Farming Life - News Feed

Agreement on CAP is still ‘do-able’ by June deadline

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:56:09 GMT

The European Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Cioloş told farm ministers at this week’s Agriculture Council that a political agreement on CAP reform is still “doable” by June, but there is a long road ahead.

Executive gives the go-ahead for a Fodder Support Scheme

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:55:27 GMT

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has confirmed that the Executive has agreed an additional £1million to help farmers facing difficulties with fodder shortages.

Forest capitalises on the growing demand for firewood

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:55:12 GMT

It’s hard to believe that a forest planted out at the beginning of the New Millennium, in the form of one metre long cuttings, can now boast trees up to 50 feet in height and stems up to 12 inches in diameter.

LMC believes ambitious plans can be delivered

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:54:33 GMT

The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) has welcomed the Going for Growth strategic action plan in support of the Northern Ireland Agri-Food industry which was launched at Balmoral Show on Thursday.

Broad welcome for Agri-Food report

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:54:27 GMT

Northern Ireland’s farming sector has welcomed the recommendations contained within the report from the Agri-Food Strategy Board, which foresees an industry generating sales of some £7 billion annually by 2020. This represents a 60% increase on current turnover levels.

Fodder taskforce is established by DARD Minister

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:42:07 GMT

Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O’Neill has established a taskforce to support farmers affected by the continuing poor weather.

Asda/ABP BeefLink steak competition

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:37:15 GMT

The first Asda/ABP BeefLink steak competition of the 2013 show season was won by a steak from a British Blue sired young bull bred by Larne, Co Antrim-based farmer Robin Arnold.

Dale Farm Excellence award winner revealed

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:34:42 GMT

Top quality milk and first class farm management proved the winning formula for Andrew Chestnutt from Ballymoney, who was named as the winner of the 2013 Dale Farm Excellence Award - picking up the top prize of £750.

Plans well advanced for 2013 National Shooting Week

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:31:58 GMT

National Shooting Week will be held from 25 May until 2 June 2013.

Ulster-bred Simmental scoops title

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30:14 GMT

Co Antrim Simmental breeders Gavin Hayes, and sons Kyle, James and Sam, from Upper Ballinderry, Lisburn, scooped the breed’s supreme championship at the multi-breed beef show and sale, hosted by United Auctions at Stirling Agricultural Centre.

UUP hails victory on rural schools amendment

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:26:36 GMT

The Ulster Unionist Party says it has succeeded in getting its amendment passed during a debate on rural schools.

Justice Minister announces creation of Rural Crime Unit

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:22:12 GMT

Justice Minister David Ford has announced that a new Rural Crime Unit will be formed within the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Ad captures the power of milk

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:19:11 GMT

The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland is set to launch a TV advertising campaign called ‘Milk: A Force of Nature,’ which will appeal to NI mums and highlight the wide range of nutrients available in milk.

Agreement on CFP package welcomed

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:16:52 GMT

Fisheries Minister Michelle O’Neill, MLA attended the EU Council meeting in Brussels this week at which Ministers reached a final position on key reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy.

Agri-food potential highlighted at flagship Balmoral Show event

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:14:36 GMT

Agri-food is a vital and growing part of the Northern Ireland economy, sustaining up to 92,000 people in employment, Ulster Bank’s most senior executive in Northern Ireland emphasised at one of the Balmoral Show’s main events on Thursday.

Farmer urges free passage on railway line

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:38:55 GMT

Details of a letter which had been sent by a farmer called J Bennet at Poyntzpass, Co Down, was read to a members of the committee of the North-East Agricultural Association when they had met at 73 High Street in Belfast, this week in 1868.

Refreshing showers needed to break up clods in Ulster fields

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:34:55 GMT

DURING this week in 1848 the News Letter published the following agricultural report.

Farmer prosecuted for turning out his widowed mother

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:31:44 GMT

At Ballymena Petty Sessions in May 1860 a farmer from Carnmore in the parish of Dunaghy named Patrick Kennedy appeared on a summons issued on behalf of the Guardians of the Poor of Ballymena Union.

Golden Cow ‘spreads the love’

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:15:14 GMT

GOLDEN Cow, one of Northern Ireland’s favourite butter brand will be ‘Spreading the Love’ at the Balmoral Show with the help of one of our favourite chefs Jenny Bristow in support of the CLIC Sargent Home from Homes appeal.

Committees to focus on direct engagement

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:07:11 GMT

NORTHERN Ireland Assembly Committees will again attend this year’s Balmoral Show with the Committees for Agriculture and Rural Development, Regional Development and Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister all represented at the show.