Falklands : DOA Activity Report (04/15/08)
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 17.04.2008 (Article Archived on 01.05.2008)
Phyl Rendell updates us on what is happening at the AG Department this month.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ACTIVITY REPORT
By Phyl Rendell
Farm Meetings held in the week of 12th March – Four DoA update sessions were held at San Carlos, Fox Bay, Hill Cove and Stanley in which fifty-four people attended. The sessions covered various topics as well as allowing time for general discussion. SAA reported that he was happy with the attendance and a significant number of Falkland Islands’ farms were represented.
The guidelines for the Farm Improvement Programme (FIP), formally the Pasture Improvement Programme were discussed. Included in the scheme are Pasture improvement, environmental management and genetic improvement. There was positive feed back from farms on the FIP. Other issues raised were the pool machinery contract and how this should be managed once the contract ended this year. Progress towards achieving a fully export accredited organic farming scheme for the Falkland Islands was also discussed by the groups. IH reported that there was very positive feedback from the Hill Cove meeting.
A report was presented on the Jim Gerrish training sessions. Jim had recently visited the Islands to train DoA staff on volunteer farms in the theory and practice of grazing management.
Ram and Bull Sale at Goose Green on 19th March – DMA highlighted the key points from the sale as this had already been well covered in the Wool Press and by Penguin News. There was higher attendance of 90 plus people of whom most were farmers, as seen over previous years. This demonstrated the keen interest in farming and livestock. Virtually all stock was sold which indicates demand is still high for new genetics. A strong correlation was shown between the price paid for individual rams and the favoured traits of low micron, high fleece weight etc. As it was the last sale involving the Tamar crossing, DoA will correspond with Adam Cockwell of Workboat Services in order for them to highlight this annual event on their calendar. DMA would like to take this opportunity to thank the Tamar crew and farmers for participating in the sale and for bringing various breeds of rams for display. All were encouraged to attend the Fitzroy Sheep Show which is to be held on Saturday 12th April.
Wether Trials - Peter Johnson has a comprehensive report in this months’ Wool Press of the Wether Trial which is very informative for farmers wanting to achieve a high return from both wool and meat sales. Teeth in wear was an issue with some of the animals slaughtered at the abattoir and lessons need to be learnt from this. The trial results have urged farmers to participate in a further two trials during the 2008/09 season. These trials consist of 9 teams of twenty wethers half of each team will be run at Stoney Ridge and Goose Green.
Results for the previous trial showed an average return ranging from £10 to £16 for the different teams. This difference would appear to be due to breed of sheep in the trial. This production was based on both wool and meat that was grown in the trial. PR reported that at least another year of data was needed in order to fully understand what breeds of sheep do well in different conditions.
Farm Improvement Programme (previously PIP) – The Farm Improvement Programme is being reviewed by staff for this season and farmers are being contacted regarding the use of this year’s funds. Farmers are urged to start addressing what they wish to put in their plans as the planning for draw down of funds for the 2008/09 season is only a few weeks away.
DMA was pleased to report a quote from a farmer who recently said that due to the funding available a programme of change has happened within two to three years on his farm as opposed to the ten years he had anticipated it would take to achieve without the funding. SAA and his team are in the process of recording results for the programme to demonstrate its worth which is essential if the scheme is to continue beyond 2009/10.
Andrew Monk, Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) – Andrew Monk the Chairman of the Standards Committee for the Biological Farmers of Australia arrived in the Islands on the 5th April for one week. The purpose of his visit is to move organic certification of farms a step further. Andrew is visiting a number of farms to get a clear understanding of the Falkland Island farming systems and it is reported that he is very positive about what he has seen so far. He will also be completing training of a member staff to be an organic auditor. It was noted that training will be ongoing as Advisors complete contracts.
JB asked if the DoA would be involved with FIDC. DMA said that the DoA would be running the operation although the Department would be working in partnership with FIDC as funding for farmers considering converting to organic status was anticipated to be available from FIDC.
IH queried the Soil Association (SA) involvement. DMA explained that the Falkland Islands do not meet their requirements, therefore would be unable to obtain certification through this agency. The SA also had issues relating to extensive farming methods used in the Falkland Islands.
DMA thanked SAA for co-ordinating the visit of Andrew Monk.
Veterinary Service Activities – SVO reported that the abattoir season from a veterinary perspective has progressed well; believing this is due to the organisation being more streamlined now that it is in its fifth export season. The SVO will be reporting on the outcome from the export season following a meeting with John Ferguson, the Official Veterinary Surgeon and the Meat Hygiene Inspector in the coming weeks.
An internal upgrade to the Veterinary Section is currently being undertaken around regular clinics and delays are not anticipated. The upgrade will result in a better reception area for customers and improved working conditions for staff. A consultation room will be incorporated in addition to the operating room resulting in a more efficient service. It is hoped that there will not be any inconvenience to customers.
Staff Recruitment - Peter Johnson leaves the Islands on the 3rd May on completion of his contract. DMA thanked Peter for his excellent work in driving the trial and research programmes and his huge effort to engage with farmers. He has also been a key contributor to the Wool Press. IH endorsed the words of gratitude on behalf of the Committee and wish him and Julie well for the future.
Tony Mills has been recruited from Australia to take over from Peter; he is in his late thirties and will be accompanied by his wife Rosie and two small children. SAA who has worked in the same Department of Primary Industries but in different divisions than Tony in the past reported that he has a wealth of experience in sheep extension work. PR commented that he felt a lot is learned by farmers when they are weighing sheep when DoA Advisors are present on farm. SAA assured him that this would continue when Tony Mills arrived and SAA himself will endeavour to make more regular farm visits.
On updating the DoA Business Plan it was necessary to look at the inputs and outputs of the Department. Inputs for example would be veterinary advice, treatment of animals, extension and resources. Outputs (what the Department has done) i.e. results of trials, farm visits etc. SVO reported that a form has been produced and any staff visiting farms are required to record any abnormalities they find on farm amongst stock plus records should be kept of healthy stock. For example if 500 stock were checked and all healthy this should be recorded to demonstrate to the EU and other export markets that the disease status on farms is low and records demonstrate that this is the case.
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