David Wright

6 days ago | farmersjournal.ie | David Wright

Proposed changes to UK inheritance taxThe last time farmers from across all sectors in Northern Ireland (NI) descended on Balmoral Park was back in November 2024 when an estimated 6,500 turned up at an Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) rally to voice their opposition to proposed changes to UK inheritance law.

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | David Wright

The quotes for clean cattle have held steady this week, with most plants offering in the range 660p to 668p/kg for U-3 grading steers and heifers. It is a similar picture with the actual prices paid, with farmers reporting deals that are unchanged at around 686p/kg for U grades, rising to around the 690p/kg mark for regular suppliers. Last week’s prices paid were back marginally on the previous week. Across all steers, prices were down nearly 3p/kg to average 678p/kg.

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | David Wright

The main arena at Balmoral Park is mainly used for equine competitions, as well as national and international show jumping. There are six international show jumping competitions taking place between the Wednesday and Friday of the 2025 event, with a total prize fund of over €55,000. The show jumping culminates with the RUAS international grand prix at 2.15pm on Friday, which boasts a prize fund of €30,000. Other equine competitions take place in the horse rings and the P&O Ferries arena.

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | David Wright

Across the four days of Balmoral Show there is a consistent flow of competitions, displays and events, which showcase the very best of local agriculture. In the main livestock competition schedule, there are over 70 different prizes on offer to exhibitors of sheep, beef, dairy and pigs, as well as rabbits and eggs. The only farm animal missing is poultry, after RUAS announced in February 2025 there would be no poultry classes at this years’ show amid uncertainty caused by avian influenza.

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | David Wright

With rules ranging from when you can spread slurry to how you should stack silage bales, all farmers will be impacted by the DAERA Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) proposals currently out for public consultation. That includes those who might think if they sell their farm support entitlements, they will be free to operate as they like. “The NAP regulations apply to all agricultural businesses, irrespective of whether they are in receipt of support payments or not,” states the DAERA consultation.