Less Irish herds retaining BVD infected calves

The number of herds in the Republic of Ireland retaining bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) persistently infected (PI) calves is down from 201 herds in 2016 to 38 this year to date.

The reduction is due to a combination of movement restrictions for herds retaining PI animals, revised compensation rates for PI calves and an increase in the number of BVD letters being issued to neighbours warning them of PI animals in their locality.

In Scotland, a consultation on BVD was launched this week with proposals that include movement restrictions on herds with retained PI animals. Most recent figures show that 140 herds had retained PI calves in Scotland in May.

Poultry conference

The 2017 Northern Ireland Poultry Industry Conference will be held on Thursday 2 November at CAFRE Loughry Campus, Cookstown.

The programme of speakers can be seen at www.poultrytrust.com/2017-conference. Information can be obtained by emailing Basil Bayne at basil.bayne@btinternet.com.

Workshop on farm succession

Local charity Rural Support is to hold a workshop for farmers and farm families on the topic of farm succession, at CAFRE’s Loughry campus on Tuesday 5 September.

Supported by Awards for All and CavanaghKelly, the main speaker is Siân Bushell, a trained facilitator in succession planning from Pembrokeshire, Wales. Also speaking will be Sean Cavanagh, chair of CavanaghKelly, who will provide information regarding the tax implications of passing on the family farm.

The event starts at 12pm with lunch and will be held in the conference room of the Food Innovation Centre at Loughry. To book your free place, contact Kerri on 028 8676 0040 or email kerri@ruralsupport.org.uk.