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Legal challenge to RHI delayed
A High Court legal challenge to the introduction of the latest cost-cutting changes to Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariffs in NI has been delayed by over four months.
The proceedings were filed in March by Ballymoney poultry producer Tom Forgrave, on behalf of the Renewable Heat Association (RHANI), and a judicial review was due to be heard in mid-June.
However, a delay by the Department for the Economy (DfE) in presenting legal documents has led to the case being postponed until early October.
Meanwhile, DfE is planning to hold an event to help RHI claimants prepare for the ongoing audits of biomass boilers.
RHANI executive chair Andrew Trimble welcomed the development: “Since the inception of DfE’s audit programme, RHANI has pressed for the same standard of briefing and advice as is available in Britain.
“You wouldn’t take your car for an MOT without knowing what the test would involve.”
Hereford Cattle Society resignations
Ballygawley Hereford cattle breeder Des Kelly has resigned from his position as president of the UK Hereford Cattle Society, despite only taking up the post for a 12-month term in January of this year.
Also resigning is Co Armagh breeder Robin Irvine, who was made chair of the society for the three-year term in February 2018.
It is understood that both men have stepped down after a dispute arose among NI breeders and the wider UK Hereford Society.
It relates to how funds accrued locally as a result of Hereford beef schemes are administered.
The funds involved are substantial, as the local Hereford club receives £3/head for cattle supplied in the certified Hereford beef scheme to Dunbia.
Planning for FQAS training
Industry stakeholders are currently planning the rollout of training in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as part of the NI Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS).
“The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) and members of the NI Beef and Lamb FQAS standard-setting committee are still working through the logistics of delivering the AMR training for members. However, we are all committed to seeing this important initiative through to fruition,” said LMC chief executive Ian Stevenson.
Stewart wins Aurivo award
Bushmills dairy farmer, Ian Stewart was named NI supplier of the year at the 12th annual Aurivo milk quality awards, which took place in Sligo earlier this month.
The overall milk supplier of the year went to Michael and Miriam Gunn from Strokestown in Co Roscommon.
Alcorns top on dairy fertility
Omagh dairy farmers, Kenny, Matthew and James Alcorn took the top prize at Dale Farm’s dairy herd fertility awards, sponsored by Ulster Bank, and presented at last week’s Balmoral Show.
The new entrant winner was Chris Hamilton from Carrowdore; with John, Philip and Barry Meeke winning in the up to 7,000l/cow category, and Hugh Harbinson taking the 7,000-8,000l/cow award.
Whelan named Director of year
Dale Farm chief, Nick Whelan has been named director of the year in the large business category of the 2019 Institute of Directors (IoD) Nl awards, sponsored by First Trust Bank.
He was recognised for his exceptional leadership, and will now progress to being considered for the national IoD director of the year awards taking place in London later this year.
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