UFU Watch
David remains hopeful for a spell of good weather
In the May installment of his blog, David is still hopeful for a stretch of good weather so that he can get the whole herd out to grass, but this is proving to be very difficult.
Decision taken that ‘A’ moves not needed
Gill Gallagher, UFU policy officer, writes about the latest developments from the UFU Beef and Lamb Committee.
UFU joins forces with farming unions on CAP co-financing
The UK farming unions including the UFU last week joined forces with colleagues from across Europe to demand that national governments co-finance any transfer of funds from the direct payments pillar of the CAP to the rural development pillar.
Deadline for LFACA Force Majeure application nearing
Ulster Farmers’ Union President Harry Sinclair would like to remind farmers that the deadline is fast approaching for farmers who have lost stock due to the recent severe weather and wish to submit a force majeure application for the 2014 Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances (LFACA) scheme.
Ards group reflects on busy winter period
As summer approaches the Ards Group hopes to see a change in the weather for the better, many will be glad to see an end to the winter and spring of 2013 due to some of the most adverse weather conditions since records began, making life for farmers extremely difficult.
Law changes are on the way for spraying
The UK National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (Plant Protection Products) was published by Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs in February 2013.
UFU sponsors YFCU 2013 exchange programme
Ulster Farmers’ Union is pleased to be sponsoring the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster 2013 exchange programme offering long term placements to Australia, Canada and the United States of America to YFCU members.
Balmoral tickets now available
The Ulster Farmers’ Union is pleased to announce that discounted Balmoral tickets are now available for members to purchase from their local offices and UFU headquarters.
Meeting planned to discuss A5
The UFU met with the Regional Development Minister to discuss the latest developments around the A5 road scheme.
Union launches 2013 schools competition
The UFU received a bumper number of entries for the 2013 Schools Competition which closed on 28th March 2013. Over 3,000 primary school children submitted artwork from over 100 Nursery, Primary and Special schools in Northern Ireland.
Rural Support fund deadline
The UFU would like to remind farmers and rural dwellers that the closing date for the rural support emergency fund is 10th May 2013.
Neonicotinoids ban is set to be given the green light
The European Commission has confirmed it will push ahead with a ban on the use of three widely-used neonicotinoids “to better protect bees”.
Union holds its AGM at Down Royal Racecourse
This week UFU President Harry Sinclair welcomed Council members to the 2013 Annual General Meeting which included a tour of the new Balmoral Show site followed by the 2013 AGM at the Down Royal Racecourse.
With the weather improving it’s time to get to work
After a number of months of inconsistent weather, spring finally seems to have awakened from its slumber as we move into May - and South West Down members are gearing up for a busy few months in the fields.
Mid Down group packing bags for trip to Budapest
The Ulster Farmers’ Union Mid Down Group are organising an exciting three day trip for their members to Budapest, Hungary in October 2013.
Improvements in water quality broadly welcomed
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has welcomed indications from the NIEA outlining steady improvements in water quality across Northern Ireland.
Summit impact discussed
Ulster Farmers’ Union Deputy President Barclay Bell, UFU Policy Director Wesley Aston, UFU Group Manager David West, and UFU County Fermanagh Chair James Murphy attended a meeting this week organised by DARD, the PSNI, and the Northern Ireland Office about the G8 Summit, which is taking place at the Loch Erne Resort on the 18 and 19 June.
Group learns the benefits of Farm Watch
NORTH Tyrone Group of the Ulster Farmers’ Union are looking forward to a busy and action packed summer with a host of events to suit all members.
EID tagging latest
Cattle electronic identification (EID) is already used by some keepers on a private basis for farm management purposes, although it is currently not an official means of identification.
CAP transition rules for 2014 published
The European Commission has released proposals providing transitional arrangements in 2014 for CAP rules, including the system of direct payments and rural development.
Cut to the chase - health insurance for members
The Ulster Farmers’ Union is offering a range of exclusive deals to our members, including an excellent deal on health insurance with BupaCare. UFU members can take advantage of up to 46% off BupaCare, which offers a private medical cover plan that is tailored to your needs.
Badger set survey latest
UFU Deputy President Ian Marshall is encouraging farmers in the Co Down area to return permission slips to AFBI, which will allow their staff to carry out a sett survey on their land. DARD identified two 100km2 areas for the sett survey work. The first is between Banbridge and Rathfriland.
Union officially launches Milk Price Indicator
This week the Ulster Farmers’ Union officially launched the UFU Milk Price Indicator (MPI) designed to provide dairy farmers with an indication of trends in dairy prices (local, European and global), leading to an indicative figure which the UFU believes the local dairy market is capable of returning.
2013 Single Application Form - Agricultural Waste Authorisations
The Agricultural Waste Authorisations in Section 6 of the 2013 Single Application Form now requires applicants to submit the number of used tyres kept on farms for use on silage clamps etc.
This little piggy went to market, could he have stayed at home?
We are all familiar with the famous nursery rhyme, “This little piggy went to market”, however in context of today’s Northern Ireland pig industry, this famous verse could be used to illustrate the disease risk from the mixing of pigs and their transportation to and from live marts.
Discounted tickets for Balmoral Show now available
The excitement is building for the 2013 Balmoral Show which will be taking place at the new purpose built show grounds on the 15th, 16th, and 17th May.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
