Helping Manx farmers evolve and grow

March 2009 Agri-News Published by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Update on progress at the new Index Department Headquarters Minister’s comments 2 Countryside Care Scheme 3 The project is very much on schedule as The erection of steelwork also commenced Milk sector research 4 are the associated enabling works and at the beginning of March and the building since this photograph was taken even is now taking shape. Local meat consumption more progress has been made. The increased 4 The Department has also set up a small substructure works, which includes piling, Relocation Project Team with representatives pile caps, bases and substructure masonry Meat plant surges forward 4 from each of its Divisions to plan for the and over site concrete (beneath the move to St Johns. On their agenda will not Taste Scheme 2009 5 building) are complete and the lift shaft only be issues such as office layouts and construction is well underway. Countryside Care Scheme the like but also site and Workshop 5 building maintenance and providing the public with high How the industry sees standards of reception and the future… 6 and 7 information facilities. A Lifetime of Trees 8 There is much to do but there is confidence that the building Live to Dead workshop 8 will be completed by April Bee Diseases and 2010 with the Department Pest Control 8 operating from it shortly thereafter. The Development of ‘Ellerslie’ Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed, Manx, Rapeseed Oil 9 Countryside Care Scheme Launched Short Rotation Coppice Trial 9 By Ed Clague, Agricultural Policy Manager A Brief Overview of plant health 10 More than 350 people, representing 248 this year but otherwise, the application agricultural businesses attended the form is very similar to the census forms New Animal Waste Plant 10 Countryside Care Scheme implementation issued over the last few years. Liver Fluke monitoring 11 workshops during March. If you have any concerns regarding how Mud on the roads! 11 The aim of the presentations was to to complete the application form, which inform farmers how the Scheme applies to will be sent out in late March, there is an Market trends 12 their business, what they must do to be opportunity to attend a number of eligible under the Scheme and hopeful surgeries during April, where field officers debunk some of the myths associated will be on hand to assist you. with the Scheme which have arisen over A copy of the presentation given at the How the industry sees the its development. launch can be obtained by calling 685838 future - See pages 6 and 7 All those who attended were also given a or downloaded from Farmer’s Handbook which provides www.gov.im/daff/countryside_care/ comprehensive guidance on the operation news.xml of the Scheme. Handbooks will be delivered shortly to Farmers were reminded that the Scheme those farmers who were unable to attend is voluntary and therefore they do need to a meeting. Additional copies of the apply in order to receive a payment from handbook can be downloaded from it. It is important that farmers accurately www.gov.im/daff/countryside_care/ record the eligible area of their holding handbook.xml 2

“As the days lengthen, and farmers’ minds turn to spring work and the promise of new beginnings, the Department is looking forward to the start of a new financial year and the introduction of the Countryside Care Scheme.” Phil Gawne, MHK

Overlooking Glen Roy Minister’s comments It is pleasing to hear that there have been Food & Rural Affairs. I was pleased to see The report by SAC into the Milling Wheat such good attendances at the Countryside food security being discussed at such a Sector has highlighted the challenges this Care Scheme Implementation Workshops. high level as, for many years, this has not sector faces. There is a future for this Having discussed the Scheme for three been high on the list of European sector, but, as in every other sector, there years, with several options and all possible agriculture policy priorities. is no silver bullet which will address connotations considered, I think many everyone’s concerns and changes will However, a clear distinction was made people will have grown weary of the be required at all stages of the cereals between food security and food self- Scheme or imagined that it would become food chain. sufficiency and it was clear that none of an administrative monster. However, I Europe’s policy makers would seek to As one report is delivered another one hope that those who attended the favour self sufficiency at the expense of starts. Promar have been tasked with workshops now feel that any concerns trade. Climate Change continues to be a looking at the Dairy Sector. This report they had about the scheme have now key priority for European policy makers, comes at a very opportune time given the been addressed and that the approved and even in relation to agriculture, their current pressures faced by this sector. Scheme is both workable and in the long priority is to look at how agriculture can term interests of the industry. As the days lengthen, and farmers’ minds alleviate and mitigate its impact on climate turn to spring work and the promise of It is important that you pay particular change. There is clearly a lot we can all do new beginnings, the Department is looking attention to the application form this year both in reducing our impact on the forward to the start of a new financial year so if you have any queries, please make environment and reducing our reliance on and the introduction of the Countryside your way to one of the drop in surgeries imported energy, and the Department will Care Scheme. Work on the other six which we have arranged for you – the be working closely with the industry to points of the seven point plan outlined in dates and locations of which are listed improve our policies in this area. the Vision for Manx Agriculture is gathering elsewhere in this newsletter. It is good to see IOM Meats seeking new pace so I am hopeful that 2009 will see Howard Quayle and Belinda Leach from opportunities to get better value for Manx increasing opportunities for Manx farmers the Manx NFU travelled with me to a meat. The visit by Freedom Foods and the to grow and prosper. conference in London in early March which potential to market Manx meat with a high Hon Phil Gawne MHK was addressed by Hilary Benn, the UK’s welfare status is exciting and I wish IOM Shirveishagh Secretary of State for the Environment, Meat success with the project.

Agri-News March 2009 3

Countryside Care Scheme Kim Etherton, Countryside Care Scheme Project Officer

The start of the Scheme is now only days Applying for your Countryside Care census purposes even if you are not away and hopefully many of you will have Scheme payment claiming a payment from the Countryside attended the recent workshops to find out Care Scheme or your Historic Entitlement Watch out for your envelope marked exactly what you need to do next. Farmers falls below the £250 minimum payment. “COUNTRYSIDE CARE SCHEME – Handbooks have been given or delivered to The census is part of the Countryside Care IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS” as it will contain most of the Island’s farmers but if you Scheme application form. the application form which you must have not received yours, please telephone complete if you wish to claim a payment Declaring your eligible land 687343 and we will get one to you. from the Scheme. It will be sent out during This is a new requirement and is covered DAFF is also running a number of the week commencing 23rd March. in chapter 4 of your Handbook – the “surgeries” where you can call in and To receive full payment, you must return orange pages. It details what can be speak to a Field Officer about any aspect the fully completed forms to DAFF by included in the eligible acres and also of the Scheme, including the completion 11th May. Forms received on 12th May what must be excluded because it is not of your Countryside Care Scheme to 10th August will be treated as late eligible for a payment from the Scheme. application form. They will be held applications and penalties will be applied, Your Historic Entitlement will remain the between 11am and 4pm as follows: reducing your overall payment and same if you find that you have less Tuesday 31st March potentially deferring your payment until eligible acres than you declared on your Parish Hall, Smeale Road October or April. No payment will be 2008 census form. All that happens is made on any application received on and that the individual value of your Thursday 2nd April after 11th August. entitlements will be re-calculated by Baldrine Methodist Hall dividing your Historic Entitlement by your The information you provide must be Friday 3rd April 2009 eligible acres. The Guidance Note correct for your situation on 4th May – if Halley MacLaig, Ballabeg (Meeting Room sent with your Scheme application form you have to give a “best guess”, you opposite Ballabeg Shop site) will include information on how to assess should update your information by areas of eligible and ineligible land but Wednesday 15th April completing an Error Correction form, Field Officers will be able to help with Community Hall, obtainable from DAFF or from more complex cases. Clenagh Road, Sulby www.gov.im/daff/countryside_care It is your responsibility to ensure that all Retaining areas of habitat Friday 17th April the information which you supply is Parish Hall, Mill Road, Ballasalla You will lose all or some of your payment accurate and penalties may be applied if if you destroy habitat (including scrub, All Agricultural Division staff will be on errors are found. These might include wetlands such as ponds, woodlands, hand to help you through this somewhat incorrect crop codes, inclusion of fields moorland, rough grazing and species-rich bewildering period of change so do make which you have in fact “given up” or grassland) in an attempt to increase your use of the contacts provided in your incorrect acreages of eligible land. The area of eligible land. Any such work over Handbook. Please ask for help early Department will not accept Error the next five years will in any event have on to ensure you can meet the Correction forms once you have been no impact on your Historic Entitlement Scheme’s deadlines for applications. notified of a Cross Compliance inspection. since this is fixed unless you make a Agricultural census successful application to the National Reserve. The Scheme allows a generous Please note that it is a legal requirement amount of habitat area to be included in to supply the information required for your eligible acreage – more so than in most other similar Schemes elsewhere. You should pay particular heed to Standard 14 of Cross Compliance which explains which areas are to be protected and when Department approval is required before work on them can be carried out. This aspect of Cross Compliance will form part of all inspections and penalties will be applied where breaches are found. The Government is determined that the Island’s natural heritage and precious biodiversity is to be protected and farmers have an important role in achieving this.

Bride looking towards Point of Ayre 4

Milk sector research By Richard Lole, Director of Agricultural Services The Department and Isle of Man distribution chain. The team will be led by the sector’s issues and opportunities and Creamery management have recently John Giles, who will be well known to expect to produce their report at the end appointed Promar International to many, having worked on several previous of June. undertake a review of the Manx Dairy projects on the Island. This is the third sector to be reviewed as sector to try to identify areas of The team will be meeting many of you part of the Department’s commitment to opportunity to improve our returns from who are involved in the sector over the developing our food production capability the market place and production efficiency next few months to ask for your views on on the Island and our off Island sales. at each stage of the production and

Local meat consumption increased – trend of declining imports in beef By Richard Lole, Director of Agricultural Services

DAFF figures show that the consumption accounts for 89% of the beef consumed successful in raising the profile of local of imported beef as a percentage of the on the Island. meat and it is pleasing to note that total amount of beef eaten on the Island retailers are ensuring that consumers can Minister, Phil Gawne said: “I am delighted is the lowest for 10 years. Licensed beef easily obtain it. This is good news for that Manx people are choosing to buy importers have only used 55% of their Manx beef farmers who do such a good locally produced beef rather than quota and this is the lowest level for job of providing a quality product. imported beef. Recent research has 7 years. shown that locally produced food is valued “The Department is continuing to support The amount of locally produced beef for its quality and freshness and our beef a range of initiatives to promote Manx eaten on the Island has risen every year certainly lives up to this. food both here and abroad and I hope to over the last five years and, over the see continued growth in sales.” “The marketing activity carried out by the same period, the amount of imported beef “I love Manx” campaign, Isle of Man has fallen. Home produced beef now Meats and others have clearly been

Meat plant surges forward By Richard Lole, Director of Agricultural Services The Isle of Man Meats’ recent decision to appoint Jack Yardley as Executive Chairman seems to have helped support Phil Teare and his team increase their pace of change, with significant recent reductions in headcount and changes to working practises being used to significantly reduce the cost of slaughter. They are also working hard on quality standards and obtaining accreditation with the British Retail Consortium, which once achieved, will demonstrate their excellent standards for all to see. The recent supply management contract initiatives are also now showing results, with a significant improvement in the seasonal profile of beef and similar initiatives are expected imminently for the pork and lamb sectors. The Department is now in discussions with the management Island marketing strategy, which would value markets and ensure sustainable team regarding support for an on and off aim to reinforce the meat sales in the high improvements to farmers.

Agri-News March 2009 5

Taste Isle of Man Scheme 2009 (Incorporating Harvest Isle of Man) By Audrey Fowler, Marketing Officer

DAFF has approved a food accolade to run A sample scoring system could be as follows: DTL will be responsible for this scheme alongside the Department of Tourism and and will arrange independent inspections 1. Significance of local produce, how Leisure’s (DTL) new Taste Isle of Man Scheme. and provide signage, logo bromides, well was it identified and promoted on marketing activity and other benefits. Taste Isle of Man is a new quality the menu? They will also manage the distribution of assessment scheme for restaurants, cafes, 2. Are Manx recipes used with ‘Harvest Isle of Man’ plaques. pubs, bars, take-aways and other eateries. imagination and flair, and marketed It is being introduced in the Isle of Man creatively? following the success of similar schemes in the UK. A pilot scheme was launched 3. Does the menu allow diners to identify in the Isle of Man last year with 17 producers? eateries signing up with a possibility of 4. How knowledgeable are staff on local 50 members joining. produce – are they able to identify Feedback from proprietors is that they are local suppliers? very keen to see this scheme launched in 5. Does the establishment operate a DAFF will arrange for the production of 2009 and all participating were local policy? ‘Harvest Isle of Man’ plaques and logo enthusiastic about using Manx produce, design together with help towards wherever possible. They were very 6. Are menus regularly reviewed, advertising costs. receptive to the possibility of an additional reflecting local seasonality? accolade ‘Harvest Isle of Man’. 7. How varied is the selection of For further information on this scheme please see www.visitisleofman.com DTL are now ready to progress their Manx produce? ‘Taste’ Isle of Man Scheme. The launch of 8. Did the dessert menu include named this scheme will take place soon. local ice creams? Local produce criteria 9. Was there a named Manx cheese This award would be available to board and what was the range? proprietors, whose premises scored above 10. Did the establishment offer locally 60% on local produce. They would then produced beverages? be given the opportunity to join ‘Harvest Isle of Man’.

Countryside Care Scheme Workshop

Ed Clague, Agricultural Policy Manager introduces the fourth Countryside Care Scheme workshop held at the Wentworth Suite at the Mount Murray on the 13th March. All of the four meetings have been very well attended. They explained to farmers the Scheme layout and how to make the most of the opportunities that it provides.

From left to right:

Andrew MacLeod, Senior Field Officer, Field Officers Andrew Willoughby and John Harrison, Paul Reid, Senior Business Analyst and Kim Etherton, Countryside Care Project Officer. 6

How the industry sees the future…

Supply Management Update Finally a reminder for anyone wishing to to our vulnerability to fluctuations in the tweak or fine tune their production, grants commodity cheese market being Philip Teare, Managing are available from Government for anyone dramatically reduced. This will create a Director, Isle of Man Meats wishing to purchase weighing scales and smaller but far stronger Manx dairy Following successful trials in 2008 a the Meat Company continues to offer industry for the future. places on our Live to Dead workshops. comprehensive schedule of beef contracts Ray Craine, Vice President to the has now been rolled out for 2009, Findlay Macleod, Chief Manx National Farmers Union, covering every month of the year. Executive, Isle of Man Creamery. Bouilane Farm, Ballamodha The introduction of the trials was a response The Island's dairy industry faces several The key issue for 2009 is that everyone is to the problems encountered in 2007. Beef challenges this year, some internal and going to have to learn to adjust to the production has always been subject to some environmental. Countryside Care Scheme and work out seasonal highs and lows but the shortages how it affects their farm business. There in 2007 were particularly severe with Isle of Externally, we are trying to increase sales of our has been talk of a drop in farm Man Meat short of approximately 470 cattle. premium branded products during a recession. production, with farmers keeping less This gap offered an opportunity for imports, While consumers themselves may not stock; I’m not planning on doing that. which for the period covered amounted to consciously be cutting out weekly treats such as Older farmers may choose to cut their 84,000 kilos of boneless beef. good quality cheeses, retailers are battling to numbers and their acreage, but hopefully position themselves as the cheapest basket in Following the introduction of the contracts younger ones will fill that production gap. town. Some are going as far as to say to the position saw a considerable increase suppliers that this is the year to put new What we all have to do is to see what in the numbers of animals supplied; with product development and innovation on hold makes the best return for our farm the result that the shortfall was almost and focus on value. Unfortunately, we do not businesses. We have to utilise the land to halved. As a consequence imports during have the option of putting the growth of our the best of our abilities. The weather is this period fell to 44,000 kilos an branded sales on hold and so we need to going to play a big part this year; we improvement of almost 50%. exploit all of our strengths such as the cannot afford another dire year. This improvement could have been even provenance of the Island and the quality of our If you are starting small with just a few more dramatic as highlighted by an award-winning cheeses to maximise our sales in acres, you have now got the chance to analysis of animals ‘failing’ to meet the new and existing markets. sell direct to the consumer through the contract specification. This analysis On the Isle of Man we have the dual farmers’ markets; that’s a good way to revealed that of the animals that failed challenge of the de-coupling of support start. The beef sector I hope will hold its 63% failed for weight and 37% failed for away from a production volume basis and own as long as the meat plant continues conformation. Within the weight fails 72% the ongoing age profile of our producers. to pay reasonable prices. were too light and within the Allied to tight margins on farm these will conformation fails 62% were too lean. The fact is that farmers will continue to farm undoubtedly reduce the volume of milk Addressing these two discrepancies would into the future – it’s in our blood. It’s the produced on the Isle of Man. While a have brought another 300 cattle into the reality of bringing new life into the world contraction of an industry is not always scheme, which would have eradicated the and planting and seeing it grow that keeps desirable, if we achieve our growth shortfall completely. us going, we just can’t help ourselves. targets for our branded cheese exports, a Making sure that good quality Manx beef lower volume of milk production will lead is available for customers throughout the year is a key objective for the industry and I would like to express my thanks to all those producers who have signed up for the scheme. By working together we have been able to get closer to meeting customer needs, reduced imports and seen additional payments to producers of approximately £55,000. In 2009 there will be another £120,000 available to producers and this coupled with the additional data we are collecting on specifications should mean that we can eliminate shortages completely.

St Marks looking towards the Braaid overlooking Ballahowin allotments

Agri-News March 2009 7

How the industry sees the future… (continued)

Some sheep breeders like to colour (or ‘Bloom’) their sheep when dipping. Good examples are these Scottish Black faced sheep.

Pentti Christian, Ean Parsons, Secretary IOM Sheila Gawne, Chair IOM Ellerslie Farm, Crosby Flockmasters Association, Farmers' Markets, An opportunity to think outside the box Baljean Farm, Laxey Pooil Vaaish Farm, Castletown What are the future implications of a With the introduction of the Countryside No one likes change, it upsets our comfort support structure that puts us legislatively Care Scheme this April I see it as an zone, but over the next twelve months change five years behind the UK and sounds like exciting (but scary!) new chapter for Manx is what all of us in Agriculture are facing. it has taken its name from a DHSS agriculture. With the likelihood of losing Once the Countryside care scheme is up program to assist infirm members of the the red meat derogation I feel both and running we should then have more rural community? farmers and processors need to work choice in which direction we can steer our together to guarantee a quality consistent I won’t pretend to know all the answers; business. While past policies have product that will meet with all market constrained our choices and decisions we but I do know that for the first time since requirements. Many people are worried IOM Government support began, there should now, like any other business or that there will be a huge drop in industry be more in control of our own appears to be a glimmer of light for any production but as long as there is a entrepreneurs among us. future and prospects. It may mean hard profitable return I don’t think there will be. work, but what Farmer is afraid of that? We will for the first time be allowed to In my opinion farmers want to farm, and Surely we reap what we sow? somewhat escape the system that has in will do so as long as they can make the past actively discouraged diversification Someone once asked how do you make a money. When the system is up and and innovation. This will allow us the small fortune in Farming? Answer - start running I think there will be a greater opportunity of marketing our own produce off with a big one! So will the recession opportunity for younger farmers as there if so desired without fear of losing our be bothering us? No way - what we've are older farmers who will see this as an support, and that marketing should go never had we'll never miss! But the one opportune time to step aside, thus freeing above and beyond the departments vision thing that people will always need is food, up land to the advantage of the younger of being able to ‘feed the Manx nation’ to and I believe that the Island provides some members of the industry as long as they the degree of having a range of premium, of the best quality produce around, this is meet cross compliance standards. not commodity products available outside something the locals are increasingly aware of mainland IOM. of, and as long as there is a demand we will continue to supply. 8

A Lifetime of Trees

After 46 years working for the Forestry many talents, Doug is also a regular Division, Dougie Allan has finally hung up his frontline-finisher of the Parish Walk and a boots and begun his well-earned retirement. keen photographer. Doug started work with the then Forestry Doug’s last day of work was Friday 13th Mines and Lands Board on 31st December March and to mark the occasion a lunch 1962 at the age of 17. Having fulfilled was held at the Hawthorn. The Division’s several roles for the Board, Doug will be Chairman, Brenda Cannell MHK presented Dougie Allan receives a long service certificate from known to many as the Division’s Southern Doug with his long service certificate. Brenda Cannell MHK Forester, a post he has undertaken for the Gifts in the form of book and photography the many long-standing friends he had last two decades and which has vouchers were also given. made and worked with. responsibility for the plantations and glens Doug said that whilst he was looking We all wish Doug the very best for a long of the South of the Island. A man of forward to his retirement, he would miss and happy retirement.

Live to Dead workshop By David Cain, Meat Grader

The live to dead workshop which was held The next date which is for cattle has been further dates will be organised depending on 10th February was again fully fixed for Tuesday 19th May when on demand. subscribed with all those attending hopefully all the spring work will be up to If you are interested in attending future agreeing that it had been an interesting date. Although all places on this courses please contact Isle of Man Meats and helpful exercise. workshop have been allocated, on 674346.

Bee Diseases and Pest Control (Isle of Man) Order 2008 By Alistair Breed, Veterinary Officer

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries • Notify the presence or suspicion of the suspicion of existence of disease and and Forestry have demonstrated their following pests of bees - Varroa (Varroa notifiable pests to be investigated and support to the Island’s Bee Keepers destructor formerly called jacobsoni), controlled in an appropriate way. through the introduction of The Bee Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) and The Department would like to remind all bee Diseases and Pest Control (Isle of Man) Tropilaelaps mite (Trolipaelaps spp) keepers to contact the Animal Health Division Order 2008. The Order will enable surveillance of the detailing the requirements listed above. The Island is able to apply for additional national swarm to formally establish its For further information please call 685844. health guarantees for its bee population health status and will also enable by demonstrating the high health status to the European Union. In order to achieve this the Department needs to be able to clearly demonstrate that it has appropriate knowledge of and controls over bee diseases and pests on the Island, which will be done using the powers contained within the Bees Act 1989. Under the Order the following requirements are placed upon bee keepers: • Register the extent of their bee keeping • Keep appropriate records of bee keeping activities including movement of hives and equipment • Notify the presence or suspicion of the following diseases of bees American Foul Brood and European Foul Brood

Agri-News March 2009 9

The Development of ‘Ellerslie’ Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed, Manx, Rapeseed Oil By Pentti Christian, Brassica Foods Limited, Ellerslie Farm, Crosby

Having developed an interest in the The equipment needed for extra virgin We are currently ironing out some minor potential of home grown oils whilst at culinary oil extraction is similar to that teething problems with the plant and hope university, I began collating literature on needed for biodiesel except everything is to have our first commercial production the processes involved in oil production food grade stainless steel, and the aim is to run available for sale very soon in local suitable for culinary uses. collect only the top fraction of first press shops and online at using only mechanical means at ambient www.brassicafoods.com I explored the route of food grade oil in temperature. Time was taken sourcing the some depth to the degree where I started Some of my plans for the future are most appropriate equipment from countries looking at varieties and equipment already underway, part of which was a around the world, including China, Italy needed. My first step was to find a variety trial of semi dwarf sunflowers being and France, in order to achieve an which produces oil that has the right nutty undertaken in Peel last year with the view appropriate plant for my scale and budget. flavour and deep yellow colour, which is of pressing Manx sunflower oil once the very distinct in cold pressed extra virgin The next step was to design the right variety has been sourced. rapeseed oil. packaging which began with a great deal of market research and eventually led to a In 2006 I drilled 2 varieties of the first decision being made to use 500ml and crop of winter oilseed rape that has been 250ml bottles from a manufacturer in grown on the Island in recent times. Spain. An appropriate label and a closure Varieties were chosen for having a then had to be designed which led to combination of the best taste and approximately 100 mock-up labels being suitability for the Manx climate. Whilst not drawn, and a selection of different being the highest yielding on the market, coloured and sized caps and shrink wraps the varieties chosen rapidly outgrew any being sourced for comparison. competition and were extremely resistant to fungus, which led to the only inputs The final label was put together with the being a single application of nitrogen in assistance of a graphic designer in London the spring, and a desiccant shortly before and gave rise to our first prototype bottles harvest. In 2007 the variety choice was being produced by mid November 2008 further refined to the one being used for ready for the ‘Good food show’ at the the Ellerslie brand, and concentration was Birmingham NEC where it was used by then turned to the processing side. Steve Quirke and the Hairy bikers in their cookery demonstrations.

Short Rotation Coppice Trial By Jason Bolt, Assistant Northern Forester

Short rotation coppice (SRC), is used in parental stock to many of the varieties Yields are commonly recorded of 18 oven the generation of heat and electricity; used. The crop is perennial with the dry tonnes per hectare per year. End Primarily, consisting of high-yielding rootstock remaining in the ground after product harvested in differing forms varieties of willows planted at high harvest; new shoots emerge the following depending on end use; rods, chips or densities and harvested over a 2 to 5 year spring with the viable life of a SRC crop pellets and can be used at domestic and cycle; The Osier or basket willow (Salix up to 30 years. industrial levels. viminalis), a shrub native to the UK, is The Forestry Division is currently in the For more information please telephone early stages of preparing ground at 2 local 801263 or email sites; Meary Veg, and at [email protected] Knockaloe Farm, , for the purpose Suggested www addresses for more of establishing trial plots. At present these information are external: (pdf download) are small areas (1 hectare each) and http://www.forestry.gov.uk/PDF/fcp when planted each area will contain n7.pdf/$FILE/fcpn7.pdf 15,000 willow cuttings of 5 varieties specifically bred in the UK growing to 4 And http://www.naturalengland.org.uk metres in height by the end of the first /ourwork/farming/funding/ecs/defa summer. Establishment will continue on an ult.aspx annual basis for the next 4 years so as to provide an annual chip supply. 10

A Brief Overview of plant health By Mike Caley, Cereals Intervention Officer

Plant health inspections are a regular, diseases present in the UK and other development of efficient markets, ongoing exercise carried out by the Field parts of Europe and this allows the Island preventing the introduction or spread of Officer team at Knockaloe and the to be classed as a Protected Zone against serious plant pests and diseases, which Forestry Officers at St Johns. These certain organisms. Legislation covering threaten agricultural products, horticultural inspections range from farm inspections Protected Zones only permit plants and forestry, and ensuring that markets in looking at the purity of Seed Potato crops susceptible to these organisms to enter agriculture products are not adversely for example, to import inspections at the the Island if they are from areas free from affected by plant health problems. supermarkets where we are looking for the pest. Information given on the Plant And to ensure that all incidents of non- non-native pests or are surveying Passport confirms that these plants are indigenous plant pests or diseases found in particular plants or fruit etc. to comply permitted to enter the Island. All of the the Island are managed consistently and with EU Directives. nurseries and garden centres on the promptly in order to eradicate the pest or Many plants require a Plant Passport, i.e. Island are compliant with Plant Passport disease to minimise the risk of either the they have a unique number, which allows requirements. pest or disease becoming established in the plant to be traced to the production The operational objectives for plant order to protect the Isle of Man’s cropping, nursery. This is important so that any health are: horticulture and forestry sectors. disease or pest found during inspections To implement EC and national regulatory For further information please contact can be traced to the source of the measures without putting an unnecessary [email protected] or telephone infection. The Island, due to its location is burden on the producers and processors 842335. free from many of the plant pests and concerned, thereby assisting the New Animal Waste Processing Plant (AWPP) officially opened By Mike Spicer, Animal Waste Manager, Department of Transport process Man, the Department can also receive and engineering treat, through the rendering process, all the equipment. animal waste blood from the Meat Plant. The new plant has The final product produced, greaves been designed (meat and bone meal), is exported to the specifically for the UK where it is used to generate electricity. Isle of Man animal The new facility complies fully with all of waste stream and the EU Directives and H&S requirements, replaces the something that couldn’t be achieved at antiquated Litts the ‘Litts’ site. plant at East Baldwin, which has As part of the changeover, the served the farming Department is also reviewing its Animal community for Waste collection operation and as part of many years. this process, the current practice of some The new AWPP at Richmond Hill, However, since December 2005 the East farmers still dropping off fallen stock at was officially opened by the Minister for Baldwin site has acted only as a the old ‘Litts’ site will have to stop to Transport, David Anderson MHK on 26 conditioning plant, prior to the waste comply with The Animal By-Products January 2009. being disposed of through the secondary Regulations 2007. The £6.2 million facility was successfully stream at the Energy from Waste Plant or Whilst the new system is robust, it can completed on time and within budget and exported to the UK. succumb to damage and downtime if non- is expected to treat around 5,500 tonnes The new Plant receives all of the animal confirming waste (e.g. metal/plastic) enters of animal waste per annum. waste material from the Island and the the waste stream and the Department Commissioning of the Plant commenced in state-of-the-art rendering system allows the requests all waste producers be vigilant in July 2008 and it was handed over to the Department to utilise the tallow (fat) monitoring their waste to ensure that only Department in October 2008. extracted from the treated animal waste animal waste is sent to the plant. Dandara Contracting Ltd constructed the material as a fuel to operate the Plant. All For further information please building and Wykes Engineering (Europe) waste water used in the process is also contact [email protected] or Ltd completed the design, manufacture, treated onsite as part of the rendering telephone 687542. installation and commissioning of the process. For the first time ever in the Isle of

Agri-News March 2009 11

Liver Fluke monitoring By Richard Ashworth, Veterinary Officer Liver Fluke (Fasciola Hepatica) infestation scarred. Adult flukes in the liver cause specific to your husbandry systems, and in cattle and sheep is becoming more slowly developing losses and animals importantly, utilise the correct drug usage increasingly common on the Isle of Man. become unthrifty and uneconomic. and timing of treatment. This is undoubtedly related to wetter Treatment at the correct time of year and Additionally, this information will: summer and autumn weather and the with the correct product is essential for survival of the intermediate host snail Alert you to a fluke problem within the effective control. Withdrawal periods for (Lymnea Truncatula)and immature fluke herd or flock meat and milk after treatment are very stages (metacercaria) on the pasture, important. Information on treatment regimes Allow you to incorporate a treatment needed to complete the life cycle. Ambient can be obtained from your private Vet or programme within your Health Plan temperature is important : look for Fluke Agricultural Services at Knockaloe. It should warnings in the farming press and Allow you to understand where fluke form part of your herd or flock health plan. farmtext messages from Knockaloe. Wet damage may have occurred either on your and muddy areas are the main infested A Fluke reporting system farm or from purchased stock sites, but any wet pasture should be A new monitoring programme at the Meat Improve your herd or flock profitability considered a risk factor. No effective plant will enable reporting of fluke cases and improve their health and welfare. animal immunity develops, and the back to the producer. This joint initiative disease can occur in any age of animal. In by the Meat Hygiene Team, Government sheep, a high proportion of the flock are Vets, and the Isle of Man Meats, usually affected. commenced in early March. This scheme Out wintered animals are particularly at will directly benefit producers, and provide risk. Fluke will reduce live weight gain and valuable information. milk yield by 10 – 15%, reduce resistance Fluke cases seen at post mortem in cattle to other diseases, reduce fertility and can and sheep will be reported back to the cause sudden death especially in sheep. individual producer on summary sheets. Migrating fluke are important in Black This will allow you to take action and disease, so it is also important to vaccinate control this important condition, in your against Clostridial diseases (7 in one stock. Best practice would be to liaise vaccine) routinely. Liver damage from with your own Vet, or Knockaloe Advisory migrating immature flukes can be serious, Services, to agree a treatment plan and the recovered liver can be badly Mud on the roads! By Police Inspector Richard Power, IOM Constabulary

The work of the Farmer in the Isle of Man that causes this. Off road motor cycles give adequate warning that there is, or is necessitates driving farm machinery from and building contractors often cause likely to be mud on the highway. They field to field via the public highway. Most similar problems. should also take reasonable steps to roads on the Island, outside the main remove the mud. If the Department of Leaving roads in a muddy condition does towns, are adjacent to fields and as a Transport think the removal of mud has cause potential dangers to other road result the roads tend to become muddied not been done then they may take steps users such as cyclists, motor cyclists, from time to time. It appears to be to remove it and recover costs from the pedestrians and car drivers. The adhesion even worse during the wet weather person responsible. The potential for that tyres have to the roads in these periods. However, it is not just farm traffic Court appearances and fines is provided conditions is greatly reduced and by the Act and could cost someone up therefore the stopping distances of to £1,000. vehicles are significantly extended. Mud on the road is not always visible especially My advice is to obtain suitable warning when its dark or in wet weather so a signs from a local supplier and put them sudden change in the road conditions on the side of the road in a safe visible present unknown dangers to road users, position so that other road users are a bit like “black ice”. warned of the potential hazard ahead. Should the road become muddied then The Highways Act 1986 does include this please ensure that it is cleaned to an problem and provides both solutions and acceptable standard. Contact penalties. Section 48A of the Act states Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 that a responsible person (i.e. farmer or Tractor driver) should place a traffic warning sign at each end of the road to 12

Market Trends By Chris Kneale, Agricultural Adviser Details of how the graphs have been calculated can be found at: www.gov.im/daff/News/agricultural.xml. Note also that on the graphs shown below, the grey shaded area at the bottom of each chart represent the Isle of Man price in the 2007-2008 trading year Cattle. Prices continued to firm in the UK lamb. Although prices in IoM were almost decline. The IoM price trend is for as we entered the new year, and at parity with the UK in June of 2008, the increasing price too, and is getting closer although the gap between UK and IoM price gap appears to have been widening to the price gap narrowing to the 19p/kg prices looks to be widening slightly, ever since, such that there is now a gap price difference of August 2008, the contract bonuses (worth up to 30p/kg in of over 60p/kg DW between UK and IoM narrowest it has been for some time. January and February) have not been sheep meat prices. With sheep numbers Milk. Current farm gate prices are included in the IoM prices. Similar price still on the decline in the UK, this currently below the high of this time last trends for heifers and steers can be seen, season’s lambing will have a huge effect year, but look relatively stable. This whilst SYB prices have remained fairly on availability, and potentially the price of should be good news for local producers consistent since Aug 08. MLC reports lamb going forward. where global markets and UK prices are suggest that demand for red meat is still Pigs. IoM Pig prices held up through expected to continue being volatile. Signs high, and producers are receiving a larger November and December compared to are positive going forward with import % of the retail margin than previously. the UK prices, although the IoM price duties helping the EU market combined Lamb. Strong demand, restricted does not seem to have benefitted (just with a decline in US milk production. MDC supplies, and a favourable exchange rate yet?) from the high profile UK campaign suggest that once the stocks of product, for export continue to strongly influence to promote UK pig production. This is built up recently by over supply have UK sheep meat prices, and spring lamb seen with the UK price rising to an been cleared, milk and milk product price producers are waiting to see what effect unprecedented high, whereas over the has the potential to increase significantly. the high hogget price has on new season same period IoM price appeared to

Contact Information Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Rose House, 51 – 59 Circular Road, Douglas IM1 1AZ Telephone: 685835 Fax: 685851 e-mail: [email protected] 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 [email protected]

Agri-News March 2009