We have all learned lessons from COVID-19: some devastating, some hugely beneficial and some surprising. The latest statistics on the number of deaths related to farming in the Republic of Ireland are a bright light.

Half the number of deaths. Why? Perhaps the Health and Safety Authority have detailed answers, but much must be related to the slower pace of farm life due to COVID-19 restrictions and the fact that, in general, there is more help on Irish farms.

We have also to recognise that weather conditions for much of the harvest – both grass and grain – were relatively good in the main during 2021. Time pressures, poor weather and lack of help on Irish farms have been flagged as big problem areas for accidents and farm deaths, especially for developing farming enterprises that need additional support.

The fact that there were more people working on farms could also be seen as increasing the risk on farms. However, thankfully farm owners have had time to organise and manage the situation.

Unfortunately, the situation was not the same in Northern Ireland, where the number of farm deaths in 2021 increased.

This week's cartoon

\ Jim Cogan

Farming community shines over Christmas

The farming community did itself proud over the month of December with hundreds of tractor runs and Christmas light parades taking place from Donegal to Dingle, supporting charities in search of much-needed funding during this difficult time.

Pat Dermody and Pat Devane.

Tuam Mart held a charity auction in December in memory of the two well-known auctioneers, Pat Devane and Pat Dermody, and managed to raise a massive €83,000 for Tuam Cancer Care and Hope Galway.

The Ardara poor farmers auction in Brockagh Mart, organised by local farmers, also held an annual charity auction over Christmas and raised €33,000 for four different charities.

In Roscommon, Elphin GAA club, through a heifer raffle, also managed to donate over €9,000 to the Join our Boys charity to help Archie, George and Isaac Naughton deal with Duchenne disease.

Well done to all the people involved in this important fundraising all across the country.

Credit unions and merchants come together

The Credit Union initiative to team up with farm merchants in light of the recent fertiliser price hike deserves recognition.

The interest rate is probably cheaper than standard overdraft rates but in general those farmers who avail of annual stocking facilities through their bank can achieve better rates and some have options of a special Brexit sub 3% interest rate loan option.

The full terms and conditions need investigating. There is a cohort of farmers who don’t use the bank for finance and rely on the merchant.

At current fertiliser prices, many of these merchants and farmers will simply not purchase fertiliser.

Caution should be expressed around extending this type of a loan over more than one year. All other management advice around questioning quantities, spreading only when required, spreading on soils with good varieties and soil status still stand.

With feed cost increased and forage also likely to increase in price during 2022, expensive nitrogen is still economically a good decision for many.