April 2014 Agri-News Published by Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture “Our Island, Our Environment, Our Future” Index

High Health and “EU rules”: Minister’s introduction 2 a passport to success? Board of Agriculture - 100th Anniversary 2

Too much paperwork – there’s a lot of potential benefit to be gained by improving our Food Security 3 health status to the wider world. See page 4 for more information. Industry Advisory Committee 3 approves Meat Plant High Health and “EU rules” 4 refurbishment expenditure 6th Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival 4 Uplands Report 5 The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has received DEFA at the Agricultural Shows 5 Tynwald’s approval of £1.6 million pounds expenditure to refurbish Countryside Care Scheme 6 the Meat Plant at Tromode. The total cost of the refurbishment Prospects for Agriculture Seminar 7 will come to just over £2million, with an additional £400,000 DEFA Government Laboratory 7 coming from the DEFA “The importance of this facility to the Isle Farmers’ Guide now available on line 7 administered ‘Agricultural Development of Man cannot be overstated. It is essential Fund’ and £200,000 from Isle of Man that we have a plant to meet the demands Farm Diversification Evening 8 Meats. of the Manx food industry and to ensure A positive future for sheep farming? 8 The existing meat plant is now 18 years Food Security and the existence of a self- old and a large amount of equipment reliant food chain. Economically, the plant How the Industry sees the future! within the building is life expired. The provides an important route to market for boilers in particular require urgent local farmers; without it, the only - IOM Meats 9 replacement and the gas used in the alternative is live export. It is also refrigeration units becomes illegal after fundamental to the success of growing the - Paula Creer, Cooilingel Farm, Crosby 9 2014. The landlords (Department of food sector’s contribution to GDP, a target Infrastructure) have also identified the approved by this Court in January 2014. - IOM Creamery 10 need to improve areas within the plant to The Plant has made savings of some £1.4 meet revised animal welfare standards and million pounds since 2008 and this - Laxey Glen Flour Mills 11 Health and Safety at Work obligations refurbishment will allow this efficiency Bovine to Human - Spring has sprung! 12 which will also be upgraded as part of the drive to continue”. refurbishment works. Sheep Dog Trials 12 Phil Gawne MHK, Minister for DEFA said BallaKarran - Boxed lamb 13

Manx Plough to Plate Day 13

Royal Manx Agricultural Show 14

Isle of Man Stay on a Farm 14 DEFA Minster Phil Gawne MHK presents a Manx food hamper Southern Agricultural Show 15 donated by MostlyManx and a Buy Local with MostlyManx Vendor 15 selection of Manx cheese donated by Market Trends 16 IOM Creamery to HRH Princess Anne when she visited DEFA on the 21st January 2014.

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Manx produce is better than most of our competitors

Photograph taken by Anna Kerruish for the Biosphere Vannin Competition Minister’s Introduction It is with great CCS and more focussed on helping the traceability of Manx produce is better pleasure and, I industry to deliver profitable results from than that of most of our competitors, must confess, some the marketplace. giving us an important point of surprise that I find difference. myself writing Recent markets have been uncertain for another introduction producers and processors alike, but these The appointment of Richard Ronan MHK to Agri-News having recent difficulties should be tempered to the Department as retaining my with long-term optimism, with the FAO my new ‘member for position as DEFA predicting that global demand for food is food’ is also timely Minister in the latest set to increase by 60% by 2050. As well following his prompting Government reshuffle. There’s a lot of as global demand for food, Food Security us to look at ways to work still to do to achieve the ‘level is an important consideration, particularly increase the value of playing field’ I promised to deliver with for a small Island nation and retaining food production to the your assistance and, so long as I remain the ability to produce food will become economy. I welcome as Minister, I will give my total an increasingly important consideration. Richard to the commitment to delivering this important It was therefore particularly pleasing to Department and look forward to his objective. receive unanimous support from Tynwald involvement in this important project. for financial support for Isle of Man Meats The industry has undergone to deliver the significant refurbishment I must also pass on my gratitude to Mrs unprecedented change in my time as planned for the meat plant. This work Cannell and Mrs Beecroft for their Minister, with the introduction of the gives the plant a further 15 years of life contributions to the Department. Mrs Countryside Care Scheme being perhaps and gives the industry time to adjust to Beecroft in particular took a keen interest the biggest change to the industry in a the rapidly changing market place, before in agriculture and I know she will be a generation. We are at the halfway point we invest in any new facilities. keen supporter of industry initiatives in in the transition to flat-rate support and future. the Scheme is working broadly as I am pleased to be able to offer a level of envisaged. However, there is still much continuity and support to the industry This continues to be a time of great work to be done in ensuring a positive through this period of change and am change for your industry and you have future for farming. Looking to the future, confident that we can capitalise on the my 100% commitment to help you as the role of the Department will perhaps growing demand for food. I firmly believe best I can to have profitable, sustainable be less concerned with tinkering with the that Manx produce can compete with the and productive food businesses! very best and the provenance and Board of Agriculture – 100th Anniversary

The first meeting of the Board of estate of Mr Nobles), John James - improvement to livestock Agriculture for the Isle of Man, appointed Christian elected by the Northern - experimental plots under the Agricultural and Rural Agricultural Society and Gilbert Morwood The original Act as applied in 1914 is still Industries Act 1914, was held in the Jones elected by the Southern in force today. Council Chamber, Douglas on the 4th Agricultural Society. September 1915. Government spending in direct support of The temporary Secretary Alfred Hicks local industries was minimal before 1900 Present at the meeting were: His Honour Tyson was paid a salary of thirty pounds and consisted of extremely small grants the (Thomas Kneen), per annum, and Board meetings were for planting trees and improving the Alfred Christian J.P. MHK, William held every alternate Saturday at 2.30 breed of horses and cattle. Salmon and Christian MHK, William Frederick Cowell p.m. freshwater fisheries and sea fisheries MHK and William Quayle MHK (members bodies were set up in the late 19th elected by the Tynwald Court), John At the first meeting, the Board discussed: century. Donald Clucas and Llewelyn Stanley - making arrangements for lecturers on Kneale (elected by the Trustees of the butter making to visit the Island

Agri-News April 2014 DEFA News 3

Food Security By Peter McEvoy, Director of Agriculture

The Department is finalising its Food “That Tynwald notes that local food to bringing this piece of work to fruition Security Strategy, a high level production is vital to the future with his close involvement. commitment from Government to ensure sustainability of the Isle of Man; and that the Isle of Man is well provisioned to therefore requests the Minister of the Vision 2020 provide for its people in the coming Department of Environment, Food and decades. Food Security is defined as Agriculture to bring forward within six ‘Distinctive Local Food and Drink’ has “when all people at all times have access months a strategy and action plan which been identified as an important growth to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to sets out a range of ambitious and sector in the Government’s Vision 2020 - maintain a healthy and active life”. appropriate targets for growth in the food a strategy for economic success. DEFA sector, including a target of achieving at will play a key supporting role in helping Addressing food security is a complex least a 7% share of GDP by 2025, from to achieve sustainable growth in the food task and includes supply chain issues, locally grown, sourced, and processed sector through the management of a agricultural and fisheries policy, foods.” reliable supply chain and ensuring that Government procurement and ethical quality standards and provenance are considerations. However, a recurring We are currently working on developing guaranteed. The Manx food story would theme is the reliable supply of local food, the Strategy in partnership with not be complete without acknowledging particularly staples such as milk, bread, colleagues across the food industry and the link between food production and our vegetables, eggs and meat. This requires Government to identify areas of potential scenic countryside. The success of the a strong and sustainable local production growth, new markets and new products. Countryside Care Scheme together with and processing supply chain, which is a Following the formulation of the action the many other roles that DEFA plays in key aspect of the following two initiatives plan and its acceptance by Tynwald, it is managing and protecting the Manx that the Department is working on. proposed to set up a Food Steering group landscape must also be acknowledged as to oversee its delivery. having an important part to play in any Tynwald Food Motion future successes of our food industry. This project has coincided neatly with Mr In January 2014 Tynwald approved an Ronan’s recent appointment as a member amended Motion tabled by Richard Ronan to the Department and we look forward MHK

Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) By John Harrison, Agricultural Policy Manager

The Countryside Care Scheme (CCS) has been in place for 5 years now and has recently been the subject of a review by the Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee (EIPRC). Pending the outcome of the review process, the Department has decided to reform IAC, which was the body that produced the recommendations on which the original CCS was based.

A meeting of the reformed IAC was held on 28th February where its composition and terms of reference were agreed. A page dedicated to IAC has been set up on DEFA’s web area: http://www.gov.im/categories/business-and-industries/agriculture/countryside-care-scheme/industry-advisory-committee/ This page will contain meeting minutes, agendas and all papers to be discussed by the committee.

IAC will produce a series of options/recommendations for changes to the CCS which will be the basis of a consultation document which will be presented to all industry stakeholders. It is envisaged that any changes which are made in the light of the consultation will be put to January 2015 Tynwald. With this time scale in mind it is expected that IAC will make its recommendations for the consultation paper by early October.

Agri-News newsletters will now be sent out twice a year - April and December. If you have any articles that you would like to include then please contact [email protected] 4 DEFA News

High Health and “EU rules”: a passport to success? By Stuart Jaques, Chief Veterinary Officer

There’s been a lot of activity in the field health of our animals and our current general from the Island will rapidly rise of Island Animal Health over the last few level of controls on the Isle of Man. over the next two to three years. years. Having twice successfully avoided Foot and Mouth Disease, we’ve focused It is quite clear that there will be a None of the above would be possible firstly on driving out bovine tuberculosis, continuing market for quality without the operation of the Cattle and latterly moved on to identifying and replacements within the rest of the Passport Centre and the cooperation of reducing the most significant cattle British Isles for the foreseeable future. the farming community in completing the production disease: Bovine Viral Our confirmed inclusion within the UK movements and registrations – I know Diarrhoea. Member State is a distinct market the paperwork is irritating, but following advantage, where animals and meat from these EU rules does have numerous In addition to the practical work we have other EU Member States (including the advantages. If we continue on our done together on farms including testing Republic of Ireland) will not qualify for current course we can re-establish the and sampling for many diseases, “Origin UK” trade. level of trade in breeding animals we important milestones in achieving EU used to have over 30 years ago, when Official Freedom have also been reached. Manx cattle were highly valued owing to In 2011 we had our status on Brucellosis the quality of herds we held in the then and Enzootic Bovine Leukosis approved “new” continental breeds. by SCoFCAH (Standing Committee on Food and Animal Health) under EU The first Island Chief Veterinary Officer, Commission Implementing Decision D.W.Kerruish said: 2011/277/EU. While most of us would see all these words and numbers as “just “In 1949 the Isle of Man was a black spot too much paperwork – get a life!” there’s as far as bovine tuberculosis was a lot of potential benefit to be gained by concerned, approximately one-third of proving our health status to the wider the total cattle population being affected world. with the disease. Between 60 and 100% of all milking cows were affected. By March 31 1957, Manx cattle, so far as Our next step is to apply for Official bovine tuberculosis is concerned, are Freedom for bovine tuberculosis; this amongst the healthiest in the world.” would give us the ability to market animals as officially free from the three major cattle diseases. Currently we are We too now have the opportunity to build seeking to ensure our animals are not With a BVD scheme now up and running, on our success with EBL and Brucellosis subject to any post-movement testing or owners can already conclusively and claim that our cattle again “are additional controls in the UK, as the TB demonstrate that animals are not PI amongst the healthiest in the world.” risk to the UK from our animals is (persistently infected). This is a very real vanishingly small. Purchasers should comfort to purchasers and we hope that therefore find great reassurance in the the level of reassurance on BVD in

th 6 Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival By Kim Etherton, Sea fisheries and local food manager The Festival this year will be held on 20th the website: and 21st September at the Villa Marina www.gov.im/food for Gardens in Douglas. Visitors consistently announcements and tell us that the main reason for going to news. The Manx Cookery the Festival is to meet local producers, to Theatre will be returning sample and buy local produce. The with some entertaining Festival has always aimed to enable and informative visitors to meet more local producers in demonstrations and one place than is possible at any other cooking competitions time, short of driving around the Island including the I Love Manx to a variety of outlets! Applications to Chef of the Year exhibit at the Festival will be available in competition, sponsored May – so, if you are a food or drink this year by Robinson’s. producer or processor, please do get in Expect to witness culinary touch so that we can put on a great show skills, great ideas for and you can make new contacts and gain recipes using Manx new sales. produce and a chance to taste the results! Plans for the Festival are at an early stage but keep an eye on the media and

Agri-News April 2014 DEFA News 5

Uplands Report By Peter McEvoy, Director of Agriculture

The Uplands Steering Group met for a third time in December 2013. Following this meeting the chairman, Professor Jim McAdam, drafted his recommendations report which was finalised in February. This is currently awaiting presentation to the Minister before the next steps are agreed.

Even before identifying the tangible outcomes of this process, it is clear that the formation of the steering group has been a successful way of gaining consensus between a diverse range of interest groups. All parties involved have come away with a shared vision of how the Manx Uplands should look in the future and have a good understanding of other sectoral interests in the hills.

The Group has identified that the uplands are extremely important for a wide range of reasons, from the provision of ecosystem services such as drinking associated with the CAP. The importance The importance of education and PR for water and the storage of carbon, to the of the individuals involved in managing the uplands was recognised at an early production of food and fibre from timber the uplands was also singled out as an stage in the process and a number of and meat and for the recreational important factor in our current good initiatives were developed which are opportunities which contribute to good status. detailed below. health well being. The uplands are also of great importance to wildlife, with a However, it was stressed that maintaining A gallery of uplands images can be variety of habitats including globally this status of the uplands cannot be viewed on Flickr important heathlands and species such as taken for granted and there are many http://www.flickr.com/groups/manxuplan hen harrier, curlew and red grouse. challenges which must be addressed to ds/ and a number of radio programmes ensure a long-term sustainable future for have also been archived on the Uplands General comments coming out of the the uplands. Tree diseases, climate webpage- searchable from www.gov.im chairman’s report are that the Manx change, viability of farming and grouse (or by using the shortcut Uplands are in good condition when shooting and a loss of traditional http://tinyurl.com/nro3nh7). compared to neighbouring jurisdictions. management techniques amongst others, Some of this has been as a result of good were cited as needing further Thanks to Howard Caine and John fortune i.e. not being tied in with the consideration. Kennaugh at Manx Radio for allowing us historic overstocking of the uplands to share their recordings.

DEFA at the Agricultural Shows By Kim Etherton, Sea fisheries and local food manager

DEFA will again be represented at this Treasure Hunt around the exhibit to keep Speakman from Shoprite; DEFA year’s shows, with some new activities young visitors entertained. Agricultural Adviser Chris Kneale; for visitors to enjoy. President of the Manx NFU Brian Brumby At the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, and the President of the Royal Manx Visitors will be led through an exhibit there will be a producer’s marquee with Agricultural Show Allan Jones. A shortlist featuring uplands, farmland, freshwater over 10 exhibitors where you can buy will be selected from the entries and and the marine environments as well as delicious Manx products to take home. farms will then be visited by the judges in being able to access a kitchen to find out July. The winners will be announced at about handling food safely and The annual Tomorrows’ Farmer award the award ceremony. preventing waste. Now part of the ceremony will be held on Friday 8th Department, the Curraghs Wildlife Park August. This year we have received a will be running “Meet the Animal” good number of nominations from all sessions and offering the opportunity to over the Island. The judges will be: DEFA win a family pass to the Park. There’s a Minister Phil Gawne, MHK; John 6 DEFA News

Countryside Care Scheme (CCS) By Jo Brew, Field Delivery Manager

Inspections have now been completed for the 2013 scheme FHIS 1 approvals have not been claimed and are now void; this year. Over the last five years, we have inspected every CCS money now stays with Treasury. Whilst we can extend the claimant (~352 inspections). approval period, this can only be done before the claim deadline and only up to a total approval period of 18 months. Payments FHIS 6: We expect FHIS 6 to be opened in July 2014, dates A final rebalancing payment will be made towards the end of will be confirmed via farm text and on our web page. If you April 2014 for the 2013 scheme year. Following agreement with would like to be added to our farm text service please either Customs & Excise, we are able to deduct from the CCS email us on [email protected] or telephone 685844. payment, charges for replacement tags, BVD lab testing, AI, Liquid Nitrogen and Export Health certification, where applicable.

CCS 2014: Application process

Due to changes within the Field Delivery team, mapping changes and rebasing are yet to be completed from the 2012 and 2013 inspections. Application forms will therefore contain the same data as they did in 2013 – N.B. if you have had a cross compliance inspection in 2012 or 2013, please ensure that you complete the form as detailed in your inspection letter.

Transitions & New Applicants

April 2014 is the start of the transition from historic entitlements to the flat rate area payment, at a ratio of (80%:20%), less continuing budget reductions.

Also from April 2014, new applicants who have a minimum of 20 eligible acres at their disposal and who keep the land in good agricultural and environmental condition, are eligible to claim.

We held an open meeting in January for new applicants interested in joining the scheme. We also placed a public notice PLASTICS AMNESTY in the Courier and wrote to those already registered (but who DEFA Agriculture are again inviting farmers to clear their land of currently do not claim) on the Agricultural Business database – plastic waste in a scheme jointly administered with the Waste their details were captured when the Census was in operation. Management team at the Department of Infrastructure. The new applicant’s application process will be managed in- The Department hopes that farmers will continue to support the house by the Field Delivery team this year, with completed scheme by collecting up farm plastics such as silage wrap and forms being returned to IoMPO as normal. As usual, payment clean empty containers and taking them to any of the sites on duplicate field claims will be withheld until the matter is listed below. Totes can be used to contain the material or it can resolved between the parties involved. be delivered, preferably tied together, in a trailer. Tyres and wood must NOT be included in the loads. Maps Area Dates Location Opening DEFA Agriculture are pleased to announce that we have secured Times additional functionality on www.gov.im/maps Field numbers and Old Mon 5th - Sat Monday to acreages are now accessible to all and we encourage people to Ballacallow Northern 10th May Friday 8am to use this facility as we no longer have the resource within the Civic Amenity 2014 4pm Field Delivery team. site, Bride

Balthane Mon 12th - Saturday Farm, Southern Sat 17th May 8am to Balthane Ind FHIS UPDATE 2014 12noon. Estate FHIS 5: the 40+ grant requests were in excess of the money we had available, so the applications were ranked in order for the Minister to apply the cut-off. Those successful will be If you have any queries, please contact DEFA on 685844 or Ian receiving their approval documents in early April. Lewandowskyj at Waste Management on 686531 or [email protected] Reminder: your approval documents are only valid for 12 or 18 months from the date of the approval document (depending on what you specified at the time of application). A handful of

Agri-News April 2014 DEFA News 7

Prospects for Agriculture Seminar By Peter McEvoy, Agriculutral Director

Around 40 people representing all sectors farming industry from the UK, European would be an event that the Department of Manx agriculture turned out at the and global perspective. Richard also would consider hosting again next year. Glen Helen to hear Richard King of tailored the talk to provide more relevant The cost of such a meeting to attend in Andersons Farm Business Consultants information to the local audience. A the UK is around £150 per person for a deliver their annual ‘Prospects for diverse range of topics were covered half day seminar, in addition to the travel Agriculture’ Seminar on the 25th of March. including policy changes, economic costs, so is well worth paying a nominal Now in their 16th year, the Seminars outlook, market prospects, farm cover charge that covers the seminar have become a must-attend event for profitability and the implications for the booklet and a light lunch. Whilst the many in the farming sector in the UK, but structure of farming and farming timing of the event is during a busy this is the first time that one has been businesses, and those that service them. period for the farming community I would held in the Isle of Man. expect that those that attended this year Judging by the relevance of the questions will spread the word on the value of The seminar provided an extensive directed at the speaker and the positive attending such a meeting and will expect overview of the prospects of the entire feedback following the meeting, this to see double the numbers next year!

DEFA Government Laboratory – testing service for the Agricultural sector By Paul Lenartowicz, Government Analyst

The Government Laboratory provides a Other testing of soils can include looking Another routine area of work is testing of testing service for a range of agricultural for harmful constituents such as lead, or animal blood samples in support of materials in support of the agriculture to identify parasites such as potato livestock farmers, through DEFA, sector. Some of the areas that we cover eelworm. In addition, we can assess monitoring for any evidence of Brucella are as follows: other parameters such as suspected bacteria and Maedi-Visna virus infection. deficiencies in minerals and essential Compositional analysis of soils for elements, or the characteristic trace Other agricultural materials that may be agricultural and horticultural purposes is metal composition of the soil. analysed from time to time include local routinely undertaken, including the limestone to assess its soil conditioning determination of soil acidity and liming Composted organic material is regularly properties, and the composition of requirement. Hitherto done on behalf of checked on behalf of some producers, hydroponic solutions for intensive farmers mainly through DEFA, it measuring a range of parameters for greenhouse crop producers. continues to be available direct to assessment against recognised quality farmers. standards. Fertilisers can be checked for compliance with their labelling and declarations, as can animal feed - checking the veracity of claims or authenticity (genuineness) of materials.

The Government Laboratory has a wide range of both chemical and microbiological test methods in place to enable the assessment of the quality of water and its suitability for drinking and works closely with DEFA’s Environmental Protection Unit in identifying pollution to river water.

In most instances, these services will incur a charge, please contact the Laboratory direct for more information. We are situated at the Old Nobles Hospital site at the end of Ballakermeen Road, Douglas. Telephone 642250 or email [email protected] Farmers’ Guide now available on line The Farmers’ Guide designed to help farmers quickly find out who to contact in the about a range of subjects from artificial insemination, to grant aid, food labelling to training courses and much more, is now available on the DEFA website under the following link: http://www.gov.im/categories/business-and-industries/agriculture/farmers-guide/ Hard copies are also available from our DEFA reception and at the DEFA marquee at the Agricultural Shows. INDUSTRY News Farm Diversification evening - 1st May By Belinda Leach, General Secretary, Manx National Farmers Union

The MNFU with support from DEFA is studies of a wide range of diversified Stewart from Port Logan, SW Scotland organising a Farm Diversification Evening projects which have been started by will talk about their on-farm processing of which will be held at 7.30pm on the 1st farmers and their families in some of the their own pedigree Saddlebacks to add May at the St Johns Mill, Mill Road near less accessible parts of Wales. Myrddin value by curing the pork – making salami, to Tynwald Mills (parking in the car park will also provide an insight in to how sausages, selling boxed pork direct and off the Poortown Road.) The evening will some of these farming families went dry curing bacon. Robert and Caron will comprise of a mix of formal about identifying market opportunities also highlight what hasn’t worked and presentations, a question and answer and developing them in conjunction with some of the challenges they have had to session, a networking opportunity and their traditional farming business. overcome to establish their business light refreshments will also be served. whilst running their main farm business. There is a fee of £5 per person to attend There will be a short presentation about the evening and places are limited so two successful on-farm diversification We also hope to have a representative should be booked in advance – please projects featuring farmers in rural areas from the Department of Economic contact the office 662204. of Scotland who have added value to Development who will outline what sort their sheep business by producing of business support may be available to A range of speakers have been invited sheep’s milk cheese. Farmers establishing a food processing including Myrddin Davies of the Welsh business – this is to be confirmed. Government who will inspire us with case Husband and wife Robert and Caron A positive future for sheep farming? By Paul Crocker Chartered FCSI; IOMA Fund & Investment Management Limited

Paul Crocker attended the EBLEX National We must move to a low-cost system of farmers will then be able to capitalise on Sheep Association Sheep Breeders Round farming which is no different to what has the sales premium for performance- Table Conference last year and from this happened in parts of the UK and Ireland, recorded, accredited animals which has written the following article and utilising our natural resources and should go some way to offset transport suggested some positive changes that learning from others who have already charges. the industry could adopt. succeeded. Costs need to be cut such as fertiliser usage and we must become Of course not all animals will have the forage experts developing nutritional leys Farming on the Isle of Man has never genetic qualities or appearance to make that suit our soils and climate which in been easy, not that farming anywhere is them suitable for future breeding and will turn will build soil fertility. easy but the added layer of ferry costs be destined for the abattoir, therefore we does create a headwind and sometimes it must market our grass-reared lamb from can appear difficult to see a profitable One of the Isle of Man’s biggest assets is the unpolluted Isle of Man as probably future. its ability to grow grass. Surely we can the healthiest in the world. So, let’s have utilise this asset for financial gain? an annual ‘Manx Lamb Week’ to celebrate Indeed “grass reared” meat, rich in the fact. However, after attending the National omega 3 fatty acids has become a sought Sheep Association Sheep Breeders Round after food to the point that it is a buzz Table Conference last year, I truly believe A thriving sheep sector will create jobs word amongst foodies. Then there is the there is a way forward for sheep farming and develop momentum, especially if it Island’s location, surrounded by sea and given the surge in demand for lamb from goes hand in hand with educating the in total control of its borders, is this not the developing world and the decline in public. But why stop here? Professionals an asset? the UK and New Zealand national flocks. in all walks of life have to undertake Faced with the alternative of ever smaller Continued Professional Development, so support payments until they eventually We must also become an accredited why not extend it to farmers. Those that disappear there is no alternative. So what disease-free jurisdiction. But, to make attend headline conferences and return could be done? this vision really profitable it should be to the island inspired, should have accompanied by preferential access to grants to further a programme of improve the profitability of their farms so performance recording and we all benefit in the long run. benchmarking across the entire national flock in order In summary, there is a way forward if we to prove Manx animals are have a hunger for success. Agriculture superior and ensure farmers can become a significant contributor to only retain their very best our economy but change has to happen animals. The greatest from within and we must capitalise on opportunity in this respect our strengths. There is no alternative to probably rests with the hill change and few can truly believe the flocks, given the penetration status quo is sustainable. of performance recording in the UK is so low. The net impact should be that our

Agri-News April 2014 INDUSTRY News 9 How the Industry sees the future...

Isle of Man Meats By John Dawkins, Chief Executive

The motion was carried at Tynwald to go next 4 years on a reducing scale . The ahead with the 2.2 million pound meat plant will be more efficient with refurbish project of the Meat Plant. This regard to power and water consumption, will begin this year and hopefully be also following the introduction of new finished early in 2015. This is good news freezer stores the company will be able for the future of the Manx Agricultural to harvest valuable by products that it Industry, as the refurbishment will mean has not been able to do in the past. the abattoir will have another 15 years life. The new 15 year lease has been However, there is still a challenging time signed by the Directors along with the ahead for us and we must rise to meet agreed DEFA subvention support for the the challenge. In fact we have recently acquired four new end user customers and additional interest from other similar customers. I must apologise for the delay in processing producers’ beef cattle, this is wholly due to the adverse trading conditions which are endemic throughout the British Isles. I firmly believe that the market will improve in the coming months and the refurbisment will help us take advantage of any improving conditions. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the producers for their patience and support they have shown me in the past two years.

Time for Manx farmers to unite under one banner By Paula Creer, Cooilingel Farm, Crosby

possible cost is the only way to increase health status in the near future. margins. We have therefore looked at different sheep breeds – NZ Suffolks, For the Industry maybe it is time for Easycare, alongside utilising genetics Manx Farmers to unite under one banner, from high index easy lambing Texels that producing a product that will lead the will all be reared off grass with no rest of UK agriculture – either under the supplementary finishing. Using breeding pastoral banner where everything is genetics to reduce costs has to be the finished off forage; restricted breed types most realistic way to manage flocks in be it traditional or a modern breed or the future – if we can continue to breed utilizing some benefit from our higher animals that are more resistant to health status. Whatever is tried needs to worms, have a stronger hoof that is have realistic objectives that we can all resilient to wet conditions and yet still I believe the Industry is at a crossroads achieve. produce a reasonable carcass then the and that it is time to take the road future could be brighter. forward and look at progressive and Sometimes looking at our Industry from a innovative ways to continue farming. different perspective can help us to see Farming has never been an easy industry We have reduced the suckler numbers more clearly – with that in mind a group and at the moment it is certainly very yet again, poor sales last back end of us attended the Farm Innovation challenging - be it weather, disease or following on from the disastrous spring Conference in London but most of the global markets, there always seems to be but hopefully they are at a manageable alternatives were based on holiday stays something to dampen the spirits and level now. The object again with the or green energy so we’re still seeking our inhibit progress. cows is to keep things simple and utilise alternative way forward!! their ability to “tidy” up the grazing from the sheep – this enables us to justify With rising overheads and lower returns, keeping them with the hope that there is the means to ensure that the finished a brighter future for cattle with a higher product can be achieved at the lowest 10 INDUSTRY News How the Industry sees the future...

Isle of Man Creamery - Looking ahead to 2014 By Findlay Macleod, Chief Executive

At the time of writing, the UK dairy So, against this backdrop, what needs to market seems to be defying all the basic be done? rules of economics – greater supply of milk but farm-gate prices are still strong In 2014, the commercial focus for Isle of and in some cases increasing, driven by Man Creamery can be split in two: Arla, the all-conquering Viking Gods of Dairy! - The management of our achieved prices for cream, butter and cheese in The challenge this throws at small particular. Our cheese stocks are lower cheese-makers like ourselves is that we this year than in previous years so the have to pay the same or more for our focus is on profitability. This means that raw material (milk), when the product of we will not have as many or as “deep- Trader Joes in May. There are positive that raw material (cheese), is falling in cut” promotions as we have had in signs that sales will start in Canada in the price. European cheese prices have previous years. Price increases have second half of the year and a new already tumbled and an early indication already been agreed with all customers. distribution deal in the UK will have a of market developments, as always, is positive impact on our business in the UK the trading prices in the curd market (7 - Maintain the volume of our liquid milk by the end of the year. day old cheese). Polish and other while ensuring that we regain some Eastern European curd is being sold at market share next year with the Positive developments further afield don’t the equivalent of £2,800 per tonne. implementation of new packaging take our eye off the ball regarding our English curd is still priced at around equipment. We are in the middle of an vital home market. Our team continue to £3,200 but this is down by a couple of extensive research project into four focus on producing high quality products hundred pounds in the last month. formats of milk packaging (PET, cartons and getting them to local customers at with lids, polybottles and the right time and the right place. Their tetra-top). Between 500 commitment is a credit to them following and 600 consumers from last year’s re-structure and continued across the Island will be pressure for efficiencies. asked their views on the various formats. The In short, 2014 will be another challenging findings of the research year but it is not the first that the Isle of will be a significant Man dairy industry has been through. consideration in a major We will trade smartly and operate investment in new milk efficiently and remain committed to the packing machinery. standard litre price that we communicated to our producers last year. Progress continues with new customers for our cheese in the US with a large “spot” deal for our Vintage Cheddar with

Agri-News April 2014 INDUSTRY News 11 How the Industry sees the future...

Laxey Glen Flour Mills By Mike Henthorn, Chairman

Laxey Glen Mills Limited is a flour mill In recent years, the larger food retailers owned by the Isle of Man Government have been importing increasing volumes through shares held in the names of the of cheaper sliced bread to the detriment Chief Financial Officer & Chief Secretary of Ramsey Bakery who therefore require of the day. There are currently 10 less flour from the Mill which in turn farmers in the North of the Island requires less wheat from the farmers. growing milling wheat which is purchased The situation has been exacerbated under individual annual contracts by the because of the importation by the same Mill for the production of bread-making retailers of frozen “part baked” products flour. which are sold in the in-store ‘bakeries’. As a result wheat & flour tonnages have been deteriorating year on year to the Laxey Glen Mills and the Milling Wheat point where there is now extreme growers have a critical dependency on concern about the viability of the whole the success of the onward supply chain. local supply chain. Approximately 90% of the Mill’s output is Marketing Strategy as matter of extreme sold as bulk flour delivered mostly by priority. This will include working in road tanker to Ramsey Bakery Limited The economic and social consequences of partnership with Ramsey Bakery and the who manufacture bread and bread such a scenario would impact major food retailers to reverse the import products which are sold on the Isle of significantly on our local ‘Food Security’, trend, thereby increasing bulk flour and Man principally as 800 gram sliced in addition to a loss of jobs throughout milling wheat production, exploring new loaves. Ramsey Bakery’s main customers the milling wheat sector and knock on options for on and off Island flour sales are food retailers such as Shoprite, Tesco, effects to other associated trades and and maximising awareness of the pure M&S and the convenience stores which professions. There would be significant Manx flour and bread “brand” through include Spar and Manx Co-Op. The Mill’s changes to the landscape as less cereals social and public media, events and remaining 10% of flour output is bagged were grown, also resulting in a reduction campaigns. and sold to smaller local bakeries, local of feed wheat available for livestock and restaurants or as small retail packs of the Mill, an iconic part of Manx industrial Government is also starting to play its which there are currently 16 varieties. heritage would no longer operate. part through the development of a ‘Food These products, along with Ramsey Strategy’, a review of Government Food Bakery, provide a strong visible presence Despite these challenges, the Mill is Procurement and engagement with local which is a reminder of the “bond” which working hard to ensure that this scenario food wholesalers and retailers to ensure both the Mill and the Bakery have with is avoided, with the recent appointment that local produce gets the exposure it the Manx public. of a new Director at Laxey Glen Mills, deserves and that retailers maximise Anthony Allen, who is implementing a their positive influence on the local economy. New Director at Laxey Glen Mills

sincere thanks and very best wishes for a in an increasingly difficult local market long and happy future. caused by imported food and related products”. Mr. Allen is an Isle of Man resident who has enjoyed a successful career at senior Chairman of Laxey Glen Mills Mike level in the food industry. He has Henthorn stated “I am delighted to significant commercial experience in food welcome Anthony to the Mill board at a manufacturing, sales and marketing time of challenge to the Island’s milling including product development, both in wheat industry, not least reducing the United Kingdom and Europe. Mr. Allen demand due to increased importation of commented “I am pleased and proud to bread and bread products by some of the have been invited to join the Mill board major local retailers and wholesalers. I Anthony Allen and am confident that my background am confident that Anthony will play a The Directors of Laxey Glen Mills Limited will enable me to make a worthwhile significant and positive role to the benefit are pleased to announce the appointment contribution to the future success of the of the Mill and our stakeholders”. of Anthony Allen as a Director of the Mill and the milling wheat industry. I am company following the retirement from also committed to the long term the board of Bob Briercliffe who has sustainability and growth of the Island’s made such a valuable contribution to the food industry to help strengthen the Mill over many years and deserves our ability of our local producers to compete 12 INDUSTRY News

BOVINE TO HUMAN - SPRING HAS SPRUNG! By Fiona Brumby, Ballakillingan Farm, Lezayre

inebriated campers end up in the Sulby river!

Next all the paperwork needs to be in order. The cattle passports and movement book are replaced by the camping bookings diary, guest information, campsite maps, and campsite rules. Cattle halters are packed away, whilst wristbands for campers are now the priority. Instead of ordering feed and fertiliser it’s TT catering supplies, toilet rolls, and cleaning materials!

Every hazard on the farm has to be fenced off, barricaded behind round Every Spring here at Ballakillingan Farm the barn – thankfully the cows aren’t into bales, or removed out of the reach of we have to convert from milking and facebook and twitter so they will still be nosy campers. You can never have too calving cows all winter to a campsite and concentrating on milk production! A many signs, as each sign saves you family attraction for the summer. Silly recent survey said that the most common answering the same question “Where are Moos our tourism business has to leap complaint from holidaymakers was lack of the toilets?” a hundred times. Finally you into action again having been dormant all internet connection so we have taken the are ready to receive your new human winter. The first job is a major Spring plunge to install technology for our herd, slightly more intelligent than the Clean of all the buildings and concrete, visitors. bovine one but just as time consuming this involves hours of pressure washing, and equally messy! Bovine or human, scrubbing, and painting to remove every Next comes the camping field which both herds need 24 hour supervision, but trace of the bovines who have done their needs to be silaged before the TT they can be profitable and thoroughly best to cover every square foot of the practise week begins. This year campers entertaining. buildings with organic manure all winter! arrive on the Wednesday before practice week so the pressure will be on if the Fancy a night under canvas listening to Out go the cattle, gates, and dairy weather is difficult in May. Off comes the the curlews? Silly Moos Campsite has a paraphernalia and in comes the table grass and in come the fire extinguishers, website sillymooscampsite.co.uk, find us tennis table, flower troughs and all the stand pipe taps, pitch flags, dirty water on facebook Silly Moos, or telephone mod cons that todays campers demand. tanks, and solar lighting. All the fencing 07624262541. This year we are installing broadband in has to be double checked so that no

Sheep Dog Trials By Kate Brummit, York Lodge, Kennaa Road, St Johns

Entries have now closed for the 2014 their skills to compete for the title, and entrants will increase. Traa dy Liooar Sheepdog trial to be held this will be judged by local man Norman at Ballawoods Farm, Ballasalla on the 4th Christian. We really hope that the Manx community to 6th of July. With an exciting entry list supports the event and comes to watch a with many faces returning from the clubs This is a great opportunity to come and superb display of handler and dog first event last year and many new faces see some of the best handlers in the working together to move the sheep also, this year should prove to be a nail world go toe to toe in the beautiful back around the challenging course. biting event. With over 100 dogs entered, drop of our island’s countryside. John we are overwhelmed with the response. Brummitt founder of the club hopes the Traa dy Liooar Sheepdog Association event can promote the old school cannot thank the Kermode family enough Mosse Magnusson is returning to defend shepherding skills and encourage the for their continued support of the event; his 2013 title but some may say the younger generation to preserve the age without them it would not be possible. competition is even stiffer this year with old skill of sheep dog trialling. With only James Magee current World Champion a few Manx entries this year, it is hoped For more information please contact Kate and Ian Brownlie 2012 and 2013 that the event will inspire people to have Brummit, telephone 845238 or email International Supreme Champion making a go and over the years the Manx [email protected] their debut, things may get interesting. Having said that, all the entrants are well known, most having a string of trial wins under their belts.The top 16 to make it to the final will be anyone’s guess. The trial consists of 2 days of qualifying where the top 8 from each day go through to the final on the last day.

This year sees a new event, the Young Handlers, run alongside the main open trial. Entrants aged 25 and under will use Agri-News April 2014 INDUSTRY News 13

BallaKarran - Boxed lamb delivered to your door BallaKarran is a ‘new to the market’ Research also shows that there is a direct boxed lamb company run by Will and link between the taste and quality of Janette Qualtrough who manage a sheep meat and the environment. This is why and beef enterprise. They have four this farming system is important for Will children Alfie, Faye, Isabel and Ruby. and Janette. Their flocks are reared in They use a pasture fed farming method, the most natural way, the way nature which is a way of using less oil-based intended. products which in turn helps to create a more sustainable future for their family, The boxed lamb is available in a variety yours, and our environment. As well as of different sizes. It is prepared to the helping the environment, they say that customer’s own specifications, packaged “recent studies show that pasture fed and delivered chilled direct to the meat has added health benefits”. customer’s door.

The BallaKarran Facebook page regularly shares local news updates and great recipe ideas, which have been tried and tested by the whole family. Like all of the local producers they are proud to offer Manx grown produce, proud of our Island and keen to support local heritage.

For more information contact Will and Janette by telephone 398000. Alternatively visit their website www.ballakarran.com, email them at [email protected] or find them on Facebook.

From left to right: Ruby, William, Janette, Isabel, Faye and Alfie Qualtrough

Relax, Learn and Enjoy with a Manx Plough to Plate Day By Beth Martin, Smeale Farm, Bride

long established family farm, the living The tours are suitable for those from 5 history of the farm can also be explored years old to fit elderly. Suitable footwear through ancient sites and traditional farm is required and visitors need to be able to buildings. walk a mile over rough ground, negotiate a stile or climb a gate. The whole day Then just over a mile away, guests travel including the meal is £65 per person. to the glorious Glentruan Cottage in Both visitors and locals will enjoy this Bride, home of Vivaldi Catering, where unique experience. guests are warmly welcomed by Georgie Revill. The cottage, like the farm, has Check out the Manx Plough to Plate page exceptional views of the Ayres, sea and on www.manxfarmhols.com or lighthouse. Here guests will watch a www.vivaldi-catering.co.uk. For more Smeale Farm and Vivaldi Catering are cookery demonstration highlighting our information, email collaborating to offer a Manx Plough to wonderful Island produce and then they [email protected] or ring Georgie Plate Day commencing on May 13th 2014. get to cook too! This is followed by a on 07624 485999. Starting at Smeale Farm, , there delicious meal showcasing how local will a guided farm tour held weekly on a ingredients can be used to give classic For those who wish to enjoy the evening Tuesday at 10.30am. This will look at recipes a modern twist. Attendees will Smeale Farm walk with Vivaldi how high quality food is consistently take home a better understanding of why Catering Manx picnic, run on the first produced on the farm, balanced with to choose Manx produce, how to prepare Friday of the month at 6pm, contact wildlife conservation and will include a and cook it and happy memories of a Georgie on 07624 485999. We cater for walk through the wildlife conservation delightful, perfectly Manx day out. Be up to 12 maximum to ensure guests have corridor which leads to the boundary of prepared for additional surprises. a special evening and our full attention. the beautiful Ayres National Nature Reserve overlooking the sea. To give a Small parties of 6-8 are catered for to sense of the story that lies behind this ensure visitors have an exclusive day out. 14 INDUSTRY News Royal Manx Agricultural Show - Great entertainment but livestock too, please! By Christine Pain, Secretary

After what has seemed to be a very wet and windy winter it’s good to turn our thoughts and energies to the summer, and the Royal Manx Agricultural Show which will be held on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th August at Patrick. This is the fourth Royal Show to be held at Knockaloe and so far, the field has been kind to us, proving to be dry and well- draining, and offering stunning views across the central valley and north beyond Peel. This year, thanks to our principal sponsor, Manx Telecom, we are delighted to welcome back the Stampede Stunt Company with a completely new show, Gulliver’s Carnival. Last year they amazed us with their skilled jousting show and this year promises to be even better with a Show incorporating a wide variety of riding ‘tricks’, music and costume. President of the Royal Manx, Allan Jones, standing and keen exhibitor of beef The team of hardworking RMAS says that the entertainment, also cattle, says, “The backbone of the Show volunteers who will gather to raise the including the Stihl Timbersports Team, is the livestock, and the Royal has always Royal Show at the end of July (always at Ridgeside Falconry, and the Dog & Duck been the showcase for the very best in a time when they could do with being Display will be top-notch with something Manx farming. It’s a lot of hard work busy at home!) will play their part, but for everyone. There will also be a wealth preparing livestock for exhibition, but they know that without exhibitors, there of local talent on the bandstand, displays most Manx farmers will have childhood would be no Royal Show. With this of sheepshearing, dressage, gymnastics memories of preparing animals in the salutary thought in mind, they hope you and sheepdogs – a full, colourful and weeks before the Show and then rising will consider following in the footsteps of varied programme throughout both days before dawn to wash and transport them your fathers and grandfathers and of the Royal Show. to the showfield. There is a great sense exhibiting your livestock at the Royal Just as importantly, while livestock of tradition in arriving in the early Manx Show this year, and maybe, just entries have held up well over recent morning with the exciting anticipation of maybe, taking home that coveted years, it’s vital to keep new exhibitors perhaps winning the Supreme Johnson prize! coming forward. President Allan Jones, Championship at the end of the day!” who with his wife Sandra is a long-

Small Groups are welcome on Manx Farms By Beth Martin, Smeale Farm, Bride

object to muddy boots just inside the working with Isle of Man Stay on a Farm, back door. Hosepipes are readily available please contact Secretary Beth Martin by too!! email at [email protected] .

Also the rural locations of the farms mean low light pollution, making them ideal for Dark Skies breaks. The farming proprietors understand that guests will want to go in and out late at night.

Separately, members of Isle of Man Stay Isle of Man Stay on a Farm has realised on a Farm can accommodate between 6- that with 11 members offering 114 beds 21 visitors. Some farms are close to each between them, offering high quality other and can liaise to accommodate properties in beautiful locations groups. The group has compiled a list of throughout the island, they are ideally group travel information for interested placed to deal with small groups of parties. visitors. Isle of Man Stay on a Farm is excited to The spread of farms is ideal for walkers be working with other organisations to and cyclists keen to move round the prepare tailored holiday packages. If any Island and stay somewhere that doesn’t organisation would like to discuss

Agri-News April 2014 INDUSTRY News 15

Southern Agricultural Show – 100th Anniversary By Sarah Comish, Secretary

Join us this year to celebrate The rare breeds. Our own native, the Manx there’s a fun pet show raising funds for Southern District Agricultural Loaghtan, is already a regular sight in the MSPCA. Society’s Centenary Show on the Show ring. There will be a new Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th postage stamp edition with artwork by Victor Scott’s spectacular Four-Horse dray July. To mark this milestone Event we Dr Jeremy Paul, commemorating our from Northern Ireland will be on parade, have added extra classes, and have Centenary and highlighting rare breed and, enhancing our family friendly Show, planned a weekend packed with preservation. These will be available the field will also feature lots of side entertainment. Joint-Presidents’ are Mr from the Post Office from April. The attractions. A Steamfair Galloper, Ray Gawne and Mr Roy Kermeen and Produce Tent will be buzzing with the children’s entertainment, trade stands, Mrs Sheila Gawne steps-up as Vice- displays of home baking, produce, beer tent and the very best in local food President. flowers, crafts and photography. The will be there to enjoy. The Purple Fur and Feather display is deservedly Helmets and the Young Farmers The livestock and horse sections are a popular with everything from rabbits to Lawnmower team are back and there will real highlight of the Show, and we ducks. On Sunday the Produce Tent be a Best Dressed competition so put on would love to see both past and new will transform into a Country Crafts the Sunday best, add a splash of glamour exhibitors taking part in an Event that area, and in the Fur and Feather Tent to the proceedings and maybe walk away celebrates the best in Manx with some lovely prizes. Farming. We hope to encourage the Island’s goat Our 100th Anniversary guarantees breeders to exhibit again in a great day out for all the family, the revitalised Goat Section, come rain or shine. A and the Meg Lamb and the Commemorative Book about the Donkey competitions will be history of the Southern Show will held on Sunday once again. be available on the Showfield, so We look forward to an please support us this year and incredible Vintage Machinery buy your copy. For all information Display this year, sure to regarding the Show, visit our attract a lot of interest. website www.southernshow.org or contact the secretary, Sarah The Manx Ark Project and Comish, on 07624 494497, email the Rare Breed Survival Trust [email protected] will display some beautiful Andy Kelly’s winning Border Leicester with judge Mr John Townson at the 2013 Southern Agricultural Show

Buy Local with MostlyManx Vendor By Dian Skelton, MostlyManx

The Buy Local mantra has never been has been creatively designed by Jacob stronger and now some of our enterprising Beard from Mannin Media. local companies have gone one step towards making that a whole lot easier. Mannvend embraced the challenge of finding a suitable machine to best display An innovative vending machine with eye and dispatch the various shapes and sizes catching livery, has been created for of gifts on offer and are really pleased with MostlyManx to help support talented Manx the results. Artisans and provide a perfect platform to promote their products 24/7. Tracey Leahy, Managing Director of MannVend , told us: “As a Manx Business This bespoke vending machine provided by ourselves, we were delighted to work with MannVend can be found in the departures MostlyManx and Mannin Media on such an area of the Sea Terminal - a prime location exciting and unusual project to promote to attract passing tourists and visitors and local producers.” presenting them with an ideal opportunity to buy some last minute souvenirs to take For more information please contact: home. MostlyManx, 25 Nelson Street, Douglas or telephone 674548 or email A carefully chosen selection of items from [email protected] or see Cocoa Red, Original Manx Fudge Factory www.mostlymanx.com and Presence of Mann amongst others, will be stocked in this stylish machine which 16 INDUSTRY News Market Trends This independent commentary has been supplied by Richard King, Business Research Consultant from Andersons. Details of how the graphs have been calculated can be found at www.gov.im/defa/News/agricultual.xml Cattle. Beef prices in both the IoM and the UK have seen a in the first couple of months of the year, but UK pig values have steady decline since October 2013. The expected upturn over come under further pressure due to EU prices falling following the Christmas period did not materialise and the market Russia’s ban on imports of pork from the EU in the wake of an remains subdued. Levels are below year earlier prices. Looking outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF). Looking ahead, the EU forward, production in the UK is not expected to be much Commission’s working group on pig meat is expecting supplies different from last year, but with the horsemeat scandal, which to tighten further in 2014 with most of the EU major producing actually helped British produce, now fading from consumer’s countries forecasting a decline in production. On the back of memories imports could be a big factor. Irish production is this EU prices are expected to improve even without the forecast to increase and exports from Poland may indirectly Russian market re-opening. UK prices trade at a premium to affect domestic prices through exporting to some of Ireland’s EU prices. Currently this premium is high, and an increase in traditional markets. Spring calf sales have been encouraging, EU values may simply see the gap narrow and not move showing signs of confidence in the sector; cheaper grain being domestic prices greatly. Costs of production have crept up a help. On the flip side cheap grain will mean stronger price again as cereal and oilseed prices have risen due in part to the competition from poultry meat and with consumers continuing unrest in the Ukraine resulting in producer’s margins becoming to feel the pinch an increase in demand for beef is unlikely. tight again. A good global harvest should help margins.

Lamb. Prices have remained steady over the winter months. Milk. The milk price in the IoM has remained strong during the Similar to beef prices no uplift was seen over the Christmas first three months of the calendar year. Both the UK and NI period, but prices did not fall away as was the case last year. price have also remained firm. Tight supplies both domestically Markets have strengthened over the last few weeks as we run and globally, especially in the first half of the milk year and up to Easter. Looking forward to this season’s crop, the strong demand for commodities led to prices rising dramatically weather has been more favourable than last year and pastures towards the end of 2013. Following the poor start to the are better; earlier lambing flocks appear to have performed season last year, a good autumn and winter means UK well, but there has been mixed reports regarding the later production for 2013/14 was the highest since 2004/05. The lambing flocks. Production in the UK is expected to be down in strong end to the season has also been carried forward into the the 1st half of 2014 compared to the previous year due to a next milk year as the favourable weather conditions continue. lower carry-over of stock. But as the year progresses, supplies At present the uplift in production is being met by strong should increase as the 2014 lamb crop comes to market. Even demand, but as the increase in output continues the pressure so sheep meat availability in 2014 is expected to continue to be on milk price is likely to increase; global commodity prices have tight. This is a consequence of domestic and global supplies. already started to weaken. On the policy front, milk quotas end Production in New Zealand, Australia and Ireland are all on 31st March 2015. The UK has not been constrained by expected to be lower than year earlier levels. The AHDB these for some time, but other countries have. Over the next forecasts UK imports to be 11% lower than in 2013. Prices five years it is foreseeable that UK production could increase by should remain above year earlier levels as long as consumer 5%, but other countries such as Poland and Ireland may demand holds up. increase production by as much as 20%, collectively output in the EU could be significant which could lead to a strong Pigs. Prices in both the IoM and the UK have fallen since the downward pressure on prices in the medium term. turn of the year. UK prices generally follow a seasonal decline

Contact Information

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS

Telephone: 685835 Fax@ 685851 e-mail: [email protected] Web: www.gov.im/defa Agri-News April 2014