Sheep inventory forms to be returned
Sheep farmers in NI are required to return annual flock inventory cards to DAERA by 5 January 2019.
The inventory should include details of the number of sheep and goats kept on the holding between 1 and 5 December 2018. This information must also be recorded in the on-farm flock register. Failure to return inventory cards will increase the possibility of the flock being selected for an identification inspection.
The card must be signed and posted in the pre-addressed envelope. Alternatively, the inventory can be completed on the department’s website.
Lidl is fastest grower retailer in NI
Sales at Lidl increased by 9% in NI over the past 12 months, according to latest grocery market figures from Kantar Worldpanel.
“Lidl’s growth is predominantly thanks to shoppers spending more each time they visit the store, meaning the average Lidl basket is now worth £15.38, an increase of £2.16 on last year,” said Douglas Faughnan of Kantar.
While Lidl is the fastest-growing retailer in NI, Tesco remains the largest supermarket chain. The latest figures show Tesco commands a 35.3% share of the market with sales increasing by 1.5% over the past year. Sainsbury’s has a 17.4% share, Asda has 17.0%, with Lidl on 5.8%.
Sainsbury’s and Asda are in merger talks, that could leave 70% of the grocery market in NI in the hands of just two supermarkets. However, speculation is growing that UK competition authorities could rule against the merger in the new year.
Red mite vaccine gets step closer
A vaccine for poultry red mite took a step closer after the Moredun Institute in Scotland led a research effort which sequenced the parasite for the first time.
The tick-like invertebrate affects most poultry units. Current control is by treating sheds with an insecticide between flocks. However, resistance to this treatment is being found in some mites.
The sequencing of the mite’s genome will speed up the prospect of a vaccine for chickens.
“We have been limited by understanding of the parasite itself. By genome sequencing we can find out what drives the mite genetically,” said Alasdair Nisbet of the Moredun Institute.