Red diesel prices up

Red diesel prices in NI moved up at the start of the new year with average prices currently sitting at their highest level since February 2015. Prices from oil suppliers vary and quotes from 54.5p/l to 58.5p/l (including 5% VAT) were being given for red diesel this week.

The increase is being driven by the rise in global oil markets with brent crude oil reaching its highest level since late 2014 this week at $67 a barrel. Reduced supply from oil exporting countries, and recent anti-government protests in Iran, has helped to increase oil markets.

UGS annual conference

The 59th Ulster Grassland Society annual conference is to be held on Tuesday 23 January 2018 at the Chimney Corner Hotel in Mallusk, Co Antrim.

The theme of the morning session is on-farm labour, and speakers include Joe Rowe, managing director of recruitment firm Farm Solutions Ltd, and Trevor Alcorn, CAFRE dairy adviser and Nuffield farming scholar.

In the afternoon, Dr Dave Davies from Silage Solution Ltd will speak about silage production and Co Down farmer and vet Paul Turley will talk about his out-wintered suckler herd.

The event includes lunch and costs £25 for members, £35 for non-members and £15 for students. Booking forms can be obtained from George Reid by emailing secretary@ulstergrassland.co.uk and should be returned by 18 January.

NI agri food on honours list

Former Dunbia Group executive director Jack Dobson has been named on the Queen’s new year honours list and is to receive an OBE for services to economic development in NI.

Receiving a BEM is Glaryford farmer, and photographer, Ernest O’Hara for services to agriculture and the community in NI. Also receiving a BEM is James Bell from Castlewellan.

NI pig stud secures Chinese contract

Bellaghy-based Deerpark Pedigree Pigs has secured the UK’s largest ever export contract from China for boar semen.

After a series of smaller orders, 2,000 AI straws and a training service are to be supplied by the family run firm to a Chinese customer.