10th November 2001

By John Shirley

October 2001 had been earmarked for the introduction of the new Appeals Unit. It has not happened. This week a Department of Agriculture spokesperson could not indicate a definite a start up date for the new unit but said that it will not happen this month.

When its comes, the new unit will not re-consider cases rejected by the existing appeals procedure. Neither will it handle retrospective cases. When the new unit is operative appellants will have to lodge their case within 28 days of their payment being withheld.

Meanwhile farmers with problems can continue to appeal to the existing body at Tel 01 6072525. A director, assistant director and staff for the new unit have to be appointed by the Civil Service Appointments Committee. When it comes the new unit will handle a wide range of appeals including premium payments, rejections under the National Beef Assurance Scheme, REPS, Early Retirement and Code of Good Farming Practice.

94% hit expected for arable payments

2001 Arable payments are due from November 16 and the department of Agriculture is geared to get record numbers paid in the first week. It is expected that 94% of the 15,800 applicants in 2001 will be paid immediately. Some payments could actually arrive on Friday November 16. 

Weakening feed prices

There has been some weakening of prices over the past few weeks according to the industry. Soya is back £3/ton in the past month to £209 - £212 with gluten and distillers back £1. Poor demand due the mild weather has meant a slow lead in to the feed season proper. Many compounders have bought forward to the New Year and are holding off from buying further stocks as there is a feeling prices will fall further. The soya harvest is almost completed with reports of a bumper crop even exceeding last years record levels. Will this effect the price?

Theoretically yes, but with so many commodities influenced by fund managers dealings, it is difficult to know.Rolled barley in 10 ton lots can be bought at £105 with rolled wheat cost £115.

There has been some weakening of prices over the past few weeks according to the industry. Soya is back £3/ton in the past month to £209 - £212 with gluten and distillers back £1. Poor demand due the mild weather has meant a slow lead in to the feed season proper. Many compounders have bought forward to the New Year and are holding off from buying further stocks as there is a feeling prices will fall further. The soya harvest is almost completed with reports of a bumper crop even exceeding last years record levels. Will this effect the price?

Theoretically yes, but with so many commodities influenced by fund managers dealings, it is difficult to know.Rolled barley in 10 ton lots can be bought at £105 with rolled wheat cost £115.

Testing for B and B stock

Herdowners taking bed and breakfast winter accommodation have to adhere fully to pre movement tests. Cattle have to a 12 months TB test and 30 day Brucellosis tested before leaving the home farm to go to the rented accommodation. Again these tests will apply before the cattle can be taken back home from the rented premises.

This will add at least £7 a head on top of the transport and accommodation costs said John Deegan of the ICSA this week.

Portlaoise 8.30 pm facility continues