue to ensure all avenues are explored with trade union colleagues regarding any mitigations that can be put in place to alleviate disruption as far as possible.”

‘Meaningful pay’

NIPSA members working across the veterinary service in DAERA said they will protest the decision to impose a derisory pay award of £552 to all civil servants in Northern Ireland for 2022/2023.

The DAERA spokesperson said: “The department fully respects the rights of colleagues to take industrial action and regrets sincerely that the budget situation that civil servants are trying their best to manage, has meant that it has not been possible to provide a meaningful pay award for NI civil service staff.

“The department very much hopes that a resolution to the current position on NI civil service pay can be found as soon as possible.”

NIPSA members working in ports are set to walk out at midnight on Monday, October 30, and will then be joined by hundreds of members across the Veterinary Service Animal Health Group (VSAHG).

NIPSA’s general secretary, Carmel Gates, said: “Our members are fed up with derisory pay awards.

“They see their counterparts elsewhere on these islands receive significantly better pay and are no longer prepared to suffer in silence.

“They have been subjected to a sanctions budget which is intended to punish politicians.  Unfortunately, it is workers and public services that are being harmed.”

The post NIPSA strike could disrupt flow of goods into NI – DAERA appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The independent charity made a submission to a consultation from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on Northern Ireland’s emissions reduction targets.

A 48% emissions reduction by 2030 and a 77% reduction by 2040 are considered by DAERA as required under the act, based on advice by the Climate Change Committee.

Agriculture is “uniquely placed” to capture the major greenhouse gas (GHG) carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and turn it into a wide range of food, fibres and fuels, Prof. Boyle said and added:

“Local farmers can and must be part of the climate change solution and with the right policy framework and support farmers can rise to the climate and food production challenges.”

In its submission AgriSearch highlighted the need for a balanced and scientific approach, and that DAERA needs to consider the consequences of its intended policy actions.

This includes ensuring the economic and social sustainability of farm businesses, the wider agri-food sector, and the rural economy in addition to the consideration of environmental issues.

Emissions reduction targets

AgriSearch said it is “exceptionally difficult” to assess the realism of the proposed reduction targets without an analysis of the technical measures to achieve these targets, which is yet to be published.

The government is obliged to treat sectors such as agriculture, land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), energy, transport, and waste separately for purposes of the GHG inventory, he said.

However, farmers as land users operate across three sectors – agriculture, LULUCF and energy – and it makes “no sense” to segment their activities as it is required, according to the chair.

He said it is important that credits for above and below-ground carbon sequestration can be applied to agricultural emissions which, as a biological system, “can never reach net zero”.

In its submission AgriSearch also highlighted the need for further investment in science, including social science, as farmers will be asked to make “significant changes” to their businesses.

Calculation

Prof. Boyle said that one of the main metrics used in the national GHG inventory, GWP100 is “flawed” as it does not fully consider the shorter-term impacts of methane in the atmosphere.

This, he said, leads to an “overestimation” of methane’s contribution to global warming patterns, and thus DAERA should apply GWP* which considers the shorter lifespan of methane.

“Alternatively, DAERA should consider the adoption of a twin-gas approach and establish a lower target for methane relative to other GHGs,” according to AgriSearch.

The post Proposed NI emissions reduction targets criticised appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

NIPSA members working across the veterinary service in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) will protest the decision to impose a derisory pay award of £552 to all civil servants in Northern Ireland for 2022/2023.

The strike will commence from Monday, October 30, and last until Friday, November 3, with NIPSA stating the action will be “significant” and disrupt the normal running of ports and abattoirs.

Members working in ports will walk out at midnight and will then be joined by hundreds of members across the Veterinary Service Animal Health Group (VSAHG).

Vets serve as inspectors in abattoirs for veterinary examinations of animals, and carry out assessments of adherence to rules by those who run it.

NIPSA’s general secretary, Carmel Gates, said: “Our members are fed up with derisory pay awards.

“They see their counterparts elsewhere on these islands receive significantly better pay and are no longer prepared to suffer in silence.

“They have been subjected to a sanctions budget which is intended to punish politicians.  Unfortunately, it is workers and public services that are being harmed.”

DAERA

Gates said there is a real and growing crisis in DAERA, with problems recruiting and retaining staff in the VSAHG, and the key reason is “historically low pay”.

“The latest paltry pay award, following decades of austerity and below inflation pay awards, is a further kick in the teeth to all hard-working civil servants,” she said.

“These members play a vital role in ensuring we have a safe food supply. Political decision makers have the power to address this issue by making the funds available to end pay inequality.

“There must now be urgent engagement with NIPSA and a commitment to provide the funds needed to resolve the dispute.”

The post NI vet pay strike to disrupt ports and abattoirs appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The warning follows the confirmation of EHD in France, and the recent spread of bluetongue (BTV) across Europe.

EHD was confirmed for the first time in Europe in October 2022 in Italy. It has since spread to Portugal, Spain, before reaching France.

The disease affects deer most severely, but clinical cases have been reported in cattle at multiple farms in these countries.

Several strains of BTV have been circulating in Europe, with nearly 800 outbreaks confirmed.

The Netherlands reported their first outbreak of BTV since 2009 in September, followed by the Belgium authorities in October.

Last month, French authorities confirmed the presence of a new strain of the disease, BTV-8, which is causing more severe clinical signs in cattle and sheep.

DAERA

DAERA is advising farmers to carefully consider the disease risks associated with sourcing animals from areas in mainland Europe where the viruses have been detected.

The department added that imported animals found to be infected with BTV will be slaughtered.

In addition, no compensation will be paid, and movement restrictions will be placed on the holding for several months while extensive surveillance is carried out to rule out further spread.

Housing and isolation of imported pregnant animals will also be required until the birth of the progeny, which must be tested with negative results before restrictions will be lifted.

Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer (CVO), Dr. Robert Huey said as both bluetongue and EHD are windborne vector diseases transmitted through midges, the main risk for Northern Ireland is the importation of infected animals.

“This was the case in December 2018, when the last detection of BTV was discovered in Northern Ireland, as part of the department’s routine post-import testing regime," Dr. Huey said.

“The disease was detected in a heifer imported from France to a holding in Northern Ireland.

“I would strongly encourage farmers to follow the DAERA guidance and to be aware of the significant risks and the potentially adverse consequences, both for themselves and for the industry, of importing animals from, or transiting through affected areas

“An incursion of bluetongue or Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease to Northern Ireland would result in the loss of disease-free status which would be devastating for the industry,” he added.

Farmers

DAERA has offered the following advice to farmers:

• Anyone who imports animals from a bluetongue affected area must ensure that the animals have been vaccinated against the disease prior to import;
• If the animals are pregnant, the vaccination must have been carried out so that the animal was immune before mating;
• These are legal requirements and conditions must be attested to by the certifying official veterinarian on the health certificate;
• Farmers should also consider seeking additional guarantees from the seller such as a pre-export test to prove effective immunity;
• If you choose to bring animals into Northern Ireland from a disease-free zone via a bluetongue infected zone you must ensure you comply with all the conditions on the export health certificate. This should include the treatment of animals and vehicles with an approved insecticide and ensuring all parts of the health certificate for the imported animals have been met.

Bluetongue affects all ruminants, such as cattle, goats, deer and sheep.

Symptoms may include: fever; swelling of the head and neck; lameness; inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes; drooling; and there is often a high mortality rate.

EHD affects deer most severely, but clinical cases have been reported in cattle at multiple farms in affected European countries.

The post DAERA urges farmers to be vigilant for bluetongue and EHD appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Stewart McGladdery with an address at Grovehill Road, Ballinaskeagh, Banbridge, Co. Down was convicted of two charges of moving the animals at a sitting of Newry Court yesterday (Monday, October 16).

The 33-year-old pleaded guilty and was fined £500, plus a £15 offender levy.

The case arose following the discovery by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) that McGladdery had moved 42 cattle into his herd in breach of TB restrictions which prohibited the purchase of animals into his herd due to a severe TB breakdown.

Under Article 6 (2) of the Tuberculosis Control Order 1999 a veterinary inspector has the power to serve a notice on the keeper of an affected animal or herd prohibiting the movement of animals into the herd or onto the holding.

McGladdery breached the conditions of this notice by moving animals into his herd whilst under restriction.

“Whilst the majority of herd keepers fully comply with the requirements of the bovine TB eradication scheme, it is vital all infected animals are identified, isolated and removed at the earliest opportunity to minimise risk to other stock in the infected herd and in neighbouring herds.

“Current disease levels continue to remain high, at a considerable cost to the public purse and to individual herd keepers, so it is vital that all stakeholders work together to reduce the disease prevalence,” a DAERA spokesperson said.

TB

Elsewhere, a farmer from Dungannon, Co. Tyrone was recently convicted for failing to present all animals for tuberculosis (TB) testing.

Ian Stanley Boyd (56) of Pomeroy Road, Dungannon, pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him at Dungannon Court yesterday (Monday, October 9).

He was fined £1,500 plus a £15 offender levy.

The case arose following Boyd’s refusal to present his animals for TB testing when requested.

This is in contravention of Article 3(2)(b) of the Tuberculosis (Examination and Testing) Scheme Order (Northern Ireland) 1999, contrary to Article 52(1) of the Diseases of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.

Animal testing of all herds in Northern Ireland for TB is mandatory.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has said that the control of bovine TB is dependent on identifying reactor animals at these tests.

Failure to present animals for tests, it said, undermines efforts by both farmers and the department to reduce the incidence of the disease.

The post Farmer convicted of moving cattle into TB restricted herd appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Applications for the three-day study tour researching innovations in hatching and commercial egg production will be accepted from tomorrow until the deadline of Monday, October 9, 2023.

DAERA is offering broiler breeder and commercial egg farmers the opportunity to travel to the Netherlands to learn about and study new technologies for their sectors.

This study tour is part of the Farm Innovation Visits Scheme which is being delivered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

The group chosen for the trip will leave on the morning of Wednesday, November 22, 2023, and return on the evening of Friday, November 24, 2023. The tour will be led by CAFRE’s poultry advisers.

Study tour

The study tour programme will include a tour of Vencomatic Group’s campus with technical talks; a visit to a broiler breeder farm to view an automated egg handling system; a visit to a laying facility to view a new multi-tier system, with heat exchanger ventilation and intelligent lighting; and a visit to Rondeel, a Dutch Better Life system.

While the tour will include visits to farms there will be no access to birds to mitigate avian influenza (bird flu), DAERA said.

The areas of innovation studied on the tour will include:

• Air-to-air heat exchangers – operation and benefits, including ammonia reduction;
• Automated hatching egg handling technology;
• High welfare commercial egg production system;
• In-ovo sexing and on farm hatching of commercial layers;

Applications

DAERA is inviting applications from one member or employee from each poultry business with at least 5,000 commercial laying hens or broiler breeders.

Applicants must be over 18 years old on the application closing date and not in full-time education.

To increase the benefits arising from the study tour, all applicants must identify a group of farmers to share their findings with upon their return.

Up to twenty places are available (aiming to have 10 commercial egg farmers and 10 broiler breeder farmers).

In the situation of over subscription, preference will be given to those with larger poultry enterprises based on potential impact, the department said.

Broiler breeder and commercial egg producers who are interested in participating in this study tour can find out more details and complete an online application on CAFRE’s website.

The post Egg-production tour in the Netherlands opens for applications tomorrow appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

According to the UFU the Northern Ireland Secretary of State has “instructed” the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs  (DAERA) to publish official proposals in relation to TB payments.

The UFU has repeatedly highlighted that there should be “no cuts to the value of livestock removed from farms that have gone down with TB”.

Four months ago the UFU warned DAERA that “stock valuations are not compensation” and that the cattle were not being removed by “choice”, but because there was no other alternative.

Now the organisation’s deputy president John McLenaghan, believes the move by Heaton-Harris to publish proposals on TB valuations, “is an attempt to help stabilise public finances”.

But McLenaghan said: “Our farmers will not tolerate any reduction in payments, especially when we are in this situation due to the shortcomings of our government.

“Incidence levels of TB in Northern Ireland are at a record high because of DAERA’s inability to implement an effective eradication strategy which has been ongoing for generations.”

He said that incidence levels of TB in Northern Ireland are at a record high “because of DAERA’s inability to implement an effective eradication strategy” which according to the UFU has been going on for generations.

The UFU deputy president said that a new strategy to eradicate TB in Northern Ireland was launched back in 2022 by the DAERA minister at that time – Edwin Poots.

The UFU said that Poots stated that a review of the compensation arrangements “would only be considered after the implementation of the strategy”.

According to McLenaghan his organisation has continued to highlight that farmers in Northern Ireland “have never received any compensation for loss of production, and that they are solely paid for the market value of their animals”.

He added: “The value of every single reactor is agreed on by DAERA staff.

“For that reason, our members already carry a significant financial burden when the disease comes to their herd and the UFU remain firmly opposed to these barbaric proposals.”

The UFU has now accused DAERA of doing a “u-turn” on some of the measures that were meant to be put in place as a result of the revised TB strategy.

The organisation’s deputy president has also said that the Northern Ireland Secretary of State should “remember that these cattle are the property of our farmers and the reason why they continue to become infected with the disease is largely because of DAERA’s inaction”.

He added: “They are not a public good that can be devalued to make up a budget deficit.

“To consider devaluing cattle’s worth after the animals have fallen victim to a disease that has become rampant in our region because of our department, is nothing short of theft.”

The post UFU warns against stock devaluations for TB reactor cattle appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Farmers in Zone 1 of the scheme, which encompasses counties Down and Armagh, have received their soil analysis results and the CAFRE events aim to help them interpret these results.

The last of these events will be held on the farm of beef and sheep farmer John Milligan in Castlewellan on Tuesday, September 26, starting at 7:00p.m.

Milligan runs suckler beef, sheep and calf-to-beef enterprises with a strong focus on production from grassland and forage.

He has used soil analysis and nutrient management planning to improve the output from his farm, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said.

The event will focus on using the results of the SNHS soil analysis to assess soil fertility, make best use of organic manures and plan chemical fertiliser applications to maximise grass production, comply with regulations and protect the environment.

The event will also demonstrate how farmers can access their results on the SNHS map viewer and explain how completing the SNHS training available from CAFRE will help farmers make best use of the information provided by the scheme.

The events will feature various speakers including:

• Milligan, the host farmer, will give an overview of his grassland management and explain how he have benefited from participating in the scheme and completing the SNHS training;
• Alex Higgins from Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) will give an update on the SNHS soil analysis results and trends within Zone 1;
• CAFRE technologists will discuss the benefits of nutrient management planning and provide instructions on how to join the SNHS training.

There is no booking required for the event. Those interested can seek more information via the CAFRE website.

The post Final Soil Nutrient Health Scheme analysis event to take place next week appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The new registration and permitting facility NIFAIS, which replaces the Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS), which has been in use for the past two decades, launched last week.

Mart managers in Northern Ireland remain exasperated at what they regard as the debilitating impact of the new livestock permitting system.

James Johnston, the manager of the Ulster Farmers’ Mart in Enniskillen, took part in the meeting with DAERA. He said the new system is "far too slow".

“From what we can gather it may take weeks, or possibly months, to bring it fully up to speed," he added.

“Why did DAERA not wait until they had all the gremlins worked out before introducing the new system?”

According to Ballymena Mart’s Shaun Irvine, the introduction of the new procedures have not been without problems.

“We have had major headaches to deal with over the past few days," he said.

“I am fully aware of the complexities associated with the changeover to the new system. But we have had to deal with numerous delays this week.

“Under the old system, dealing with incoming permits and writing outgoing permits was an almost instantaneous process.

“Now staff at the mart are waiting for up to two minutes simply for NIFAIS to open up a farmers’ herd record.

“This might be ok if only a few cattle are involved.

“But we are dealing with up to 700 or possibly 800 animals at each of our sales. As a result, the delays created in getting the paperwork sorted out were enormous.

“It’s bad enough when dealing with cattle moving from the sale yard back to another farm. It’s a different matter altogether when moving out cattle destined for slaughter within 24 hours.”

Commenting on these developments, Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) president, David Brown, said:

"Many members have been in contact this week reporting problems with the NIFAIS system. We are aware that it has been performing poorly.

“The issues with NIFAIS has created a great deal of disruption and stress for our members who are extremely worried about statuses and penalties that it could cause in the future. We also spoke to local marts and processors, and they too are having issues with the system.

“We urge DAERA to acknowledge that there is a problem with NIFAIS and to communicate with the farming community so they know what is happening. This is critical to ease any fears and confusion.”

Last week, the NIFAIS head, Nigel Trimble, acknowledged some "teething" issues.

“As with any complex IT system roll-out, there have been some teething issues, including system performance, which we are working to address as quickly as possible and our thanks to all the users including farmers, private veterinary practices and the livestock marts and meat plants for their continued patience as  the system becomes fully embedded," he said.

The post DAERA meets marts over NIFAIS concerns appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Nigel Trimble said the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is aware that some users, especially farmers and veterinary practitioners, are not set up correctly for accessing NIFAIS through government gateway authentication.

NIFAIS went live on Monday (September 4) after months of delays and replaced the old Animal and Public Health System (APHIS).

Trimble said replacing APHIS is “a complex task” as NIFAIS is one of the largest and most complex systems ever delivered by DAERA.

“As with any complex IT system roll-out, there have been some teething issues, including system performance, which we are working to address as quickly as possible and our thanks to all the users including farmers, private veterinary practices and the livestock marts and meat plants for their continued patience as  the system becomes fully embedded,” he said.

“We are aware that some users, especially farmers and veterinary practitioners, are not set up correctly for accessing NIFAIS through government gateway authentication and we continue to work  with these users to address this.

“Some online users will also not have access to all the herds they previously could view on APHIS due to revised DAERA policy implemented on NIFAIS which restricts access to herds online to the herd keeper or an agent appointed by them.

“Anyone needing a NIFAIS agent approved for online access should contact their DAERA direct office. Other issues noted this week were an inability to confirm some moves online.”

Trimble stressed that users can confirm moves using MC2 documentation or via DAERA telephony system to avoid imposition of late movement notification statuses if they are unable to do so online.

NIFAIS

DAERA said tens of thousands of animal movements, thousands of animal births and thousands of animals being moved to meat plants have all been registered in the first four days of the bovine functionality going live on NIFAIS.

This latest deployment is a major step towards fully replacing APHIS by 2025, it said.

In the four days since the new system went live there have been:

• 2,123 farmer or agent accounts accessing NIFAIS online;
• 4,232 birth registrations;
• 22,194 animal movements recorded;
• 132 PVP users accessing system for TB testing.

Trimble said NIFAIS will address legacy technology and security risks associated with APHIS and improve functionality and services available to the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland.

The post Roll out of NIFAIS sees some access ‘teething issues’ for farmers and vets appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

It is now necessary for all transporters of livestock animals to have a valid transporter authorisation in order to transport animals over any distance greater than 65km in connection with any economic activity, e.g. trade.

It is also a requirement when transporting animals between member states (including moves to and from Northern Ireland, to register the premises of departure and premises of destination on TRACES in advance of the movement.

This update is in line with the EU animal health law.

TRACES is the online platform for certification required for the importation of animals, animal products, food and feed of non-animal origin and plants into the EU, and the intra-EU trade and EU exports of animals and certain animal products.

Details of this authorisation to transport animals over 65km, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, must be registered on TRACES in order for the health certificate to be generated.

Action required for transport

To ensure that no delays are encountered in north-south trade, or in trade between EU member states, the parties to the trade should ensure in advance that the premises of origin and destination have been registered on TRACES.

Once a premises has been correctly registered as an establishment of origin or destination, this will allow them to be selected on the certificate for each movement and they will not need to re-register.

Registration of farms in the Republic of Ireland can be completed by contacting a local regional veterinary office of DAFM.

To register a premises in Northern Ireland, a local Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) regional office should be contacted.

If this process is not completed prior to the sale of animals, it may result in export delays as it will not be possible to create a health certificate on the TRACES system.

If the journey is to be more than 65km, the parties should ensure that the authorisation of the transporter of the animals is registered on TRACES.

The post Authorisation needed to transport animals over 65km- DAFM appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The reference periods are: 2023-2027; 2028-2032; and 2033 to 2037.

These assessments will be factored into Northern Ireland’s draft Climate Action Plan, which is due to be published before the end of this year.

The initial consultation meeting was held in Co. Derry. Attending Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) staff confirmed that the carbon budgets would be based on net emission figures.

In other words, the potential of agricultural soils and farming businesses to sequester carbon will be recognised.

While the impact of Northern Ireland’s Climate Change Act was discussed in detail, it was also confirmed that subsequent legislation will be required to allow for the full implementation of a Climate Action Plan and the accompanying carbon budgets.

Making this happen will require the input of a functioning Executive at Stormont.

Carbon budgets

The discussion document that accompanies the public consultation references many of the recommendations previously made by the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC).

And, specifically, where agriculture is concerned, they include a proposed reduction of the dairy herd by 22%, a 17% reduction in beef cattle numbers plus a 17% reduction in sheep, pig and poultry numbers.

In overall terms, agriculture emissions in Northern Ireland need to fall by 21% from 2020 to 2030.

The widespread adoption of new and improved breeding, feeding and management practices is envisaged as part of process to reduce greenhouse gas (methane and nitrous oxide) emissions.

DAERA’s current consideration of the CCC ‘Pathway for Agriculture’ is within the context of the policies and proposals contained within the decisions on future agricultural policy announced by the then agriculture minister for Northern Ireland, Edwin Poots, in March 2022.

These are aimed at delivering an agricultural industry with improved productivity, improved resilience, improved environmental sustainability and an effective functioning supply chain. This includes also a focus on reducing carbon.

The CCC Pathway assumes a significant reduction in livestock numbers and an associated transition to significant bioenergy cropping and increased forestry on agricultural land.

According to DAERA, the reduction in livestock numbers is based on the assumption that the consumption of livestock products in the UK will fall and that this will lead to an equal reduction in Northern Ireland livestock numbers.

However, DAERA stated that it is conscious of the nature of the Northern Ireland agricultural sector, with very significant markets for livestock products outside the UK.

The department’s assessment, based on the scenario modelling that has been undertaken by the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS), is that the policies and proposals within the future agricultural policy programme can deliver in line with the emissions reductions in the CCC advice pathway for the agriculture sector.

The agriculture emission reductions in the first carbon budget will, therefore, be achieved without reductions in the numbers of breeding animals, but with a focus on reducing the number of older, non-breeding animals on farm through improvements in animal productivity.

Land released as a result of the reduction in numbers of older, non-breeding animals will be available for alternative land use activities.

The post Consultation on NI carbon budgets gets underway appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Dr. Jason Foy, head of Area-based Schemes Division with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), said: “I am pleased to announce another record payment performance for DAERA, with £291.3 million having issued to 23,420 farmers (98% of eligible applicants) on September 1.

“Payments have commenced six weeks ahead of the traditional October date again this year, to help farm businesses who rely heavily on this vital annual payment.

“Despite challenging budgetary pressures, a linear increase of 2.32% has been applied to the Basic Payment Scheme payments in 2023. This increase in funding will be welcomed by farmers.”

Direct Payments

Payments will continue to be released following successful validation checks for the small number of remaining applications, according to DAERA.

Farm businesses are reminded that, to ensure prompt payment, they should check that their contact details and BACS payment scheme information are up to date.

For 2023, payment letters will be issued via the DAERA Messaging Service. However, if an agent completed the Single Application on behalf of the farm business, the payment letter will be issued by post for the 2023 scheme year.

DAERA said its Messaging Service is a secure way for the department to communicate with customers, who will receive a notification email with a link to the 2023 Single Application Payment Letter in the DAERA Customer Portal.

The DAERA Customer Portal can be accessed by completing a verification process using Government Gateway / NI Direct Account credentials.

Funding

According to DAERA, annual funding for agricultural support in Northern Ireland has been guaranteed by the UK Treasury until the end of the current parliament.

Within the available budget, it was possible to apply an increase of 2.32% to the value of BPS entitlements in 2023, according to the department.

This one-off increase applies to 2023 payments only and equates to an average of approximately £250 extra for each farmer.

Depending on the size of their claim, some farmers will receive more than this amount and some farmers will receive less.

The increase in BPS payments for 2023 is equivalent to the increase made in 2022.

Also today (September 1), payments to applicants under the Protein Crops Scheme issued, totalling £246,560.

The Account NI system, which the department uses to make its payments, will be upgraded during September 2023.

The post £291m in Direct Payments issued to NI farmers appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

These sessions will be held in person and online, beginning tomorrow (Thursday, August 31) and will provide an opportunity for people to have their say on how climate change should be tackled.

The findings will then set an agreed carbon budget and targets and will help inform Northern Ireland's first Climate Action Plan.

The Climate Action Plan specifies a requirement for a 16-week consultation on the first carbon budget which runs until October 11.

DAERA will carry out significant stakeholder engagement during the 16 weeks of this consultation to meet with, receive feedback and hear the opinions of a wide range of stakeholders.

NI emissions targets

In June, DAERA launched Northern Ireland’s first ever consultation on carbon budgets for 2023-2027, 2028-2032 and 2033-2037, as well as the interim targets that should be set for 2030 and 2040 for reductions in greenhouse gases (GHGs) and emissions in Northern Ireland.

A carbon budget is the maximum total amount of emissions permitted for a budgetary period, measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), with the first period being 2023-2027 and every five years thereafter.

DAERA is also seeking views through the consultation on the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) recommended 'Path to Net Zero' for Northern Ireland and is keen to hear from individuals, businesses, communities, and other organisations from across Northern Ireland.

The purpose of the CCC is to advise the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets and to report to parliament on progress made in reducing GHG emissions and responding to the impacts of climate change.

DAERA

DAERA, through these consultations, seeks to discover new policies, programmes, and approaches to decision-making on investment that are needed to secure the necessary progress towards net zero.

The CCC has a recommended agriculture sector pathway that DAERA is considering within the context of the policies and proposals contained within the ministerial decisions on future agricultural policy announced in March 2022.

These proposals "assume" that there will be a "significant reduction in livestock numbers" in Northern Ireland, based on "the assumption that the consumption of livestock products in the UK will fall and that this will lead to an equal reduction in Northern Ireland livestock numbers".

Feedback is being sought on these considerations from the public regarding many different agricultural topics, along with issues in other sectors, including transport, buildings, energy, business and industrial, waste, and fisheries.

The first of the public consultation events will be held in Co. Derry tomorrow from 2:00p.m-4:30p.m at Foyle Valley Railway Museum and North West Learning Disability Centre.

On Tuesday, September 5, a further in-person event will take place at Belfast City Hall from 2:00p.m- 4:30p.m, while those unable to attend the event in person can join a public consultation online on Thursday, September 7, between 7:00p.m and 8:30p.m.

The post DAERA seeks public input on NI emissions targets appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Blue-green algae has been detected in multiple locations across Northern Ireland, including Lough Neagh and Lough Erne, and can potentially produce toxins that may be fatal to livestock and pets.

“The key reason is that excess nutrients are entering our water bodies, primarily from agricultural land use activities and from waste water pressures,” it said in a statement to Agriland.

“Algal blooms occur naturally due to the combination of factors such as water temperature, water clarity, sunlight and nutrient availability.

“However, excess nutrients can compound blooms and lead to the growth of blue-green algae, exacerbated by invasive Zebra mussels leading to clearer water conditions.”

DAERA, as well as the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), has been the subject of criticism on social media in recent weeks due to the water pollution incidences.

Lead singer of punk band The Undertones, Feargal Sharkey, has been active on Twitter regarding incidences of water pollution in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

In one post, Sharkey agreed with a Twitter user that the department was “complicit in creating this ecological disaster”.

DAERA has said it is fully committed to protecting the environment and working with partners to ensure Northern Ireland’s waterways are healthy.

It said the pollution incidences in the lakes may see algae wash up on any part of the shoreline.

“Farmers and pet owners should ensure that animals do not have access to water that appears to be subject to a bloom, as the algae can potentially produce toxins that may be fatal to livestock / pets,” it said.

The department said it recognises that work must be done to improve water quality and reduce pollution in Northern Ireland, but said responsibility for this does not just fall on itself and the NIEA.

“Whilst it is recognised that significant pieces of work are progressing, improvements in water quality will take a considerable period of sustained effort over many years, and DAERA and NIEA cannot deliver this on their own.

“Every person in Northern Ireland needs to consider how their behaviour impacts on the water environment. We all have a part to play in this long-term effort to positively contribute to a sustained improvement in the status of our water bodies.”

The post Excess agri nutrients behind rise in blue-green algae in NI waters appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

This is the computer-based facility that delivers full traceability for Northern Ireland’s cattle and sheep sectors.

The service went down on Sunday evening (August 20) as part of a greater IT ‘crash’ across many of Northern Ireland’s civil service departments.

Large queues of farmers with cattle due for slaughter had built up at a number of meat plants yesterday morning (Monday, August 21).

The incident left many farmers wanting to know why adequate back-up facilities have not been put in place by DAERA when IT problems of this nature arise.

Upgrade of APHIS

Meanwhile, plans remain in place to upgrade APHIS to the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) on Monday, September 4.

This is a project that has been beset with delays. A number of previous attempts have been made to complete this transition, all ending in delay.

DAERA has already spent millions of pounds putting the replacement for APHIS in place.

The project is years behind schedule and has already been the focus of a report from the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) for Northern Ireland.

The C&AG referenced a litany of mistakes and shortcomings that relate to the introduction of NIFAIS. Many of these were apparent from the very outset of the project.

The end result has been years of delay in getting a feasible alternative to APHIS off the ground plus the escalating costs associated with all of this.

The effective introduction of NIFAIS is a priority for Northern Ireland’s beef, dairy and sheep sectors.

For the last decade or more, APHIS was lauded as the system that gives Northern Ireland’s food sectors that all-important advantage on export markets, where guarantees of full traceability from farm to fork are concerned.

The post DAERA confirms APHIS is up and running again appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The sale is proceeding despite Northern Ireland’s livestock traceability system, or Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS), having ‘crashed’ since yesterday (Sunday, August 20)

Auctioneer, Hampton Hewitt, told Agriland: “Assuming that APHIS is still not operating, mart staff will process all the relevant permits manually.

“But this will take time. We would specifically ask all vendors to reference their farm quality assured status on incoming permits.

“We will issue an outgoing permit to all buyers. All relevant data will be uploaded onto APHIS, once the system comes back online.”

APHIS off-line

APHIS went down on Sunday as part of a wider IT malfunction that impacted most of Northern Ireland’s civil service departments.

Queues of farmers with cattle to be slaughtered had been forming at some meat plants since earlier this morning (Monday, August 21).

A representative from the north’s meat industry confirmed to Agriland that cattle held in lairages overnight had been slaughtered first thing this morning on welfare grounds.

Vets will check through the paperwork on these animals as soon as APHIS comes back online.

The plants have been in touch with farmers scheduled to deliver cattle today, advising them not to take cattle in for slaughter.

Upgrade of the system

Meanwhile, the upgrade of APHIS to the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) remains set to take place on Monday, September 4.

Because the transfer of all bovine data to NIFAIS from APHIS is a complex process and to reduce the risk of data loss or corruption, there will be restrictions on bovine tuberculosis (bTB) testing throughout a three-week period, from August 21 to September 11, 2023.

Reactor testing will take place during weeks one and three of the schedule.

There may be a short delay in the removal of reactors due to a reduction in the processing of valuations on APHIS and the generation of movement licences. 

Any disruption is expected to be kept to a minimum and reactors must remain isolated until removed.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said it will be working with all parties to ensure any delays in paying compensation are minimised.

Tag suppliers will have restricted access to NIFAIS during the weekend of September 2 and 3, 2023, so people are being advised to place orders for tags in advance of these dates.

The post Markethill cattle sale to go ahead despite APHIS malfunction appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The end result is that Northern Ireland’s movement permit system is not currently operating.

Queues of farmers with cattle to be slaughtered had been forming at some meat plants since earlier this morning (Monday, August 21).

A representative from the north’s meat industry confirmed to Agriland that cattle held in lairages overnight had been slaughtered first thing this morning on welfare grounds.

Vets will check through the paperwork on these animals as soon as APHIS comes back online.

The plants have been in touch with farmers scheduled to deliver cattle today, advising them not to take cattle in for slaughter.

However, some farmers had not been contacted in time. Those who managed to get their cattle through the gates of the plants have been allowed to offload their animals; they will be placed in lairage and slaughtered as a matter of priority.

Those who were left queuing outside the gates of premises were advised of developments and asked to take their cattle back home.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has confirmed that the APHIS crash is part of a larger IT malfunction within Northern Ireland’s entire public service.

It is not known when APHIS will come back online. The union said it is enquiring into this issue as a matter of priority.  

APHIS

Using APHIS online, farmers can:

• Register cattle births, deaths and stillborns;
• Produce movement notification of cattle moving off the herd to market, abattoir or farm;
• Confirm cattle movements into a herd;
• Use APHIS as the herd book
• View and download a herd list including information about animals DAERA statuses, TB and Br test results and export eligibility;
• View movement and progeny history of every animal in a herd;
• View post- and ante-mortem details of slaughtered animals;
• Produce a report to count and classify animals in accordance with the Nitrate Action Programme.

The post Queues at meat plants as APHIS computer system crashes appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Farmers in Co. Fermanagh, west Co. Armagh and south Co. Tyrone are invited to register for Zone 2 of the scheme before the deadline of August 31, 2023.

So far, over 60% of farmers in the Zone 2 area have not applied yet for the scheme, according to the UFU.

UFU president David Brown said this figure is "extremely worrying" as farmers who fail to apply for the scheme before the deadline could lose future farm payments.

"The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has made it clear that being part of the scheme will be a requirement for future agriculture support payments and have assured farmers that it will not use information from the scheme for regulation purposes," Brown said.

“Farm payments are critical to sustaining family farms across Northern Ireland and I do not want any of our members to lose this essential support because they missed the deadline for the soil scheme.

"If farmers in Zone 2 do not apply, it will also put them a step behind those who do. This new scheme will have massive benefits for farm businesses as well as delivering for the environment."

Soil Nutrient Health Scheme

The £37 million DAERA-funded scheme is open to all 27,000 farm businesses in Northern Ireland, with a potential for up to 700,000 fields to be sampled by the end of the project in 2026.

DAERA has said that participation in the scheme will be a condition for future Farm Sustainability Payments, which will replace the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

Brown said Northern Ireland is the first region to establish an "extensive baseline" of all farms on soil nutrients, below and above ground carbon stocks.

"Farmers do not want to get left behind on this," he said.

"The scheme will be critical as we progress towards climate change targets adopting a science led, evidence-based approach and will also help to improve water quality.

“I urge all farmers to make it a priority to begin their application today for the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme. Especially as some may need to reach out to their local DAERA office about their application which will require extra time.”

Zone 1 of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme was launched in 2022 and over 90% of farmers in the southeast of Northern Ireland are taking part.

Those in the scheme also have access to online training from the department’s College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), which helps them to interpret their soil analysis reports and prepare soil nutrient management plans.  

Director of environment and marine sciences at AFBI, Pieter-Jan Schon, said the scheme will provide farmers with “important information on soil nutrient and pH levels for each field on their farm”.

“Participation will also give these farmers access to an online portal where they can view their results and print off their farm maps.

“Farmers will receive maps showing areas at high risk of runoff and nutrient loss to watercourses and a first baseline estimate of the amount of carbon stored in their soils, hedgerows and trees.”

The post UFU worried about farmers meeting soil health scheme deadline appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Farmers in Co. Fermanagh, west Co. Armagh and south Co. Tyrone are invited to register for Zone 2 of the scheme before the deadline of August 31, 2023.

DAERA hailed the scheme as “world-leading” and said farmers will walk away with a new understanding of their soil nutrients, pH levels and the carbon stored in their soils.

“The scheme will help you with nutrient management planning and guidance in preventing run off and nutrient loss to watercourses,” it said.

The Soil Nutrient Health Scheme is managed by the Agri-food Biosciences Institute (AFBI) on behalf of DAERA.

Director of environment and marine sciences at AFBI, Pieter-Jan Schön, said the scheme will provide farmers with “important information on soil nutrient and pH levels for each field on their farm”.

“Participation will also give these farmers access to an online portal where they can view their results and print off their farm maps.

“Farmers will receive maps showing areas at high risk of runoff and nutrient loss to watercourses and a first baseline estimate of the amount of carbon stored in their soils, hedgerows and trees.”

This information, he said, will help farmers match nutrient applications to crop needs more accurately which will help to increase efficiency while also reducing the farm’s environmental footprint.

“To date 2,440 farms have registered in Zone 2 and we do not want any farmers to miss out on this opportunity to get a completely free soil analysis baseline for their farms,” he said.

DAERA’s permanent secretary, Katrina Godfrey, said the scheme has seen good interest so far and urged more farmers to register, as the deadline will not be extended beyond the end of the month.

“I urge all farm businesses within Zone 2 to register at their earliest opportunity and not miss out on participation in this important scheme which aims to improve sustainability and efficiency in the farming sector,” she said.

“It is also important for farmers to note that participation in the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme will be a condition for future Farm Sustainability Payments, which will replace the Basic Payment Scheme.”

Zone 1

Zone 1 of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme was launched in 2022 and over 90% of farmers in the southeast of Northern Ireland are taking part.

Those in the scheme also have access to online training from the department’s College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), which helps them to interpret their soil analysis reports and prepare soil nutrient management plans.  

Those who have fields in Zone 2 are asked to register as soon as possible for the scheme, which can be done through a Government Gateway Account via the DAERA website.

This £37 million DAERA-funded scheme is open to all 27,000 farm businesses in Northern Ireland, with a potential for up to 700,000 fields to be sampled by the end of the project in 2026.

The post Calls for NI farmers to register for Zone 2 of soil health scheme appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The compensation payable, for reactors and negative in contacts for which notice of intended slaughter is issued in August 2023, will be either:

1. 75% of the animal’s market value; or
2. 75% of £2,268 (75% of £2,568 in the case of pedigree animals).

The selected measure will come down to whichever figure is the lesser, DAERA said.

The department compensates herdkeepers when animals are compulsorily removed under the Brucellosis Control Order (Northern Ireland) 2004.

This month’s compensation rates are the same as those of May, June and July.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis, a highly contagious disease of cattle caused by a bacterium, can spread as result of animals coming into contact with infected female cattle, aborted foetuses or discharged placental tissues and fluids.

The disease can cause an abortion storm in infected females and, if it becomes established, can lead to decreased milk yields, infertility, weak calves and serious financial loss.

Brucellosis reactors are animals that have failed a serology blood test for brucellosis and are thus subject to slaughter and related compensation.

The herdowner will receive whichever is the lesser payment applicable to them and DAERA said that, in no situation, can compensation therefore exceed 100% of the market value.

The “market value” of an animal is defined in the Brucellosis Control Order as meaning the price which might reasonably have been obtained for it at the time of valuation from a purchaser in the market if it had been free from disease, DAERA said.

In terms of how animals are valued, a DAERA valuation officer will contact affected farmers to make appointments to come to the farm and carry out a valuation.

The officer will first check the identification of the reactor and may mark the animal. They will then assess the current market value of the reactor based on their own knowledge and experience.

The post NI brucellosis compensation rates remain unchanged for August appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The programme is being undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) in an effort to reduce the number of fatal incidents on farms involving vehicles, which over the last 10 years has claimed the lives of 17 people.

The programme will begin in August and continue until March 2024 and will include safety inspections on how vehicles on farms are maintained, if those operating the vehicle hold the correct qualifications, and if there is a mobile phone policy for drivers.

Between 2013 and December 2022 there have been 53 fatalities on farms in Northern Ireland, 17 of which involved vehicles.

HSENI principal inspector Camilla Mackey said: “Each and every death is a tragedy for a family and community. All of the incidents we have seen could have been prevented.  

“Often the older farmer or young children are involved in vehicle incidents on farms with tragic consequences.

“We have seen serious incidents involving vehicles as a result of inoperable or faulty braking systems, the lack of roll-over protection, poor maintenance, failing to keep people and vehicles apart, and inadequate driver training.

“While we have been working closely with the farming community on a range of issues, this scheme is focused on workplace transport in three specific risk areas of safe site, safe vehicle, and safe driver.”

Where significant risks are found, inspectors may take enforcement action in order to achieve compliance with health and safety legislation to ensure that the risks are properly managed.

Mackey added: “Farmers must also consider the safety of visitors to their site, e.g., veterinary services or DAERA [Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland] staff, agricultural deliveries and collections, and contractors.

“We are calling on the farming community to work with us to help reduce the risks associated with farming by taking a few moments to think SAFE before every job.”

Inspections

Inspectors to farms in Northern Ireland can be expected to assess the farmers on a range of factors that impact the safety of a farm vehicle, which include:

• Is there a single entrance and sufficient lighting to the farmyard and dwelling house?;
• How vehicles, pedestrians, and young children are managed during busy periods and if there are visibility aids used around the farmyard such as convex/concave mirrors;
• Whether roadway surfaces are well maintained and if slats on underground tanks are checked to ensure stability for vehicles driving over them;
• If farm vehicles are adequately maintained by a competent person and if the brakes, mirrors, lights, window wipers and reversing cameras are in place and in good condition.

Regarding those operating the vehicles on the farm, the inspector may look for:

• If those working on the farm hold adequate licences/training certificates for the vehicles they are authorised to drive, and if they are aware of vulnerable people who may be on the premises;
• If the farmer is aware of the legislation surrounding children being carried on, or driving agricultural vehicles;
• If there are adequate emergency procedures in place in the event an incident occurs.

The post NI farms to face vehicle safety inspections from August appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

This follows the confirmation by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) of further positive results for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds.

Aston said: “Poultry farmers must remain vigilant and that means maintaining the highest levels of biosecurity at all times.”

Meanwhile, there is growing concern within the north’s poultry sector of what’s now becoming a year-round HPAI threat.

Significantly, Aston does not anticipate any decision on the part of DAERA, calling for poultry flocks to be housed as a biosecurity measure at the present time.

HPAI has also been detected in two fox cubs along with wild birds in the Portrush area over recent days.

While this is the first time mammals have been confirmed as having influenza of an avian strain in Northern Ireland, it is not unexpected.

There have been similar findings in mammals over recent months across Europe, Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland.

The most recent findings from Portrush were detected as part of DAERA’s routine disease surveillance, and the laboratory has confirmed the strain of the disease as H5N1 in both the fox cubs and wild birds.

DAERA is encouraging the public to keep their dogs on leads and keep pets away from carcasses, particularly in coastal areas. Posters have recently been issued in conjunction with local councils to reiterate this message.

The public is also being urged to report any findings of dead wild birds through the new online reporting form on the DAERA website.

Since its launch almost two weeks ago, over 150 reports have been made by members of the public.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency (PHA) has advised that human infections with AI are rare as it is primarily a disease of birds, with the risk to the health of the general public being very low.

Members of the public should not pick up or touch sick, dying or dead poultry, wild birds or wild animals and keep pets away from them.

The should avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces. Untreated bird feathers (such as those found in the environment) and other bird waste should be avoided.

It is also important to maintain good personal hygiene with regular hand washing with soap and use of alcohol-based hand rubs.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also advised that there is a very low risk to public health from the consumption of properly cooked poultry meat or eggs, provided appropriate hygiene measures are followed.

Not all dead wild birds will be collected by DAERA for surveillance. Where dead wild birds are not required for surveillance purposes or other carcasses are found and not collected for surveillance purposes, it is the landowner’s responsibility to safely dispose of the carcasses.

The post North’s poultry sector on full biosecurity alert appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

DAERA announced on Friday (July 21) that it had launched a call for evidence on its Future Operational Protocol to assess the impacts of air pollutants, such as ammonia, on the natural environment.

The call will be open for eight weeks until September 15.

According to DAERA, the call is part of an effort to address “the growing problem” of ammonia emissions from agricultural activities and the effect on sensitive habitats and biodiversity across Northern Ireland.

The department said that current policy is to deliver a solution which achieves “both a protected and improved environment and a sustainable agriculture sector”.

The call for evidence follows on from a recent consultation on a draft ammonia strategy.

The Future Operational Protocol is used by DAERA to provide advice to planning authorities and other competent authorities on the potential impacts of air pollution from plans and projects on designated sites and protected habitats.

A DAERA spokesperson said: “This call for evidence presents available scientific evidence, taking account of legal requirements, and drawing upon expertise from subject area specialists. However, we recognise that we may not have access to all evidence of relevance.

“Therefore, stakeholders are invited to submit additional evidence that will contribute to the development and delivery of a scientifically robust, evidence-informed, operational protocol.”

However, the UFU, while saying that the call for evidence is “long overdue”, expressed worries over the proposals for planning assessments included in the call, saying these are “extremely concerning for the future of the Northern Ireland agri-food industry”.

The farm organisation said the proposals have “the potential to prevent sustainable on-farm development”.

UFU president David Brown commented: “Ammonia is a very complex issue and our farmers are very much aware of this. However, at first glance, the proposed policy is very concerning for agriculture.”

“The suggested ammonia assessments will have implications for all sectors and farms of all sizes that wish to develop and will ripple into the wider agri-food sector and beyond.

“[Northern Irish] farmers must be allowed to develop and modernise sustainably so they can reduce emissions and improve animal health and welfare while producing high-quality food for a growing population,” Brown added.

He continued: “If the ammonia planning protocol does not support them to do this, their farms will become inefficient, and it will be impossible for their businesses to remain competitive.

The UFU president said that agri-businesses, the rural economy, communities, and consumers will be “severely affected” by this. He called for a “balanced way forward” that allows farmers to develop and deliver ammonia reductions.

“While we are encouraged that DAERA has recognised that farms modernising and replacing existing structures without expansion should be treated differently within the planning protocol, the proposals still remain extremely challenging on this aspect.”

Brown said that the UFU will be seeking “expert advice” on all areas of the call for evidence document.

“We will also take time to review and discuss it within our UFU structure to support us in providing a robust response. This is vital to ensure that family farms have a viable and prosperous future,” he added.

The post DAERA call for air pollution evidence ‘extremely concerning’ – UFU appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

This is one of the findings of a major four-year project currently underway at Northern Ireland’s Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

Ammonia is produced when faeces (which contains the enzyme urease) and urine (which contains urea) mix, with this process taking place on the floors of livestock houses, during slurry storage and at field spreading.

The ammonia gas produced enters the atmosphere and may be deposited locally on sensitive habitats, where the nitrogen within ammonia can cause nutrient enrichment of soil and water and lead to biodiversity loss. 

Both livestock production and sensitive habitats have a significant presence in Northern Ireland and, as such, ammonia emissions present a key challenge for the livestock industry in order to support the health of sensitive habitats. 

Lowering crude protein

AFBI is partnering with John Thompsons and Sons Ltd., and Trouw Nutrition Ltd., in developing the new project. Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs ( DAERA) funding is also available.

In one of the studies within this project, dairy cows were offered diets containing either 14%, 15.5% or 17% crude protein on a dry matter (DM) basis, with the concentrates offered with each treatment formulated using different raw material inclusion levels.

During this study samples of faeces and urine produced from cows on each diet were collected and subsequently mixed and incubated in a temperature-controlled environment.

Ammonia produced from the different manures was then measured over a four-week period using a photo-acoustic gas monitor.

The work has confirmed that reducing dietary crude protein levels from 17% to 14% reduced ammonia emissions by an average of 64%, with emissions from the 15.5% crude protein diet intermediate in nature.

Bigger picture

In addition, the AFBI work clearly demonstrates that ammonia production was highest during the days after the faeces and urine were produced, and gradually decrease over time.

The background document produced by DAERA as part of Northern Ireland’s recent ammonia consultation contextualises the current AFBI work extremely well.

It specifically points out that action on this matter is required urgently, in order to achieve better outcomes for nature, and for public health.

In other words, addressing this challenge is essential to see agriculture thrive while at the same time protecting our environment.

The greater the extent and speed of action to lower ammonia emissions and reduce ammonia concentrations, the greater opportunity there will be to support sustainable farm development.

Northern Ireland has 394 sites of high nature conservation value designated for their protection.

Almost 250 of these are sensitive to the impacts of ammonia and nitrogen. The vast majority of designated sites are currently experiencing ammonia concentrations and nitrogen deposition above the critical levels and loads at which damage to plants may occur.

As a consequence, sustained and tangible reductions in ammonia are required to protect nature, to meet Northern Ireland’s legal obligations and to ensure a sustainable agri-food sector.

Ammonia targets

DAERA has set two 2030 ammonia targets. These are 1) to reduce total agricultural ammonia emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels and 2) to reduce ammonia levels at internationally designated sites by 40% by 2030.

There are two pillars to the envisaged ammonia abatement strategy that has been proposed by DAERA. Pillar 1 comprises ambitious and verifiable ammonia reduction programme with Pillar 2 centred on conservation actions to protect and restore nature.

The establishment of a stakeholder group, representing primary agriculture, the agri-food supply chain and the environmental sector, has been proposed to advise on implementation of the finally agreed measures.

The steps that can be taken on farm to reduce ammonia production and emission levels are multi-faceted.

The uptake of verifiable ammonia reduction technology in livestock housing will be encouraged. There will also be a requirement to spread all slurry using low emission slurry spreading (LESS) equipment by 2026.

Trials have shown that nitrogen excretion levels in cows’ urine can more than double if dietary protein levels are boosted from 14% to 19%.

This process, in itself, puts an additional energy demand and increases the metabolic stress on the cow.

The fact that urea is a very volatile chemical means that a high proportion of it is lost to the atmosphere when slurry is spread on land.

Urea is also very water soluble. As a consequence, it can add to the pollution threat posed by slurry.

Typically, the nitrogen efficiency of dairy cow diets will be in the region of 22% to 32%.

Reducing emissions

Developing verifiable systems to encourage implementation of longer grazing seasons has significant potential for the future.

The need to reduce ammonia emissions from fertiliser will include a consultation on the potential introduction of a prohibition on the use of urea fertiliser without an inhibitor in 2024.

Establishing systems to implement and verify crude protein reductions in livestock diets can play a key role in reducing farm ammonia production levels, as will the identification and selection of genetic traits that maximise nutrient use efficiency.

In addition, supporting protein crop establishment is already available, courtesy of a pilot scheme.

And, finally steps will be taken to encourage the development and implementation of emerging technologies for ammonia reduction.

Livestock diets

It is universally agreed that reducing crude protein in livestock diets has a significant influence on ammonia emissions.

Reducing the amount of nitrogen in animal feed reduces the amount in excreta, leading to less of the nutrient being available for ammonia generation.

Scientific research shows that ammonia emissions are reduced by 8-10% for every 1% fall in crude protein in pig diets.

Ammonia reductions of up to 35% are thought to be possible in poultry diets.

Across the livestock sectors, including cattle, it is envisaged that reducing crude protein in all livestock diets can achieve an industry wide reduction in ammonia of around 9%.

Trials have shown that nitrogen excretion levels in cows’ urine can more than double if dietary protein levels are boosted from 14% to 19%.

This process, in itself, puts an additional energy demand and increases the metabolic stress on the cow.

Typically, the nitrogen efficiency of dairy cow diets in Northern Ireland will be in the region of 22% to 32%.

The post Less crude protein reduces ammonia emissions from cow slurry appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The department has advised that cattle being moved south of the border will have to meet new trade requirements when the Republic of Ireland (ROI) achieves BVD free status, expected in 2024.

The BVD eradication programme in Ireland was approved by the EU Commission in July 2022, resulting in new export requirements for cattle moving to the jurisdiction for breeding and production.

DAERA

DAERA said that when Ireland achieves formal BVD free status the export requirements will change again.

This means that the export of any animal that has been vaccinated for BVD in its lifetime will be banned.

“BVD vaccinated animals currently remain eligible for export to Ireland, and this will continue until BVD free status is achieved.

“Keepers who wish to export cattle next year should now plan for the new requirement as BVD vaccination will prevent this trade. Animals moving directly to slaughter are unaffected,” a department spokesperson said.

Cattle owners are advised to seek advice from their private veterinary practitioners (PVPs) as BVD vaccines play an important role in protecting breeding animals from becoming infected with the BVD virus and for many herds their continued use is recommended.

Currently, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and parts of Germany have achieved BVD Free Status.

Full details of the BVD pre-export requirements for cattle moving to member states with an approved programme or disease-free status are listed on the DAERA website.

The department said that cattle owners should discuss how they can meet these requirements with their PVP well in advance of the proposed date of export.

BVD is a highly contagious disease which reduces the productivity and profitability of affected herds, as well as compromising animal welfare.

The level of BVD in animals across Northern Ireland has fallen over 50% since the introduction of the compulsory eradication scheme in 2016.

The department recognised that further measures are required including development of a second phase of legislation to support the eradication of BVD in Northern Ireland.

The post DAERA: New BVD requirements for cattle exports to Ireland appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The NIFAIS will replace the existing Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS), which has been in operation since 1998. 

While the data is being transferred between the systems there will be a reduction in tuberculosis (TB) testing to reduce the risk of data loss or corruption.

The reductions are as follows:

• Week commencing August 21: only Reactor Herd tests will be tested on the Monday and results read on the Thursday;
• Week commencing August 28: no testing;
• Week commencing September 4: no TB testing to commence on Monday. Only Reactor herd testing Tuesday – Saturday.

DAERA is urging herd keepers, whose compulsory TB tests fall within this period, to contact their vet now to arrange an alternative date to ensure they avoid going overdue, as restrictions will be imposed.

This testing restriction period will be taken into account in any assessments for breaches of the Cross Compliance requirements for TB testing, however it remains the herd keeper’s responsibility to comply with TB testing requirements irrespective of these arrangements.

All tests can be started 30 days in advance of their due date, and it may be possible to arrange some non-reactor herd tests even earlier than this, if agreed with DAERA.

There may also be a short delay in the removal of reactors due to a reduction in the processing of valuations on APHIS and the generation of movement licences, but DAERA said any disruption will be kept to a minimum and reactors must remain isolated until removed.

It will still be possible to export animals during the three-week period, but again, exporters are advised to plan ahead with their vet ensure any required tests are completed in time and prior to the restriction period.

Tag suppliers will have restricted access to NIFAIS during the weekend of September 23-, so tag orders should be places in advance of this date if needed.

The NIFAIS was originally supposed to launch on June 12, but was postponed as further testing and integration with IT systems was needed.

The post Short pause in TB testing as NIFAIS launches in September appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Phelim Connolly said that by allowing field hedges to develop and grow, it provides more sources of food for pollinators and farmland birds.

He added that hedges cut annually will not develop a hawthorn blossom, however if people cut one in three years, these hedgerows “will develop more fruit and support more biodiversity”.

To benefit the environment, Connolly recommended that farmers wait until later in the winter to cut hedgerows, giving farmland birds the opportunity to feed off the berries in the winter time.

He said farmers could also choose to cut hedges in rotation, for example cutting one third of the hedges on a farm at any time, meaning that when hedges are cut there is still a food source available for bees and farmland birds.

Hedgerow management by farmers

Connolly said “it is clear to see” the positive impacts good farm management practices can have on the environment.

He paid tribute to Northern Ireland’s farmers who manage thousands of kilometres of hedgerows and said that this year in particular “there has been a spectacular abundance of hawthorn and blackthorn blossoms”.

Under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), hedgerow management rules detail that:

• Hedge, tree or scrub cutting is not permitted during the nesting season between March 1 and August 31;
• If you own or occupy land next to a public road or footway, you are responsible for maintaining hedges and trees to ensure that they do not obstruct the movement of vehicles and pedestrians or block the view of drivers;
• If management is necessary farmers can still consider allowing single hawthorn trees to establish every 20m within the hedgerow;
• The ‘field’ side of the hedge should not be cut and you should ensure you have clear evidence for the health and safety need for management.

“Now is a good time to take stock of when cutting should take place, which hedges are likely to produce an abundance of fruit, or think about which hedges may be allowed to grow further to provide important sources.

“There is so much within the farmgate already that farmers can do to improve the environment around us,” Connolly said.

The post CAFRE: Hedgerow managing tips that ‘benefit’ the environment appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

It will be a core project in helping farmers to achieve their climate change targets.

In essence, the new programme will be the vehicle through which improved breeding programmes secure significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions within the cattle and sheep sectors.

The initial focus of the project will be on the beef and dairy sectors, with the sheep sector to follow.

Farmer participation will be encouraged through the decision to link compliance with the scheme to eligibility for future farm support measures in Northern Ireland.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), SRG will help drive improvements in productivity and environmental performance in the ruminant livestock sectors.

The programme will be delivered by DAERA, in partnership with the agri-food industry.

Farm stakeholder bodies in Northern Ireland have already come together to establish a new company, Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG) Ltd.

The new business has been established as a non-profit initiative. It is a strategic partnership between the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI), Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) and Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA).

It will assist DAERA in delivering several key functions including the promotion and marketing of the new programme.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise CAFRE will provide training to support the industry to maximise the benefits delivered by SRG.

It is envisaged that genetic improvement will contribute significantly to achieving the target reductions in GHG emissions. The first phase of this programme will provide farmers with the data and evidence to make better informed breeding decisions to advance genetic gain in dairy and beef animals.

Sheep farmers will also wish to increase the rate of genetic improvement. However, at this stage, the best approach for achieving this has yet to be decided.

The new programme was launched recently on the Co. Antrim farm of Thoburn McCaughey. The business comprises dairy, beef and sheep enterprises.

Former UFU president, Victor Chestnutt has been appointed chair of SRG.

The launch of the new programme

Speaking at the launch event, he highlighted the importance of food security as a global priority. And in this context, he foresaw the role that farming and food in Northern Ireland can continue to play.

But Chestnutt also recognises the need for all the farming sectors to improve their levels of efficiency, as they respond to the targets laid down within Northern Ireland’s climate change legislation.

“Farmers will change the way they operate their businesses as they commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emission levels,” he added.

“But all of this can be achieved without diminishing the farming and sector’s commitments, where food production is concerned.

“The ruminant genetics programme will provide farmers with the required tools and data, supporting them to make better, more informed breeding decisions.

“This will create breeding practices that are more productive resulting in carbon efficient animals.”

According to Chestnutt, a different solution will be required for sheep, compared to cattle: there is no centrally held database for ovines.

Sheep

SRG will work with DAERA to incorporate the sheep sector into the genetics programme at the earliest opportunity.

This will take into consideration the recent report by the Northern Ireland Sheep Industry Taskforce, outlining its vision for the future of the sheep sector.

It is estimated that only 12% of Northern Ireland’s dairy cows and 3% of suckler cows are involved in physical or financial benchmark reporting.

This compares badly with the 70% dairy and suckler compliance in the Republic of Ireland, where these matters are concerned.

Targets

In order to improve this situation in Northern Ireland, SRG will work to encourage farmers to engage with the ruminant genetics programme, showcasing the benefits of this approach for their farm business and the environment.

“The aim is to have 70% of dairy and beef cows included in the programme benchmarking services within five years from when the programme was launched,” Chestnutt said.

“Genetic profiling and DNA testing of cattle will be required to deliver the desired genetics evaluations and SRG is currently exploring options with DAERA to deliver this.

“However, no decisions have been made regarding the scale required or the timing of delivery.

“The focus now for SRG is on promoting the ruminant genetics programme and engaging with farmers to inform them about how they can avail of its services including benchmark reports and training.

“By getting involved in the programme, farmers will gain vital data that can drive breeding decisions based on genetic merit assessment to suit their individual business objectives, which in turn will help reduce their carbon footprint contributing to climate change targets.”

SRG in context

The launch of SRG brings to an end all the talk concerning the need to secure real information regarding the actual performance of Northern Ireland’s ruminant livestocks.

In essence, the new initiative takes us from the planning to the delivery phase of farming’s response to climate change.

Signing up for the new scheme is not mandatory in that legal sense. But in reality it is. DAERA and the livestock industry stakeholder bodies have confirmed that compliance with the new scheme is required for those livestock farmers wishing to receive the full complement of support measures, once the current single payment scheme comes to an end.

At a fundamental level SRG confirms the basic reality that the attainment of improved efficiency levels is the only show in town, when it comes to agriculture meeting the emission targets laid down within Northern Ireland’s climate change legislation.

In essence, the new programme sets out to identify those animals that produce less methane.

The good news for farmers is the positive association between lower biogenic methane production levels and enhanced animal performance.

So, it should be possible to breed stock that can tick both boxes.

In making this happen, livestock farmers will be asked to meet certain requirements. One of these will, probably, be the referencing of both the sire and dam details when registering a newborn calf.

Genotyping of all calves will also be expected at time of registration. This will require a tissue sample being taken and submitted for analysis when the animal is initially tagged.

But farmers are already doing this, where bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is concerned. So pushing ahead with the proposed genotyping work should not be that big a challenge – at farm level at least.

One obvious omission is the fact that SRG will not be committing to make milk recording mandatory.

The uptake of this technology within Northern Ireland’s dairy sector remains extremely low. This is a situation that beggars belief, given that regular milk recording allows farmers to consistently identify their best performing cows on a wholly-scientific basis.

Where dairy is concerned, the days are long gone when bulk milk tank figures alone will allow farmers to develop fit-for-purpose breeding programmes.

And milk output is only one piece in the jig saw puzzle. Getting an accurate perspective on individual cell count and udder health related data must be placed at the heart of future dairy breeding initiatives.

So it’s over to the milk processers then to address this critically important issue. 

The post Sustainable Ruminant Genetics programme launched in NI appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The compensation payable, for reactors and negative in contacts for which notice of intended slaughter is issued in July 2023, will be either:

1. 75% of the animal’s market value;
2. 75% of £2,268 (75% of £2,568 in the case of pedigree animals).

Brucellosis reactors are animals that have failed a serology blood test for brucellosis and are thus subject to slaughter and related compensation.

The herdowner will receive whichever is the lesser payment applicable to them and DAERA states that in no situation can compensation therefore exceed 100% of the market value. 

The brucellosis compensation rates are the same for the previous months of May and June in 2023.

Brucellosis compensation

The compensation rates are determined through valuations carried out by a DAERA livestock valuation officer.

In the case of a disagreement over the DAERA valuation, a second individual valuation will be carried out by an independent valuer. 

The appeal (together with the required fee of £100 in the case of a herdkeeper) must be sent within 30 working days of the determination of market value.

Farmers are compensated for losses in respect of animals slaughtered under the department’s brucellosis prevention and eradication control programme.

Brucellosis is a highly contagious disease of cattle caused by a bacterium which spreads as result of animals coming into contact with infected female cattle, aborted foetuses or discharged placental tissues and fluids.

The disease can lead to an abortion storm in infected females and if it becomes established can lead to decreased milk yields, infertility, weak calves and serious financial loss.

The disease is particularly dangerous to humans who come into contact with infected animals or material.

The post NI brucellosis compensation rates for July 2023 appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The importation of meat or meat products, milk and dairy produce are banned from most countries outside the EU.

DAERA said that there are also strict controls placed on the animal products that can be brought into Northern Ireland from the EU.

The department urged holidaymakers to check the rules before travel and refrain from bringing back products that may be carrying pests or disease.

Any illegal products which are detected will be seized and destroyed. Anyone found to be in possession of prohibited items risks prosecution and a fine.

DAERA

DAERA said there is particular concern about the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), which is largely attributed to pigs consuming contaminated pork or pork products.

ASF is a highly contagious and usually fatal viral disease of pigs which is having disastrous impacts on the pig industries in Europe and Asia.

“Although the disease does not affect humans and there is no food safety risk associated with meat, an outbreak in Northern Ireland would have a devastating impact on our pork and pig industries.

“It would severely affect pig welfare and the ability to trade internationally in pigs and pork products,” a department spokesperson said.

While ASF does not affect humans and poses no food safety risk, an outbreak in the UK would have devastating consequences for the pork and pig industries, including animal welfare and trade.

The total cost of an ASF outbreak in commercial pig premises in the UK is estimated at approximately £120 million.

“Please assist in protecting Northern Ireland against the risk of introducing ASF through contaminated pork meat or pork products in passenger luggage or vehicles.

“The message is very simple if you are returning from holiday – ‘Don’t risk it – leave it behind’,” DAERA said.

The post DAERA: Do not bring animal or plant products home from holidays appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Defra has said that all affected birds on the premises, near Angmering, Arun, West Sussex, will be humanely culled.

A 3km captive bird monitoring controlled zone is now in force.

According to Defra there have 187 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic bird flu since October 1, 2022.

This includes:

• 156 cases in England
• 22 cases in Scotland
• 8 cases in Wales
• 1 case in Northern Ireland

Last month the highly pathogenic bird flu was identifed in commercial poultry in premises near Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. and a second premises near Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire.

Highly pathogenic bird flu was also confirmed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland in black headed gulls in four locations in June in Belfast Harbour, Comber, Coalisland and Magherafelt.

DAERA vets have updated the ongoing Veterinary Risk Assessment (VRA). 

“There is now an increasing likelihood of incursion into kept flocks, albeit with a high level of uncertainity, in consideration of the relatively limited number of reports,” DAERA warned.

The department had previously lifted the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in Northern Ireland on June, 2.

Bird flu

However DAERA has warned that  bird flu is “a constant and dynamic threat” and has urged all bird and poultry keepers to step up biosecurity measures and remain vigilant against the latest threat.

In a separate development the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has detailed in its latest communicable disease threats report that the chief veterinary officer of Poland has announced that a total of 16 samples from domestic cats from different cities in Poland have tested positive for A H5N1 flu virus.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has issued a statement calling for more investigations, and said that neither exposure to sick wild birds nor feline-to-feline transmission are potential routes of transmission.

The post Highly pathogenic bird flu confirmed in UK captive birds appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The event celebrated the achievements of the class of 2023 by bringing together degree students from the Enniskillen, Loughry and Greenmount campuses.

Martin McKendry, college director, said that graduation day is “the highlight of the academic calendar” and recognises the dedication and work of students.

“I think the breadth of your smiles are only matched by your parents, guardians, partners, family and CAFRE staff seated around the hall. Today is special for them too.

“I hope you enjoyed your time at CAFRE and are now looking forward to a fantastic career within agriculture, equine, food and horticulture,” he said.

“I have no doubt that over the next years there will be science and technology challenges which will heavily influence your careers.

“The education which you have received at CAFRE will place you in a very strong position to compete successfully and play your part from day one,” the college director added.

CAFRE

McKendry urged the new graduates to continue to learn and to develop themselves to help distinguish them from their peers.

He also thanked Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University for their continued support for the CAFRE degree programmes.

Some of the graduates began their CAFRE journey as a 16-year-old, studying on a Level 2 or Level 3 course, and have now qualified with Higher Education BSc (Honours) Degree qualifications.

The ceremony celebrated the graduation from the first cohorts of honours degree in horticulture and degree apprenticeship in food and drink manufacture courses.

These students had previously completed foundation degree level qualifications through CAFRE.

“Everything is going to work out exactly how it is meant to, provided you are willing to work hard and have the determination to seek out opportunities that await you,” Gill Gallagher, said.

The chief executive of the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association was guest speaker at the graduation ceremony.

The post Students graduate with degree qualifications at CAFRE appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

According to the report it will also cost approximately £17 million more than what was initially estimated, costing approximately £64 million in total to complete.

The delay in delivery means the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has lost nearly half the 12-year operating period of the system.

It has cost DAERA an additional £6 million of internal costs, according to the report by comptroller and auditor general, Dorinnia Carville.

The launch of stage one already missed its June 2023 deadline. At the time Northern Ireland’s DAERA said the delay would be “a number of months”.

It cited a need for “further testing and integration with industry IT systems” as the reason for the postponement.

The report states that this may impact further with the final delivery deadline in 2024, being put under pressure and further reducing the operational period of the new system.

The existing Animal Public Health Information System, which NIFAIS will replace, continues to operate 16 years after its expiry date at an annual cost of approximately £0.5 million.

This system cannot be switched off until NIFAIS is complete.

The information is used for multiple purposes, including disease management, providing assurance to customers and consumers, and in applications for single farm payments.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Carville said: “I welcome the fact that the department and the supplier resisted the temptation to persist with a failed delivery model, and instead took positive action to stop, re-evaluate and adopt a different approach.

“This flexibility was ultimately pivotal in getting the project back on track. That said, it is concerning that it took the department so long to take this action.

“Appropriate governance, and having the right skills and experience in place from the outset, are vital to ensuring risks at both the procurement and development stage can be quickly identified and managed,” Carville added.

The post NIFAIS 5 years behind schedule and £17m more expensive – report appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

According to latest figures from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the cattle herd in Northern Ireland has increased by 0.3% since 2021.

DAERA has today (Thursday, June 29) published the Statistical Review of Northern Ireland Agriculture 2022 which provides a general picture of the overall year of the sector in 2022.

The report showed the impact of the meat, dairy, and tillage sectors, which all contributed to the gross output of Northern Ireland agriculture, estimated at £3.07 billion for 2022, a 23.0% increase from 2021.

NI farm incomes

The agricultural income of Northern Ireland's farms increased in 2022, with a total of 26,089 active farm businesses operating in June 2022, a 0.1% increase from 2021.

The total income from farming (TIFF) – which measures the return to farmers, partners and directors, their spouses and other family workers for their labour, management input and own capital invested – increased by 17.4% to £605 million.

The total agricultural labour force in 2022 was 51,760 persons, a 0.8% decrease from 2021.

This increase of TIFF in 2022 was mainly driven by higher product prices for most sectors, and means it is now 65.8% above the average of the last 20 years after accounting for inflation.

Input costs also rose to record levels with marked increases in feed, fertiliser, electricity, and fuel prices, which offset the increased returns achieved through the higher product prices.

Meat sector

The total number of cattle on Northern Ireland's farms at the time of the June 2022 Agricultural Census was greater than in 2021 at approximately 1.7 million, an increase of 0.3%

The number of beef cows was 246,200, a decrease of 0.3% compared to 2021.

The total cattle population peaked in 1998 at 1.8 million before gradually falling to just under 1.6 million in 2009.

In June 2022, the sheep breeding flock was 3.0% higher than in 2021 at 997,200 ewes and when including lambs and other sheep, the entire flock totalled 2.1 million in 2022.

In 2022, cattle and/or sheep were present on 23,708 farms (90.9%).

At June 2022, the total number of pigs in Northern Ireland was 738,600, an increase of 3.0% compared to 2021.

Broiler numbers in Northern Ireland decreased by 25.4% to 11.9 million birds.

Dairy sector

At June 2022, there were 316,800 dairy cows, a decrease of 0.5% from 2021, but milk output was up by £322 million to £1.13 billion due to a 40.5% increase in milk prices.

Average gross milk yield per cow decreased from 8,083L in 2021 to 8,036L in 2022, a 0.6% decrease.

The lower milk yields contributed to a 0.6% decrease in total milk output for 2022 in Northern Ireland to 2.5 billion litres.

The average gross milk price for 2022 (before deducting transport costs) was 44.77p/L, a 40.5% increase.

The average number of dairy cows was per herd was 99.5, more than the average in 2021, which was 97.9.

Tillage sector

The total area of cereals was 32,700ha in June 2022, which was an increase of 7.3% compared to 2021.

In 2022, the total area of potatoes grown remained similar at 3,500ha compared to the previous year.

Production of spring barley increased by 1.3% to 78,319t, while winter barley production rose by 0.3% to 60,063t.

Wheat production increased by 6.2% to 67,538t, while the production of oats rose by 12.2% to 12,258t.

Farm costs

The quantity of fertilisers purchased in 2022 decreased by 15.8% to 257,410t while the average price increased by 147.7% to £715/t.

As a result of the quantity purchased and price paid, the total value of fertiliser purchases increased, by 108.7% to £184 million.

Total expenditure on lime increased by 23.5% when compared to 2021 levels to £9.9 million.

The quantity purchased increased by 3.2% to 250,373t while the price paid increased by 19.7%

Machinery expenses in 2022 increased, by 31.0%, to £208 million, an increase driven by a 58.1% increase in fuel and oil costs.

The post NI cattle herd increased by 0.3% since 2021 – DAERA appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

According to DAERA the consultation will last 16 weeks and will run from June 21 until October 11, 2023.

Following the passing of the Climate Change Act, Northern Ireland must now, by law, reach net zero by 2050 and have reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 48% by 2030.

Carbon budget

A carbon budget is the maximum amount of GHG that can be emitted in a given period.

The UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) advises that the first carbon budget for Northern Ireland from 2023-2027 should be set at levels that have an average reduction of 33% on 1990 levels.

Today’s consultation launch “seeks feedback” on the proposed first three carbon budgets for 2023-2027, 2028-2032 and 2033-2037, as well on the interim targets that should be set for 2030 and 2040 for reductions in GHGs.

Katrina Godfrey, DAERA permanent secretary said: “We have, over recent months, had much debate and discussion about financial budgets, but we also need increasingly to focus on and talk about carbon budgets. 

“We need to understand the best trajectory to ensure the legally binding emissions targets contained in the Climate Change Act are delivered and this consultation is designed to help us do this.”

According to Godfrey, the “drive to achieve net zero is one that requires all departments here to work collaboratively, with climate action now a high priority for every department”.

DAERA

DAERA said that this consultation provides an opportunity to “talk about what we need to do to respond to the threat” present by climate change and the opportunities that might “emerge”.

Working with other Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) departments, DAERA plans to “carry out significant stakeholder engagement” and to use the feedback to inform the development of Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan.

It has the intention of having advice on new policy proposals and investment decisions ready for returning ministers.

The department said that a series of consultation sessions are planned to include sector specific workshops and a number of public consultation sessions.

The post NI’s first carbon budget consultation launched appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

This is following the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) announcement made yesterday (June 19).  

DAERA states that “there will be no change to the application process” for the Basic Payment Scheme in 2023 and 2024.

It also noted that the new schemes and measures will be “phased in over a number of years”.

Ulster Farmers’ Union

Commenting on the announcement, David Brown, UFU president said: “The new programme of Farm Support and Development aims to deliver benefits for land, livestock, infrastructure and communities through a range of new schemes and measures.

“The UFU has been part of the co-design process of the new future Northern Ireland (NI) agriculture policy along with other stakeholders.

“It is positive to get concrete timelines in place for farmers and a clear pathway on schemes such as the Ruminant Genetics Programme and the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme.”

According to Brown, it is now “critical” that going forward DAERA “effectively communicates with farmers about the new schemes and measures that will be phased in over the next number of years”.

He added: “This is vital to help ensure the sustainability of our unique family farm structure in NI as we move forward, delivering for the environment, local communities and consumers.”

The new programme

The new programme has been co-designed by the agricultural industry and other key stakeholders across the food, farming and environment sectors.

According to DAERA, the programme will meet the unique needs and challenges of the agricultural industry and is focused on meeting the four desired outcomes of increased productivity; improved resilience; environmental sustainability; and an effective functioning supply chain.

Norman Fulton, DAERA’s head of Food and Farming Group said: “For the first time in a generation we will have a tailormade programme of support, bespoke for our agricultural industry in Northern Ireland.

“This new programme will tackle crucial issues such as farm sustainability, farming with nature, reducing livestock emissions and meeting our obligations under the Climate Change (NI) Act 2022.”

He reassured farmers that this year’s payments remained unchanged and that yesterday’s announcement was to provide a timeline for the new Farm Support and Development programme.

The post UFU welcomes ‘clarity’ on farm support programme appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) which is a four-year scheme running from 2022 to 2026, aims to “improve sustainability and efficiency in the farming sector”.

According to DAERA, this year (Zone 2) invites registrations from farm businesses across Fermanagh, the west of Co. Armagh and south Tyrone.

The scheme opened to farmers in Zone 1 in May 2022, the first zone compromised Co. Down and parts of counties Antrim and Armagh, which had a 91% uptake.

Soil Nutrient Health Scheme

Dave Foster, project lead and DAERA’s director of Natural Environment, said: “The Soil Nutrient Health Scheme will provide farmers with important information on soil nutrient levels, for each field on their farm.

“Farmers will also receive a baseline estimate of the amount of carbon stored in their soils, hedgerows and trees.”

Foster said that this information will “help them accurately match” nutrient applications to crop need, with plans to increase efficiency by reducing the excess run to watercourses and improving their economic and environmental sustainability.

He added: “It will also support them in contributing to the climate change agenda established under the Northern Ireland (NI) Climate Change Act.

“The scheme will be delivered by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) with 27,000 farms and up to 700,000 fields being sampled by the end of the project.”

DAERA’s data suggests that, to date, over 6,000 farmers in Zone 1 have received soil analysis results for their farms, including pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S), together with crop specific lime and fertiliser recommendations.

“We are strongly encouraging all farm businesses in the Zone 2 area to apply for the scheme and benefit from all it offers and also because they will be required to participate if they wish to receive future funding such as the new Farm Sustainability Payment which can be crucial income for farms,” Foster said.

Farmers will be able to view results online and will have access to mapping identifying areas within the farm which could be prone to nutrient run-off to watercourses.

The department has offered access to the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) SNHS training, which it said “provides advice on the interpretation of the analysis reports, preparation of nutrient management plans and the role of carbon on farms”. 

DAERA plans to open Zone 3 in 2024/2025 which will cover the north-west, followed by the north-east covered by Zone 4 in 2025/2026.

The post DAERA to open latest phase of £37m soil scheme to farmers appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

According to the Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021 report, agriculture was responsible for 27.6% of emissions in 2021.

Just after agriculture was the transport sector, which contributed 16.7% to overall emissions, whilst the business, energy supply and residential sectors contributed 14.0%, 13.7% and 12.4% respectively.   

The report highlighted that between 2020 and 2021, all sectors, with the exception of waste management and public, showed an increase in emissions.

The largest increases in terms of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent was in the transport sector with 0.4 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e)

Between 2020 -2021, the agriculture sector saw the second-largest increases of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent with 0.3 MtCO2e with the energy supply following with 0.2 MtCO2e sectors.

According to the latest research, in 2021, Northern Ireland contributed 5.3% of all UK GHG emissions, which stood at 426.5 MtCO2e. It said that in the UK there has been a 47.7% reduction in emissions between 1990 and 2021.

The report revealed that during the same period, the reduction in emissions in Northern Ireland was 23.2%, compared to 50.2% in England, 49.3% in Scotland and 35.0% in Wales.

GHG emissions in NI

The report produced by Ricardo Energy and Environment on behalf of DAERA is said to be a “a statistical bulletin on greenhouse gas emissions for Northern Ireland, during the period 1990-2021”.

Its purpose is to “outline” key Northern Ireland figures from the Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

According to the report, in 2021 Northern Ireland’s net GHG emissions were estimated to be 22.5 million tonnes of MtCO2e.

It states that the net figure is a result of an estimated “23.7 MtCO2e total emissions, offset by 1.2 MtCO2e of emissions removed through sequestration”.

The latest figures suggests that the net figure of 22.5 MtCO2e, in 2021, represents an increase of 5.0% compared with 2020. The longer-term trend showed a decrease of 23.2% compared with emissions in 1990.

The post Agriculture NI’s largest GHG-emitting sector in 2021 appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The department said that the programme will meet “the unique needs and challenges” of the agriculture industry in Northern Ireland.

The schemes and measures to be introduced in the coming months and years are focused on increased productivity; improved resilience; environmental sustainability; and an effective functioning supply chain.

DAERA said the programme will contribute to the agriculture sector’s statutory climate change obligations, with a firm focus on just transition.

DAERA

Norman Fulton, DAERA’s head of food and farming group, explained that the new programme had been co-designed by the agricultural industry and other key stakeholders across the food, farming and environment sectors.

“For the first time in a generation we will have a tailor-made programme of support, bespoke for our agricultural industry in Northern Ireland.

“Today we have announced the road map to delivering this – highlighting the timeline for when the different elements will roll out.

“This new programme will tackle crucial issues such as farm sustainability, farming with nature, reducing livestock emissions and meeting our obligations under the Climate Change (NI) Act 2022.

“Our goal has always been to create a profitable, productive, environmentally sustainable and resilient agri-food sector and we believe we are well on our way to achieving that.

“Thanks to the ideas, efforts and collaborative working from across our stakeholders we are redefining our agricultural policy for the first time in 50 years for the benefit of this and future generations.

“It means we will be targeting support and development programmes to meet our local needs and priorities more effectively.”

“There will be no change to the application process for the Basic Payment Scheme in 2023 and 2024.

“The new schemes and measures will be phased in over a number of years and at this point farmers do not need to take any action other than familiarise themselves with the announcement,” Fulton explained.

The proposed timeline for the introduction of the support measures is as follows:

• Ruminant Genetics: Initiation of the Ruminant Genetics Programme in June 2023 with the launch of the tendering process for a supplier;
• Livestock Dietary Emissions Challenge Fund: Initiation of the Ruminant Genetics Programme in June 2023 with the launch of the tendering process for a supplier;
• A carbon benchmarking programme for Northern Ireland to commence in autumn 2023;
• A Farming for the Generations pilot programme to launch in autumn 2023.
• A new suite of knowledge transfer and innovation programmes to commence in spring 2024;
• Farming with nature test and learn pilots to launch in late 2023 and throughout 2024;
• A beef carbon reduction scheme will open in early 2024;
• The horticulture sector growth support schemes will aim to commence in spring 2024;
• The current Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) will continue to operate in 2024 with existing land eligibility and cross compliance conditions. A Farm Sustainability Transition Payment with some new conditions will be introduced in 2025. The full Farm Sustainability Payment will go live in 2026;
• It is planned that the capital investment measure will be available from late 2024;
• Beef Sustainability Package: the Suckler Cow Scheme will open in early 2025;
• Supply Chain Support Scheme will be provided from mid-2025.

The post DAERA confirms timeline for new farm support programme appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is offering dairy farmers the opportunity to travel to southwest Scotland to learn how advanced breeding technologies can aid breeding decisions, as well as the use of new genetic indices, genomics and sire mating programmes. 

As part of the Farm Innovation Visit Scheme, DAERA is delivering the study trip for late-summer to visit four farms over two days, in conjunction with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

Scotland trip

The trip will include a visit to “at least” one of the ‘fast breeders herds’ – a group of farmers in southwest Scotland that secured funding from the Scottish Government in 2019 to work with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) to establish a breeding programme using innovative breeding technologies to improve productivity. 

It will also comprise a visit to the world’s longest-running genetic selection trial, the Langhill dairy herd at the SRUC Dairy Research Centre in Dumfries.

Prof. Mike Coffey will be holding an evening workshop, with the discussion topics being on the genomic testing of dairy heifers and making use of genomically tested young sires to speed up genetic progress. 

DAERA said this discussion will also include the new FeedAdvantage and EnviroCow indices that have been developed using Langhill and national milk recording data aimed at breeding more sustainable dairy cows in future.

Applicants

The Farm Innovation Visit Scheme, which is part of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme and part-funded by the European Union, will cover the costs associated with setting up the visit, accommodation, travel outside of Northern Ireland and meals when in Great Britain. 

Applicants are invited from nominate one member or employee of a farm business that has had dairy cows in any one of the last two years (2021 or 2022), is over 18 years of age on the application closing date and not in full-time education. 

DAERA said that to increase the benefits arising from the study tour, all applicants “must identify a group of farmers to share their findings with upon their return”. 

Applications can be completed from June 12, to June 30, 2023.

The post Applications open for farm innovation visit to Scotland appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The department said that each person should remember and enter the unique code they were assigned and mailed when completing the survey.

The survey completion deadline is June 30, 2023. DAERA urged all farmers to submit their Agricultural Census as soon as possible.

“We use the data from the agricultural farm census to guide policy decisions in the year ahead,” the department said.

Northern Ireland’s Agricultural Census is conducted in June of each year. Data is collected on crop areas, livestock numbers and farm labour.

Results are presented at regional and sub-regional level.

2022 Agricultural Census

The results of DAERA’s 2022 census were published at the end of February this year.

According to the census, in 2022 there were 26,089 farms in Northern Ireland, with approximately one million hectares of land farmed. In June 2021, there were 26,077 farms in Northern Ireland.

Of these farms, over three quarters (20,506 farms) are “very small”. Identical to 2020 and 2021, 79% of farms have some cattle, 38% have some sheep, and 3% have some poultry.

As of the survey date (June 1, 2022) there were 51,760 farm workers in Northern Ireland, a decrease of 1% from 2021, with 78% of these being farmers, directors, partners or spouses.

The results showed that total poultry numbers on Northern Ireland farms had decreased 16% year-on-year.

On the census survey date in 2022, there were 20.6 million birds recorded in Northern Ireland.

When compared to the census information recorded on June 2021, the total number of laying birds saw a small increase (6%), however broiler numbers decreased by 25% and other poultry by 73%.

DAERA has attributed this decrease to a “combination of economic and animal health factors”.

The post Reminder: NI Agricultural Census deadline approaching appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Huey said birdkeepers should “immediately step up their biosecurity measures” after the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed detections of bird flu in wild birds.

DAERA said bird flu has been detected in samples of dead black-headed gulls which were reported and collected for testing at four locations in Northern Ireland.

The locations were:

• Belfast Harbour;
• Comber;
• Coalisland;
• Magherafelt.

The findings in Belfast resulted in the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB NI) closing its Window on Wildlife facilities near Belfast.

In light of these most recent bird flu confirmations, DAERA vets have updated the ongoing Veterinary Risk Assessment.

“There is now an increasing likelihood of incursion into kept flocks, albeit with a high level of uncertainty, in consideration of the relatively limited number of reports,” the department said.

Huey said that, despite the department’s decision to lift the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone on June 2, the positive bird flu cases in black-headed gulls should serve as a “stark warning” that bird flu is still a threat.

“We must remain cautious of the potential for this persistent disease to spread more widely to other species of wild birds and even enter our kept domestic flocks. We must work hard to protect our entire industry,” he said.

“It is imperative that biosecurity measures are the first thing you think about every morning, and the last thing you think about at night – check, check and re-check what you are doing.”

Biosecurity

DAERA and Huey released a list of tips for bird and poultry keepers on the steps they can take to protect their flocks.

These steps include:

• Prevent direct or indirect contact between your flock and wild birds and their manure;
• Prevent access by wild birds to feed, feed storage and water;
• Change your boots;
• Wash your hands;
• Wear disposable boiler suits;
• Keep surrounding areas and specifically the curtilage around houses clean;
• Only have essential vehicles coming on site.

“Completing your daily biosecurity checklist is not a luxury, it is an absolute necessity, as is registering your flock with DAERA so that you can receive the latest advice and understand the risk levels,” Huey said.

“We are also asking the poultry industry and the general public to report incidences of dead birds to help us build a better current picture of the spread and any developing patterns across Northern Ireland.”

Huey urged the public who find dead waterfowl or other dead wild birds to not touch the carcasses and to immediately report it to DAERA.

“Information received will be assessed and a decision made on whether to collect and sample the carcass for avian influenza,” he explained.

“We must work together to protect Northern Ireland’s poultry industry, the value of which is significant to our economy. Eggs and poultry meat provide a reliable source of safe, nutritious food.

“It is incumbent on you as a bird keeper, whether that’s of one or 10,000 birds, to stop AI getting into your flock.”

The post NI chief vet urges bird flu vigilance after cases in wild birds appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) today (Friday, June 9) citing a need for “further testing and integration with industry IT systems” as the reason for the postponement.

The latest stage of the system was set to launch on Monday (June 12), but will now be delayed by “a number of months”.

DAERA had enforced a reduction of on-farm bovine tuberculosis (bTB) testing as a result of the migration of data to NIFAIS.

This reduction in testing has been in place since May 29, and was due to stay in place until June 17.

However, as a result of the new system being postponed, this reduction in testing is being “immediately revoked”.

On-farm TB testing of all test-types can now be arranged with private vets or DAERA staff.

The department apologised for the inconvenience caused by the delay of the NIFAIS launch, and said it will communicate a new launch date to all stakeholders when it is agreed.

“This will not be before July 2023, as time is needed to introduce a further TB testing pause around the new date,” DAERA said.

It added that NIFAIS is an important animal disease and traceability system that will underpin the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland.

“It is important that all users are satisfied that they can interact fully with it to deliver for farmers and customers,” the department said.

“This interaction includes development of IT systems that will consume or send data back to NIFAIS.

“A short delay will allow all users to confirm their systems are fully integrated and that they have the assurance necessary around traceability of local products.”

The post Launch of NIFAIS postponed for a ‘number of months’ – DAERA appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has contacted planners to inform them that they have “paused all consultations on agriculture planning applications with ammonia considerations” in Northern Ireland.

UFU president, David Brown, said the decision to stall the development of farm buildings across Northern Ireland will impact all sectors and farms of all sizes and will have “wide reaching implications”.

He said that the NIEA has “halted positive agriculture developments” and is treating Northern Irish farmers – who are “already working hard to reduce ammonia” – extremely unfairly.

“Northern Ireland farmers are already working to reduce ammonia and are eager to do more by developing their farm efficiently to produce sustainable high-quality food,” he said.

“Instead of encouraging this ambition and supporting our farmers to upgrade buildings, improve animal and bird welfare and environmental standards, NIEA has halted positive agriculture developments.

“To say our farmers are frustrated is an understatement and how they are being treated by NIEA is completely unfair.”

Brown believes that the NIEA’s capability has been called into question and that their decision to stall on-farm planning applications is “due to their failure to agree on an appropriate planning policy to support the reduction of ammonia emissions”.

‘Not acceptable’

Brown has also urged the NIEA not to pause the farm building applications that are currently in the planning process for the duration of its legal talks and considerations.

“Our farmers have spent thousands on planning applications, backed up by essential evidence. They have done what is required and yet are no further forward,” he said.

“Many of these applications have been lingering in the system for years. NIEA must get to work urgently and progress with applications that are currently within the planning process.”

Brown said the UFU is aware that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is planning a call for evidence, and that this should provide clarity going forward, but that it is “not acceptable to halt consultations in the meantime”.

“Especially when the ‘call for evidence’ cannot be progressed much further with no DAERA minister in place, leaving on farm developments in stalemate for the foreseeable future,” he said.

Brown said that the subject was a “pressing matter” and that the UFU would be seeking legal advice on the NIEA’s decision.

The post Pause in construction of NI farm buildings ‘completely unfair’ – UFU appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The brucellosis compensation payable, for reactors and negative in contacts for which notice of intended slaughter is issued in June 2023 will be either:

• 75% of the animal’s market value;
• 75% of £2,268 (75% of £2,568 in the case of pedigree animals).

The selected measure will come down to whichever figure is the lesser, according to DAERA.

The department compensates herdkeepers when animals are compulsorily removed under the Brucellosis Control Order (Northern Ireland) 2004.

Last month’s compensation rates were announced on May 2 and were the same as the rates announced for this month.

NI sheep sector

An Ulster Wool director recently called for a tailored welfare payment system for sheep farmers in Northern Ireland.

Brendan Kelly issued a warning that Northern Ireland’s sheep sector needs to be more adequately supported and that farmers urgently need financial support.

Kelly said: “There are no specific support proposals for sheep within the package of post-Brexit support measures identified by former Minister for Agriculture, Edwin Poots.

“This is fundamentally wrong. We are already seeing farmers leaving the sector and I fear this trend will gather further momentum during the period ahead.”

Kelly said he is also concerned about the age profile of farmers within the sheep industry.

He said “there are no young people coming into the industry” and he believes that many of those working with sheep will be “retiring in the near future”.

Kelly said that the introduction of a sheep welfare payment system, similar to that already operating in the south of Ireland, could deliver much-needed financial support for sheep farmers, north of the border.

“An annual payment in the region of £12/ewe would make all the difference in this regard.”

The post NI brucellosis compensation rates published for June 2023 appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Figures published this week by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) also confirm that NI’s total GHG emissions in 2020 accounted for 5% of the UK total.

This is higher than the region’s population share of 3%.

Greenhouse gas emissions

The largest sectors in terms of emissions in 2020 were agriculture (27%), transport (16%) and residential (14%). Most sectors showed a decreasing trend since the base year.

The largest decreases, in terms of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), were in the energy supply, waste management and business sectors.

These were driven by improvements in energy efficiency, fuel switching from coal to natural gas, which became available in the late 1990s, and the introduction of methane capture and oxidation systems in landfill management.

Meanwhile, evidence of global warming having an impact in NI has now emerged.

Weather patterns

The mean annual temperature for NI has been calculated from the Armagh Observatory temperature records.

Currently, the 10-year moving average trend line shows that the mean annual temperature reached a low towards the end of the 19th century, and has been steadily increasing since.

By the end of the 20th century, the 10-year moving average temperature had risen to its highest levels since the temperature records began.

The lowest mean annual temperature (7.35°C) was recorded in 1879; the mean annual temperature in 2022 (10.78°C) was the highest ever recorded.

The number of days per year where temperatures were recorded exceeding 20°C or falling below 0°C has also been calculated from the Armagh Observatory temperature records.

The 10-year moving average trend line shows that the number of warm days per year reached a low towards the end of the 19th century, and has been steadily increasing since.

The number of frost days per year reached a high at the end of the 19th century. The lowest number of recorded frost days per year was 16 days, in 1863 and 1943, while the highest number of warm days was recorded in 1859 at 71 days.

In addition, the amount of annual rainfall from 1853 to 2022 has been determined from Armagh Observatory records.

Since 1853, the 10-year moving average has remained between 748mm and 901mm of rain per year.

The records also confirm that 2002 saw the highest level (1,065mm) of annual rainfall over the time series, while the lowest level of annual rainfall was recorded in 1933 at 550mm.

Where biodiversity is concerned, the latest DAERA figures confirm that wild bird numbers continue to decline.

These figures have been garnered courtesy of surveys carried out on 56 bird species. NI bird populations peaked in 2005 and have been in decline since, driven principally by population declines found in farmland habitats.

In 2022/2023, 451ha of new woodland (72ha conifer and 379ha broadleaf) were planted by NI Forest Service and private landowners supported by grant aid.

Agri-environment schemes encourage farmers and landowners to manage their land to benefit the environment. At the end of 2022/2023, 63,800ha of land in NI were under agri-environment scheme agreement.

The post Greenhouse gas emissions on the wane in Northern Ireland appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The six companies have been awarded £100,000 each to develop this work and are due to complete the projects this summer.

The companies are:

• B9 in collaboration with ReCon Waste Management;
• Renewables United;
• The Centre for Competitiveness/LUCERNE, which is a Mid Ulster collaboration between Dale Farm, CEMCOR, Tobermore Concrete and the RSC Group;
• Blakiston Houston Estate Company;
• Carbon Technologies Group;
• Natural World Products.

The Department for the Economy’s Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Green Growth Fund are providing funding.

NI sustainability

Claire Cockerill, DAERA’s director of Green Growth Delivery and Climate Action Division, said:

“This SBRI funding is an excellent example of green growth in action and a demonstration of government and industry working in tandem to deliver climate action solutions.

“I very much hope that this feasibility funding will lead to practical and environmentally sustainable solutions for the use of livestock slurry.”

The DAERA-led project aims to reduce surplus phosphorus and ensure efficient recycling of organic nutrients within Northern Ireland agriculture while contributing to climate targets.

According to DAERA, the potential role for anaerobic digestion of wastes to contribute to emission reductions was highlighted by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) in its recently published advice report on the carbon budget and path to ‘net zero’ for Northern Ireland.

DAERA said that the funding will be used by the companies to create “practical and economically” viable models where livestock slurry can be separated with minimal nitrogen and methane losses.

This is, ideally, to produce feedstock which can be used to produce biogas or biomethane via anaerobic digestion.

DAERA said that the nutrients remaining post-energy-production will also be suitably processed to provide a replacement for artificial fertiliser for use in NI or for export.

The post Renewable companies in NI awarded £600,000 appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The independent MLA said that a “planned ammonia strategy and associated operational protocol was supposed to be delivered by Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) this year”.

However, “in the absence of an executive, this has not been possible”.

“Farmers can only work with the advice they are given, so clarity on this is vital. Many already go to extra lengths to reduce their ammonia emissions – if more work needs to be done then they need both the information and support to do so,” she stated.

Ammonia Strategy for Northern Ireland

DAERA has presented a consultation on the draft Ammonia Strategy for Northern Ireland.

According to DAERA this draft strategy was developed under the leadership of the former DAERA Minister, Edwin Poots. It said the draft strategy will help plan the way forward to reduce ammonia emissions from agriculture.

Speaking on the matter, DAERA said it recognised that it does not “have all the answers and this consultation will help strengthen the draft strategy”.

DAERA issued guidance so that councils can make decisions on planning applications – almost exclusively those relating to agriculture.

Sugden stated that councils, “and by extension farmers”, could only work with the DAERA-set advice.

“This investigation by the Office for Environmental Protection will hopefully shine a light on whether the guidance DAERA has been issuing has been in-step with its legal obligations,” Sugden continued.

“With agriculture responsible for more nearly all the ammonia emissions in Northern Ireland, this will have a direct impact on farmers and their work.”

DAERA

DAERA said it welcomes views and has posed questions throughout the draft strategy. The department said it is “keen” to have as many responses as possible to these questions and any other “practical and affordable” ideas or suggestions.

The responses will be used to inform a reworked draft Ammonia Strategy for an incoming minister and new executive to consider.

The department is also developing a ‘Call for Evidence’ to inform a new operational protocol to assess the impacts of air pollution on the natural environment with an aim to publish this separately in 2023.

The post Farmers must be given clarity on ammonia protocol – MLA appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The figures were published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

They indicate that the agriculture sector accounted for the majority of ammonia emissions in Northern Ireland in 2021.

Sources of ammonia emissions

Other sources of ammonia emissions include transport, commercial and domestic combustion and industrial processes.

In 2021, of the ammonia emissions from agriculture, 86% came from livestock, 8% from the application of fertilisers containing nitrogen and 6% from the application of other organic materials to land (sewage sludge and digestate).

Estimates of total ammonia emissions from agriculture are based on numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, horses, goats and deer together with associated information on livestock and manure management practices and the use of nitrogen-containing fertilisers.

Emissions from livestock have increased by 9.1% since 2001 (from 25.3kt to 27.6kt in 2021).

This compares with a 14.8% decrease for the UK as a whole over the same period. Cattle numbers have declined to a lesser extent in NI compared with the UK as a whole.

Dairy cow, pig and poultry numbers have increased over this period in NI in contrast to decreasing or stable populations for the UK as a whole.

Nitrogen fertiliser

The ammonia emissions from nitrogen fertilisers have declined by 0.7kt (from 3.3kt in 2001 to 2.6kt in 2021), a 21% decrease.

According to DAERA, this is directly associated with a significant reduction in fertiliser use, particularly on grassland. Overall, ammonia emissions have increased, by 12.1%, from 28.5kt in 2001 to 32kt in 2021.

In contrast, an improving picture has evolved where nitrate (NO3) pollution of surface waters in NI is concerned.

Under the European Union Nitrates Directive, NI must monitor surface waters for NO3 pollution, against a mandatory standard of 50mg NO3/L.

In addition, a guide standard for surface waters is operational where 90% of samples should be less than 25mg NO3/L.

In the period 2000 to 2011, over 99% of sites had an annual mean concentration of less than 25mg NO3/L. In the period 2012 to 2016, all rivers that were monitored for nitrate had an annual mean concentration of less than 25mg NO3/L.

In 2021, 100% of sites had an annual mean concentration of less than 25mg NO3/L.

Long-term seasonal trend analysis shows that the monthly trends in average nitrate concentrations in rivers in NI are predominantly decreasing or stable over the 28-year period, 1992-2019.

The post Ammonia emissions still on the rise in NI appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), which is sponsored by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), announced the start of the investigation today (Tuesday, May 22).

The investigation aims to determine whether DAERA was in breach of environmental law through its ‘Standing Advice on Livestock Installations and Ammonia‘ publication, often referred to as ‘Operation Protocol’.

The advice, given to local planning authorities and applicants seeking planning permission for certain livestock developments, was the subject of complaints submitted by a member of the public of Northern Ireland.

The OEP, an independent body that aims to protect and improve the environment, had its powers and duties extended to cover Northern Ireland in February of last year.

This is the organisation’s first investigation in Northern Ireland. If the investigation finds the department failed to comply with environmental law, the OEP said it will aim to resolve non-compliance through “co-operation, dialogue and agreement with public departments and authorities”.

However, it said where a satisfactory outcome cannot be reached through these means, the OEP can use stricter enforcement powers including, if necessary, court proceedings.

A DAERA spokesperson said the department was aware of the OEP’s intention to carry out an investigation.

“DAERA will, of course, engage positively with the OEP during the course of the investigation and looks forward to considering any recommendations which may result,” the spokesperson added.

Ammonia emissions

DAERA’s ammonia advice goes into the decision-making of planning authorities, who are responsible for carrying out assessments under the Habitats Regulations, the OEP said.

This is to ensure that planning decisions will take into account the environmental impacts of ammonia-emitting developments.

These assessments, the OEP said, are important for ensuring that environmental considerations are properly addressed in planning decision making.

Chief executive of the OEP, Natalie Prosser, said: “Unsatisfactory ammonia pollution is an important, longstanding, systemic issue and one of the most pressing environmental concerns at this time in Northern Ireland.

“From an already unsustainable level the 19% increase in ammonia emissions from agriculture between 2009 and 2019 is a stark illustration of this. ”

Prosser said it is a “complex area” and there is already a great deal of work underway to try and “tackle the problem of ammonia emissions”.

“Our investigation will contribute to that work by providing clarity on environmental impacts when planning decisions are being made.

“We do not know at this point what our findings will be. It is possible that it could result in enforcement activity or in broader actions to address any issues found.

“Our priority throughout will be to protect and improve the environment.”   

The post Investigation into possible breach of environmental law by DAERA appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

53-year-old Kenneth Boyd of Magherabeg Road, Dromore, Co. Down, pleaded guilty and was convicted of the charge today (Monday, May 15) and was fined £250 plus a £15 offender’s levy.

The haulier was convicted at Newry Magistrates’ Court.

Northern Ireland’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the case arose when one of its vets examined the animal presented by Boyd at an abattoir.

The department said it was in very poor body condition and was displaying signs of severe lameness.

Its back was arched while standing and walking, and several of its joints were swollen.

The department said that it was the vet’s professional opinion that the animal presented by Boyd was unfit to be transported.

He was convicted of one charge of transporting a bovine animal which was not fit for the journey contrary to Regulations 5 of the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland).

DAERA said it gives high priority to the welfare of animals and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements.

Any breaches, it said, are investigated thoroughly and offenders are prosecuted as necessary.

The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 also requires that animals must be fit to travel and must be cared for if they fall ill or are injured during transport.

The animals must be accompanied by competent persons and must be transported to their destinations without undue delay.

All those who have animals in their care either on farm, in transit or at slaughter have a duty of care to look after that animal’s welfare, DAERA said.

The post Haulier convicted of transporting unfit animal appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The group aims to mould a farmer-friendly approach to reaching net zero and measuring and managing carbon emissions.

The new group includes representatives from:

• The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC);
• Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU);
• Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI);
• NI Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA);
• NI Food and Drink Association (NIFDA);
• NI Agricultural Producers’ Association (NIAPA);
• NI Grain Trade Association (NIGTA);
• NI Pork and Bacon Forum;
• NI Poultry Federation;
• Moy Park.

Chair of NIFDA, George Mullan, said the members came together to “act on behalf of our farmers and agri-food industry” to ensure consistency of action in relation to the reduction of carbon emissions.

“Working across farmers, processors, industry bodies, government departments and research organisations, we want to ensure that appropriate solutions are provided to measure carbon emissions and identify innovative ways to reduce emissions,” he said.

“As a group, we’ve been able to lead from the front to develop a market strategy and support farmers to intercept potential livestock reductions.

“Reducing carbon emissions is becoming a requirement for our customers, not only in the UK, but also in export markets.”

Mullan said this has presented the group with an opportunity to find a workable system that can deliver the information required and enable the Northern Irish agri-food sector to remain competitive.

The on-farm carbon journey

The Northern Ireland carbon steering group will work in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to create a programme that will “help all farm businesses understand where they are on this carbon journey”.

As part of this, and to inform the work programme with the department, the group has said it intends to test the concept of whole-farm data collection with 100 farms in the next dew weeks.

Information required to test this concept will be collected following a NI Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) inspection and during the same farm visit, the group said.

Chair of the steering group and UFU president, David Brown, said: “We need to ensure that we develop a programme with the farmer in mind at all times.

“It needs to be workable for them, ensuring an accurate and efficient process that causes minimal disruption to the farm business.

“The delivery of information is a key element to ensure its suitable for all parties and supports appropriate carbon reduction strategies while protecting farmers’ data.”

The post NI carbon steering group formed to support agri-food industry appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The union said that, for the first time in history, the farming industry is “able to utilise some of the TB control measures that DAERA has failed to capitalise on in the past”.

UFU president David Brown said the policy pursued for the last 60-70 years to eradicate the disease has been a failure, as the latest TB figures showed another rise in TB incidence.

“Modelling the approach in England which has proven to be extremely effective in reducing the disease burden in all species, as well as increasing biodiversity wildlife intervention, will form a key part of the revised strategy for Northern Ireland,” he said.

“Given the very high infection levels of TB in badgers, the most effective way to reduce this disease reservoir is through a targeted proactive intervention programme in hotspot areas, that is selected using stringent criteria.

“Once infection levels are reduced, this strategy can be replaced over time by a vaccination phase in wildlife which would only be effective in uninfected animals.”

Brown said the UFU has long lobbied for wildlife intervention and its members want “effective action to be taken urgently” to tackle bTB in all of its hosts.

“They continue to be frustrated that despite suffering severe emotional and financial losses for generations, the disease incidence continues to climb to record levels,” he said.

“When TB is detected in a herd, farmers are already left to bear significant costs due to the loss of production because of DAERA’s inability to eradicate the disease.

“Moving forward, farmers will be paying for the implementation of farmer education, support and wildlife intervention within the revised TB strategy through the levy.

“DAERA cannot expect them to finance it any further when their previous TB policy created the need for a new, effective approach.”

The post UFU calls on DAERA to make use of bTB control measures appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The department said the visit will provide an opportunity to learn about “practical, innovative and potentially transferable approaches to enhancing their sustainability and on-farm biodiversity”.

The Farm Innovation Visit will focus on “outcome-based initiatives” where farmers are incentivised to deliver results rather than being paid to follow set guidelines.

The programme will begin with a visit in Co. Sligo to 50/ha of marginal land, where Farming for Nature ambassador Clive Brights produces and sells grass-fed organic beef.

Farm visit participants will also attend an evening presentation and meet with members of the Burren European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project, who have trialed results-based incentives for on-farm biodiversity.

This will be followed by visits to farms who are involved in four results-based projects.

The programme also aims to highlight the role of the Wild Atlantic nature LIFE IP and the work being supported by the Shared Island initiative.

The Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP works with farmers, local communities and landowners to add value to the wide range of services provided from the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) network of blanket bogs and associated areas

The EIP projects are now being incorporated into the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) scheme.

The Farm Innovation Visit Scheme, is part of the NI Rural Development Programme, which covers all costs associated with setting up the visit, accommodation, travel outside of Northern Ireland and meals when in Britain or the Republic of Ireland.

DAERA is offering the trips to upland farms and projects in the west of Ireland, in association with the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN).

Farmers interested in participating are urged to apply via the DAERA website before the application deadline of 4.00pm on Friday, May 14.

The post DAERA offers opportunity to visit farms supporting biodiversity appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The figures show that the ‘Total Income from Farming’ (TIFF) in Northern Ireland increased by 17.4% from £515 million in 2021 to £605 million in 2022.

TIFF represents the return on own labour, management input and own capital invested for all those with an entrepreneurial involvement in farming. It represents farm incomes measured at the sector level.

Figures relating to agricultural output in Northern Ireland have also seen increases. The total gross output for agriculture was 23% higher at £3.07 billion in 2022.

There was a 26% increase in the value of output from the livestock sector, while field crops increased by 31% and horticulture increased by 12%.

DAERA said dairying remains the largest contributor to the total value of Northern Ireland’s gross output at £1.13 billion in 2022 – an increase of 40% between 2021 and 2022.

The annual average farm-gate milk price increased by 41% to 44.5p/L while the volume of raw milk produced in Northern Ireland decreased by 0.6% to 2.5 billion litres.

Output values

The output value of cattle was 16% higher at £603 million in 2022. The total number of animals slaughtered increased by 9.3% in 2022, whereas the average carcass weights for clean and cull animals were 0.9% and 1.9% lower respectively. 

DAERA said these changes resulted in the volume of meat produced being 8% higher in 2022.  The average producer price for finished clean cattle was £4.17/kg in 2022 while the average producer price for cull animals was £3.15/kg.

These prices were 9% and 17% higher than their respective averages for 2021.

The value of output from sheep increased by 6% to £106 million in 2022. The total number of sheep slaughtered increased by 6% in 2022 whereas the average carcass weight increased by 0.8% to 22kg. 

Volume of sheep meat produced increased 7% in 2022. The average producer price decreased by 0.1% to £5.35/kg.    

The value of output in the poultry sector increased by 16% to £376 million in 2022 while the egg sector increased by 18% to £148 million.

The value of pig output also increased by 24% to £259 million. The poultry sector recorded a 6% decrease in its production volume for 2022, whereas the pigs and eggs sectors recorded a 4% and 5% increase in their respective production volumes when compared with their previous year levels.  

All intensive sectors recorded an increase in their producer prices for 2022 with poultry up 25%, eggs up 13%, and pigs up 19% when compared to the previous year.

The total output value for field crops increased by 31% in 2022 to £109 million. This was mainly as a result of increases in grain and potato prices in 2022, DAERA said.

The value of output for cereals increased by 35% to £64 million whereas the value of output for potatoes increased by 37% to £27 million. Output values for field crops are across a calendar year and include production from two harvests.  

The value of output recorded in the horticulture sector was higher year on year for 2022, at £96 million. Mushrooms and flowers are the main contributors to this sector in value terms, with a combined estimated output value of £57 million.

Inputs

The total value of gross inputs increased by 24% in 2022, to £2.18 billion. 

Feedstuff costs, which accounted for 54% of the total gross input estimate, increased by 22% to £1.18 billion in 2022.

There was a 1.3% decrease in the volume of feedstuffs purchased and a 24% increase in the average price paid per tonne.  

The total cost of fertilisers in 2022 increased by 109% with a 16% decrease in the volume purchased and a 148% increase in the average price paid per tonne.

Total machinery expenses increased by 31% to £208 million in 2022, mainly as a result of an 58% increase in the cost of fuel and oils, DAERA said.

Farm level incomes

Farm business income measured across all farm types is expected to increase from an average £43,100 in 2021/2022 to £47,305 in 2022/2023 – an increase of £4,205, or 10% per farm. 

Farm business income is expected to increase for dairy, pigs and mixed farm types between 2021/2022 and 2022/2023.

The increase is particularly marked for dairy farms with the higher raw milk price more than offsetting increases in input costs. 

Despite increases in output prices, it is forecast that the average income of pig producers in 2022/2023 is only marginally higher compared to the low levels experienced in 2021/2022, according to DAERA.

The farm incomes in cereal, cattle and sheep LFA (less favoured area) and cattle and sheep lowland are expected to fall by 33%, 66% and 54% respectively.

It is forecast that increases in cereal and beef prices are insufficient to offset the higher input costs for these farm types. 

The post NI farm incomes increase by over 17% in 2022 appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has said that over 90% of claims made in 2022 were paid today (Monday, April 17).

The remaining claims will be processed and payments issued as soon as possible following validations, it added.

EFS payments and claims

The EFS is a five-year agreement that supports farmers and land managers to carry out a range of environmental measures.

EFS claims must be made on the annual Single Application during each of the five years of the agreement.

Participants must also confirm the work that has been completed as part of the agreement at the end of the first year of participation.

EFS participants must submit a claim each year on their Single Application and the claims window for EFS 2023 opened on April 6.

However, some agreements are being updated to reflect changes that agreement holders have told the department about or after inspections, but DAERA has said that all EFS agreement holders will be able to claim by April 28.

Online training for EFS agreement holder whose agreements started on January 1, which is compulsory, is now available. This must be completed by November 30, 2023.

The department is also reminding submitting a year 1 claim are reminded that a compulsory Claim Confirmation will be required in December this year.

The post EFS payments of almost £9 million issue to NI farmers appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The measures, which were originally introduced in November of 2022 in a bid to halt the spread of the disease, will be lifted from midnight on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, the same day the measures are being lifted in the Republic of Ireland.

The lifting of the housing measures means that poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed, and will be allowed to be kept outside.

However, the department said, the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) mandatory biosecurity measures will remain in force for all birds and all poultry gatherings will remain banned.

DAERA urged those who intend to allow their birds outside after April 18, to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds.

“This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents,” it said.

“Excellent biosecurity remains the best defence for reducing the risk of transmission of avian influenza to poultry or other captive birds and it is vital that this remains a regular and instinctive part of all bird-keepers routines.”

This news follows that of England and Wales, where bird flu housing restrictions will be lifted on the same day as Northern Ireland next week.

Great Britain’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the news on Tuesday (April 11) after reducing the risk of poultry exposure to bird flu in Great Britain from high to medium last week.

In the UK, there have been 176 confirmed cases of the H5N1 strain of bird flu since October 1, 2022.

149 cases have been confirmed in England; 21 cases in Scotland; five cases in Wales; and one case in Northern Ireland.

The post Bird flu housing measures to be lifted in NI appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) announced last month that there would be “a short pause” in TB testing ahead of a new system going live.

The UFU said that it is concerned about the impact this pause in testing will have on its members and on Northern Ireland’s livestock industry given the absence of a revised agreed contract between DAERA and the Private Veterinary Practitioners (PVP).

UFU president David Brown said: “It’s the UFU’s understanding that DAERA has not yet supplied the Private Veterinary Practitioners with all terms of the revised contract and the current one is due to expire on April 10, 2023 – only days away.

“The timing is hugely inconvenient for our members, with many farmers having planned TB testing in the forthcoming weeks prior to moving cattle outdoors for summer grazing.

“We’re already aware of members who have had their TB test cancelled next week.”

Brown said there is also worry surrounding the increasing incidence rate of TB in cattle lately.

“Routine herd testing is a key part of the control program and the shortest break can cause significant disruption, derailing our ability to suppress and progress towards eradication,” he said.

“We urge DAERA and PVP to put all their efforts into creating a resolution to get a revised contract in place immediately, to ensure that TB testing continues uninterrupted.

“We’ve also made it clear to DAERA that our members will not stand for additional herd restrictions being imposed or cross compliance penalties for overdue testing as a result of their inability to deliver on a critical contract.

“The end date of which, they would’ve been aware of for some time.”

New testing system

The latest stage of DAERA’s new Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) is set to launch on June 12, 2023.

It will replace the existing Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS), which has been in operation since 1998.

DAERA said that this phase brings in all remaining bovine functionality and opens the system up to external stakeholders such as herdkeepers, markets, abattoirs and vets.

This phase marks the end of stage 1 of the project for bovine functionality, with stage 2 planned to go live in late 2024 to cover other non-bovine species.

NIFAIS will eventually fully replace APHIS as the database used by DAERA and its stakeholders.

In order to reduce the risk of data loss or corruption there will be restrictions on TB testing during a three-week period from May 29 to June 19, 2023.

DAERA is urging herd keepers whose compulsory TB tests fall within this period to contact their vet now to arrange an alternative date to ensure they avoid going overdue.

The post UFU ‘extremely concerned’ about pause in TB testing appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The compensation payable for reactors and negative in contacts for which notice of intended slaughter is issued in April of 2023 will be either:

• 75% of the animal’s market value; or
• 75% of £2,276 (75% of £2,576 in the case of pedigree animals).

Last month’s compensation rates were announced at the end of February and were either 75% of the animal’s market value or 75% of £2,740 (75% of £3,040 in the case of pedigree animals).

The selected measure will come down to whichever is the lesser, according to DAERA.

DAERA compensates herdkeepers when animals are compulsorily removed under the Brucellosis Control Order (Northern Ireland) 2004.

Market value

The “market value” of an animal is defined in the Brucellosis Control Order as meaning the price which might reasonably have been obtained for it at the time of valuation from a purchaser in the market if it had been free from disease, DAERA said.

In terms of how animals are valued, a DAERA valuation officer will contact affected farmers to make appointments to come to the farm and carry out a valuation.

The officer will first check the identification of the reactor and may mark the animal, DAERA said. They will then assess the current market value of the reactor based on their own knowledge and experience.

Farmers are urged to ensure that any documentation in their possession that is relevant to the market value of the animal (for example pedigree certification or milk records or any other relevant information such as progeny or sibling performance) is available at time of valuation.

Only original, valid documents will be considered, the department warned. The valuation officer will also ask whether a female animal is in calf and the stage of pregnancy will be taken into consideration.

The officer will then use the information provided to arrive at the valuation amount, DAERA said.

The post Northern Ireland brucellosis compensation rates released appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Under the Noxious Weeds (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, ragwort, creeping thistle, broad-leafed docks, curled-leafed docks and wild oats are defined as noxious weeds, i.e., plants capable of being injurious to public health, agriculture or wildlife.

DAERA said it has powers under the order to insist that these weeds are controlled under notice and failure to comply with such a requirement could result in prosecution and/or Basic Payment penalty.

The department said the owners and occupiers of land should be aware that ragwort (also called ragweed or benweed) is poisonous and may cause illness, or even death, to livestock.

Under the Noxious Weeds (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, the department is empowered to serve upon the owner of land or the occupier of land a notice requiring, within a specified time, weeds to be cut down or destroyed.

Failure to comply with such a notice, the department said, could lead to the instigation of legal proceedings or a penalty on Basic Payment.

DAERA said these weeds should be controlled before they have had time to flower, seed and spread. A factsheet providing information on how to control the weeds can be obtained from the department.

Farmers and landowners can fund further advice on weed control from a BASIS-qualified agronomist or a College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) crops development advisor.

The department also asked that noxious weeds complaints and complaints involving invasive alien plant species growing on agricultural land be reported to it.

The post DAERA warns farmers to control noxious weeds appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

In its first bulletin of 2023, GrassCheck warned that the weather in March so far, and the forecast for the rest of the month, will prove less favourable for grazing.

The grass growth forecaster, which aims to help livestock farmers maximise their returns from grazed grass, said that on-off grazing should be used when conditions allow.

This, it said, would ideally mean turning stock out which have an appetite to graze for two to three hours to low grass covers into square-shaped areas.

It also advised farmers to have a nutrient management plan in place for the coming season.

GrassCheck

The GrassCheck initiative is led by AgriSearch, the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), and is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL).

GrassCheck sponsors said the programme enables improved network coverage which will allow conditions across Northern Ireland to be monitored.

AgriSearch will invest £400,000 in GrassCheck over the next few years, it said, adding 15 new farmers to the existing 38 participants.

These new additions were to improve GrassCheck’s coverage across the province but to also allow the programme to incorporate a number of farms with high clover/low-nitrogen swards.

With weather extremes observed in recent years the importance of understanding the variations in growing conditions has never been more important for optimal grassland management, AgriSearch said.

Recent increases in fertiliser and concentrate costs mean that maximising grassland utilisation is a top priority for farmers, as well as the use of high-clover grass swards to mitigate the rising costs.

GrassCheck organisers said the trends in weather and the impact on grassland production and quality was the main topic of conversation at the recent meeting of GrassCheck farmers, which was hosted at AFBI Hillsborough.

Carbon sequestration and growth

GrassCheck also aims to highlight the importance of grassland’s role in the sequestering of carbon.

Work conducted over the past 50 years at AFBI Hillsborough has shown that well-managed grassland can sequester over 800kg of carbon/ha/yr.

Growth in Co. Down has been affected most by the dry weather, according to GrassCheck, and has grown the least grass.

Co. Down has grown 11% less grass than Co. Derry in 2022.

The 2022 season summary shows that GrassCheck plots at Hillsborough and Greenmount produced their joint-lowest crop yield (9.2t DM/ha) since GrassCheck was established in 1999.

The long-term average shown in the data is 11.5t DM/ha.

The post NI grass growth in March below long-term average appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The latest stage of DAERA’s new Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) is set to launch on Monday, June 12 2023.

It will replace the existing Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS), which has been in operation since 1998.

DAERA said that this phase brings in all remaining bovine functionality and opens the system up to external stakeholders such as herdkeepers, markets, abattoirs and vets.

This phase marks the end of stage 1 of the project for bovine functionality, with stage 2 planned to go live in late 2024 to cover other non-bovine species.

NIFAIS will eventually fully replace APHIS as the database used by DAERA and its stakeholders.

TB testing

DAERA said that transferring the remaining bovine data to the new system is “a complex process”.

In order to reduce the risk of data loss or corruption there will be restrictions on TB testing during a three-week period from May 29 to June 19, 2023.

DAERA is urging herd keepers whose compulsory TB tests fall within this period to contact their vet now to arrange an alternative date to ensure they avoid going overdue.

All tests can be done 30 days in advance of their due date and it may be possible to arrange some non-reactor tests earlier than, this if agreed with your DAERA office.

The TB testing restrictions will operate as follows:

• Week 1 (from May 29, 2023): only reactor herd tests will be tested on the Monday and results read on the Thursday;
• Week 2 (from June 5, 2023): no testing;
• Week 3 (from June 12, 2023): no TB testing to commence on Monday. Only reactor herd testing from Tuesday – Saturday.

The department said it has moved dates for many lateral check tests in advance to minimise the number of herds requiring testing in this period.

DAERA

DAERA said that testing restriction period will be taken into account in any assessments for breaches of the cross compliance requirements for TB testing.

However, the department warned that it remains the herdkeeper’s responsibility to comply with TB testing requirements irrespective of these arrangements.

There may be a short delay in the removal of reactors due to a reduction in the processing of valuations on APHIS and the generation of movement licences.

The department said that any disruption will be kept to a minimum and reactors must remain isolated until removed.

DAERA will be working with all parties to ensure any delays in paying compensation are minimised.

It will still be possible to export animals during the three-week period, but exporters are advised to plan ahead with their vet to ensure any required tests are completed in time and prior to the restriction period.

Tag suppliers will not be able to access NIFAIS during the weekend before Monday, June 12, 2023 so are being advised to place orders in advance of this date where tags are required.

The post TB testing pause in Northern Ireland ahead of new system launch appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

A Co. Fermanagh farmer has been convicted of making a polluting discharge to a waterway and has been fined £750 plus £15 Offenders Levy.

37-year-old Kevin Leonard of Kesh Road, Irvinestown, pleaded guilty to the offence and was convicted yesterday (Tuesday, March 14) at Enniskillen Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard that on June 16, 2022, Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs) acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) responded to a report of farm effluent entering the Hollow River at Lisnarick, Irvinestown.

The inspectors attended the area and discovered silage effluent seeping from silage bales and flowing across the yard before entering the Hollow River via an overflow pipe on the farm.

The effluent impacted the Hollow River for approximately 1km. Leonard was fined and charged under Article 7(1)(a) of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 as amended by the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order, for the offence of making a polluting discharge to a waterway.

In accordance with procedures, a tripartite statutory sample of the active discharge was collected and analysed and found to contain poisonous, noxious or polluting matter which was potentially harmful to fish live in the receiving waterway.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said that effluents of this nature enrich fungus coverage on the bed of the watercourse which may lead to the destruction of fish spawning sites, as well as starving both fish and river invertebrates of oxygen.

Effluents with high ammonia content like this case, DAERA said, are also directly toxic to fish life in receiving watercourses.

The post Fermanagh farmer fined for water pollution appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Tris Pearce, from the Shropshire-based family run ecological and wildlife consultancy, today  (Tuesday, March 7), outlined at an event in Stormont, hosted by the Ulster Society for the Protection of Animals (USPCA), why he believes badgers should not be seen as the major driver of bTB.

“If every badger in the country was vaccinated against bTB, there would still be a residual problem in livestock.

“The core challenge remains that of eradicating TB within the cattle population.”

He is an advocate of vaccinating all newborn calves as a key approach to dealing with the bTB challenge.

“This should be the fundamental driver of any campaign that has been designed to eradicate this terrible disease.

“But politics has always come into play in not making this happen.

“Vested interests, including the farming unions and the practising vets, are very much opposed to the farming industry going down the vaccination route, where bTB is concerned,” Pearce stated.

He also dismissed claims that badger culls in different parts of the UK had helped to reduce bTB levels, as “very misleading”.

Pearce said:

“This is a very complicated subject and getting up-to-date information from the relevant authorities has proven extremely difficult.

“But we do know that in areas where bTB levels have come down, badger culling has been accompanied by enhanced cattle control measures.”

In his opinion modern cattle management systems have aided and abetted the spread of bTB.

“The growing adoption of total confinement systems means that cattle are living inclose proximity to each the year round.

“So the potential for bTB to spread from animal to animal is greatly enhanced,” he warned.

Pearce also believes that large volumes of slurry spread and silage create a perfect storage system for bTB to flourish in.

“The fact is that bTB bacteria can live under anaerobic conditions for up to months.

“As a result they will be readily ingested by grazing cattle or brought back into a farming system through their presence in silages.”

“It is also unfair that the entire focus of the wider bTB transmission challenge has been focused ion badgers when we know that deer, otters and event rats can both contract and spread the disease,” he added.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has proposed a bTB badger intervention.

This would entail an initial cull of these animals in many areas, followed by the introduction of a capture, vaccination and release policy.

The Alliance Party’s agriculture spokesman, John Blair, who hosted the USPCA event at Parliament Buildings, Stormont said his party is opposed to the DAERA proposal.

“The prevention of animal cruelty must be a priority at all times.

“I fully recognise the desire of the farming community to have bTB eradicated. What’s needed is a stronger commitment on the part of DAERA to push forward with more research on this critically important issue,” he added.

The post Culling badgers not the answer warns UK consultant appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Golden Popcorn Ltd. of Orchard Close, Newpark Industrial Estate, Co. Antrim, pleaded guilty and was fined £400 plus £15 Offenders Levy at Antrim Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ballymena.

The court heard that a water quality inspector (WQI) acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) responded to a report of oil presence in a waterway.

On March 3, 2022, the WQI examined the Hollow Burn and discovered oil presence on the surface of the waterway which was traced upstream to the premises of the food company.

The oil had entered the waterway after a shut-off valve on an oil reception tank had been left open, causing it to overfill and overflow.

As a result, more than 2,500L of rapeseed oil flowed onto the surrounding area before entering the nearby water systems and the Hollow Burn – a tributary of the Six Mile Water river.

In accordance with procedures a tripartite statutory sample was collected.

Golden Popcorn Ltd. was charged under Article 7(2)(a) of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 as amended by the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order for the offence.

The post Antrim food company fined for water pollution offence appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The course will be delivered at the college’s Loughry campus on Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 30.

The half-day programme will provide attendees with information on Threat Assessment Critical Control Point (TACCP), Vulnerability Assessment Critical Control Point (VACCP) and Food Defence.

CAFRE said the course will benefit delegates across the entire range of roles within a food organisation including technical, engineering, manufacturing and management. This, it said, will help them ensure their products are manufactured to the highest standard.

“The safety of food is understandably the main concern of the food industry,” CAFRE said.

“The development of food management systems has resulted in fewer major outbreaks of food poisoning on a worldwide scale,” it said.

“However, our food supply chains have been, and continue to have potential to be the target of deliberate acts of attack. 

“Major food scares focus the attention of standards, manufacturers, retailers, enforcers and consumers on the defence of our food supply.”

CAFRE said the food industry now has an obligation to ensure that supply chain protection method are robust and effective, to protect both the raw materials, the final products and ultimately the safety of the end users – the consumers.

The post CAFRE course to highlight food vulnerability appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Former president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), John Gilliland, will work with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) as a consultant for the next nine months.

In his role with the organisation, Gilliland will have a particular focus on helping to develop and implement a new environmental strategy.

AHDB director of services Ken Boyns said Gilliland would provide valuable insight and independent advice for levy payers from someone who has delivered in the field.

“John has strong technical capabilities and can combine commercial and on-farm experience in environment practices with in-depth knowledge of the environment policy landscape in the UK, as well as involvement in driving research in this area,” he said.

“He is an influential and respected communicator at all levels and is able to clearly describe technically difficult subjects to a non-technical audience, as well as debate environment practices with subject experts.”

John Gilliland

As well as holding the position of UFU President, Gilliland was also the chair of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra’s) rural climate change forum.

He was appointed a Professor of Practice with the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast in 2021 and served as the director of agriculture and sustainability at Devenish Nutrition.

His other roles have included director of the Oxford Farming Conference and the chair of the writing of the Sustainable Agriculture Land Management Strategy Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Speaking on his appointment to a consultancy position with AHDB, Gilliland said: “I look forward to working with AHDB and its levy payers, whether it be on our journey to net zero, improving water quality, or creating more productive habitats.

“As a practicing farmer, I have been privileged to also have been a farm leader, policy advocate, a regulator and an innovator.

“This experience has allowed me to help secure positive engagement from farmers while delivering for the environment through science-based policy formation.

“My passion is to find ways that turn the environment from a cost centre, to a profit centre within our businesses and where farming is seen as a vital part of the solution and not just the problem.”

The post Former UFU president to serve as AHDB consultant appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The results of the performance indicator’s research, the department said, further demonstrate a wide range in farm performance levels in Northern Ireland.

The performance indicator, published today (Thursday, March 2), is the twentieth edition of the annual publication, which is designed to provide farmers with data to assess the performance of their businesses.

The data showed that, for dairy cows, the difference in gross margin/cow between enterprises classified as ‘excellent’ and ‘poor’ equates to £651/cow.

Enterprise data is presented in gross margin format. Included are details of the value of output, variable costs and gross margin for each of the main enterprises found on Northern Irish farms.

For the common farming enterprises, data is presented for four different levels of performance according to gross margin achieved.

These levels are:

• Excellent;
• Good;
• Moderate;
• Poor.

In addition to enterprise gross margin data, the booklet contains information on hay, silage and grazing costs and average fixed costs by type of farm.

When using the booklet to assess farm enterprise performance, DAERA said: “It is worth keeping in mind that farm output prices and input costs have changed markedly from 2021/22 levels, which will have an impact on the 2022/23 performance indicators for individual enterprises.”

‘Benchmarking’

In the farm performance booklet, DAERA said that “benchmarking” has become the “widely accepted” term used when comparing the performance of individual businesses against standards of performance set for their industrial sectors.

Farm accounts from a sample of approximately 350 farms across Northern Ireland are submitted to the Farm Business Survey (FBS) and are processed in gross margin format by DAERA.

Each of the enterprises are then assessed on the basis of either gross margin/head or gross margin/ha.

Then, the performance achieved by producers is classified under one of the four headings, where excellent and good classifications are seen as above average and moderate and poor represent below average performance.

The full Northern Ireland Farm Performance Indicator 2021/22 can be accessed via DAERA’s website.

The post NI: 10 out of 14 farm sectors increased margins in 2021/22 appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The results from the 2022 census were released by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) today (Tuesday, February 28).

On the census survey date in 2022 (June 1) there were 20.6 million birds recorded.

When compared to the census information recorded on June 2021, the total number of laying birds saw a small increase (6%), however broiler numbers decreased by 25% and other poultry by 73%.

DAERA has attributed this decrease to a “combination of economic and animal health factors”.

It is likely that these "animal health factors" are a reference to avian influenza (bird flu). An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was introduced across Northern Ireland in November 2021, following detections of the disease in wild birds in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.Since then, Northern Ireland has suffered its largest-ever outbreak of the disease. Cases often result in culling; for example, in one case in December 2021 - after the 2021 census survey date and before the 2022 census survey date - when approximately 14,000 birds in Co. Armagh and 22,000 in Co. Tyrone were culled.

Agricultural Census positives

All other sectors showed positive growth – albeit small – year-on-year.

The total area of farmland, which excludes common land, and total cattle numbers, both increased by less than 1% when compared with 2021.

There was an increase of 3% in breeding ewes compared to 2021, and an increase of just over 3% in total sheep recorded, which was 2.1 million sheep.

Pig numbers also increased, by just over 3% to 738,540, and the total area of crops grown increased by 4%.

The total area of cereals (32,681ha) grown in 2022 increased by 7%  from 2021. Wheat crops increased by 12% to 8,625ha, Winter and Spring Barley increased by 8% and 4% respectively, while oats increased by 5% from 2021, at 1,973ha.

NI farms

According to the census, in 2022 there were 26,089 farms in Northern Ireland, with approximately one million hectares of land farmed.

In June 2021, there were 26,077 farms in Northern Ireland.

Of these farms, over three quarters (20,506 farms) are “very small”. Identical to 2020 and 2021, 79% of farms have some cattle, 38% have some sheep, and 3% have some poultry.

As of the survey date there were 51,760 farm workers in Northern Ireland, a decrease of 1% from 2021, with 78% of these being farmers, directors, partners or spouses.

The post NI poultry numbers down 16% in 2022 – ag census appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Speakers at the events will be Steven Kildea of Teagasc and Michelle Nuttall of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The workshop locations and times will be:

• Monday, February 27, at 7:30p.m – Roepark Resort, Limavady, Co. Derry;
• Tuesday, February 28, at 2:00p.m – CAFRE’s Greenmount campus, Co. Antrim;
• Tuesday, February 28, at 7:30p.m – Millbrook Lodge, Ballynahinch, Co. Down.

Fungicide sprays make up close to half of the agrochemical cost on most cereal crops in Ireland’s wet maritime climate, according to Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The aim of the workshops is to teach and inform growers about the correct products to use at the right times to protect yield crops.

CAFRE said growers face complications from both the ongoing shifts in sensitivity of the disease to the active ingredients available, and also from the constant change in availability of active ingredients.

The cereal fungicides workshop at the CAFRE Greenmount campus and the workshop in Ballynahinch will feature a quick update on the progress of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme by Aveen McMullan of CAFRE.

CAFRE trip abroad

CAFRE and DAERA are also leading a Farm Innovation Visit (FIV), in partnership with Farm Ed, to England, and farmers in Northern Ireland that are interested in attending have until 4:00p.m on Monday (February 27) to apply via the CAFRE website.

To purpose of the visit, which is to the Northeast Cotswolds Farmer Cluster, is to learn more about on-farm biodiversity.

There are 15 spots up for grabs on the visit, however if there is sufficient interest in the trip, subsequent trips will take place in 2023.

Applications are invited from one member or employee of a farm business that has over three hectares, is over 18-years-old on the application date and is not in full-time education.

To increase the benefits that come from the trip, all applicants must identify a group of farmers that they will share their findings with when they return.

The post CAFRE to host grower workshops on fungicides appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The aim of the Dairy 4 Future project was to increase the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of dairy farms in the Atlantic area. It was comprised of 12 Atlantic regions from eight different countries, including Northern Ireland; Scotland; England; Wales; Ireland; France; Spain; and Portugal.

It was supported by 11 technical partners and involved 100 pilot farms – 10 of which were Northern Irish dairy farms – and 10 experimental farms.

Northern Ireland’s 10 Dairy 4 Future pilot farmers met at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s (CAFRE) Greenmount campus last month to discuss the results of the project.

Each farmer provided two years of detailed data on the physical and financial performance of their businesses, as well as allowing analysis on their environmental performance and aspects of social sustainability.

The Dairy 4 Future project gave the pilot farmers the opportunity to attend meetings on each other’s farms throughout the project to discuss and compare sustainability strategies.

Strengths and weaknesses

The project has produced a booklet, ‘Lessons learnt from the Dairy 4 Future project’, which documents all the studies carried out and includes the reports and findings.

The key strength, which was identified from analysis across all the regions, was the optimum temperate climate with adequate precipitation to allow good grass growth.

The main weakness was the systems’ sensitivity to milk price volatility with low margins, and thus creating difficulties in expansion.

Due to drought risk during the grass growing season and when considering opportunities, global warming was identified major industry threat.

All North Atlantic regions, except for Brittany in France, expect milk volume output to increase to 2030.

Findings

64% of the pilot farms said that their milk contract was favorable to their activity. When asked to give their views on the economic success of the dairy farms, the common challenges found were:

• Workforce availabilty;
• Public perception of dairy farming;
• Access to land;
• and the price of equipment.

Over 70% of farmers said they felt the price of equipment and access to land had a strong impact on their milk production.

A report detailing a blueprint roadmap for low-emission dairy farms in the Atlantic area found a significant difference in the percentage of replacement heifers carried on the farm between farms with a high and low stocking rate, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said.

The report also identified a significant difference in the carbon footprint of farms which had a high amount of purchased feed/kg of milk solids compared to farms with a low amount.

Important factors identified for low-emission dairy farms were land availability; replacement heifer rate; and precision farming practices.

The full ‘Lessons learnt from the Dairy 4 Future project’ booklet can be found on CAFRE’s website.

The college extended its thanks to the 10 Northern Irish farmers for their participation in the project, especially their “willingness to provide information and their continued involvement and enthusiasm throughout the project”.

The post 10 NI farms complete international ‘Dairy 4 Future’ project appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The department has asked farmers to “dip, don’t shower” their sheep when treating them for sheep scab.

It is a highly contagious disease and is often brought onto the farm by sheep coming from marts or sales.

“There are worrying signs of a new trend whereby organophosphate sheep dip formulations, used to treat sheep scab, are being incorrectly used in sheep showers,” DAERA said in a statement.

“Products licensed to treat sheep scab are only to be used as dips.”

The department said it wants to remind farmers that it is an offence to use a product licensed only for dipping, in a sheep shower system.

There are currently two treatment methods available to kill the mites that cause sheep scab. These are:

• Injectable formulations based on ivermectin-type drugs;
• Organophosphate sheep dips.

Recently, DAERA warned, there have been reports that resistance to the injectable formulations is developing.

“This means that on some farms, the only effective method of treatment available is the organophosphate sheep dips,” it said.

“These are very powerful formulations and to date, no resistance to the active ingredient has been identified. Preserving their effective use is therefore of the utmost importance.”

DAERA is therefore encouraging flock keepers to check the products they, and contractors working for them, are using to treat their sheep.

The post DAERA: Avoid ‘showering’ sheep during sheep scab treatment appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

This is the same location that was used when the show was last held back in 2019.

The decision to go ahead with an event this year was taken over recent days by members of Newry Agricultural Show Society.

Newry Show Society

The organisation’s 2023 annual meeting saw Brian Lockhart elected to the position of chairman with Tommy Collins continuing as president.

Brian Lockhart commented: “It wasn’t possible to hold a show during the Covid-19 lockdown. And society members did not feel that running an event last year was a feasible option, very much for financial reasons.

“However, it’s all systems go for 2023. All the show various schedules are at an advanced stage of preparation. There will be a great turnout of livestock on the day, not to mention all the other fun events that have now been scheduled.”

Newry Show celebrated its 150^th anniversary in 2018. The year prior to that, the event hosted a very successful visit by members of the Aberdeen Angus World Congress.

“There has always been a very special farming and food heritage associated with the Newry area,” Lockhart added.

“The interest of the general public in how farmers go about their business and how their food is produced has never been greater.”

Newry Agricultural Society held its first show in 1869 and has been providing an annual agricultural event ever since.

The return of Newry marks the completion of the north’s traditional show season itinerary. All events are held under the auspices of the Northern Ireland Shows’ Association.

The Covid-19 restrictions led to the cancellation of all events during 2020 and 2021.

Support was made available by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to help show societies meet some of the costs that they incurred during lockdown.

The 2023 season kicks-off with Balmoral in May and follows through each of the six counties over the subsequent three months.

The final event of the summer calendar is the Co. Fermanagh Show, which takes place, this year, over two days on August 11 and 12.

The ‘Big Breakfast’ by Newry Show Society will take place on March 4 from 8:30a.m to 12:30p.m.

The post Newry Show Society to host ‘Big Breakfast’ appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The services will open on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, and DAERA is encouraging farm businesses to apply early as “these payments represent the main income for many local farmers”.

Director of area-based schemes division at DAERA, Dr. Jason Foy, said the department is asking farm businesses to submit their applications as soon as possible to “allow adequate time to check all their information and avoid unnecessary penalties”.

Foy said Entitlement Transfer applications must be submitted by the closing date of Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

Single Applications, he said, must be submitted by Monday, May 15, 2023, to avoid late claim penalties. The last date to submit applications is Friday, June 9, 2023.

“If they have any problems or questions, farmers can get support from our advisory service helpline on 0300 200 7848, our website or at a local DAERA Direct office,” Foy said.

Single Application

The Single Application is the method for claiming any of the following schemes:

• Basic Payment Scheme (BPS);
• Young Farmers’ Payment (YFP);
• Regional Reserve Entitlement allocation or top up (as a Young Farmer or New Entrant);
• Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS);
• Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS);
• Farm Woodland Scheme (FWS);
• Forest Expansion Scheme (Annual Premia);
• Small Woodland Grant Scheme (SWGS);
• Protein Crops Scheme.

DAERA said that farmers should also use the Single Application and Map Service to notify it of any changes to their land in 2023. This, the department said, should be done as early as possible to avoid delays in payment.

The department has also confirmed that the Protein Crops Scheme has been extended for another year in 2023 following the success of the two-year pilot.

Farmers will receive £330/ha in addition to their basic payment and the environmental benefits from the scheme include reducing the need to import animal feed and the associated carbon footprint, the department said. 

The scheme, it said, represents an important investment in promoting sustainable and diversified agriculture in Northern Ireland. The maximum funding available under this scheme is £330,000 in 2023.

From 2023, DAERA has also announced a new ‘Secure Messaging Service’ as a way of communicating with its customers. The new service will be rolled out gradually to replace previous means of communication, such as letters.

Customers will be contacted directly by DAERA when a new secure message is available for them to view online. This new service, the department said, is secure, convenient and environmentally friendly.

The post DAERA announces opening date for £300m Single Applications appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) will lead a Farm Innovation Visit (FIV) in partnership with Farm Ed.

The farm cluster being visited includes the FAI research farms near Oxford, Whittingdon Lodge farm in the Cotswolds hills and mixed arable and grassland farms at Conygree farm as well as Farm Ed itself.

Farmers interested in participating should complete the application form on CAFRE’s website before the closing date of Monday, February 27, 2023.

The trip will provide farmers with the opportunity to meet other members of the Northeast Cotswolds Farmer Cluster who, between their 70 members, manage 22,000ha.

DAERA and CAFRE said that while the landscape, soils and climate are different to Ireland, the approaches to farming will give participants the chance to focus on innovative ways of maintaining and enhancing biodiversity that can be adapted to Northern Irish farms.

The farming cluster group aims to manage land in a viable and sustainable way in response to changes within the English farm support schemes.

Applications

Applications are invited from one member or employee of a farm business that has over three hectares, is over 18-years-old on the application date and is not in full-time education.

Fifteen places are available for the trip and these will be allocated with preference to those who meet the criteria, DAERA said.

To increase the benefits that come from the trip, all applicants must identify a group of farmers that they will share their findings with when they return.

DAERA and CAFRE said if there is sufficient interest in the trip, subsequent trips will take place in 2023.

The Farm Innovation Visit Scheme, which is part of the NI Rural Development Programme, will cover the costs associated with setting up the visit, accommodation, travel outside of Northern Ireland and meals when in Great Britain.

Participants will be expected to meet any additional costs.

The post DAERA and CAFRE offer biodiversity trip to Cotswolds farming cluster appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

The Yolk Folk Egg Products Ltd. pleaded guilty to the charges brought against it at Enniskillen Magistrates’ court yesterday (Wednesday, February 15).

The company was investigated by a Water Quality Inspector (WQI) acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) in July of 2020.

In a section of the Arney River, the WQI discovered the presence of sewage fungus and bloodworms downstream from a storm pipe.

They then met with the owner on-site where they discovered that chicken shed washings were entering the storm drainage system, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

In June of 2021, the WQI returned and found slurry and manure washings entering a field between the chicken sheds before flowing into the waterway.

They reported a dark-coloured effluent running from the storm pipe, causing a dark-coloured plume of effluent further downstream.

The discharge was collected and tested and it was found to contain poisonous, noxious or polluting matter which was “potentially harmful to fish life” in the receiving waterway, according to DAERA.

On February 4, 2022, following a further complaint, slurry deposits which had flowed off the laneway and into an adjacent field were discovered by the WQI.

At the waterway discharge point the WQI noted sludge, bloodworms and sewage fungus present in the open waterway.

The Yolk Folk Egg Products Ltd. was consequently fined £2,500 for the offence in 2020; £5,000 for the offence in 2021; and £10,000 and for the offence in 2022, under various sections of Article 7 of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 as amended by the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

The post Enniskillen egg producers fined for water pollution offences appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Carbon benchmarking allows a business to gain an understanding of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and compare that information so previous years and its peers.

The college commenced its quest to increase the number of carbon benchmarked farms with the establishment of a pilot benchmarking project involving participants in Environmental Business Development Groups (EBDGs). 

In January 2021, the opportunity to participate in carbon benchmarking was opened to all farmers participating in Business Development Groups (BDGs).

By December 2022, CAFRE said, over 500 farm businesses with 750 farm enterprises had taken the opportunity to find out more about GHG emissions within their farm enterprises.

The majority of these have been beef farms (37%), followed by dairy farms (32%), sheep farms (25%) and other (6%).

CAFRE said it is encouraging those producers in BDGs who have not yet availed of the opportunity to complete carbon benchmarking to get in touch with their CAFRE adviser.

For producers who are already completing a financial benchmarking, it said, the addition of carbon benchmarking will provide an added helpful measure of the environmental sustainability of their farm business.

Carbon benchmark

Once a farm business has received their carbon benchmark report, the guidance from CAFRE advisers is focussed on four key pillars: Management of soil nutrients; land; livestock; and energy. 

The college said that “every farm is different” and there will be range of opportunities to achieve improvements in each individual case.  

Many improvements can be made under the four pillars, CAFRE said, but the main ones are as follows:

Improved nutrient management:

• Nutrient management planning:
  • Efficient slurry spreading techniques: Low emission slurry spreading (LESS);
  • Timing of fertiliser and slurry applications: Spring.
• Use stabilised fertilisers e.g. protected urea;
• Nitrogen fixation by clover/sward.

Land management

• Soil management:
  • Maintain good soil structure – avoid compaction;
  • Optimal soil pH;
  • Soil organic matter;
  • Drainage of mineral soils.
• Longer grazing season;
• Woodland / agroforestry creation;
• Hedgerow management and creation;
• Protecting carbon stores in peatland.

Livestock management

• Animal health plan;
• Optimise animal performance – fertility rates, age at first calving;
• Improved genetic selection;
• Targeted feeding – dietary protein.

Energy management

• Insulate hot water systems;
• Use of plate coolers;
• Increase energy efficiency e.g. LED lights, VSD;
• Clean sky lights to increase natural light;
• Renewable energy.

The results of each producers benchmarking are confidential and will not be shared with anyone without the express permission of the participating farmer.

The post CAFRE passes milestone of 750 carbon-benchmarked farms appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

36-year-old Vasile Roma of Ravenswood Crescent, Belfast, pleaded guilty at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court and was fined £415 plus a £15 offender levy yesterday (Monday, February 13).

The case arose after the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stopped a vehicle containing three pig carcasses and reported the matter to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Charges

Soma was convicted of one charge of, by reason of an act or failure to act by him caused unnecessary suffering to three pigs and he knew or ought to reasonably have known that the act or failure to act would have that effect, or was likely to do so.

This offence was contrary to Section 4(1) of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

He was also convicted of one charge of, that he did slaughter, cause to be slaughtered or permitted an animal to be slaughtered, in a manner that contravened the requirements of the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014.

The offence was contrary to Regulation 23 of the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014.

DAERA said that it gives high priority to the welfare of animals and operates a vigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements.

Any breaches, it said, are investigated thoroughly and offenders prosecuted as necessary.

The post Belfast man convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to pigs appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.