Next Generation members sought

The UFU along with the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) have reopened the application process for the Next Generation Development Forum.

It was created in 2017 for farmers under 40, to encourage them to become more active within the UFU.

You do not have to be a UFU member to apply. In total, up to 25 people can join, and they will meet five times each year to discuss topics of their choice.

“The agenda and format will be decided by the group as it progresses, with the option to build in leadership development, educational visits, business skills and anything else forum members feel is important to the future of the industry,” said UFU president Ivor Ferguson.

To apply, visit www.ufuni.org to download an application from. The closing date is Friday 21 February 2020 at 4pm.

Hogget prices rising

Base prices on factory fit hoggets are rising quickly, with local plants adding 15p/kg to quotes midweek, bringing prices to 445p/kg.

However, with supplies extremely limited, farmers are in a strong position to negotiate higher returns.

Buying agents for Irish processing plants have also been active around the marts, and are paying to a 22.5kg carcase weight limit, compared to 22kg at local plants.

Mart managers report an extremely buoyant live trade, with hoggets typically selling from £98 to £100, with heavier lots making £3 to £5 more.

Ewes are also in demand, with prices for well-fleshed lowland cross animals ranging from £120 to £140.

New tractor registrations up 9%

There were 534 new tractors registered in NI during 2019, equating to an 8.8% increase year on year, according to data from the Agricultural Engineers’ Association (AEA).

In Scotland, new tractor registrations were up 7.4%, with 1,544 machines registered during 2019.

Overall in the UK, AEA figures indicate that new tractor sales increased marginally as registrations were up 1.9% year on year, equating to 12,333 new tractors.

The average horsepower (hp) of new tractors registered in the UK stood at 164.8hp last year, down from 166.6hp in 2018.

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