ONE of the most interesting dimensions to this week's Balmoral Show was the genuine level of confidence expressed by trade exhibitors, livestock breeders and the many thousands of farmers, plus members of the general public, who
made their way to the showgrounds over the three days of the
event.
No doubt the upturn in the weather brightened everyone's
mood. However, there's little doubt that the resumption of beef exports, the fact that SFP monies are starting to make an impact at farm level made a genuine impact for good at the grass roots
level.
But one swallow doesn't make a summer and there were still plenty of people attending the show still ready and willing to express major reservations about the future of agriculture in Northern Ireland.
Last week saw the Ulster Unionist Party publish its new policy document on the way forward for agriculture and the rural economy in Northern Ireland.
Significantly, party spokesman, Billy Armstrong, told Farming Life that there is a future for farming in the Province but only on the basis of the efficient surviving. And he's right!
The days are gone when production-led subsidies will determine the profitability of any farming enterprise. The market is now the final arbitrator when it comes to resolving whether or not any farming enterprise will survive
or fall by the wayside.
And it's in this context that the farming industry must strive to have the public on its side: hence the need for a vibrant and successful Balmoral Show.
The event continues to provide a focal point for the agriculture as a whole while, at the same time, acting as a touchstone for the country at large in reflecting the
crucial contribution the industry continues to make towards our general way of life.
Without a high profile shop window, agriculture has a major problem in projecting the myriad good news stories which the industry continues to generate. Roll on Balmoral 2007!
