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TB rates down
Incidence rates of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in NI fell during the first half of 2019, the latest figures from DAERA indicate. Annual herd incidence rate, which is the percentage of new reactor herds as a proportion of the total tested over the last 12 months, stood at 8.38% in June 2019, down from 9.29% the year previous and 8.47% the month previous. There were 6,239 bTB reactors identified in first half of the year, which is 18% lower than the same period in 2018. The figures show that there were 25,207 bTB tests conducted during the first six months of 2019, representing a 5.2% year-on-year drop.
However, the percentage of herds in NI that were closed up with bovine TB was higher in June 2019 than the same month last year. In June 2018, 10.2% of herds in NI were either Officially TB Suspended or Officially TB Withdrawn, whereas 10.8% had restrictions in June 2019.
Farmgate price concerns
Local political representatives have received letters from the Ulster Farmers’ Union outlining concerns about current beef and lamb prices. Recipients included NI Secretary of State Julian Smith, agriculture spokespersons for the main political parties in NI, as well as DAERA Permanent Secretary Denis McMahon.
“Beef and sheep farmers are completely disillusioned with the ongoing situation in the marketplace. The farmgate price for beef produced in NI has continuously decreased since autumn 2018, while lamb has been taking a serious downward turn since spring 2019,” said UFU beef and lamb chair Sam Chesney. “All we want is for beef and sheep farmers to get a fair and sustainable price.”
Northway Mushrooms opens compost facility
A state of-the-art mushroom compost facility has been opened by Northway Mushrooms outside Ballygawley in Co Tyrone. The £25m investment, supported by First Trust Bank is the first phase-three substrate site of its kind in the UK. Northway Mushrooms is a producer organisation, representing 20 mushroom businesses across Ireland.
Lower carbon footprint
Consumers are being urged by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) to buy local produce to lower their carbon footprint.
“Many vegetables you see on the shop shelf have travelled lengthy distances, in some cases flown thousands of miles, whereas local produce is grown here on our home turf,” UFU vegetable chair Adrian McGowan said.
He pointed out that homegrown vegetables are fresher, and a shorter supply chain can mean a more consistent supply.
No-deal Brexit to cost UK farms £850m
Research by farm business consultants the Andersons Centre has forecast that total farm profitability in the UK would fall by 18% or £850m in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The largest decline in output is expected in the sheep sector, down 31%. Declines are also forecast for cereal, dairy and beef farmers.
Andersons forecast reduced costs for some farm inputs, such as feed, fertiliser and pesticides, mainly due to lower UK import tariffs after a no-deal Brexit. However, other inputs, such as veterinary costs, are projected to rise.
The research, which was commissioned by the BBC, also found that if the UK left the EU with a deal, total farm profits in the UK would drop by 3%.
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