Farming News

Louis Murchan

RESULTS BASED ENVIRONMENT-AGRI PILOT PROJECT (REAP) LAUNCHED

The max payment in this pilot measure is €6,900/farmer, but it is very unlikely that anyone will achieve this. In fact many, or most will achieve absolutely nothing financially out of this, ans there is only enough funding available for 2000 farmers. That is approximately 77 farmers per county, or 3.5 farmers per advisor. This is not what one would call a good start. Why farm organisations, agricultural associations or individuals are accepting this situation is unclear. But this is what we were offered recently, in terms of “A New REPS”. Called a Transitional Measure, its not really that, more of a quick-fix that was designed by a committee of non-academic bureaucrats in Soviet Russia in the early seventies, to stem the floor of capitalism in the Gulags in The Stepps. I kid you not. Minister Jim Hacker and his advisors, Sir Humphray and Bernard couldn’t have come up with as bad a proposal, in “Yes, Minister”. And that was only fiction. To offer the farming community a scheme, turn it into a lottery and tell everyone that they need to apply, or get your advisor to carry out a “selection of the fittest” type screening is a long way away from REPS. Minister McConalogue is new to the game, and third choice for the job, but to describe this as such: “REAP is an ambitious, innovative and exciting new pilot programme. It will identify returns from specific farm measures while delivering a key new income to farmers.” But, to who and to how many, Minister? However, down to some to the specifics: To qualify land can be owned, leased or rented, but land entered should be retained for the duration of the contract or penalties may apply. Two hectares is the minimum and 10ha is the maximum except in the case of partnerships. There was initially a possibility that advisors may submit only 10 applications but now they may submit as many as they like. However, of these only 5 – 6 of these will be selected, by DAFM!!!! This turns the scheme into more of a lottery than an agri-environmental scheme. The scheme will run for the remainder of 2021 and the duration of 2022 and there will be only be one tranche and it will not reopen for new applicants in 2022. Hopefully there will be a more comprehensive and thought-out scheme offered to farmers coming out of GLAS in 2023. To apply, all applications must be submitted by an agricultural advisor and must be submitted by May 10th. Initially, “Expression of Interest” applications will be submitted which will incur a low cost, but for those selected to participate fully, larger costs will be involved. The advisor does not need to assess the land until after the training takes place in June. Approval letters will issue in May and will be issue to the applicant, but the advisor will receive notification of approvals. Farm Partnerships may apply the same as any other farm entity. Once approved, farm checks by DAFM Inspectors will take place at payment stage to ensure that all participants are eligible for the project. All applicants must have submitted a valid 2020 BPS application including all lands to be entered into REAP and anyone who was ever approved into REPS, AEOS or GLAS are not allowed apply, nor are participants in any locally based agri-environmental schemes or Organic Farmers. Commonage land does not come under the scheme and no payments will be derived from maintain lands. Selection will be by ranking, so you will be compared with your neighbour, and not be judged on your own merit. If your neighbour is lucky enough to be better off than you financially, and have a better “set-up” that you, lucky him. You lose.

HEDGHOG SURVEY

Among all the “doom and gloom” here’s something that may raise a smile. Hedgehogs are such lovable little creatures, and so beneficial to our ecosystem, that there are little friends that we must protect. The first bit of advice is that if you see one on the road, slow down and let him pass. The Irish Hedgehog Survey is seeking to build a greater understanding of hedgehog distribution and population status across the island of Ireland.

14 Corca Dhuibhne Beo

The hedgehog is one of Ireland’s most familiar mammal species, yet there is a dearth of information on its status in Ireland. Studies from Britain and elsewhere in Europe have found that hedgehog numbers are in steep decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation from changing farming practices and development. As the environment in Ireland is experiencing similar pressures the hedgehog population in Ireland may be similarly affected. This study will provide baseline data on the distribution and status of hedgehogs in Ireland in order to fill the gap in our knowledge. The survey is a collaborative project between researchers in NUI Galway and the National Biodiversity Data Centre. How you can help? As hedgehogs are nocturnal they are not often seen in the wild unless they are found dead on roads, or if they are regular visitors to gardens at night. The Irish Hedgehog Survey is looking to receive any sightings of live or dead hedgehogs to build up a more detailed picture of where they occur. If you see a hedgehog, please report the sighting using the Irish Hedgehog Survey recording form, available on their website. In addition to collecting casual hedgehog sightings, the Irish Hedgehog Survey is seeking volunteers to participate in a more focused survey using footprint tunnels or camera traps to survey for hedgehogs in the garden. No specialist training is required and a simple footprint tunnel can be made at home. The survey will run between the start of June and the end of September. You can find information here https://www.irishhedgehogsurvey.com/. There is also a questionnaire for farmers to answer about hedgehogs on their land. It is a short, simple survey and the results will be very helpful in mapping the distribution on hedgehogs in the Irish countryside. The Irish Hedgehog Survey is also looking to receive any hedgehog corpses. If you find a dead hedgehog, for example, a roadkill animal, please collect the specimen, place in a plastic bag (double bag if necessary), labelled with the date and location, and contact NUI Galway (elaine.oriordan@ nuigalway.ie) to arrange a collection. If possible, please chill or freeze the specimen until collection. A little information about hedgehows won’t go astray: They are known as the West European Hedgehog, but are native to Ireland. They are one of our most instantly recognisable mammal species with their spiny coats. Adult hedgehogs measure between 15cm and 30 cm and weigh up to 2kg while juveniles are smaller. They are found throughout the country and will live in farmland, woodland, gardens and parks. They avoid very wet areas and conifer plantations and they are scarce in upland regions. They favour habitats with good cover of bushes and hedgerows which provide them with shelter, food and corridors to travel through the countryside. They are solitary animals and they may have several, temporary nests that they use to rest during the day. Animals are usually most active from April to October, but they can occasionally be seen also during the winter months. While there is existing data on hedgehog distribution in Ireland, there is still much to learn about its precise habitat preferences. Hedgehogs emerge at night to feed on insects such as beetles and other small invertebrates like millipedes and snails. They will also opportunistically feed on carrion, eggs, frogs and fallen fruit. If hedgehogs encounter danger, they will roll into a ball with spines raised to protect themselves. The badger is the only effective predator of hedgehogs in Ireland. Females usually have one litter per year with most hoglets born in June and July. Breeding can take place between April and September but litters born later in the season may not have time to grow big enough to survive hibernation.

Hedgehogs are true hibernators – they hibernate during the winter months, but if the weather is very mild, they may wake up to feed.

TIPS FOR FARMERS APPLYING FOR A HERD NUMBER

Apart from lland and livestock, the next most important thing you need is a Herd Number. Sometimes a new number will be required, and other times, you will just need to re-register an existing number. Either way, it is a simple process. The application process is simple. Each applicant has to fill out two forms called ER1 and ER1.1. These are then submitted along with ownership or lease agreements of the land that each applicant is going to farm. Usually, a farm inspection occurs after the application is processed to assess the farm and housing and handling facilities. Applying for herd numbers takes

time, so any first-time entrants need to get their housing, handling and possible boundary fencing up to standard now before applying. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, most DAFM staff, similar to most workers, are working remotely, which results approval delays, so ensure that sufficient time is allowed. The majority of farmers, who are applying for a herd number, will also be applying for Basic Farm Payment Scheme. Some will need to transfer entitlements; others apply for the Young Farmer’s Scheme. All Basic Payment applications must be completed before May 17th. It will benefit the application process if the herd number is in place, enabling all applications to be completed correctly and on time. Regarding the ANC scheme, to comply with this scheme, you must achieve an annual stocking rate of 0.15 LU/Ha for 12-month retention period or 0.26 LU/Ha for a 7-month retention period. Should you fail to meet these stocking requirements, you will not qualify for the ANC. Existing GLAS applicants must notify the GLAS section and look for approval before any change in herd number applicant details. Failure to do this could result in the termination of the scheme. This is very simple to do but is often overlooked and could be a very costly mistake. In some cases, forestry payments to forestry owners were stopped, where the herd number has been transferred to another person without transferring the forestry. Seek advice before changing the herd number where there are forestry payments on the farm. Due to the additional checks to be carried out on new applicants, payments may be delayed if the information required is not fully submitted, such as proof of right to claim land, insufficient stock, bank account details. These delay can put a strain on cash flow on the farm, particularly when all bills need to be paid in the autumn. Finally, have a plan in place for how you are going to source animals and the types and numbers required. Spring and early summer is an expensive time to buy animals. If you are looking to breed these animals, look to source them from herds or flocks with good health status if possible. If you are doing this for the first time, congratulations, you have just We all must welcome the new “Be Summer Ready” campaign. Late Spring and all of Summer season are highly worrying times when it comes to farm accident risk. Higher levels of farm activity ranging from movement and handling of livestock to increased machinery use increase the risk of accident and injury. Martin Heydon, The Minister with Special Responsibility for Farm Safety, launched this new campaign. Everyone should take note. Now is an important time to remind farmers and all those who may visit farms of the need to be aware of all the risks. Tragically every year farming accounts for over 40% of all fatal workplace incidents. It is now time for a change in behaviour, so that the rate of fatal and serious incidents in agriculture is reduced. Farmers and their families should always highlight all of risks on the farm to any visitors, so as to keep them safe. While farms have a lot of risks, they do not have to be dangerous. It is important that farmers take heed of all of the safety advice that is available. In particular, farmers and all those working on or visiting farms should be aware of the “Be Summer Ready” campaign. In particular, farmers should be aware of the “SunSmart” advice. After all, as the majority of a farmers working day is spent outdoors, we need to be mindful in relation to sun safety, particularly during the summer months. Also, In the lead up to silage season, farmers are reminded of the need to ensure that their tractors and machinery are in good working order and have been fully serviced. It's not just about farmers focusing on their physical safety, but also on their health and wellbeing. In these times of Covid restrictions we should be even more mindful of our farmer neighbours who may live and work alone or in isolation. Take the time to pick up the phone to check in on them. All farmers, their families and their enterprises will benefit from improved behaviours around issues of health, safety and wellbeing because farmers must always remember that they are their farm’s greatest asset.

Contact Louis Murchan Tel: 087-2857938 (B Ag Sc,Dip EIA Mgmt) Agricultural & Environmental Advisor

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Brigid O'Connor

SCARBHÍN - HISTORY The Scairbhín (pronounced skara-veen) is an Irish weather phenomenon most definitely, translates as ‘the rough month of the cuckoo’ from the phrase ‘garbh mi na gcuach’ and refers to the period comprising the last two weeks of April, and the first two weeks of May. These few weeks are often rampant with changeable extremes of weather patterns. As we often say, in Ireland you can experience 4 seasons in one day and this is most certainly true for the Scarbhín. Our ancient ancestors who worked the land and were much more in tune with the seasons knew this as ‘the hunger time’ of the year. This is because they were busy planting and tending their crops and they believed that the scarbhin was natures way of ensuring the crops success by the initial ‘unseasonal’ warm weather allowing seeds to germinate, a sudden cold snap would then harden off the young seedlings and the following wind and gales would distribute the pollen and this all coincided with the return of the cuckoo. The bird often heard but seldom seen which adds to its mystique and therefore seen as something of a herald of spring and the milder weather yet to come but not yet arrived. COVID-19 The rollout of the vaccines for Covid - 19 is going very well in all of the West Kerry Health Centres. The sense of joy and relief at Annascaul Health Centre over the past weeks is palpable. People were delighted to meet Dr. Pat Myers, recently retired who came back to help out administering the vaccine. A wonderful Doctor, highly thought of and respected by all of his patients down through the years. Wishing Pat a long and healthy retirement and much joy and happiness with his wife and family. Pat, Go n-eirí and tadh leat. Thanks to all the Doctors and staff for their wonderful work and dedication. Go raibh míle !

CHURCH SERVICES Weekly Newsletter available in the 3 parish churches, Annascaul, Camp and Inch and in O Dwyers/Mace, Camp and O Donnells Shop. Mass on Radio Kerry Broadcast live at 10.00 a.m. on Sundays. Masses live streamed weekend and weekdays - www.dioceseofkerry.ie and on Facebook.

OBITUARY The death of Joseph, Joe Curran, Lisnsallagh, Fermoy and late of Camp Post Office occurred on Wednesday 21st April. Joe passed away peacefully in the exceptional care of the staff at St. Patrick’s Community Hospital Fermoy in his 92nd year. . Joe is fondly remembered growing up in Camp in the family Post Office. Joe worked with An Post for 47 years, after a short time in Longford and Newbridge, Joe was appointed Post Master in Fermoy where he met his wife Mary, raising a family, he settled well into the community of Fermoy where he was very popular and held in high esteem. His son Ken began the tribute to his father at his funeral Mass on Saturday with a beautiful poem penned by Joe's brother Gabriel which truly captured the essense of a man who lived a full and happy life. Joe was a great musician, a fiddle player and he performed to thousands over the years with the Avondhu Ceili Band. He was a keen gardener too and a beekeeper, and among the items brought to the altar were some vegetables from his garden and his own honey. Ken, in his final words about his father said Joe always considered himself a Kerryman, though he was born in West Meath and indeed he was a proud Kerry and Campman to the end. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Sympathy is extended to Ann O'Neill and family, The Railway Tavern Camp on the death of her brother Joe Hehir, Caherconlish, Limerick. Joe loved Camp and enjoyed many a good night of music in The Railway. R.I.P. Frances Falvey née O’Callaghan, Main St., Annascaul and formerly of Tullig, Castlegregory passed away peacefully, in the loving care of the staff at West Kerry Community Hospital on 15th April, beloved wife of Denny and dearest mother of Breda, John, Tim & Brendan. A private family funeral took place for Frances with her Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr. Michael Moynihan was streamed live online on Monday from the Sacred Heart Church, Annascaul. Interment followed in Ballinclár Cemetery, Annascaul.

Frances was a dedicated community person, never counting the hours she gave to her community down through the years. In a lovely tribute to his mother at her funeral Mass, John reminisced on the life of his mother, her love of Kerry GAA always displaying the flag outside the pub, and her pride at her own family GAA achievements with Annascaul and Kerry. She was founder of Annascaul Care of The Aged organising many events including weekly card games which were the highlight of the week for many including herself. A lovely lady, Frances will always be remembered with great fondness by her many friends in the parish of Annascaul and beyond. Ní bheid a leithéid arís ann.