DAERA reminder on land eligibility

The Department has reminded claimants for the 2019 Basic Payment that they must deduct ineligible land from their claim, irrespective of what is shown on the online map. The point made by DAERA is that it is difficult to determine from a satellite image whether bogland or areas of heather/rush are being actively managed. At a DAERA inspection, there must be evidence of activity, including grazing by animals or management of the vegetation by flailing or controlled burning.

“Placing small numbers of animals on large areas of bogland or heather is unlikely to make these areas eligible,” states DAERA guidance.

In recent years, a 100% penalty has been applied to a significant number of claims due to the inclusion of ineligible land. A 2019 DAERA land eligibility guidance booklet is available on the DAERA website.

Solpoll top at Hereford sale

Solpoll 1 Perfection from J and W McMordie, Ballygowan, Co Down, was the top-priced bull at the Hereford spring show and sale held at a Hereford market this week. Having stood grand male champion in the pre-sale show, this Panmure 1 Henry son was knocked down at 8,000gns to SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

A second McMordie-bred bull, Solpoll 1 Rawhide, also a son of Panmure 1 Henry, realised 6,000gns, selling to MGS Gibson, Stitchcombe, Wiltshire.

New YFCU leadership

Zita McNaugher from Moneymore YFC took up the role of president of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) at the organisation’s AGM, held last Saturday.

Peter Alexander from Glarryford YFC was elected as deputy president, with the positions of vice-president taken by re-elected members William Beattie (Finvoy YFC), Andrew Patton (Newtownards YFC), and Stuart Mills (Moneymore YFC). Elaine Crozier (Collone YFC) was elected for the first time as vice president. At the event, the results of various competitions were also announced.

Collone YFC was named club of the year, with Jason Henderson from Dungiven YFC taking the Ulster Young Farmer award, and Anna Boyd from Straid YFC taking the junior award.

Ulster Wool launches Golden Fleece

The 2019 Golden Fleece Competition, designed to showcase the exceptional quality of wool, has been launched by Ulster Wool.

Registered producers can enter the competition via the Ulster Wool depot, or qualifying fleece competitions held at four agricultural shows in NI during 2019.

Eight finalists will receive a £125 product voucher from JG Animal Health, with £1,000 of prize money to the winner, and £500 to the reserve champion.