NSA raises concern over imported lamb

Southern hemisphere lamb particularly from Australia and New Zealand is increasingly appearing on UK supermarket shelves, prompting the National Sheep Association (NSA) to raise concerns about provenance and standards.

The NSA has suggested that New Zealand and Australian lamb may not meet UK animal welfare and environmental standards. It has urged retailers to consider the higher standards and costs UK farmers face, especially as government support declines.

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Entries open for 2025 RUAS Beef & Lamb

The RUAS has confirmed that this year’s Beef & Lamb Championships will take place on Tuesday, 25 November at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn.

Deadline

Entries will close on Wednesday, 5 November 2025 at 5pm.

Exhibitors can view full details of all classes in this year’s Prize Schedule and submit entries at beefandlamb.org.uk.

Red diesel prices remain steady in NI

Quotes from local fuel suppliers for red diesel remain steady this week, despite downward movement in international oil markets.

A price survey conducted by the Irish Farmers Journal on Wednesday found quotes for 2,250 litres of red diesel ranged from 65p/litre to 68p/litre, excluding VAT.

Oil prices have fallen to a five-month low after a report from the International Energy Agency, estimated a recent “large surplus” of crude supply due to a surge in exports by key producers.

Brent crude oil, the main benchmark for oil markets, dropped as much as 3% to $61.50 per barrel on Tuesday, its lowest level since early May.

Investigation into data breach at AFBI

Senior management within the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) are to be invited before the Stormont Agriculture committee to explain the circumstances behind a data breach currently under investigation.

The committee was alerted to the incident in communication received from Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir.

“The department was advised by AFBI that data relating to retailers and individual producers had been disclosed in response to a freedom of information request. An investigation is under way and the information commissioner’s office has been notified,” confirmed committee chair Robbie Butler at last Thursday’s meeting.