Menu
25/03/2013
Call For Minister To Take Urgent Action For Struggling Farmers
SDLP Leader Dr. Alasdair McDonnell has called on the Minister for Agriculture Michelle O'Neill to take urgent action for farmers who are struggling as a result of the extreme weather conditions.
Dr. McDonnell said: "The Minister for Agriculture must act urgently to do all that is necessary to save the many animals that are in danger due to the adverse weather conditions.
"Farmers are in the middle of the lambing season and will no doubt feel extremely concerned that their livestock will be unable to survive during the severe weather.
"We are already hearing extremely tragic cases of a lambing shed collapsing due to the heavy snow fall and animals distressed because of a lack of food.
"Farmers have already had a challenging number of years and any loss of animals, damage to farming equipment and or buildings would be financially devastating."
Ulster Farmers Union Deputy President Barclay Bell said: "This has been a very tough couple of days for many farming families. The heavy snow and high winds came at the worst possible time for many farmers who are lambing sheep. They have gone to great lengths to get animals indoors and out of the elements. The snow has also caused serious problems for some rural families living in isolated areas. Great efforts have been made to clear roads and ensure families have not been cut off. I want to praise our members for braving the elements in the past few days to ensure animal health and welfare was protected and to make sure the disruption to their families and neighbours was kept to a minimum. The resilience of the farming community always comes to the fore in these type of circumstances."
(CD)
Dr. McDonnell said: "The Minister for Agriculture must act urgently to do all that is necessary to save the many animals that are in danger due to the adverse weather conditions.
"Farmers are in the middle of the lambing season and will no doubt feel extremely concerned that their livestock will be unable to survive during the severe weather.
"We are already hearing extremely tragic cases of a lambing shed collapsing due to the heavy snow fall and animals distressed because of a lack of food.
"Farmers have already had a challenging number of years and any loss of animals, damage to farming equipment and or buildings would be financially devastating."
Ulster Farmers Union Deputy President Barclay Bell said: "This has been a very tough couple of days for many farming families. The heavy snow and high winds came at the worst possible time for many farmers who are lambing sheep. They have gone to great lengths to get animals indoors and out of the elements. The snow has also caused serious problems for some rural families living in isolated areas. Great efforts have been made to clear roads and ensure families have not been cut off. I want to praise our members for braving the elements in the past few days to ensure animal health and welfare was protected and to make sure the disruption to their families and neighbours was kept to a minimum. The resilience of the farming community always comes to the fore in these type of circumstances."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2013
Extreme Weather Operations Ongoing
Search and rescue operations are continuing across Northern Ireland, as the emergency services come to the aid of those living in remote areas and farmers whose livestock have been threatened by extreme weather. An Irish Army Helicopter is reported to be on hand to help, should it be needed.
Extreme Weather Operations Ongoing
Search and rescue operations are continuing across Northern Ireland, as the emergency services come to the aid of those living in remote areas and farmers whose livestock have been threatened by extreme weather. An Irish Army Helicopter is reported to be on hand to help, should it be needed.
22 August 2012
National Parks: Attwood Vs The Ulster Farmers Union
The Ulster Farmers Union have come out against plans for national parks in Northern Ireland. It follows a meeting they had with Stormont's environment minister Alex Attwood earlier this week where they discussed his department's plans to set up two national parks in either the Cauesway Coast, the Fermangh Lakelands or the Mourne Mountains.
National Parks: Attwood Vs The Ulster Farmers Union
The Ulster Farmers Union have come out against plans for national parks in Northern Ireland. It follows a meeting they had with Stormont's environment minister Alex Attwood earlier this week where they discussed his department's plans to set up two national parks in either the Cauesway Coast, the Fermangh Lakelands or the Mourne Mountains.
14 December 2022
Cold Weather Payments Extended To 12 More Post Code Areas
The Department for Communities has announced that the Cold Weather Payments have been extended to 12 more postcode areas bringing the total number of areas affected over the past week to 31.
Cold Weather Payments Extended To 12 More Post Code Areas
The Department for Communities has announced that the Cold Weather Payments have been extended to 12 more postcode areas bringing the total number of areas affected over the past week to 31.
24 September 2018
Farmers Urged To Remain Vigilant For Signs Of Bluetongue Virus
Farmers in Northern Ireland have been urged to remain vigilant for signs of the Bluetongue virus after it was detected in two cattle imported from France.
Farmers Urged To Remain Vigilant For Signs Of Bluetongue Virus
Farmers in Northern Ireland have been urged to remain vigilant for signs of the Bluetongue virus after it was detected in two cattle imported from France.
24 March 2014
Farmers Warned Of Cattle Scab
Farmers have been urged to be vigilant against psoroptic mange, commonly known as cattle scab, following the discovery of a case in Scotland. Cattle scab is caused by mites that pierce the animals skin to feed, leading to severe dermatitis which causes "immense irritation" for the animal.
Farmers Warned Of Cattle Scab
Farmers have been urged to be vigilant against psoroptic mange, commonly known as cattle scab, following the discovery of a case in Scotland. Cattle scab is caused by mites that pierce the animals skin to feed, leading to severe dermatitis which causes "immense irritation" for the animal.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
