UFU collects for Fermanagh botulism case

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is collecting money in support of a farming family in Co Fermanagh that had a devastating outbreak of botulism last month.

Around 80% of the farmer’s dairy herd died as a result of the outbreak and no compensation payment or insurance claim can be made.

“As neighbours and fellow farmers, I would ask that you might consider supporting this farmer and his family,” a letter to UFU members from Co Fermanagh chair, Bertie Swan, reads.

Money can be BACS transferred to account name Ulster Farmers’ Union, sort code 90-48-86 and account number 40764208.

Alternatively, cash or cheques can be sent to the Fermanagh Group Office, Agricultural Centre, Lackaboy, Tempo Road, Enniskillen BT74 4RL.

NI vets must do better – Huey

The process that some vets in NI take when prescribing antibiotics needs to be improved, DAERA chief vet Robert Huey has said.

Writing in Northern Ireland Veterinary Today, Huey said: “We have become aware that veterinary medicinal products are not always prescribed in line with the Veterinary Medicine Regulations.”

He said that common issues include vets giving farmers prescription-only medicines without completing a clinical assessment of the animal, and vets keeping incomplete records of prescribed medicines.

“In view of the risk of AMR (antimicrobial resistance), the prescriber should always give serious consideration to alternatives, including long-term solutions which could prevent recurrence of the disease,” Huey said.

Spring barley yields up 10% in NI

Yields of spring barley in the 2018 harvest in NI were up by 10% from last year’s levels to 5.17t/ha, according to figures released by DAERA last week. The 2018 spring barley crop is close to the five-year average yield and reflects the more favourable harvest conditions compared with autumn 2017. Yields of wheat, oats and winter barley were back by 9%, 10% and 2% to 6.97t/ha, 5.05t/ha and 6.93t/ha respectively. Dry weather during the summer was blamed for the reduced crops. DAERA figures indicate that yields of potatoes (ware and seed combined) were down 16% year-on-year to 32.61t/ha.