Training on antibiotic use on dairy farms

A new training course under the Farm Family Key Skills programme, focused on responsible use of antibiotics on dairy farms, is to be delivered by Animal Health and Welfare NI (AHWNI) at various locations over the next few weeks.

The training, which has the support of the Ulster Farmers’ Union and local dairy companies, will be given by qualified vets. It will focus on how to reduce and optimise the use of antibiotics. Each participant will receive a training and attendance certificate that fulfils current assurance scheme recommendations.

The training is free to farmers, farm family members and employees. See Northern diary for upcoming dates and venues.

No change to slurry records deadline

Records relating to the export of organic manures off farm during 2018 must be submitted to the NI Environment Agency (NIEA) by 31 January 2019.

Last year, NIEA extended the deadline by a month, but guidance published on the DAERA website last week states that the 31 January deadline is back in place this year.

Records of slurry exports are important for many highly stocked farms that are close to the limit for manure nitrogen of 170kgN/ha/year. If a farm is over the 170kg limit and is not operating under a nitrates derogation, or is not exporting slurry off the farm, then cross-compliance penalties can be imposed.

Slurry export records must be submitted online through the DAERA website and include information such as date moved, type of livestock manure, quantity, transporter’s name and address, and importers name and farm business ID.

In addition, the deadline for applying for a nitrates derogation to increase the nitrogen loading limit in 2019 to 250kgN/ha/year is 1 March 2019. The same date is also the deadline for submitting fertilisation accounts for the 2018 year for farms that were operating under a nitrates derogation last year.

UGS annual conference

The Ulster Grassland Society (UGS) 60th annual conference takes place on Tuesday 22 January, starting at 9.45am.

The theme this year is “Farming for Future Years”.

The lineup of speakers includes Stuart Roberts, the vice-president of the National Farmers’ Union, Banbridge dairy farmer Robert Bryson and Cornwall-based James Daniel, who operates his own grazing consultancy firm, Precision Grazing Ltd.

The conference will also hear from Dr Andrew Cromie, technical director with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

The event costs £25 for members, £35 for non-members and £15 for students/daughters or sons of members under 25 years old.

Booking forms to be returned by 17 January to George Reid, 8 Green Crescent, Knock, Belfast, BT5 6JE. For further information, email secretary@ulstergrassland.co.uk.