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This spring has been a tough one for farmers. Markree weather station in Sligo recorded rainfall of 240mm for the month of February, compared to 81mm in 2019 and 109mm in 2018.
March has not been much better apart from the past week which has seen some dryer conditions and farmers finally able to get some slurry or bagged fertiliser spread on farms. Cattle are finally getting to see the outdoors and grass growth is starting to move. I recorded growth last week of 11kgDM/ha per day. This is roughly half the growth figure for the same week last year, but to be expected.
Social practices will change, physical interactions will change and our way of doing business day to day will change, perhaps never to be the same
The country is currently dealing with the coronavirus situation and farmers will have to play their part in limiting its spread.
Social practices will change, physical interactions will change and our way of doing business day to day will change, perhaps never to be the same.
Our marts, normally places of close interaction between individuals, are closed in the shutdown. Along with the local pub, shop and post office, the social outlet they once were for many, now gone, but hopefully only for a short period of time.
Physical distancing
Physical distancing should not mean social distancing or, in turn, social isolation. People can stay in touch with neighbours, family and friends using all modern technology available. Shopping can be done online or via a telephone call to the local store. Delivery arranged and perhaps a chat with the newest delivery driver, from the local GAA club helping out a neighbour, but keeping that physical distance apart.
Physical distancing should not mean social distancing or, in turn, social isolation
Agricultural stores are changing how they do business also. A call or click and collect is now in operation in many stores. Payment is via bank transfer or contactless card payment. Over the last few years, cattle and sheep marts have moved to online bank transfer of payments to and from farmers.
This facility does not appear to be widely available from our meat processors to their farmer suppliers and should be made available immediately to all farmers supplying stock to the processors.
Cheques
The days of sending cheques by post, having to travel to your local bank branch, using a cashier or ATM to make the lodgement and waiting days for the cheque to clear and have funds available in your bank account, should have been dispensed with in the last decade. That time is now and every meat processor in the country should put in place the facilities for online bank payments to suppliers without delay.
My annual herd test was completed successfully at the weekend and we as farmers hope, as far as possible, to continue our day-to-day business, while following all Government and HSE advice issued over the coming weeks.
We as farmers hope, as far as possible, to continue our day-to-day business, while following all Government and HSE advice
Technology, such as the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Identification and Movement system (AIMS), was an important step towards full cattle traceability in Ireland. ICBF’s database and DNA registration of calves is the next step towards full identification of an animal’s sire and dam. One wonders is there still a need for the blue card on farms at all?
There will inevitably be some disruption to farm operations and markets we sell into, but there will be brighter days ahead. Remember - at the end of a storm, there’s a golden sky. Stay safe all.
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