Professor Scollan takes QUB post

Professor Nigel Scollan from Aberystwyth University is to take up the role of director of Queen’s Institute for Global Food Security from 1 September 2016.

He replaces Professor Chris Elliott who was recently promoted into a more senior role within Queen’s.

Welcoming the appointment, Professor Elliott said that his replacement comes with a strong track record in agricultural and food research, and knowledge exchange.

Professor Scollan is a graduate in animal science from Edinburgh University and spent most of his working life at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER) in Wales.

Vets in call for abattoir CCTV

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called for government to make the use of CCTV mandatory in abattoirs and for legislation to be put in place to ensure vets have unrestricted access to the footage.

Most major abattoirs now have CCTV installed, mainly in response to pressure from customers keen to ensure that the best standards in animal welfare are being adhered to within their supply chains.

However, as yet, there is no legislative basis for the footage to be held and used.

The meat processing industry has been here before, with the government considering the issue in 2012, and Defra Farm Minister George Eustice indicating in 2015 that government still “had an open mind” making abattoir CCTV compulsory.

The latest call for legislation comes after an animal welfare organisation obtained disturbing footage from the Simply Halal abattoir in Norfolk where some animals were not properly restrained before being Halal slaughtered. Sheep were also not stunned pre-slaughter, something banned under Muslim law, but vigorously opposed in recent years by the BVA.

Humane

BVA president Sean Wensley said: “We are lobbying for CCTV to be mandatory in all slaughterhouses and for legislation to ensure that footage is readily available to vets. We need to foster a culture of compassion in slaughterhouses, coupled with robust and effective enforcement, so that the animals we farm for food have both a good life and a humane death.”

Artisan award for Cloughbane

Pomeroy-based Cloughbane Farm Shop has been awarded the best artisan food producer at the 2016 Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, held in the Culloden Estate & Spa.

The latest recognition comes after Cloughbane scooped the award for best brand at the same event in 2015.

Speaking after the win this year, Richard Robinson of Cloughbane said: “We are thrilled to have picked up this award which really showcases the passion we have for our products.”

UFU raises funds for Rural Support

Almost £7,000 has been raised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union for Rural Support, the chosen charity during the term of former UFU president Ian Marshall.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their kind donations and for showing their support to a charity that helps the rural community in so many different ways,” said Marshall.

Rural Support chief executive, Jude McCann, added: “We are extremely grateful to the UFU for their continued support. In the current economic climate, we would encourage any farm family experiencing difficulties to contact our helpline (0845 606 7607) and avail of our free financial mentoring service. We are acutely aware of the mounting pressures on farming families. Our key message is that it’s OK to ask for help,” he said.

History of the Lurgan Show

With the 104th Lurgan Show due to take place on the first Saturday in June, a book priced at £5, which charts the history of the Lurgan Show, will soon be available to purchase.

Written and compiled by show vice-chair John Harrison, it captures many interesting stories and a pictorial record through the many decades and up until the present day.

The first Lurgan Show was held in 1846 and, in the early years, the main focus of the event was to improve the land.

By 1912, the show had moved to Lurgan Park and featured all aspects of country life.

Although the book will be available shortly, the committee is still interested in hearing comments or stories or from anyone who may have memorabilia from the show.

Further details can be obtained from John Harrison 07855007746 or, alternatively, e-mail the show at info@ lurganshow.co.uk.