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 […]
Warning to farmers about invasive plants
“Invasive plant species are harmful to the environment, pose a risk to human and animal health, and are costly for farmers.”
Sheep farmers struggle with sharp fall in prices
THE cost of shearing sheep has been felt by farmers in Fermanagh this year. As the weather gets warmer and the time comes for a hair cut farmers shear sheep and sell their wool which typically covers the cost of the process. To read more on this story see this week’s Fermanagh Herald. Can’t get […]
Farmers on alert after reports of Covid-19 cases
FARMERS are said to be ‘concerned’ about the potential impact Covid-19 could have on the continuance of meat processing here. This week local meat plant workers expressed concern for their health after it emerged that a number of staff had tested positive for Covid-19. The Herald was told that almost a dozen staff at Omagh […]
Enniskillen mart goes online
LIFE on the farm goes on under lockdown with spring bringing the birth of lambs and calves as the cycle of another year begins. On Thursday last Enniskillen Ulster Farmers Mart held its first online sale. Over 200 buyers registered with thousands of bids recorded as the sale got underway. Commenting on the sale James […]
‘Near miss in slurry pit nearly cost me my life’
As Tyrone farmer is killed in slurry accident, former local councillor recalls his near tragedy
Financial worries taking their toll on mental health
AN ALARMING 87 per cent of farmers here are struggling with financial pressure which has sparked an increase in calls to rural support helplines.
Farmers upbeat after taking their case to Stormont
FARMERS from the Fermanagh Severely Disadvantaged Area Support Group (SDASG)met with Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill on Monday to discuss the current proposal under the CAP (common agriculture policy) reform.
Standing room only as farmers voice alarm over payment cuts
The farming community here is united in opposition to proposed cuts to their CAP (Common Agricultural Practice) payments.