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The Tipperary Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) & The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) have both called for the introduction of compulsory micro-chipping of dogs & where necessary forensic testing. Their calls come in light of a number of extremely distressing dog attacks on sheep herds, over the Christmas season.
ICSA sheep committee chairman Mr Paul Brady has stated; “There has been a worrying number of horrific incidents of dogs killing and seriously injuring sheep, including pregnant ewes, in recent weeks. Apart from the pain and stress inflicted on these animals, each attacks represents serious distress and financial loss to farmers. The ICSA see this problem as the only solution to a highly emotive and distressing rural problem. We are confident that those who truly value their pets and working dogs will see this as a progressive initiative, designed to safeguard dogs and prevent distress, injury and death, while also bringing our current law into line with existing law in Northern Ireland, where presently all dogs must be micro-chipped.”
The Irish Farmers’ Association have stated that Gardaí and Dog Wardens should be now given emergency powers to confiscate animals believed to be involved in sheep kills. The Association says thousands of euro have been lost to the farming community here in the Midlands and West of Ireland over Christmas because of attacks by, in some cases, unlicensed dogs travelling in packs. They have called on the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D. to allow Gardaí the authority to remove suspected animals, for forensic testing.
The IFA’s National Sheep Chairman, Mr James Murphy has stated that he is taking calls on a frequent basis from sheep farmers around Ireland who have suffered huge losses from such dog attacks.
This year’s annual Pig Breeders conference to be held at the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles on Tuesday 23rd October next, will feature a number of excellent presentations covering an array of topics with a focus on both the feed ingredient and meat markets.
With litter sizes on the increase, research from Teagasc Moorepark will address the nutritional requirements of lactating sows. Further Moorepark research will give a follow-up on previous work on carcass condemnations and some new work on Gilt Developer Diets.
Continuing to look at cost reductions, there will be a focus on what top pig producers do, what is your optimum herd size, and how to save on energy costs. There will also be an update on what’s happening in the Teagasc Pig Development Department at present.
All those involved in the sector are encourage to attend this conference, so as not to miss the opportunity to meet fellow producers and get the latest up to date industry information.
 Teagasc Pig Conference Guest Speakers will include:-
David Norris who will look at what’s driving the grain markets and what to look out for going forward.
Dave Norris is famous for his blog which look at “the grain markets from a different perspective.” UK based, he has worked in agriculture for over 30 years as a shipper, merchant, trader & broker. He specialises in market reports and commodity prices.
David Owens (Bord Bia) who will focus on the pig meat market and future prospects. David graduated from UCD in 2003 with a degree in Agricultural Science. He then completed a pHD in animal science and ruminant nutrition with Teagasc. He commenced working with Bord Bia in 2007 and spent a year as a business researcher in the Information Department where the main responsibility was the research and publication of the weekly Market Monitor. Since September 2008, he has worked in the Meat Department with responsibility for the pig meat and poultry sectors.
Other Conference Presentations:-
Teagasc update – Thurles born Ciaran Carroll (Head of Pig Development Department, Teagasc.)
How much feed do lactating sows need? – Peadar Lawlor.
Optimum herd size. – Michael McKeon.
Gilt diets to improve longevity & productivity – Amy Quinn.
Improving pig welfare reduces carcass & financial losses – energy use on Irish pig farms – Gerard McCutcheon.
Getting to better times – what top producers are doing – Seamas Clarke.
Close of conference – Professor Gerry Boyle (Teagasc Director.)
Registration:
Pre-registration for the conference is now open and may be made by contacting Róisín Condon (025-42330 or roisin.condon@teagasc.ie) at Teagasc Moorepark or any member of the Teagasc Pig Development Department.
Dept. Contact Details:
Address: Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Tel: +353 (0) 25 42222, Fax: +353 (0) 25 42340, Email: info@teagasc.ie, www.teagasc.ie
Conference fee is €50 (€30 for additional attendees from the same unit.) Credit card facility available.
Further Information is also available from:- Ciarán Carroll, Head of Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork Tel. 025-42388 | Mob. 087-2462925 | ciaran.carroll@teagasc.ie
 The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, TD., announced today that he is re-opening the Agri-Environmental Options Scheme, AEOS, to new entrants.
Minister Coveney stated that “Despite the challenging budgetary constraints within the Department, I am delighted to be in a position to announce that I am providing €20m for the AEOS scheme which will open shortly for applications”. He said “the scheme will build on the success of both the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and both AEOS 1 and 2 in delivering an annual income to farmers in return for farming to high environmental standards.”
A maximum payment of €4,000 per annum will apply to individual applicants under the re-opened scheme. The Minister said that as average payments in the past have been lower than the maximum, he is confident that up to 6,000 new participants can be accepted into the scheme.”
The Minister said that the scheme will be similar to previous years but that there will be some minor changes which are designed to target increased benefits to both participating farmers and the environment.
The Minister stated that “farmers will be paid to undertake identifiable and verifiable environmental measures from a menu of options”. He added that the scheme would “be attractive to farmers while also delivering real, worthwhile environmental benefits in the areas of bio-diversity, water quality and climate change. From that point of view, I am very pleased to announce the re-opening of the scheme again this year”.
As in earlier years, farmers with commonage land, designated Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas will be required to follow a ‘Sustainable Management Plan‘ prepared by a planner. However, those applicants will be given priority in determining access to the scheme. Applicants other than those requiring a sustainable management plan will not be required to engage a planner to complete their application form. In addition to the priority which will be given to designated land, the Minister said that applicants would be assessed on the basis of selection criteria reflecting previous participation in REPS, farm size and location in Disadvantaged Areas.
The Minister concluded by encouraging all farmers intending to apply for participation in the Scheme to look carefully at all of the information available to ensure that their applications are completed properly. Full details of the new Scheme, including the terms and conditions and application forms will be available in the next few days to his Department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie. Hard copies of all scheme documentation will be made available from the Department’s local offices and Teagasc offices nationwide in the next few weeks.
AEOS is a targeted agri- environment scheme and is part-funded by the EU under the Rural Development Programme, 2007-2013. The scheme specifically targets the three challenges of halting biodiversity loss, contributing to the improvement of water quality and combating climate change, latter which have been assigned the highest priority at European level.
 These three lovely’s demonstrated the very best in both brain power & beauty, to win the coveted prizes in “International Miss Macra 2012.” The very lovely Miss Aileen Hennessey, representing Cork / Muskerry Macra, has been crowned International Miss Macra 2012, at a Champagne Banquet, in Ireland’s answer to Downton Abbey, the luxurious Dundrum House Hotel, Dundrum, Co Tipperary, last night.
Aileen now brings to seven, the number of times Cork has won this event in the 41 years of this festival, making them the county to have won this festival the most times.
Runners up in this year’s competition, respectively, were Miss Emma Jayne Earls representing Tyrone, and Miss Clodagh Barnwell representing Dublin.
Last year’s specially commissioned, Miss Macra Sterling Silver Tiara, embellished with Cubic Zirconia, was presented by Michael’s Jewellers, here in Thurles, thus celebrating this Festival’s 41st anniversary.
Speaking on behalf of Michael’s Jewellers, Mrs Joan Pollard Carew, one of three judges at this year’s Macra festival stated, quote: “I am honoured to be here with you tonight and privileged to address you. Macra is close to my heart and especially this prestigious festival. Now that the festival is at the beginning of a new decade it is inspiring to see a new young committee at the helm. When I first came to this festival as a sponsor most of the committee were young gentlemen, today it is “girl power,” all the way. Miss Eileen Leamy broke the mould when she became the first lady Chairperson; Claire Ryan, Mary Lyng and now Annemarie Wade have been superb successors and have clearly demonstrated that women have superb leadership skills. Annemarie has just secured a teaching position in Donegal; I am delighted for her, Donegal are so lucky to gain such a wonderful young lady. I am asking you all to put a petition together to encourage Annemarie to continue to Chair this festival. As a sponsor I could never say no to this festival, as it would be like saying no to one of my children. I wish continued success to Macra and particularly this International Miss Macra festival.”
Aileen Hennessey was presented with the Perpetual Silver Macra Trophy, together with the specially commissioned Perpetual Tiara, a cash prize of €1000 and a Tipperary Crystal trophy sponsored by Dundrum House Hotel.
First Runner up, Emma Jayne Earls received a specially commissioned piece of Tipperary Crystal and a cash prize of €500, while the second Runner up, Clodagh Barnwell, received a specially commissioned piece of Tipperary Crystal and a cash prize of €300, sponsored by Tipperary Co-Op.
Amongst those who attending the event were Macra President Mr Alan Jago, Thurles Town Councillor Ger Fogarty, as well as representatives from all of the event’s sponsors.
Due to the very high standard of the girl’s competing in this year’s event, the festival judges described their task as being the most difficult they had yet undertaken.
As we had forecast, the 2012 International Miss Macra Festival was a sell-out, with many supporters, who had failed to book their tickets in advance, unable to gain access to the special Macra Marquee, purposely erected as part of this truly enjoyable three day event.
Highlight of the weekend for the contestants was a visit to Coolmore Stud in Fethard, Co.Tipperary. Highlighting this visit, Clonoulty / Rossmore Chairperson Miss Annemarie Wade paid a special tribute to the staff and management, for their extreme professionalism and kindness, paid to the contestants during their guided tour of the Coolmore complex.
Following the Macra Banquet, over 300 guests danced the night away to popular bands “Arkadia,” & “No Recession,” who both provided their own very special brand of popular music. Sound & Lighting for the various weekend events were provided by Don Andrews.
One interesting point, as pointed out by Macra President Mr Alan Jago, this year’s well attended event, which was ‘superbly planned,’ from start to finish, was organised by a voluntary committee, the oldest of which is just 24 years old. Maybe there is hope for this country yet.
 The International Miss Macra Festival takes place again this year on the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 2nd to 6th, 2012) returning once again to Dundrum House Hotel, Dundrum, Co Tipperary.
Brief Details Of Up & Coming Miss Macra Weekend
Thursday 2nd: The arrival of contestants, when they ‘Meet and Greet,’ with festival officers and other contestants at Dundrum House Hotel.
The official opening of the festival in Clonoulty Village Hall with tea, buns, traditional music and ceilli dancing as well as meeting up with host family. (Note: All contestants stay with local families, most of whom are current members or past members of Clonoulty / Rossmore Macra!)
Friday 3rd: Contestants will take a trip to Coolmore Stud, followed by Lunch and a Jewelry making class. Friday evening will be spend getting acquainted with host families and their supporters. Friday night features a “Glow in the Dark Disco,” so ‘break out,’ those Glo bands!
Saturday 4th: Seven minute interview with Macra’s three judges based on entry form. Interviews on stage with contestants performing their favourite party piece. Music and dancing with “No Recession,” and Disco until the small hours.
Sunday 5th: Mass in the parish church. Family Fun Day with BBQ, contestants obstacle course and other fun games. Hair appointments, followed by Gala Banquet and dancing to “Arkadia,” with late Disco into the even smaller hours. The winners of International Miss Macra 2012 will be announced, as is customary, at midnight.
Monday 6th: Farewell to all the contestants.
More details on this event to follow over the coming weeks.
Picture courtesy G.Willoughby.
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