Fermanagh farmers have their say at major protest


FERMANAGH farmers have called for “a complete U-turn” on the proposed APR inheritance tax changes after hundreds from the county made the journey to Lisburn on Monday night for a major protest. Thousands of farmers turned out to the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn for the rally which was organised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, […]

Fears disease could threaten Fermanagh sheep industry


CONCERN is growing that changes to measures and supports to prevent a potentially devastating sheep disease could have a serious impact on the future of the industry. The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and National Sheep Association (NSA) have said the changes to North’s Maedi Visna (MV) free sheep status and the withdrawal of DAERA funding, is […]

New support measures for NI beef farmers


A NEW support scheme has been established by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs as a “significant milestone” has been set for beef farmers throughout the North. The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs recently introduced its new Beef Carbon Reduction (BCR) Scheme with the aim of helping to support the agricultural […]

Fewer calves registered during first half of 2024


CALF registrations continue to decline across the North this year, the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) has reported. Data provided by the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) concludes that a total of 286,037 head of calves were registered over the first half of 2024. This is 16,558 head of calves or 5.5 per […]

Fermanagh farmers receive Direct Payments


FERMANAGH farmers have begun to receive their Direct Payments, with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirming almost £260 million had been paid out on the first day of the 2024 scheme. A total of 23,254 farmers, representing 98 percent of eligible applicants, were paid on September 2, the first day of […]

Lots of life left in Ederney’s elderly farmers


AS a group of elderly men made their way around the Enniskillen RNLI station at Killadeas during a recent visit, one comment gave away what they all had in common. While looking at the impressive RNLI lifeboat that was attached to a tractor, a man said: “Boys, but that’s some yoke.” The thing was, he […]

Wet weather adds to pressure on Fermanagh farmers


THE ongoing wet weather is adding to the financial pressures facing local farmers, with calls for the banks to provide leniency given the current situation. While March is normally seen as a turning point in the farming calendar, the weather in recent weeks has shown no signs of turning. The persistent rain has left many […]

Elliott challenges DAERA on safety for older farmers


FERMANAGH’S elder farmers are getting a raw deal when it comes to funding for safety. Tom Elliott, who is the MLA for Fermanagh & South Tyrone claimed that farmers in the county and the rest of the North who are over 40 are being looked over for grants to improve working conditions compared to those […]