Falklands : Agricultural Advisory Committee Report
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 14.09.2005 (Article Archived on 28.09.2005)
Find out some of the interesting projects that the Department of Agriculture are operating.
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT
By J. Brock (FINN)
A meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee took place at 1400 on Wednesday, 14 September 2005 in the Library at the Agriculture Department. Present were Cllr. The Hon. Mr. Mike Summers, Cllr the Hon Mr. Stephen Luxton, Director of Minerals and Agriculture, Mrs. Phylis Rendell, Member, Rikki Evans and Member Jimmy Forrester as well as Senior Vet, Mr. Steve Pointing. Apologies were received and interests declared as well as the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting held on 04 July 2005. Matters arising from the meeting held on 04 July 2005 were then discussed. Besides wording of the minutes, Neil Judd said all of the rock Phosphate held by the Agriculture Department would be distributed to farmers taking part in the pasture improvement programme by the end of October. In page 5 of the minutes, Standing Finance Committee agreed to batch wool testing and a tax matter was being sorted out.
Mrs. Phyl Rendell then gave a report about the Department of Agriculture Short-Term Plan for the 2005/2006 financial year. She explained the key objectives were as follows:
To develop extension programmes in the areas of pasture improvement, business skills (particular attention to commodity pricing and enterprise Gross Margin process), livestock and wool production.
Review outcomes of the Pasture Improvement Programme following inclusion of funds for sheep genetics and increased emphasis on managed grazing. Include environmental monitoring.
To develop export and import protocols particularly with the EU and South America for genetic material.
Develop and, if appropriate, implement a programme of disease monitoring with particular consideration given to Scrapie.
Support meat production for both lamb and beef through emphasis on measures to improve reproductive success and animal performance on farms.
Establish international recognition of the chemical free nature and “Eco” status of wool produced in the Falkland Islands.
She went on to say that there were expected outcomes as follows:
Allow for decreasing wool micron, increased wool production and financial return.
At least 50 farms joined the Pasture Improvement Programme.
At least 50 farmers participated in department led courses, field days and workshops during the year.
Develop data demonstrating disease and chemical free status of export commodities.
A comprehensive industry support package for meat production, developed, and utilised by 30 farmers.
Ability to export and import genetic material.
The Senior Veterinary Officer, Mr. Steve Pointing, then gave a report on the National Reindeer Stud Flock. He said that between now and when the Reindeer are moved next winter a new agreement should be drawn up between all interested parties as to which animals are eligible for disposal. He went on to say that some of the original herd had now died and those still alive are now 5 years old. By May 2006, the herd will consist of many younger animals born in 2003 at Saladero, 2004 at West Lagoons and 2005 also at West Lagoons. The final decision on the allocation of the animals should be made by the Senior Management Team at the Department of Agriculture. After discussions with all interested parties. Discussion centered around splitting the herd and problems with shipping. It seems that besides not being able to get a ship at the proper time, farmers also need to be expert in Reindeer behaviour. They couldn’t get them rounded up in time for one port call.
This was followed by a paper, also by the Senior Veterinary Officer, about animal identification systems. He gave a brief run-down of what was currently happening, saying that animals are tagged just prior to leaving the farm for the Abattoir. Then he proposed that the system change to one with all the same colour tags with relevant information on it. He liked the tag system that Australia has where a tag is put on the sheep’s ear each time it is sold on to another farm, etc. Discussion about actually getting farmers to change over form unique farm id systems then came to the conclusion that one tag could be issued to the sheep for id purposes and another – the same colour – pink- be issued to sheep that were being moved on (to the abattoir).
Already covered in the Daily is the Sheep AI and ET programme.
The final paper discussed before public and press had to leave dealt with the sale of redundant equipment that, according to Neil Judd, be identified and sold by tender. If at all possible, the money from the sale should be re-invested for new agricultural equipment instead of going into the consolidated fund. This would be a matter for Standing Finance Committee.
In staff matters, it was announced today that Senior Veterinary Officer, Steve Pointing will be leaving in November to take up an appointment in the UK.
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