A veterinary deal with the European Union could increase UK agricultural and food exports by over a fifth, according to new research. The research team at Aston University’s Centre for Business Prosperity and the University of Bristol, analysed the agricultural and veterinary aspects of trade deals around the world to estimate their impact on exports. They then modelled the potential impact of different types of agreement on UK exports to the EU. Veterinary agreements specifically focus on regulations and standards related to animal health and welfare, as well as to the safety of animal-deriv ..read more

Kverneland has added two more butterfly mower conditioners to its range this season, with the introduction of the 5387MT and 5395MT models to the Irish and UK markets. These two new models fit between the 5087MT and 53100MT Vario, giving more choice for farmers and contractors. In addition, both models have the ability to be fitted with BX swath groupers. Based on the 3300-series mower platform, the two machines achieve fixed cutting widths of 8.75m and 9.5m respectively, using pairs of beds mounted on a linkage-mounted, folding frame. Where the 5387MT uses 3.2m eight-disc beds, the 5395MT us ..read more

Food insecurity and malnutrition have become a “new normal” according to the head of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). QU Dongyu, director-general of the FAO said that the ‘Global Report on Food Crises’, published today (Wednesday, April 24), should serve as a wake-up call, and ensure that we don’t neglect the provision of agricultural aid in emergency situations. The report shows that food crises are becoming increasingly protracted and underscored the risk that “hard-won development gains are being reversed”, Qu explained. Food insecurity The report found tha ..read more

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has provided clarification on how the department intends to take forward the transition of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) entitlements into the new Farm Sustainability Payment (FSP) entitlements. The transition takes place ahead of the launch of the Farm Sustainability Transition Payment (FSTP) next year (2025). It is currently planned that the current Basic Payment Scheme will be replaced by an FSTP in 2025, with the full FSP coming into operation in 2026. Speaking about the transition, a spokesperson for DAERA said: “One of the ..read more

The UK Agri-Tech Centre has published reports on “potential actions” farmers can take to reduce emissions and the innovation pipeline that will help the livestock sector reach net zero. CEO of Agri-Tech Centre, Phil Bicknell gave evidence to the House of Lords environment and climate change committee as part of their inquiry on methane. Agri-Tech Centre told the Lords that farmers can take steps now to reduce methane emissions, and technology is in the pipeline to help them. The centre is involved in trials and projects aimed at reducing methane emissions through breeding, such as the low-met ..read more

In honour of Great British Beef Week 2024, from Tuesday, April 23 to Tuesday, April 30, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is bringing consumers behind the farm gate to strengthen their connection with where their beef comes from. UFU president, David Brown said that through a wide range of different media formats, from videos to articles, the UFU is inviting consumers to experience life on a beef farm. Mr. Brown said that farmers across NI produce “safe, nutritious, climate friendly meat” that supports a thriving rural economy, but it is important to recognise the farmers behind the products. Ho ..read more

Ministers are being asked by Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) to consider using residual potato levy funds to support seven industry projects through a grant to GB Potatoes. The recommendation has been made by the AHDB following the wind down of levy payer activities within the sector and it is supported by the main potato membership organisations. Letters of support for the proposal have been received from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru, the British Potato Trade Association, the Fresh Potato Supplier Association and the Potato Processors’ Asso ..read more

A senior lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast has been named ‘World Vet of the Year 2024’ at the prestigious Global Veterinary Awards. Co. Down man, Simon Doherty was given the honour in recognition of his dedication and contribution to his field, at the awards which were hosted by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. Doherty, who is a senior lecturer in Animal Health in the School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s, was also named the winner of the ‘One Health’ category at the ceremony, which was supported by Ceva Sant ..read more

Two men were taken to hospital for treatment following an incident involving slurry gas on a farm in Co. Antrim in recent days. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and emergency services, including members of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue (NIFRS), attended the scene in Larne on Sunday evening (April 21). The men, one aged in his 30s and the other in his 60s, were brought to hospital from the farm. “Police, along with emergency services colleagues, attended the scene of a slurry-related incident at a farm in the Old Glenarm Road area of Larne at around 5.30pm on Sunday, 21st Ap ..read more

Securing optimal levels of carbon reduction within a robotic milking enterprise was the focus of a recent farm walk. The event was hosted by William and Alan McConnell from Drumgaw in Co. Armagh, in association with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). The father and son team milk 135 cows using a robot. William is still very active on the farm, with Alan’s son James now taking on more of the herd management, although he is still at university. The key take home messages delivered on the day related to the reduction of waste, where animal management, in tandem with f ..read more