Busy start for South Londonderry Group

Group member Andrew McClelland was presented with the voucher by Richard Lee at the NFU Mutual Office in Magherafelt

A full winter programme of meetings kicked off the year, including a gripping presentation in December by group members Ian and Ronnie Derby on their near death experience and how first aid helped them through it.

During the meeting in February young farmer David Sampson related on his experiences of farming in New Zealand along with David Linton from Barenbrug on Grassland Management.

The local group meetings were mainly held in the Terrace Hotel in Magherafelt and I would like to thank the team there for their efforts and hospitality.

Fast forward to springtime and group members were able to attend a seminar on the pension changes held by local NFU Mutual Financial Advisor Gary Coogan.

In May, the Group Managers Richard Lee and James Graham were on hand at livestock sales at Swatragh Mart to speak to existing and prospective group members throughout the month and thanks go to Paul Coyle at Northern Counties Cooperative for the opportunity.

During the sale days, buyers and sellers were able to enter a prize draw for a £100 gift voucher from McKees Butchers of Maghera by requesting a quote for farm or personal insurance from NFU Mutual. Group member Andrew McClelland was drawn from the hat and presented with the voucher by Richard Lee at the NFU Mutual Office in Magherafelt earlier this month.

Looking forward to the summer period, and entries for the cereals competitions have been coming into the group office.

At the time of print of this column, the entry for Winter Barley will have closed but entries for Spring Barley, Oats and Winter Wheat will still be open right up to the deadline of noon on Wednesday, July 20. Contact the group office on 028 79632 127 if you would like to enter.

The South Londonderry group is now online. You can keep up to date with group activities, news and events by liking us on Facebook @UFU South Derry/Londonderry Group or following us on Twitter @UFU_SouthDerry. If you have any membership queries or are interested in becoming a member please do not hesitate to contact us on 028 79 632127 or [email protected].