Agriculture in the news - January 25
A round up of farming news from across the UK.
Glanbia to reveal plans beyond 2015
The milk boom that is expected after 2015 will pump an extra €750m into farming communities, according to Glanbia dairy boss Jim Bergin.
Irish Independent
http://www.independent.ie/farming/news-features/glanbia-to-reveal-plans-beyond-2015-2997148.html
Meat processors’ fury over ‘divisive and misleading’ FSA claims
THE latest dispute between the Food Standards Agency and the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers broke out this week following the publication by the FSA of a number of meat plants that gave “cause for concern”.
Three of the eight plants listed on the FSA website under this category are based in Scotland – John Scott Meats, Basildene Ltd and Alsihia Ltd.
The Scotsman
Safety message for NI’s farmers after rise in deaths
The Health and Safety Executive for NI (HSENI) is launching an initiative to try and cut farm deaths.
A farmer was killed every month in 2011 while working on a farm in Northern Ireland. In February and March, HSENI staff will visit farms and speak directly to farmers and their families about their safety.
BBC News
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16709476
Raiders who stole 38 animals from Bury farm are branded as ‘scum’
Burglars have stolen dozens of animals from a remote community farm. Thieves targeted Pimhole Community Farm in Bury and took livestock and equipment worth more than £1,000. They stole 38 animals during two separate raids, including five doves, eight racing pigeons, ten rabbits and 15 hens.
Manchester Evening News
Tillage growers urged to avoid sowing cereals despite spring-like conditions
Tillage growers have been warned not to get carried away with early spring sowings, despite near-perfect seedbed conditions in many parts of the country.
Teagasc tillage expert Jim O’Mahony issued the warning amid reports that farmers in the south of the country have already put seed in the ground.
Irish Independent
Farm draws short straw as bales burn
STRAW bales, valued at more than £10,000, have been destroyed in a “suspicious” blaze at Aberdeenshire farm.
Around 1,000 bales were destroyed in the fire at a farm steading near Cuminestown in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The Scotsman
http://www.scotsman.com/news/farm_draws_short_straw_as_bales_burn_1_2075050
Opportunities for farming from climate change?
The world is experiencing the disadvantages of climate change, in terms of increases in world food prices, partly because of extreme weather events in countries as far apart as Australia and Russia.
Britain’s farmers will also feel the impact of our changing climate very directly, including prolonged and more frequent droughts, changes in rainfall distribution, more storms and other extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. These threats are likely to result in increased and changing pest loads, reduced yields of cereals, increased risk of heat stress in livestock and possible changes in soil water balance.
Western Morning News
http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/story-15029413-detail/story.html
Noise monitors increased at turbine site after complaints
Noise-monitoring equipment will be set up at 12 sites around a controversial wind farm, to address residents’ concerns.
North Devon Council has received more than 20 complaints from residents living around Fullabrook wind farm, between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe. It is operational, but noise monitoring cannot be carried out until the wind farm is officially commissioned. That was supposed to happen in October, but has been repeatedly delayed.
Western Morning News
http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/story-15029795-detail/story.html
Robot milkers change young couple’s lives
Increased milk yields, improved herd management, flexibility to attend to other parts of the business and more quality time with his young family – that was the wish list that robotic milking has made a reality for Cornish dairy farmer Andrew Julian.
Herald Express
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/story-15029321-detail/story.html
Turbine plan for farm set to be approved
A farmer’s plans for a 60ft wind turbine on his land look set to be approved despite objections from residents.
Ted Clayton of The Bungalow on Flag Lane, Penwortham, wants to erect the turbine in a field to provide electricity and heat for the farm’s egg packing and distribution business.
Lancashire Evening Post
http://www.lep.co.uk/news/environment/turbine_plan_for_farm_set_to_be_approved_1_4176063
Oilseed nitrogen caution
The mild winter in the South West and the subsequent advanced condition of oilseed crops means nitrogen rates and timings must be calculated more carefully than ever before, according to Ian Matts, of fertiliser specialists Yara UK.
Western Morning News
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/story-15029357-detail/story.html
Country folk ‘are biggest savers’
Rural savers are putting more cash away than people in towns and cities, with those in the Chilterns and Derbyshire Dales having the largest cash balances, according to a report.
People living in the countryside have £9,202 stashed away, 16% or almost £1,300 more than savers in urban areas, who have saved up £7,906 on average.
Ripley and Heanor News
http://www.ripleyandheanornews.co.uk/news/regional/country_folk_are_biggest_savers_1_4176221
Norfolkpolice’s mounted specials scheme could be up and running in South Norfolk by the end of next month
Ambitious plans which will see mounted specials providing a high visibility presence from the end of next month are about to enter the final furlong.
Police chiefs in the county are keen to increase visibility and public reassurance in rural areas by bringing in mounted specials which have proved so successful in Hertfordshire since they were launched in 2009.
Eastern Daily Press
The demand for food in uncertain times
The effect of the unpredictable financial climate on food production will be at the forefront of discussions at the forthcoming Farming Scotland Conference in early February.
Despite uncertainty during turbulent economic times, delegates, whether farmers, suppliers or other professionals, will hear the latest research, opinions and advice relating to agriculture in light of tough financial challenges.
Kirriemuir Herald
Tragic motorcyclist death
A MOTORCYCLIST from Barlby was tragically killed when he collided with a tractor a coroner’s court in York heard.
The court heard how Army warrant officer Christopher Ryder, 41, braked when he saw a large tractor and trailer heading straight for him when he rounded a bend in Wheldrake Lane between Wheldrake and Elvington. At that moment he was travelling at 62mph and the braking caused his back wheel to lock and he collided with the tractor.
Selby Times
http://www.selbytimes.co.uk/news/local-news/district-news/tragic_motorcyclist_death_1_4155278
First crop of Thanet Earth cucumbers hit the supermarket shelves
THE first crop of UK-grown cucumbers from Thanet Earth have hit supermarket shelves.
The futuristic greenhouses near St Nicholas produced their first fruits on Wednesday.
Thanet Times
http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/story-15028329-detail/story.html
Record run as tractors roll
THERE was a record turn out for the winter tractor run organised by the Market Rasen Roadrunners
The charity event saw 75 vehicles setting off from Skinners Lane for Nova Scotia and on through the Wolds villages of Walesby and Tealby.
Market Rasen Mail
http://www.marketrasenmail.co.uk/community/people/record_run_as_tractors_roll_1_3451195
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