Selling thinnings and chainsaw safety discussed

Liam Bresnan hosted a forestry demonstration and field trip recently on his farm and forest in Caherconlish, Co Limerick. Close to 100 farmer foresters attended the event which was organised by LTWO Ltd, the company representing Limerick and Tipperary woodland owners, in association with Teagasc.

“The day focused on practical solutions including forestry equipment available to assist small scale private owners with the profitable management of their forests,” reported Colum Walsh, LTWO secretary. “Aware of safety in the farm and forest, the event also provided advice on the safe use of chainsaws including the legal requirements for personal protective equipment,” he said.

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The main speakers were Jonathan Spazzi, Teagasc, John Madden, Forest Service and Liam Cleary, the LTWO forester. Farmers who plan to thin their crops this year and who wish to join with other growers can contact Colum Walsh (087-790 8460) or check out the LTWO website (www.limerickandtipperarywoodlandowners.ie).

Aurivo sells shareholding in ECC Timber to Fahy family

Aurivo Co-Operative Society has sold its majority shareholding in ECC Teo the Cornamona, Co Galway, sawmill. ECC, one of the largest mills in Ireland and the UK, processes 450,000m3 of logs annually. The company is Coillte’s largest customer for round logs, producing construction, fencing and pallet timber products for the domestic and UK markets.

Aurivo’s stake in the business has been acquired by PJ Fahy, the minority shareholder. The funds received from the sale will be invested in the co-op’s core business and new investment opportunities. “ECC has always been a family-run company but now it is a family-owned company,” said PJ Fahy. “We enjoyed an excellent partnership with Aurivo since 1992 and now our family and team at ECC look forward to the next era,” he told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“We are lucky to have an excellent workforce based in such a supportive community,” said Daryl Fahy.

“ECC will continue its development as an innovative and successful company capable of increasing market share in Ireland and the UK as well as providing much-needed employment in rural Ireland”.

Farm forestry safety week

Farm Safety Week is a timely reminder that care is needed on our farms to reduce the toll of accidents which continue to give agriculture the poorest record of any occupation in Ireland and the UK. Tree felling, pruning and general maintenance have always been part and parcel of farming life so the week is also a reminder of the risk inherent in chainsaw work.

The advice from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and Teagasc regarding chainsaw work is: “If you need to use a chainsaw and are not competent to do so safely, then you should have completed an accredited chainsaw training course and successfully completed the assessment suitable for the chainsaw work to be done.”

They outline the standards required and duration of courses. Farmers can discuss these with their local Teagasc adviser.

It is also worth checking websites including Teagasc (www.teagasc.ie/forestry/advice/timber_harvesting.asp) and the Health and Safety Authority (www.hsa.ie) for further information.