We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Agriculture in the national news - March 10
A DAILY look at how agriculture has caught the headlines across the nation (Wednesday, March 9).
We need GM plants that benefit consumers and not just farmers
Despite the decision by the European Union last week to approve the cultivation of a GM potato, plant scientist Eoin Lettice argues that consumers will only accept the technology when it provides tangible benefits for them.
The Guardian
http://tinyurl.com/yaefjtb
Volatile single currency creates SFP opportunity for farming sector
The Clydesdale Bank reports that here has been an increase in the number of farmers hedging their Single Farm Payment (SFP) in recent days.
This is in response to the volatility of euro/sterling exchange rates that has created short-term opportunities for those who take their SFP in euros and manage the exchange process themselves.
Herald Scotland
http://tinyurl.com/yekrwzj
New pesticide spray controls under fire
A proposal to add to existing regulations surrounding the application of pesticides was yesterday described as “completely unnecessary gold plating”.
Wendy Gray, of the Crop Protection Association, was commenting on a consultation document which includes suggestions on implementing new rules on pesticide spraying.
Press and Journal
http://tinyurl.com/yhp2hpc
Devonfarm safety event tackles high risk areas
TWO hundred farmers have signed up to a safety event in East Devon next Tuesday after continued concerns over the number of accidents within the agricultural industry.
There were seven deaths and 96 major injuries in Devon during the five years between 2004/5 and 2008/9.
Mid Devon Star
http://tinyurl.com/ycqywj8
Rare triplet calves born on a Cornish farm
A cow in Cornwall has beaten odds of 100,000 to one by giving birth to triplets.
Her name is Caesar and she’s now busy looking after the new arrivals on a farm near Landrake.
Laura, Ben and Tom are the new arrivals at the farm.
BBC Online
http://tinyurl.com/ygoy5tn
The farming forecast
Could a flock of sheep from County Antrim help win the fight against global warming?
How they are bred, fed and sheltered is all part of an experiment to get farmers thinking about the most efficient way of working.
BBC Online
http://tinyurl.com/y8pfkp5
Darren beats dyslexia to win prize for agriculture
A STUDENT from Oatridge College has brought Scotland’s Landbased Learner of the Year trophy back to the institution for the fifth time in six years.
Darren Broadley, 17, has also been named Agricultural Learner of the Year by Lantra, the sector skills council for Scotland.
The Scotsman
http://tinyurl.com/yfceyk4
