Three enter race for UFU deputy

With the annual general meeting of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) due to take place next week, it is understood that three local farmers have entered the race for the position of deputy president.

They are understood to be Victor Chestnutt from Bushmills, who narrowly lost out in 2014, Hugh McCollum from Ballykelly and Andrew Addison from Upper Ballinderry. Normal convention would suggest that they are vying for one position, with current deputy Ivor Ferguson set to be appointed for a second two-year term. The decision rests with UFU council members.

That leaves the other current deputy, Barclay Bell, who has been in position for four years, taking over as president from the outgoing incumbent, Ian Marshall.

IFA elects new president

Galway dairy farmer Joe Healy has been elected as the 15th president of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) after receiving 50% of votes in the three-way contest on Tuesday.

The former Macra na Feirme president from Athenry was elected on the first count ahead of Flor McCarthy and Henry Burns. Following his election, Healy said that falling incomes was the main issue to be addressed for farming families.