Agri crime down 11% in 2017

Latest PSNI figures show that the number of burglary, robbery and theft offences relating to agricultural-based activity was down 11% in 2017. In total, 497 offences were recorded, compared to 560 in the previous year.

The highest level of agri-related crime was recorded in the Newry, Mourne and Down area, followed by Armagh city, Banbridge and Craigavon.

Tractor registrations

The number of new tractors over 50hp, recorded in NI during 2017, was virtually unchanged from the previous year.

In total, 457 new machines were bought by farmers, compared to 454 in 2016. However, across the UK in 2017, the number of new tractor registrations was up 13.5% to finish the year at just over 12,000.

Clarity on TB reactor compensation

The DAERA consultation on proposals for a TB eradication strategy in NI is now closed to responses.

Within those proposals, there was some confusion as to the new compensation arrangements outlined in the document, which are similar to what applies for brucellosis reactors, but not quite the same.

The basis for the DAERA plan is to cap compensation for TB reactors at £1,800 for pedigree cattle, £1,500 for non-pedigree cattle and at £3,500 for one pedigree stock bull each year.

Proposed reduction

There is then the proposed reduction to the compensation rate, with DAERA suggesting that it is reduced by 10% in year one of a new policy, and by 25% from year two onwards.

It means that a farmer with a steer valued at £1,000 would actually receive £900 of compensation in year one, and £750 thereafter.

However, for an animal that is valued above the compensation cap, the Department intend paying the lesser of either the value of the animal after the 25% reduction is applied (in year two) or the compensation cap. So, in the case of a pedigree animal valued at £3,000, the value after the 25% reduction is £2,250, but the compensation cap is £1,800. The farmer would receive £1,800.

An animal that is valued at £2,300, the 25% reduction takes the value to £1,725, but the compensation cap is £1,800. In this scenario, the farmer receives the lesser figure of £1,725

UFU raises concerns over EFS with DAERA

An Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) delegation has met with DAERA to discuss concerns around the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) and Natura 2000 conservation management plans.

Among the issues raised, were potential difficulties for farmers in meeting deadlines under the wider-level EFS, mainly due to weather, ground conditions and the availability of fencing contractors.

Agreements started at the end of last July, and much of the initial capital investment is to be complete in year one.

A similar issue has occurred in the higher-level EFS, with management plans in with the Department since last October, and agreements that were due to commence from 1 January 2018. However, final agreements are yet to issue from DAERA.

“We have asked DAERA to seriously consider introducing a mechanism to allow farmers on wider and higher schemes some flexibility on the various deadlines to ensure the environmental works are completed, but within a practical timescale,” commented UFU deputy president, Victor Chestnutt.

The union also raised the issue of the maximum £20,000 payment (over a five-year agreement) in the wider scheme. “Many farmers were considering doing additional works on their farm but were unable to due to the cap based on their land area,” said Chestnutt.

He has asked DAERA to reconsider, pointing out that it would help ensure more environmental funding gets out to local farmers and more environmental works are carried out.