Series of farmer workshops planned for South Armagh

The Ring of Gullion are kicking off another round of talks for land owners with a talk on April 12th on the key measures that farmers need to comply with in regard nitrates.

This workshop will be delivered by Grainne McCarney from CAFRE and will be hosted in Crossmaglen Community Centre at 7.30pm. Booking on www.ringofgullion.org.

A second workshop is designed to give farmers an understanding of how the Nitrates and Phosphorus Regulations will affect their farm business and what they need to do to comply with the key measures.

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The next workshop will be on Tuesday 19th April in Crossmaglen Community Centre at 7.30pm and will cover rush management.

Councillor Mickey Ruane, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council explains: “The problem of rush infestation is not new, and with recent years of wet weather the problem is only getting worse. Rushes can quickly infest a field if not managed and use up the foods, space, light and moisture which should nourish profitable crops. They make harvesting difficult and reduce the grazing value of land. For rush control it is simple: Sort them out now before they take over.”

Under the Basic Payment Scheme, farmers are required to maintain land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition as part of Cross-Compliance. Failure to comply with this condition may result in a reduction in the payment. Graeme Campbell from CAFRE will be speaking about the findings of the CAFRE Rush Technology Project which involved establishing four rush technology project sites in 2014 to demonstrate different rush control methods. Cutting, weed wiping with glyphosate, spraying with MCPA and liming have taken place at each demonstration site and there is also an untreated plot for comparison.

These events are open to all and include tea, coffee and biscuits. To make sure they have enough, please let the scheme know you are coming. Register with the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership Scheme on 028 308 61949 or [email protected] or visit www.ringofgullion.org for a full list of talks and dates.

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Follow the Ring of Gullion on Facebook to keep up to date on what’s happening or visit the website on www.ringofgullion.org. The Ring of Gullion has moved to new offices:- Crossmaglen Community Centre, O’Fiaich Square, Crossmaglen, BT35 9AA. Tel:-(028) 3082 8590

These talks are free and supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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