Farming

Emergency use of insecticide will be ‘too late’

Published

7 years ago

November 24, 2014

EMERGENCY use of the crop protection product Insyst has been authorised to protect winter oilseed rape from further damage by cabbage stem flea beetle following growing pressure from farmers who have seen significant damage to their crops. The approval was eventually granted for 120 days on Friday, September 26 following the completion of technical evaluations. NFU vice president Guy Smith said: “We have pushed hard for this approval over the last few weeks and while we are pleased to see it finally come through, we are frustrated by the time it has taken.

“For many farmers currently trying to combat the flea beetle menace, this approval will give them a new vital tool in their tool box when it comes to establishing good crops of oilseed rape. But for those who have already seen their crops significantly compromised by flea beetle, the response is bound to be, ‘if only we had had these products sooner’. “The challenge of growing oilseed rape this autumn without a key crop protection tool demonstrates well the points we have raised in our Healthy Harvest campaign.

Farmers need crop protection materials to grow healthy crops, benefiting our economy and for our bio-diversity. “We need regulators to properly understand the impacts their decisions can have on the ability of farmers to produce a reliable supply of affordable, healthy, food to meet a growing demand.” The second most planted crop in England, oilseed rape is an extremely important crop for pollinators including bees, providing an abundant, early supply of nectar and pollen. These bees are in turn valuable to rapeseed growers and essential to other farmers in helping pollinate their crops.

The NFU is also aware that an extension of use for the Bayer product Biscaya has also been approved. This extension will relieve pressure on farmers to control aphids and the destructive Turnips Yellow virus that they spread, in the absence of control by neonicotinoid seed treatments.

Farming

Council issues important update for poultry keepers in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 weeks ago

November 26, 2021

Thomas Sinclair

IN RESPONSE to the increased findings of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry in England and in wild birds across Great Britain, combined with the increased risk levels, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has agreed to the introduction of housing measures to help protect poultry and other captive birds from avian influenza.

The All-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been extended and updated to include new housing measures which will take effect on Monday 29 November 2021.

From 29 November 2021, all bird keepers in Wales will, therefore, be required by law to keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of disease.

These housing measures are intended to build on the enhanced biosecurity requirements that are currently in place in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone.

All keepers (regardless of numbers of birds kept) will therefore continue to be required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions.

Preparatory measures may include
checking existing housing structures are fit for housing
considering how welfare of birds can be enhanced while they are housed
and, where necessary, putting up additional housing or netting.

To assist keepers with this, guidance and a biosecurity checklist are available on the Welsh Government website.

Observing the strictest biosecurity measures in all aspects of poultry and bird keeping is the most effective way to reduce the risk of disease incursion to domestic poultry and other captive birds.

It is vital that strict biosecurity measures continue to be observed while birds are housed, as housing does not mitigate the disease risk as much as effective biosecurity.

Housing measures will also come into force in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland from 29th November.

Farming

Award for Inspirational Young Volunteers at Keyston YFC

Published

2 weeks ago

November 20, 2021

Thomas Sinclair

KEYSTON Young Farmers Club (YFC) volunteers won the Pembrokeshire Volunteering ‘Mike Beckett’ Award (for group aged under 25) in November 2020, almost a year later they finally received their trophy.

When the pandemic started the group rapidly adjusted their activities, not only to continue to support each other, but also the local community. Helping local people with deliveries of shopping, prescriptions and even birthday cards. Providing a lifeline for those who were isolated but also being a friendly face – and ‘ray of sunshine’ in their yellow shirts. They also took their fundraising efforts online and with a ‘virtual’ Coast Path challenge raised over £2700.

Louise Wilkinson from PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services) said, ‘I was very proud to present the young volunteers with their award, the group showed amazing resilience and community spirit, to support their community, during a very difficult time. Really demonstrating the YFC saying “good farmers, good countrymen, good citizens”.’

In October Eleri George, Chairman, represented Keyston YFC alongside other ‘Community Champions’ from across Wales at the official opening of the Sixth Senedd in Cardiff. During the event Eleri was able to speak to Prince Charles and the Queen about their work in Pembrokeshire.

The 2021 Pembrokeshire Volunteering Awards will be held on 9th December thanks to continued support from South Hook LNG.

Photo Caption: Louise presenting the Award to Eleri and members of Keyston YFC

Farming

Increase in people hare coursing and lamping without landowner’s permission

Published

1 month ago

October 25, 2021

Thomas Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE’S Rural Crime Team is reporting an increased number of calls regarding persons suspected to be Hare Coursing, and/or lamping rabbits on private land, in which permission has not been sought.

The police say they are asking that land owners in rural locations please remain vigilant, ensuring to keep gates and access points secured.

A spokesperson for the police told The Herald: “We urge any land owners that suspect hare coursing is taking place on their land, to report it to the police immediately, as hare coursing is illegal under the Hunting Act 2004. Any land owners that suspect individuals are using their land to go ‘lamping’, without the landowners permission, should also contact the Police.

“We would ask members of the public not to approach any individuals that are suspected to be hare coursing or lamping. Instead, we ask that you contact the Police and provide as much detail as possible.

“You can contact Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.”