With prices paid to milk producers in Northern Ireland starting to improve over the last couple of months, there are more reasons to be positive at the 2016 RUAS Winter Fair in association with sole sponsor Danske Bank, which takes place next Thursday 8 December.

Last year’s event was held against a backdrop of October base prices generally around 17p/l to 18.5p/l, and with a couple of co-ops paying a 2p winter bonus for October milk, actual prices of 19p/l to 21p/l.

Thankfully, the scenario in October 2016 has changed, with base prices generally 4p to 6p ahead of 2015, and actual prices paid for October milk more than 26p/l in some cases. It is still a long way short of the average of 34p paid in the autumn of 2013, but after two years of sustained losses, the recent upturn is prices is very welcome.

That said, producers would be right to remain cautious, as there is still an overhang of intervention product to come on to the market, and there is significant farm debt accumulated over the last two years to be paid down.

However, a point sometimes missed is the crucial role that dairy farmers play within the wider agri-food industry and the number of input suppliers and merchants that have also felt the effect of the downturn in dairy markets. With trade stands sold out at this year’s event, the signs are there that the supply industry is hoping that farmers are ready to spend again.

As an added incentive, there is the prospect of a 40% grant this year for machinery and equipment purchased under Tier 1 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme. While reports suggest that the initial level of interest has been very high, every farmer should question whether the items on the list are top priority for their business at present. There is the option of waiting until a second tranche comes in autumn 2017.

Venue

The 31st Winter Fair returns to the new Eikon Exhibition Centre at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.

Gates are open from 9am to 5pm, with around 200 trade stands and exhibitors from across Ireland competing in livestock showing classes featuring Holstein, Aryshire, Dairy Shorthorn and Jersey breeds.

The seminar suite has also returned this year, with a number of industry specialists covering a diverse range of topics of interest to dairy farmers. The seminars start at 11am and run through to 4pm (see page 59).

Prices

Entry prices to the Winter Fair are unchanged from last year, and are £10 for adults, £8 for young people (12 to 18) and senior citizens (over 65), while under 12s, accompanied by an adult, get in free.

There is a £1 per head saving if tickets are bought online before 4pm on Wednesday 7 December (visit the website www.winterfair.org.uk).

Balmoral Park can be accessed off the M1 Junction 7 or 8 (both Sprucefield).

Car parking is free of charge at the site.

RUAS welcomes American judge

The judge for the livestock classes at the Winter Fair is Paul Trapp (pictured) from Wisconsin, US.

Paul is a product acquisition specialist at Semex, and along with his wife, Sarah, and sons, Kole and Beau, they own an elite group of Brown Swiss, Jersey and Holstein cows.

Paul has judged in 20 different states in the US, as well as internationally in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the UK.

The Irish Farmers Journal stand is centrally located within the main agri pavilion. Please drop by to meet with our team to discuss current issues in dairying.We will also have a competition, and some merchandise available for sale, including the latest Irish Dairy Farmer magazine.

We look forward to seeing you there.