NIAPA critical of EFS delay
The NI Agricultural Producers’ Association (NIAPA) has been critical of DAERA’s decision to delay the third tranche of the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS). As reported last week, DAERA is currently reviewing EFS applications amid concerns about the level of funding that will be needed for measures which involve fencing.
In a statement, NIAPA point out that the window for completing measures under EFS is already tight, and any delay will compound the issue.
“Inevitably, this will push back available opportunity to complete any work which is eventually approved, and ultimately increases the length of time to reimburse farmers,” the statement reads.
Warning over rafoxanide used for live fluke
Livestock farmers have been urged not to use rafoxanide-based products as an alternative to closantel for liver fluke treatments.
Flukicides with the active ingredient rafoxanide are not widely available in the UK, however some products have been imported from the Republic of Ireland under special licence.
Professor Diana Williams from animal health body COWS said that rafoxanide should not be used as an alternative to closantel on farms where there is triclabendazole resistance.
“There is no evidence to suggest using closantel and rafoxanide interchangeably/on a rotational basis will successfully reduce the selection pressure for resistance.
“Indeed, there is a serious risk that such use of rafoxanide will hasten the development of resistance to closantel,” Williams said.
UFU announce winter roadshows
The UFU has also announced its winter roadshow programme with six meetings scheduled from 13 to 29 January with all meetings starting at 8pm.
Dates and venues are as follows:
Co Fermanagh, Monday 13 January, Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen.Co Armagh, Wednesday 15 January, Armagh City Hotel, Armagh.Co Tyrone, Monday 20 January, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh.Co Antrim, Wednesday 22 January, Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena.Co Derry, Monday 27 January, the Roe Park, Limavady.Co Down, Wednesday 29 January, Millbrook Lodge, Ballynahinch.MPs lobbied on food import standards
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) used its first reception event for MPs since the general election to push the case for maintaining food import standards after Brexit.
The event took place at the NFU’s office in Westminster and attendees included Defra Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, as well as MPs and peers from across the political spectrum.
“We must value our high farming standards and not sacrifice them in future trade deals, in favour of imports of food produced to standards that would be illegal in the UK,” said NFU president Minette Batters.
The Wiltshire farmer reiterated her call for the UK government to set up a trade and standards commission to scrutinise and provide advice on trade negotiations.
Downturn for
UFU MPI
The latest milk price indicator (MPI) released by the UFU is down 0.56p/l to 29.49p/l. That is partly due to the 5.1% drop in last week’s GDT, although prices on the weekly Dutch Dairy Board auction were unchanged.
The UFU also points to the recovery in sterling after the UK general election as being another important factor taking the index down.
Read more
Camera at the Mart: flying trade for quality pedigree cows at dispersal sale
Calf-feeding support package an 'important first step'
NIAPA critical of EFS delay
The NI Agricultural Producers’ Association (NIAPA) has been critical of DAERA’s decision to delay the third tranche of the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS). As reported last week, DAERA is currently reviewing EFS applications amid concerns about the level of funding that will be needed for measures which involve fencing.
In a statement, NIAPA point out that the window for completing measures under EFS is already tight, and any delay will compound the issue.
“Inevitably, this will push back available opportunity to complete any work which is eventually approved, and ultimately increases the length of time to reimburse farmers,” the statement reads.
Warning over rafoxanide used for live fluke
Livestock farmers have been urged not to use rafoxanide-based products as an alternative to closantel for liver fluke treatments.
Flukicides with the active ingredient rafoxanide are not widely available in the UK, however some products have been imported from the Republic of Ireland under special licence.
Professor Diana Williams from animal health body COWS said that rafoxanide should not be used as an alternative to closantel on farms where there is triclabendazole resistance.
“There is no evidence to suggest using closantel and rafoxanide interchangeably/on a rotational basis will successfully reduce the selection pressure for resistance.
“Indeed, there is a serious risk that such use of rafoxanide will hasten the development of resistance to closantel,” Williams said.
UFU announce winter roadshows
The UFU has also announced its winter roadshow programme with six meetings scheduled from 13 to 29 January with all meetings starting at 8pm.
Dates and venues are as follows:
Co Fermanagh, Monday 13 January, Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen.Co Armagh, Wednesday 15 January, Armagh City Hotel, Armagh.Co Tyrone, Monday 20 January, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh.Co Antrim, Wednesday 22 January, Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena.Co Derry, Monday 27 January, the Roe Park, Limavady.Co Down, Wednesday 29 January, Millbrook Lodge, Ballynahinch.MPs lobbied on food import standards
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) used its first reception event for MPs since the general election to push the case for maintaining food import standards after Brexit.
The event took place at the NFU’s office in Westminster and attendees included Defra Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, as well as MPs and peers from across the political spectrum.
“We must value our high farming standards and not sacrifice them in future trade deals, in favour of imports of food produced to standards that would be illegal in the UK,” said NFU president Minette Batters.
The Wiltshire farmer reiterated her call for the UK government to set up a trade and standards commission to scrutinise and provide advice on trade negotiations.
Downturn for
UFU MPI
The latest milk price indicator (MPI) released by the UFU is down 0.56p/l to 29.49p/l. That is partly due to the 5.1% drop in last week’s GDT, although prices on the weekly Dutch Dairy Board auction were unchanged.
The UFU also points to the recovery in sterling after the UK general election as being another important factor taking the index down.
Read more
Camera at the Mart: flying trade for quality pedigree cows at dispersal sale
Calf-feeding support package an 'important first step'
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