European butter takes another hit

The price paid for butter at the weekly Dutch Dairy Board auction on Wednesday took another significant hit, with the price down €290/t to €4,540/t.

It is the lowest price for butter in over two years and means nearly 40% has been wiped off butter returns in just five months.

The price of whole milk powder was down €100/t at €3,200, although skim milk powder was up €10 at €2,040/t.

Countryside appoints Kerr

Dr Andrew Kerr has been appointed as the new managing director of Countryside Services Ltd.

The Dungannon-based company is a commercial subsidiary of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) which specialises in livestock tags, training services and delivery of government schemes.

Kerr has worked at Countryside Services for 22 years. He will take over from Conall Donnelly who is moving to take up the role of UFU chief executive in the new year.

Online event for new GrassCheck farmers

AgriSearch is holding an online event for dairy, beef and sheep farmers in NI who are interested in participating in the next phase of the GrassCheck programme.

The new network will consist of up to 50 progressive farmers who will measure, monitor, and manage grass growth on their farms throughout the grazing season.

The online event is at 8pm on Monday 1 December. Register at www.agrisearch.org.