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 […]
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 farmer crowned champion in England
HE HAD already been enjoying great success with here on home turf, and now Shanra farmer Matthew Burleigh is celebrating another big boost, this time across the water. Yet another member of Matt’s Flock, as its known, has beaten off the competition, picking up the top title at the Craven Cattle Mart in Skipton, North Yorskhire, which took […]
All-Ireland champion Lindsay leads the way
FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Jenson Lindsay from Enniskillen is basking in All-Ireland glory after he was named ‘Senior Young Handler’ following his success at the recently held Elphin Agricultural Show. Thousands of farming and agricultural enthusiasts turned out to the Elphin Agricultural Show, held in north Roscommon, for the event, with the Enniskillen man showcasing his skills in […]
Avian flu is a major threat to rural farming
FARMERS in Fermanagh have been left in fear that a rapidly spreading avian flu could be transferred to animals and cattle in the North. For almost 30 years, avian flu has posed a major threat to rural farming and fears are mounting after the deadly and potentially fatal H5N1 strain has been detected in cattle […]
Fermanagh farmers fears over new minister
THERE is a feeling of fear among Fermanagh farmers following Saturday’s appointment of Andrew Muir as the Minister at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The Alliance MLA has no direct farming experience, and his party has already indicated it will be prioritising the environmental side of the departmental portfolio. While this should […]
Call for price increase to help Fermanagh farmers
UFU lobbying in a bid to alleviate pressure on farmers
Public urged to be on lookout for distressed sheep
If you come across a sheep that has fallen on its back, it is advised to contact its farmer and alert them to the situation.
Lamb prices to stay strong
As households sought spring lamb for the Easter Sunday lunch table, marts were reporting “fantastic trade” for sheep.
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 […]