Agri-News Published by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

October 2009

Helping Manx farmers evolve and grow

The first Isle of Man Food and Drinkfestival held at the Villa Marina was haileda great success.

Throughout the event, organised by DAFFand DTL, over 8,000 event goers sampledand bought a huge variety of local produce. A number of producers sold out on the firstday and worked through the night to restocktheir stalls in time for opening the next day.

Over the two days, visitors gleaned tips inthe Manx Food Live Theatre, where TheHairy Bikers, local caterers and producersshowed some of the best ways of cookingwith Manx produce.

Following the success of this year’s Foodand Drink Festival, organisers are hopingto make it an annual event.

The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival- Hailed a Great Success! By Audrey Fowler, Marketing Officer

Index

Knockaloe Beef and Sheep eventBy Ed Clague, Agricultural Policy Manager

On Tuesday 22nd September,approximately 60 people attended theKnockaloe Beef & Sheep Focus event, foran update on the progress of the trials anddemonstrations that are currently underway at Knockaloe.

Attendees were updated on the KnockaloeFarm Strategy. They had the opportunity tolook at the farm’s account; understandinghow, implemented changes, the impact ofrising costs, and the greater use ofcontractors has affected the bottom line.

Discussion points focused on several areasthat included the importance of suckler cow

benchmarking, Loaghtan trial results, millingwheat update, use of AI in the suckler herd,winter forage crops and the finishing steersthat were finished by 16 months of age at290kg on grass. Also discussed was the useand economics of different diets; and theoutcomes of the ensuing performance ofearly turnout and summer growth.

If you would like to know more about thetopics, a summary of the event is availablefrom Knockaloe. For more informationplease telephone 842335.

Minister’s comments 2

Promar Dairy report. 3

New blood to build on recent progress 3

Thie Slieau Whallian update 3

What has happened in the Lamb sector? 3

Countryside Care Scheme News 4

Organic Scheme changes 5

Young tractor drivers 5

Tomorrow’s Farmer Awards 6

Outlook Meetings 2009 7

Harvest Isle of Man 8

The Nantwich InternationalCheese Show 2009 8

Noble’s Hospital ‘Support yourLocal’ Food week 8

Four new Manx products launched at Food andDrink Festival 9

Boost for local food marketing 9

Farmers’ Markets update 10

Assessing lambs for better returns 10

Hired Bulls and Disease Testing 10

Fluke Monitoring: An Update. 10

New Chief Veterinary Officer 11

2.2% Pay Increase for Agricultural Workers 11

Sawdust Offer and Free WoodPeelings from St Johns Sawmill 11

Market trends 12

DAFF

Department of AgricultureFisheries and ForestryDAFF

Department of AgricultureFisheries and Forestry

Department of AgricultureFisheries and Forestry

Department of AgricultureFisheries and ForestryDAFF DAFF

DAFFDepartment of AgricultureFisheries and Forestry

Department of AgricultureFisheries and ForestryDAFF

Animal Health

Agriculture Fisheries

Wildlife & Conservation

Department of AgricultureFisheries and ForestryDAFF

Forestry, Amenity and Lands

Slaynt Veiyn

Eeastaght

Fo-rheynn Bea-feie as Freayltys

Keylljyn, Buill-hoccar as Thallooyn Eirinys

I’ve been delighted to read over the summer of the record prices being achieved by Manx pedigree livestock in sales in the UK, and also to hear

of good commercial stock sales locally. Phil Gawne, MHK

Agri-News October 2009

2

Minister’s commentsI’ve been delighted to read over thesummer of the record prices beingachieved by Manx pedigree livestock insales in the UK, and also to hear of goodcommercial stock sales locally. We canrightly be proud of the quality of ourlivestock and bloodlines, and of the factthat we can compete successfully in UKmarkets. There does appear to be a spiritof cautious optimism, in several sectors ofthe agricultural industry at the momentthat things are moving in the rightdirection. This is supported by news thatthroughput at the Meatplant in the last 12months is one of the highest for the last20 years. Feedback from the nomineesfor the Tomorrow’s Farmer award wasincredibly positive; it is good to see thatpeople have faith in the industry and areinvesting in their businesses.

Revised Bluetongue import controls, whichallow our industry to continue to improveby selective breeding, are to bewelcomed. The Department has balancedthe need to take account of the improvedmeasures introduced elsewhere, againstthe ongoing risk of infection. Anyimportation carries a risk of bringing inundesirable or even devastating disease,so DAFF continues to work closely withthe industry to promote responsibleattitudes towards animal movement andbio-security.

While discussing Animal Health issues, Iwould like to take this opportunity tocongratulate Stuart Jaques on hispromotion to Chief Veterinary Officer.Stuart brings a wealth of knowledge,experience and enthusiasm to the role.

It was great to see so many people attendthe first Manx Food and Drink Festivalheld at the Villa Marina last month. Therenow appears to be a virtuous circle withregard to food, in that the more wedemonstrate our produce, the moreinterested customers become; this in turnencourages more people to develop theirproducts. DAFF, in conjunction with theDepartment of Tourism and Leisure,worked hard in staging this event, but itsfuture success also depends on foodproducers rallying behind the event andpushing it forward.

Compliance inspections for theCountryside Care Scheme have nowstarted. I can understand that, to some,this will feel like an unwelcome intrusion.However I am confident that the FieldOfficers who are well known to mostfarmers, will make this process as simpleas possible. In addition, I am pleasedthat we have been able to establish adisposal route for farm plastic, which willhelp farmers significantly in getting rid ofthis troublesome waste. Government’s

budgets are under more pressure thanthey have been for a number of decades,so it is therefore essential that, via theCountryside Care Scheme, we show valueto the community, by maintaining ourhighly prized environment.

A continuing concern for the industrycurrently is the dairy sector. The reportby Promar continues to be refined andverified; I hope that this will be concludedvery shortly so the follow on steps can beconsidered. I understand the desire foractions immediately to assist this sector;however, to act before the full report isreceived, would risk starting out on thewrong road.

Finally, congratulations to Trevor Quirk of Corvalley, who won the grading contest at the Royal Manx Show. TheDepartment is pleased to support the Live to Dead workshops that are heldregularly at the Meat Plant. If you areintending to challenge Trevor next year, an early attendance at this workshop ishighly recommended.

Hon Phil Gawne MHKShirveishagh

Photograph courtesy of Ian Quayle. Dairy cows at Ballamodha Farm.

What has happened in the Lamb sector?By Richard Lole, Director of Agricultural Services

3

Promar Dairy reportBy Richard Lole, Director of Agricultural Services

As this article is written, we are still tryingto finalise the now very substantialPromar report into the Dairy sector. Thishas taken much longer than hoped;however, this reflects the thoroughnessthat both the project team, and all thoseinvolved in the sector, have adopted inundertaking the work.

Early indications are that it will help us to establish how to go forwards withsuggestions on how to add value to theproducts. Also looking at increasingopportunities to get new entrants, andsuccession amongst our dairy farmers; in order to generate and improve asustainable milk price.

New blood to build on recent progress By Richard Lole, Director of Agricultural Services

The Department is currently looking torecruit a Local Food Marketing Manager fora fixed three year period, to work with theindustry in continuing to develop asustainable food chain. The role will includehelping individual businesses gain access tomarketing support, working in all sectors topromote the top quality fresh local foods;

researching, developing and promoting alocal food label that will provide a guaranteeof local quality products.

The Department is also working closely withthe Manx Organic network to see how wecan best support their desire to employ aLocal Organic Co-ordinator. This post would

be responsible for facilitating thedevelopment of a thriving sustainable localOrganic market. The role is likely to be for afixed 18 month term, with the objective ofgrowing the local produce sales andimproving the supply and its consistency.

The Lamb sector often feels it is the poorrelation of the beef sector, so we thoughtit worth summarising what has beenhappening to support the sector recently.

The Department continues to work closelywith IOM Meats to refine its businessstrategy. Progress on a specific lambmarketing strategy is ongoing; however,Vance King and myself have beensuccessful in establishing £185,000 ofmarketing support over 24 months, toassist with the broader marketing and saleof Manx meat.

The Marketing plan involves efforts toimprove quality and presentation, to allowaccess to new high value markets off theisland and increase sales on the island. Theplan is intended to create an uplift of

around £915,000 in sales value to thecompany over the period; moreover it isestimated there will be an ongoing legacyvalue in the following few years, wortharound £250,000 per year, for years 3 to 6.

In addition, subvention to the meat plantis now in place. This has empowered IOMMeats to be able to commit to paying95% of the price paid to farmers in GreatBritain. This has much improved the localsheep price, which in August 2009 was26p/kg higher than the previous August.

The average target price for the periodJanuary to August date has been 327p/kg,an increase of 65p/kg on the same periodin 2008. This would equate to around£335,000 extra return to Manx sheepfarmers on the 519 tonnes of lamb meat

through the plant this year. While basedon the target price, it does indicate thescale of increase in income as result ofthe policy change at IOM Meats.

Furthermore, over the last 12 months theDepartment has funded a substantialnumber of lamb selection days at the meatplant. This has given producers the chanceto brush up on their handling and selectionskills in a 'live to dead' environment.

This is part of an initiative to ensure theIOM Meat have a reliable supply of highquality lambs for sale both on and off the Island.

Thie Slieau Whallian updateBy Rosemary Leslie, Personal Secretary

Good progress continues on the newheadquarters building, with the installationof the roof lights complete, barrel vault roofconstruction nearing completion and thefinish to the external walls well underway.Internally, the stud partitions and plastering,

hemcrete wall to the main atrium space,and first fix mechanical and electrical worksare well underway.

Next month should see second fix serviceswork, raised access floor installation anddismantling of the crane.

Agri-News October 2009

4

Countryside Care Scheme Newsby Kim Etherton, Countryside Care Scheme Project Officer

National Reserve

Preparations are underway for calculating theOctober instalment of the Countryside CareScheme payment that, for some, will includea proportion of an award of entitlement fromthe National Reserve. In all, 55 applicationsto the National Reserve were received,mainly from the Investment and Conversioncategory. Work is on going to deal with all ofthem by December, with priority having beengiven to New Entrants and those who haveasked for their assessment to be made ontheir 2008 subsidy claims. Payments tothose whose investment in production isdependent on evidence accrued during2009, will receive payment in April oncereceipts etc have been seen.

Cross Compliance inspections

Many thanks to the farms who volunteeredto be “guinea pigs” for the new CrossCompliance inspection programme. An areaInspection Manager from the RuralPayments Agency spent a few days withthe inspection team; looking at ourprocesses and providing advice on the wayin which similar issues are dealt with inEngland. Ongoing support from RPA isbeing arranged to ensure that ourinspection process – and our inspectors –continue to evolve, completing inspectionswhich are fair and transparent anddelivering the requirements of CrossCompliance. Andrew MacLeod, SeniorField Officer, and Ed Clague, AgriculturePolicy Manager, recently attended ameeting of inspectors from the surroundingjurisdictions. These meetings are designedto identify common Cross Complianceproblems and work on consistent solutions.This forum should also prove valuable inhelping the Island’s Scheme and associatedCross Compliance requirements evolve.

Cross Compliance inspections here haveso far revealed that plastics scatteredaround the farm are an issue. To avoid apenalty, farmers are urged to collectplastics from their fields and store it safelyin one place in a tote or other container -see below for some good news withregard to a free plastics disposal scheme.

FREE plastics disposal scheme

DAFF and DoLGE are co-funding a schemewhereby farmers can dispose of plastics,such as silage wrap and clean plasticcontainers, for a limited period for free.

The Scheme starts on 26th October andruns for 6 weeks. During this time,farmers can take their plastics to thefollowing drop off points between 8amand 12.30pm, Monday to Friday:

October 26th to November 6th Hangar 244, Jurby industrial Estate

November 9th to 20thDavid Crowe Ltd, Sunnybank, East Foxdale

November 23rd to December 4thBalthane Industrial Estate, Ballasalla

These sites are manned and loads may bechecked to ensure that no material otherthan that specified for this Scheme arebeing delivered. Please note that wastesuch as containers of pesticides or otherchemicals must not be taken to thesesites – contact SITA on 695260 option 2 fordetails of how to dispose of such materials.

Material should be put into tote bags fordisposal, but tied bundles of plastics(including excess totes) will also be accepted.Please also ensure that the material is asclean as possible - loads containing largeamounts of silage may not be accepted.

DoLGE are still working on a Scheme whichwill allow disposal of tyres; it is hoped thatthis will be in place in the Spring. In themeantime, please store tyres safely in adesignated area, rather than around fieldsetc – this will ensure that you do not incura penalty under GAEC Standard 13 –landscape, litter, waste and scrap.

Health and Safety at work

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974(as applied in the Isle of Man) is animportant piece of legislation to be awareof, as agriculture was brought within it in1998. The Management of Health & Safetyat Work Regulations 2003 also apply on theIsland. Both can be downloaded from theDoLGE website. An example of theirapplication to agriculture covers the storageof pesticides. These should be stored in asecure and bunded or contained area.Appropriate containers are availablecommercially but can be improvised – theimportant point is that any chemical leaksare contained and the container is keptsecure, i.e. locked and accessible only toauthorised users. HSE produce a leaflet onthe safe storage of pesticides – AgricultureInformation sheet A1S16 Guidance onstoring pesticides for farmers and otherprofessional users. Note that SM7 -

restrictions on the use of plantprotection products require compliancewith the Pesticides Code of Practice andthat this requires the correct storage ofpesticides on farm. The Health & Safety atWork Inspectorate of DoLGE require staffand employers to meet UK standards forthe topics covered by the Act andRegulations, so it is as well to be aware oftheir contents. In the event of an accident,evidence of having compiled with guidanceor regulations usually helps your case.

Consolidation

Notification of the result of requests toconsolidate farmed areas will be sent outtowards the end of the year, along withfinal assessments of Historic Entitlements.Where land has been given up, farmersmust have no involvement with that landthereafter. If an involvement is foundduring a Cross Compliance inspection,penalties may be incurred.

Manx Hedgerow Management Codeof Best Practice and the HeathBurning Code

Work to review these is being undertakennow; new versions will be published inJanuary 2010 following public consultation.The deadline for the consultation on thehedgerow code is 31st October 2009, soplease send in your views to DAFF at RoseHouse. Details of changes will be noted inthe next Agri News, once the outcomes ofthe current consultation process have been considered.

Hedgerow management re-commencesfrom 1st September, but please noteStandard 16 – field boundaries appliesto all types of hedge, including turf andstone-faced banks as well as shrubbyhedges and hedgerow trees. Permission isrequired from the Department, beforesuch boundary features are removed ordestroyed. You should complete andreturn a Works Approval form, availablefrom DAFF, or download one from ourwebsite - see page 32 of Chapter 6 ofthe Farmers’ Handbook for further details.

A new version of the Heath Burning Codewill also be available from January 2010.Its revised layout will seek to makeclearer how landowners should apply foran extension to the burning period,(available up to 31st March), and for anincrease in the size of area to be burnt.

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Organic Farming Scheme 2004 (amendment)Scheme 2009 – higher rates of grant now available for new applicants By Kim Etherton, Countryside Care Scheme Project Officer

This Scheme was approved by Tynwald inJuly and makes the following changes to the2004 Scheme:

• The Scheme includes horticulture as asupported sector for conversion andorganic production.

• Dairy land now qualifies for the higherpayments per acre for converted or inconversion land. These are:

Land in conversion Arable, dairy, horticulture and fruit growing:

(a) in the first year; £95 per acre(b) in the second year; £95 per acre(c) in the third year; £55 per acre(d) in the fourth year; £30 per acre(e) in the fifth year; £20 per acre

Land already in organic production Arable, dairy, horticulture and fruit growing:£20 per acre for 5 years

In addition, the payments made to theorganic unit as a whole have been greatlyincreased and extended for two additionalyears. This recognises the costs associatedwith accreditation etc. The rates are now:

(a) in the first year; £1000(b) in the second year; £900 and(c) in years three, four and five; £600

• There is now a requirement to provide abusiness plan which demonstrates thatthere is an adequate and viable route toan organic market for the outputs fromthe farm.

A new guidance note and application form isnow available from the Department. Forfurther information, please contact theSupport Schemes team on 687304.

Information on driving entitlementfor agricultural tractors. By Mark Pattison, Chief PSV & DT Examiner, Highways Division

Notes

• Clarity has been sought regarding theregulations for young drivers of tractors,these regulations are shown in thefollowing flow chart.

• Category f test is the tractor test,category B is the normal car test.

• An occupational road is a road towhich the public has access, but is notclassified and may not be maintained,such as a green lanes and roads withinthe curtilage of the farm to which thepublic have access.

• There are no requirements to display Rplates on agricultural tractors.

• These rules only apply for vehiclesbeing used for agriculture, horticultureand forestry.

• If the business is general haulageconnected with construction or plant hire,the full HGV rules and regulations apply.

• When booking a category f test it isnormal procedure for the examiner totravel to the farm in order to conductthe driving test.

• Maximum combination weights. If thedistance between the rear axle of thetractor and the rear axle of the trailer isless than 2.9m, must not exceed20000kg if over 24390kg. To run atthese weights the trailer must have twoaxles and a powered braking system.

For further information please contact Mark Pattison, Chief Examiner on 627431.

You may only drive on

occupational roads

If you are 15 or younger you mayonly drive on private land. Theresponsible person that allowsthis is liable under Health andSafety legislation. At age 17 or

over you can drive a tractor (notexceeding 2.45m wide) on the

public highway and not exceeding20mph and must display L Plates;except if supervised in a vehicle

which has a fitted seat for asupervising driver, under

supervision you can tow a trailerup at up to 30mph.

You may drive a tractor and trailerof any size on the public highwayup to a maximum of 30mph but ifboth tractor and trailer are fittedwith a powered braking systemactuated by the footbrake you

may drive up to 40mph.

Have You PassedThe Category f test?

(tractor test)

Have You PassedThe Category B test?(Manual Car Test)

Are You 16

You may drive a tractor up2.45m wide and a trailer up to

750kg. If the driver passed the Category B test before

1st January 2000 the towingweight restriction does notapply as a full category f

entitlement was given on apublic highway up to 30mph.

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Congratulations go to the winners of thisnew award, sponsored by Shoprite.Presentations were made by JohnSpeakman, Trading Manager of Shoprite,at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show infront of a packed audience of farmers,retailers, processors and buyers. Therewere eight nominees and all were judgedagainst criteria for: farming efficiently andprofitably, their focus on customers, theirefforts to promote local food production,their plans to diversify their business, andthe conservation activity on their farm.

The winners were Mark Baines and TraceyGelling from Gelling’s Eggs based nearOnchan. Second prize went to Robert andCatriona Morrey, who farm in Andreas,and third prize went to the Kneale family,who farm at Lough Dhoo, Ballaugh. Anadditional award was also made – theJudges Special Award for a Young Farmer– this went to Darren Cleator.

Certificates were awarded to theremaining nominees who were: TimAllison, arable and beef farmer from StJudes, dairy farmers Andrew and SueSanders from Baldwin, the “veg man”from Regaby, Bryan Radcliffe, and sheepfarmer Robbie Christian from Crosby.

Agri-News caught up with the winnersafter the awards to find out more aboutthe factors that led to their success. Thejudges had commented on how impressedthey had been by everyone’s drive andenthusiasm for a positive future forfarming in the Isle of Man. This certainlycame across – these are people who seethe glass as being half full, rather than halfempty! A common theme that emergedwas the need to have an idea or a visionfor where you want to be in your farmingbusiness, and to work at achieving thatdesired goal. All commented on the needto be prepared to work hard and not takeno for an answer, in pursuit of an idea thatyou feel to be right and worthwhile. Itwas acknowledged that a long termstrategy is needed for farming businesses,and it is important to keep track of theexternal factors that may affect it. Aflexible approach to responding to changeis required and, whilst avoiding obviousmistakes is important, learning from thosethat inevitably occur should be seen as apositive opportunity.

All the winners have spotted anopportunity, either for a new product orfor improving an existing one. However, agood idea does not necessarily lead tobusiness success – it is vital to do someresearch including checking that there arecustomers for the products, and furtherpreparing a business or project plan whichdemonstrates that a profit can be made.

Tracey and Mark became aware that therewas a shortage of Island produced free rangeeggs. They developed detailed plans todemonstrate how they would grow theirbusiness from a small beginning. They haveexpanded slowly, building supply andproduction in tandem, as they know thatretailers expect and demand consistency.Promising what you cannot deliver is not theway to a successful business. They placegreat emphasis on good husbandry in orderto maintain a quality product, buying qualityhens, feeding them well and completing dailychecks on performance so that problems canbe spotted quickly and resolved.

Robert and Catriona have each specialisedin different areas, reflecting their expertiseand the ability of the two enterprises towork side by side on their land – Robert inhigh value crops for specific markets andCatriona in riding routes and otherequestrian events. Robert believes thatfarmers on the Island can grow crops forniche markets, as bigger producers areless interested in them; conversely it isdifficult for Island producers to competesuccessfully in commodity markets. Hegrows vining peas for seeds and RedWheat for baking flour in addition tomilling wheat for local use. Catriona’strails wind around the farm, providingmiles of safe and scenic riding, with no

traffic or road crossings. The broad trailsact as buffers, so there are unsprayedfield boundaries that are great for wildlife.

The Kneale family have farmed at LoughDhoo for generations but the enterpriseshave been fine tuned over time; thisensures that they keep up with changingcustomer demands, whilst using systemswhich suit the farm. The family havereduced the varieties of potatoes grown tothose that are most popular withcustomers; they have changed from usingdairy crosses to using beef cows, so as todrive up the quality of their finishedanimals. They work hard to meet therequirements of Isle of Man Meats, andhave taken advantage of the availablecontracts for supply. They are firmbelievers in using the grants etc that areavailable to improve stock quality.

Finally, Darren is following in the footstepsof his farming dynasty, he acknowledgesthat it has been enormously helpful tohave been able to learn from his family.However, he has had to work hard to getback into farming from working for anagricultural merchant. He has researchedand developed the idea of feeding hisbeef calves outside on fodder beet duringthe winter: after many hours on theInternet and speaking to contacts in theindustry, both on and off Island the searchled to a contact in Northern Ireland. Hekeeps a careful watch on quality andconformation to inform decisions on whichcows are culled and which bulls arechanged. Like the others, he emphasisesthe importance of constantly reviewinginput costs and return on investments;checking to ensure that profit, and notjust turnover, is being achieved.

Agri-News October 2009

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Tomorrow’s Farmer Awards By Kim Etherton, Countryside Care Scheme Project Officer

From left to right: David Cannan MHK, Tracey Gelling and son Sam, Darren Cleator, Robert and Catriona Morrey, Mark and Figrid Kneale and Andrew Macdonald, SAC Agricultural Adviser.

DAFF Agricultural Advisory Service Outlook Meetings 2009 By Andrew Macdonald, SAC Agricultural Adviser

7

All the winners were asked for their tipsfor success, and ideas for futuredevelopments. Here are some:

• Accept that ideas may take twice aslong to implement as you imagine – andcost twice as much. Don’t give up, butdo your homework and stick with it.

• A Seed Certification Scheme wouldcapitalise on the low risk of diseaseoffered by the Island – a potentiallifeline for cereal producers.

• Keep looking for new ideas andapproaches – go to trade shows, readjournals, use the Internet. Success comesto those who search for it, because itwon’t get handed to you on a plate.

• Get help with funding diversificationideas – obtain details of grant aid.

• Face to face conversations withcustomers provides instant feedbackabout products, so you can adjustaccordingly. It builds trust, which isimportant to retaining customer loyalty.

• Complete soil tests and only use theamount of fertiliser actually needed. Mixedfarming may be an old idea, but rotationdoes keep some input costs down.

• Farm shops will become more important –there’s a “feelgood” factor for customerswho buy direct from the farmer.

• A forum for small groups of farmers toget together to: share good practice,ask for suggestions/advice aroundspecific issues and swap contacts andsources of information. Farmers canbecome bogged down in the “day job”and feel isolated. Perhaps DAFF couldhost a website of useful contacts?

• Most of the farms have hosted school orother group visits. They have found themto be enjoyable and a great opportunityto inform and educate. The more thatlocal people know about where their foodcomes from and the issues whichsurround food production, the more likelythey may be to choose Manx.

Finally, will the award continue? All thewinners were pleased to be nominated for theaward, and got a real buzz out of showing thejudges around their farms. The award helpsto raise the profile of the farmers; this can beespecially important when negotiating withcustomers. They feel that there is a place foran award that recognises the efforts offarmers to be forward looking; striving toimprove and/or develop new products tomeet changing consumer demands. TheDepartment is pleased to say that Shopritewill sponsor the award next year, soTomorrow’s Farmer will continue!

NEW this autumn: a series of outlookconferences for sheep, dairy, beef andcrops farmers

These events are designed to give aninsight into the global outlook for thesefarming sectors and to consider the impactof changing markets on your farm business.The emphasis will be on identifying positiveactions that you can take in order tomaintain and grow your profits. Places arelimited, so please book yours early bytelephoning Knockaloe on 01624 695726.

These mini conferences are an invaluableopportunity to hear the latest thinking, todiscuss problems and solutions, and to gainnew ideas - don’t miss out on your chanceto take part.

All of the events will be held at the GlenHelen Hotel from 1pm to 4pm – details ofeach are as follows:

Conference 1: Sheep Sector Outlookon Tuesday 13th October 2009

Clive Brown from Eblex UK will discussUK and global supply and demand forsheepmeat. Speakers from Isle of ManMeats will explain their plans for marketingsheepmeat, and the ways in which farmersand the company can work together to thebenefit of both parties. DAFF AdvisoryService staff will offer ideas on how to

increase sales, reduce fixed and variablecosts, and improve profits.

Conference 2: Dairy Sector Outlook onTuesday 20th October

Steve Ellwood, Head of Food andAgriculture with Smith Williamson, andformer Head of Agriculture for HSBC Bank,will assess trends in supply and demand fordairy products around the world. Closer tohome, Findlay Macleod from Isle of ManCreamery will talk about their plans formarketing dairy products both on and offIsland; sharing thoughts on how farmersand the creamery can work together to bothsustain and grow demand for dairy products.DAFF Advisory Service staff will look at thepractical and business management optionsthat can be used on farm, in order maximiseprofits from your dairy enterprise.

Conference 3: Beef Sector Outlook onThursday 22nd October

Speakers at this event include ChrisBrown, Agricultural Manager withASDA UK who will discuss UK and globalmarket for beef products; together withstaff from Isle of Man Meats who willshare their plans for marketing beef -especially in the lead up to the potential lossof red meat derogation. DAFF AdvisoryService staff will offer ideas on how toincrease sales, reduce fixed and variable

costs, and improve profits.

As the loss of the red meat derogationlooms, the need to be aware of, andresponsive to, the requirements ofcustomers will be even more important.Considering how the different parts of thefood chain can work together better will bean important topic for discussion at this, andall the outlook events.

Conference 4: Cropping SectorOutlook on Thursday 26th November

David Eudall, Market Analyst with HGCAwill provide an insight into the changing faceof the global market for cereals and othercrops. Speakers from Laxey Glen Mills willexplain their plans for marketing grainproduce and innovation in this importantsector for Manx farmers. DAFF AdvisoryService staff will describe action which canbe taken on individual farms to reduce costs,and improve output, margins and profits.

Harvest was in (damp) progress at the timeof writing, so the size and quality of it hasyet to be known. Whatever the outcome,there is bound to be lively debate at themeeting about the best way to take thesector forward.

Agri-News October 2009

8

The Isle of Man Official 2009/10 ‘Taste’Directory has now been launched. TheDirectory has been produced to introducethe visitor to the Island’s diverse range ofquality assured restaurants, cafes, tearooms and takeaway food establishments.It should also prove to be beneficial forlocal residents, listing a wide range of‘Quality Assured’ or ‘Highest QualityAssured’ eateries across the Isle of Man.

Minister Martyn Quayle MHK commented:‘The key message we are keen to deliveris that ‘Taste Isle of Man’ accreditedvenues have been independently assessedby qualified assessors from the UK, inaccordance with a strict criteria coveringall aspects of the customer experience.‘Taste Isle of Man’ is not an award givenby the Department of Tourism andLeisure, but an accolade awarded to thosevenues who have chosen to take part inthe scheme and have met or exceeded

the required ‘quality assured’ standard.We are proud to be able to offer ourvisitors and residents a choice of 18accredited venues across the Isle of Man,where they can expect, and be pleasedwith, a quality customer experience.’

Welcoming this new initiative Minister PhilGawne, MHK, said: ‘Harvest’ Isle of Man is

a new quality assessment scheme. Thisaward is available to proprietors, whosepremises score above 60% for their use oflocal produce. All aspects of the businessare assessed, from how knowledgeablestaff are about local produce, to howvaried their use of Manx produce is. I amdelighted that so many proprietors haveachieved this accolade. Keep an eye outfor the “Harvest” Isle of Man plaque whenyou are out and about - a visit to one ofthese great Manx food outlets will helpsupport our local food producers.”

Distribution of the ‘Taste’ Directory hasstarted and anyone interested in receivinga copy can request one from the WelcomeCentre in the Sea Terminal. For furtherinformation on ‘Taste Isle of Man’ contact:Nikki Salmon, DTL, Quality and ServicesExecutive on 685965.

‘Taste’ Directory is launched – A unique insight into eating out in the Isle of Man By Audrey Fowler, Marketing Officer

Isle of Man Creamery exhibited at theNantwich International Cheese Show inJuly this year, the largest Cheese Show inthe world.

Held in the heart of the Cheshire farmingcommunity, the Nantwich Show trade dayattracted senior buyers from all major

multiple retailers in the UK, includingMarks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury’s andWaitrose. The consumer day attractedapproximately 33,000 members of thepublic, who were able to taste and buythe very finest cheeses from all fourcorners of the world!

The Nantwich International Cheese Show 2009By Jackie Mitchell, Marketing Executive, IOM Creamery

Noble’s Hospital ‘Support your Local’ Foodwent Down a Treat By Andy Pennington, Provisions Manager, Catering Dept. Nobles Hospital

The 2nd celebration of the Manx food washeld at Noble’s Hospital Restaurant duringJuly. This event showcased the supportthat the DHSS and Noble’s Hospital give tolocal Manx farmers and producers. I firstthought of this event last year as achallenge, I wanted to show the people ofthe Island that Noble’s doesn’t importmeat, dairy or vegetables - it is all sourcedlocally and prepared within the Hospital”.

On display were a variety of Manxproducts, including the smaller suppliers

like Lynda Tottenham’s home made jamsand Greeba Mushrooms, as well some ofour larger Manx suppliers that includedRobinsons, IOM Creamery and Harrisonand Garrett Meats.

This year, the event was extended to thepatients of the hospital, as a way to raiseawareness of Manx produce and how it isused within recipes in the patient menusystem. Each patient received a specialmenu, with an explanation of what localproducts are used by the hospital.

Minister for DHSS, Eddie Teare said “A lotof hard work and effort has gone in to thepreparation and organisation for this event.To promote Manx Produce in this kind ofway is outstanding. The public may haveassumed incorrectly that Noble’s Hospitalimports much of its fresh produce and userready products; now because of the hardwork and dedication from both the cateringstaff and the suppliers, I hope that peoplerealise that Nobles and the DHSS arewholehearted supporters of local produce.”

Boost for local food marketing By Ed Clague, Agricultural Policy Manager

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Four new Manx products launched at Food and Drink Festival By Audrey Fowler, Marketing Officer

The Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival isa good platform to showcase new localfood products. We were pleased to host4 new products this year.

Anagh Coar Butcher’s Chrym VanninYskid (dried Manx ham). This ham camefrom a pig raised on Ballamodha Farm. Itcame to Anagh Coar Butchers in January2008 and now packed in salt for 3months; then wiped down with olive oil toremove excess salt, and further hung inmuslin cloth for 12 to 15 months.Because of the quality of Manx pork, thisham has a unique flavour. This product isonly available from Anagh Coar Butchers,Unit 2, Cushag Road, Douglas. For moreinformation please contact Mr BernieCleary Tel: 625835 or emailbutcher@manx.net

Green Mann Spring Water. Themineral rich waters that bubble to thesurface on the lowlands of Ballabrooienear St Johns have been renowned for

centuries. Rain falling on the slopes ofSlieau Whallian has filtered down tocreate subterranean streams that flowbeneath Ballabrooie’s beautiful orchards,where organic practices have beenfollowed for decades. Green Mann Springwater is uniquely soft with an unrivalledtaste. Available still or sparkling inreusable bottles; the most natural waterknown to mann. For more informationplease contact Shane Martin Tel: 321333or email shane@greenmannspring.com

Ellerslie Extra Virgin Cold PressedRapeseed Oil is produced on EllerslieFarm in Crosby, where it is grown,harvested, pressed and bottled. If youare interested in purchasing or stockingEllerslie Oil, then please contact PenttiChristian on 07624 472717 or emailpentti.christian@brassicafoods.com

Celtic Mist Cream Liqueur. Ballarock isa fledgling branded drinks house with aprovenance focusing on the unique Celtic

Norse heritage of the Isle of Man. Thisfirst product, Ballarock’s Celtic Mist CreamLiqueur, is a luxurious blend of Manxcream from Isle of Man Creamery and finespirits with subtle hints of caramel andbutterscotch. For more information, pleasecontact Adrian Costain at Ballarock Farm,Ballakilpheric, Colby IM9 4BW Tel: 07624 337257 or 07734 151534 oremail aecostain@googlemail.com

The Department is cranking up its supportfor the marketing of Local Food with theadoption of a Local Food Marketing Plan andthe recruitment of a Local Food MarketingManager to oversee its implementation.

Food production is estimated to provideover £51m of income and over 1,000 jobsfor the Island. There is significantopportunity to increase the locallysupplied share of the Manx food andcatering market; (estimated to have totalsales of £248m), and to continue to growa viable export trade. The plan aims tocontribute to this growth by building astrong food marketing specialism into theDepartment. This will concentrate onimproving both consumer demand forlocal food, and the market focus of theprocessing and producing sectors.

The three year local food marketing planhas been established through a series ofworkshops and local consumer researchundertaken with the Isle of ManAgricultural Marketing Society. Theprocess has established stakeholder viewsand priorities, if represents a continuation

of the widening of the Department’s focusfrom primary producers to supporting thedevelopment of the whole food chain onthe Island. The plan will involve close co-operation within the Department ofAgriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as wellas the Department of Tourism and Leisureand Department of Local Government andEnvironment; together with a wide rangeof stakeholders including from thehospitality, food and drink industry. Allneed to work together to exploit theopportunities associated with consumerinterest in food authenticity, provenanceand experience.

The plan clarifies the Departments’objectives on how it intends to supportthe Island’s food industry these are:

1. Grow the profitability and sales of Manx produce

2. Support the delivery of an effective andefficient food chain

3. Exploit the opportunities offered byfood culture and tourism

4. Capitalise on and maintain the positiveperceptions of Manx produce

5. Maintain the profile of Manx food andfarming and its importance to the Island

6. For the Department to be seen as acentre of excellence for advice,information and support for the industry

The post of the Local Food MarketingManager will be advertised shortly. Thepost will lead a new Department FoodMarketing team, made up of existing staffwhose roles are being refined to meet theneeds of this new initiative. The team willreport to a Department Food MarketingCommittee, chaired by the Minister. TheCommittee will become a single focus forimplementing this important work and willdraw on a specific budget identified forthe project.

Agri-News October 2009

10

Fluke Monitoring: An Update. By Richard Ashworth, Veterinary Officer

The fluke incidence reporting scheme hasbeen operating for about six months. Withthe combined efforts of Meat Inspectors,Government Graders, and the Meat Plantadministrative staff, this has proved a verysuccessful initiative. Feedback fromproducers has been positive, and enabledthem to start effective target treatment.This will doubtless have given rewards toindustry, producer profitability, and animalhealth generally.

Both cattle and sheep “active” fluke casesare now reported to the producer for

information. Cases of old liver damagedue to fluke are identified by theInspectors, but these cases are notrecorded as active “fluke” cases, as theyindicate that on farm treatments havebeen effective. (The old liver damage stillshows as scarring). Set treatment willhave prevented more severe damage,killed flukes (ending fluke eggs beingshed), and helped to reduce pastureinfestation in the long term. If you are aproducer who has treated, rememberareas of your pasture will still harbour

snails and intermediate fluke stages.

In summary, if you currently dose forfluke: continue to do so at the correcttime of year. If you have not acted on theinformation from the scheme: start doingso – ask your Vet for advice on the besttreatment regime.

Include Fluke treatment in your Health Plan.

For further information please telephone685844.

Farmers’ Markets updateBy Sheila Gawne, Chairperson to the Isle of Man Farmers’ Market Association

We are pleased to announce that, as fromThursday 3rd September, there will be aregular weekly Farmers' Market in thecourtyard at Tynwald Mills, from 11am to 3pm.

This is now our 4th Market. We arecurrently holding markets at:

Douglas, Villa Marina colonnade on the 1stSaturday in the month: at 10am - 2pm

Ramsey, Albert Road School playgroundevery Saturday: 10am - 1pm

Castletown, Southern 100 Clubhousegrounds on the 3rd Sunday in the month:1.30pm - 3.30pm

The Mill Shop will be offering Manx foodmarket day specials in their cafes - we

hope to see many regular faces attendingthis new venue.

Anyone interested in either having a stallor just wishing to attend the market topurchase goods, please telephone822992, or mobile 454549, or emailsbygroves@manx.net

Assessing lambs for better returns By David Cain, Meat Grader

The Manx NFU staged a demonstration andcompetition at the Royal Manx AgriculturalShow, with the aim of helping producersselect lambs to achieve better returns.David Eden (MLC Services) and David Cain(DAFF), were available to offer advice on

key handling points to assess fat levels andconformation. Producers were then invitedto classify 3 lambs and estimate theircarcase weight in a competition that, outof an entry of 50, was won by Trevor Quirkfrom Corvalley Farm, Kirk Michael. (From left to right) David Eden, competition winner

Trevor Quirk with son Lewis, and David Cain

Some Producers hire or borrow bulls forreasons of economy. Such activity is asignificant risk to your herd and youshould consider seriously the disease riskin bringing in such animals. Nominally,BVD, IBR, Leptospirosis and Johnes are ofconcern, but other general andreproductive diseases may be introducedto your herd with potentially seriousconsequences. You should discuss controlmethods, and risk factors with your privateVet, especially if you operate a “closed”herd. Quarantining bulls before use, anddisease testing whilst in isolation, is good

practice; it may be advocated by your Vet.Vaccinated bulls pose less risk.

From the Animal Health Division’sviewpoint, the three Notifiable diseases(TB, Brucella, and EBL) are controlled byroutine testing. If you have a testarranged and have a hired bull (or other“loaned” cattle) on the holding, they mustbe included in the test. There have beencases where these animals have not beenpresented; put simply -if on your holding,all eligible cattle must be tested.

Abortions

Any abortion cases must be isolated andinvestigated, for Brucellosis. Animal Healthwill test for this, but your private Vet maytest for other numerous causes, inaddition to Brucella. Sources ofreproductive disease in the whole herdmay be identified. Control measures canbe put in place to prevent an “abortionstorm” and to safeguard future herdfertility…. your livelihood!

For further information please telephone685844.

Hired Bulls and Disease Testing By Richard Ashworth, Veterinary Officer

Sawdust Offer & Free Wood Peelings By Peter Birch, Sawmill Manager

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The Department is pleased to announcethat Stuart Jaques has been appointed asthe island’s new Chief Veterinary Officer.Stuart’s promotion into this position followsthe retirement of Eamon O’Donnell in June.

Speaking about his appointment Stuart said:

“This is a tremendous opportunity to buildon the achievements of the Division indisease control. I’m looking forward todiscussing the future of animal health andwelfare with both the farming communityand general public; in order to assist theDepartment in producing a policy thatrelates our changing perceptions ofanimals and their welfare to profitablefood production.”

Stuart qualified with a Bachelor inVeterinary Science from Bristol University in1985 and began work for Stuart Angus inRamsey. In May 1990, Stuart joined Isle ofMan Government as a GovernmentVeterinary Officer (GVO). He has takenvarious responsibilities in the past 19 years,most recently leading in the field oftuberculosis and other notifiable diseases.During his time as a GVO, Stuart also spentseveral years as Vice Chairman of theGovernment Officer’s Association (GOA).

Last year, Stuart completed a MSc inVeterinary Epidemiology and Public Healthwith Distinction and was awarded thePfizer Award for gaining the highestoverall marks. Earlier this year, Stuartwas invited to become a Student

Ambassador for the Royal VeterinaryCollege Distance Learning Programme.

Stuart’s wife, Sue, is Manx and works as aschoolteacher at Dhoon School. They havethree children who are all educated inRamsey. Both Sue and Stuart are part ofShennaghys Jiu, “Traditions Today”, theRamsey Easter festival that provides thelearning and advancement of traditionalmusic and dance for young people.

New Chief Veterinary Officer

2.2% Pay Increase for Agricultural WorkersBy Nigel Taylor, Higher Executive Officer, Forestry, Amenity and Lands Division

The Agricultural Wages Board for the Isleof Man met on Tuesday 8th September todiscuss its Order and Regulations for 2009.

The Order covers the minimum rates of pay and holidays for all agricultural andhorticultural workers on the Island.Following public consultation, the Board has agreed to increase rates by 2.2%effective from 1st October 2009. Thisis in line with the award made by theAgricultural Wages Board for Englandand Wales, and raises the adultOrdinary Grade worker rate on theIsland to £6.40 per hour.

The Board also made Regulations, tobe considered by Tynwald in October,

and intended to be effective from 1stNovember 2009. The Regulationsincrease maximum deductions from payfor tied cottages, similarly, by 2.2%.

The Board is very pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Watterson ofBallacosnahan, Patrick, as a Member.

Aaron joins Juan Hargraves and AlanRadcliffe, as Employees’ Representativeson the Board.

Full details of the rates set through the2009 Order and Regulations may beobtained by ringing Nigel on 801263 oremail nigel.taylor@gov.im.

Sawdust produced at St Johns Sawmill isavailable to Farmers, at a greatly reducedprice. Normally sold at £7.99 per bag thesawdust is available, to Farmers who havean account with DAFF, at just £4.50 perbag plus VAT.

The sawdust is produced from local grownManx timber and packed in 100ltr heavyduty polythene bags.

Earlier this year we were able to offerFarmers trailer loads of free wood peelings.

We are again able to make this offer for ashort term only, restricted to 2 loads permonth. This will ensure as many Farmers aspossible can benefit, and will be availableonly until stocks have been cleared.

Farmers must have their own transport.Please telephone the sawmill, before

going to collect to ensure we have avehicle available to load them.

Peelings are ideal for muddy areas, orwhere straw needs to be changedfrequently. For more information, pleasecontact the Sawmill office on 695719.

New calf tags2009/2010 calf tags are now available for collection from DAFF, Top floor, Rose House, 51-59 Circular Road, Douglas.

For further information pleasetelephone 685616.

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Agri-News October 2009

Contact Information

Market Trends For the first time an independent commentary has beensupplied by Richard King, Business Research Consultant, Andersons. Details of how the graphs have been calculated can be found at: www.gov.im/daff/News/agricultural.xml The dashed lines show estimated prices for the weeks that accurate data is unavailable for.

Cattle IoM Prices for the beginning ofSeptember show a drop for all classes ofcattle. Prices for clean cattle are nowabout 8p/kg lower than at the same timelast year. In general both IoM and GBprices have remained relatively steadyover the last twelve months, after theincreases seen last summer. Tight suppliesand a favourable exchange rate for exportshould help to maintain levels. GB cleancattle prices are currently in the region of26-27p/kg higher than IoM values, withyoung bulls in the region of 35p/kg more.

Lamb Both IoM and GB prices havefollowed the usual seasonal pricefluctuations, with prices running at similarlevels. Prices this year remain higher thanat the same point in 2008. A reduction in

lamb meat production following year onyear flock reductions, and a favourableexchange rate, has helped the lamb priceappreciably. IoM prices are currentlyrunning at about 2p/kg less than GB levels.

Pig Following the significant price hikesseen last summer, markets have remainedrelatively stable over the last twelve months.Current values are running at a similar levelto last year. IoM prices appear to be stable,whereas GB prices, after an increase in thefirst half of the year, have started to fall asthe lower EU pig meat price starts to havean effect. There is some concern that GBretailers’ commitment to domestic sourcingis starting to erode; faced with theconsistently high price premium of GB porkover continental values.

Milk The IoM milk price for July is 1.48p/lless than that received for the same monthin 2008. In comparison, the UK farmgatemilk price for July is 2.83p/l less and the NImilk price is 5.27p/l less than at the sametime in 2008. After cuts in the first half of2009, prices seem to be stabilising. Pricesactually rose in June and July, the first timesince their peak in November 2008; albeitas a result of seasonality. The fall in milkprice has been driven by the collapse inworld dairy prices; although there are signsthat these may be recovering these willneed to be maintained for a number ofmonths before farmgate prices improve.On the upside, inputs have decreasedconsiderably; feed costs look set to belower this winter and fertiliser prices havereduced considerably from their peak.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and ForestryRose House, 51 – 59 Circular Road, Douglas IM1 1AZ

Telephone: 685835 Fax: 685851 e-mail: daff@gov.im Web: www.gov.im/daff

If you would prefer to receive an electronic link, rather than paper copies through the post, please let Frank Harrison know by phoning 687304 or email frank.harrison@gov.im