Payment dates

BPS advance payments will be paid from 16 October and Ifa deputy president Richard Kennedy is calling for the advance to be 70% this year. Meanwhile, ANC payments should be paid in the week beginning 18 September and GLAS payments are due to begin towards the end of October. The IFA will not tolerate any delays, with payments due for this year’s schemes totalling €1.7bn.

Meat factory meeting

IFA president Joe Healy and livestock chair Angus Woods have met with Meat Industry Ireland (MII) to make it clear to the factory representatives that cattle price cuts must stop and stability and confidence must be restored at farm level. Healy told the meat factories that they need to invest in their suppliers, particularly at a time of currency uncertainty.

Donegal flooding

A scheme to support those farmers who were affected by recent flash flooding in Donegal must be put in place without delay, IFA president Joe Healy has said. The IFA received an undertaking from Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed that an assessment of losses incurred would take place. This is now being carried out by Teagasc and all farmers affected are encouraged to make contact to ensure account can be taken of their losses.

Ploughing

If you’re planning ahead for Ploughing, make sure to include a visit to the IFA stand. You can meet IFA president Joe Healy and your representatives, find out about services and benefits available to you as an IFA member, get farm safety tips and advice, find out how you can save up to €5,000 through Smart Farming and, of course, enjoy some tea and biscuits. Find us at block two, row 12, stand 280.