Irish Farmers Journal

1 day ago | farmersjournal.ie | Peter D. McCann

Veterinary advice to help reduce the risk of Johne’s disease is not being implemented on NI dairy farms, a new study has concluded. Participation in a Johne’s control programme has been a requirement under the Red Tractor quality assurance scheme since October 2020. The programme is run by Animal Health and Welfare NI (AHWNI) and involves local vets conducting regular risk assessments and management plans for each participating farm.

1 day ago | farmersjournal.ie | Tommy Moyles

Calf numbers continue to tail off, but, so far, it appears to be happening at a much slower pace than other years. Mart managers have reported greater numbers of calves appearing in the ring this spring, with a number of contributing factors. Nitrates pressures have seen some farmers opt to offload stock, while more farmers have also taken calves to the mart this year, as the price has consistently risen week on week, making it difficult to price calves on farm.

1 day ago | farmersjournal.ie | Peter D. McCann

A new scheme to test and treat for sheep scab should be rolled out across NI, a committee of MLAs has been told. Speaking at Stormont last week, local vet Paul Crawford explained that scab can easily spread between neighbouring flocks, as well as through livestock movements. “Without some central grouping co-ordinating the treatment and testing, it becomes very difficult. You end up chasing your tail if you try to address the problem individually,” he said.

1 day ago | farmersjournal.ie | Peter D. McCann

A lack of Government support for the NI mushroom sector is putting businesses at risk of closure, according to a group of local growers. The NI Mushroom Growers’ Association (NIMGA) said there is now “a very real danger” that the mushroom sector will disappear from NI. Whilst the sector boosts annual sales over £60m, it is heavily consolidated with NIMGA figures indicating the number of farms in NI has fallen from 296 in 1990 to just 12 farm today.

1 day ago | farmersjournal.ie | Peter D. McCann

There is growing expectation that fertiliser prices will ease back in the coming weeks as energy markets remain well down on the highs seen in the early spring. Sources indicate that there is still fertiliser in suppliers’ yards which was bought in March and April when the market had peaked. While merchants are reluctant to sell at a loss, there will be pressure on price lists to reduce as the summer progresses.