Agri-NewsPublished by Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture

July 2011

Helping Manx farmers evolve and grow

The Department is hoping that as manyfarmers as possible, and those with aninterest in the rural community will come toits stand at the Royal Manx Agricultural Showto provide input on the future of the industry.

Minister for Agriculture, John Shimmin, said“The manner in which we support ouragricultural industry has changedsignificantly with the implementation of theCountryside Care Scheme (CCS). At thesame time the world’s agricultural economycontinues to globalise and rationalise. Wemust ensure our Strategy remains relevantand takes account of changes both globallyand closer to home”.

The Minister was keen to emphasise thesepreparations for a formal review were not aprequel to a reversal of policy. He went onto say: “The Department is often questionedon the logic of decoupling support fromproduction, and is lobbied in some quartersfor a return to the old production support.While the Department is concerned at thereduced throughput at the Meat Plant,especially quality cattle, a return toproduction subsidies is not a realistic option.Nevertheless I am concerned that somesectors of the industry do not appear tohave taken the opportunity to focus on whatconsumers require, or diversify into newareas; this may be a result of the CCSreducing the urgency to change”.

Index

Guide to Isle of Man Food and DrinkBy Kim Etherton, Local Food Marketing Manager

The third edition of the “Guide to Isle ofMan Food & Drink” has now beenpublished by the “I Love Manx”campaign. The Guide has been completelyrevised and includes more producerstogether with new information about theIsland’s retailers and key food processors.It has additional details of whichrestaurants have achieved Harvestaccreditation for their use of localproduce, what’s in season and where localproduce can be purchased. The Guideshould be an invaluable source ofinformation for all who are interested inManx produced food.

The guide has been delivered to over40,000 households on the Island and willbe available at the Welcome Centre, MNHsites, Agricultural Shows and various otherkey outlets around the Island. Electronicversions can be viewed atwww.ilovemanx.org.

Minister’s comments 2

Preparing for the Review of theCountryside Care Scheme 3

Red Meat Sector 4

Countryside Care Scheme update 4

Isle of Man Creamery launches new products 5

Support for egg boxes extended 6

Making a Difference 6

Knockaloe’s 3 Legs of Man Still Flying 6

Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival 2011 7

The Challenge of Rural Leadership 7

DEFA at the 2011 Agricultural Shows 8

Tomorrow’s Farmer Awards 2011 – the final selection 8

Royal Manx Agricultural Show - History in the Making 9

Isle of Man Southern DistrictAgricultural Society 9

Ho-Ho-Ho .... Christmas will be here before we know it. 10

Manx Food Heroes Awards 10

David Cain – Chief Meat Grader – Job profile 11

Dates for your diary 11

Market trends 12

BACS payments 12

DEFA to launch strategy reviewat Royal Show By Ed Clague, Agricultural Policy Manager

Issue 34

Show special

Agri-News July 2011

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Minister’s commentsOnce again it is timefor the agriculturalshows, when many inthe rural communitydemonstrate to therest of us what greatlivestock and producewe have on ourdoorstep. Preparation

for the shows will take months, for some,even years. All farmers instinctively knowto plan ahead – nature forces them to doso. A farmer must plant a crop in thespring if he wants to reap one in theautumn. Farmers also know that naturecannot always be relied upon to actconsistently; therefore, they mustanticipate the unexpected and prepare as necessary.

Apart from planning seasonal agriculturalactivity, farmers must also think ahead fortheir businesses. Change happens andmay bring both threats and opportunities.Plans are needed to maximise the latterand reduce the risks of the former.Unfortunately, all too often, this issomething we put off until another day.

More than ever before, the future of theagricultural industry rests with thoseinvolved in it. It is essential that theindustry builds the ownership of its own

future; albeit with appropriate help fromthe Government where necessary. Just asthe farmer who fails to sow in the springcannot expect a bountiful harvest in theautumn, the industry cannot simply expecta bright future if it does not consider andplan for the longer term.

It is DEFA’s responsibility to ensure thatfarmers have as beneficial an environmentin which to flourish as is possible.Concerns are often raised with meregarding DEFA policies and the effectthey have on farm businesses. Commonthemes are: the sustainability of theindustry’s infrastructure – in particular, thethree processors; difficulties for newbusinesses to become established;stagnation of some establishedbusinesses; Agricultural MarketingLegislation; lack of market focus; andpayments from the CCS acting as adisincentive or distraction from truecommercial activity.

To address these concerns, theDepartment has begun work inpreparation for the review of the CCS(required no later than April 2012), withthe intention of starting a debate on thecontinued future direction of agricultureover the summer and autumn.

Government’s financial position is at itsmost challenged for a generation, andfurther reductions in government budgetscannot be ruled out. Any future DEFAstrategy will need to ensure its efforts andsupport are directed into areas withsustainable and demonstrable benefits tothe industry and broader community.

Farmers have many organisations whichrepresent their interests. We will belooking to them to demonstrate trueleadership, to fairly represent the views oftheir membership, to set out a clear visionof the future they desire, and mostimportantly the steps they think arerequired to make this happen.

The Department’s website already has aspecific page dedicated to these emergingissues and we will be making a significanteffort at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show tobring the initial consultation to the attentionof both farmers and the general public.

No matter how thorough any future DEFAplan is, if the industry does not haveconfidence in it, it will fail. Thereforeeven at this early stage, your input andthat of the organisations which representyour interests will be critical.

John Shimmin MHK Minister

“It is DEFA’s responsibility to ensure that farmers have as beneficial an environment in which to flourish as is possible.”

Milling Wheat for Laxey Glen Mills being harvested at Andreas Airfield in the lee of the bride hills.

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Preparing for the Review of the Countryside CareScheme By Stuart Jaques, DirectorIt is two years since the introduction ofthe Countryside Care Scheme (CCS).While it has enabled DEFA to maintain theoverall level of payments to farmerspreviously made through productionsubsidies, and further enabled recipientsto take decisions beyond simply producingfor specific subsidy payments, it would benaive to believe that the Scheme has metwith universal acceptance – there areabout 400 recipients and likely over 400different opinions!

Because the CCS was such a radicalchange, Tynwald provided for the Schemeto be reviewed starting “no later than 1stApril 2012”. Given that the scheme coversall aspects of agriculture, and much of thecultivable landscape, we are starting thegroundwork for the review now.

The formal aims that the CCS will bereviewed against are set out below;however, right now we are simply seekingviews on any aspect of the scheme: thosethat have caused most difficulty, those thatare most appreciated, and those areas thatmay not have been covered originally.

Processors

An area of major concern to DEFA is thefuture sustainability of the threeprocessing arms of Manx agriculture:meat, milk and milling wheat. We areclearly capable of producing sufficientquality produce to feed our nation, andwe have the processing capacity and skillsto continue to do so. However, the beefindustry in particular has seen aretrenchment post-decoupling that givesrise to concern. While the uncertainty overthe loss of Derogation, and confidencelevels in the Meat Plant may also havehad significant effects – the close co-operation of producers is needed to createa marketable supply of beef.

No return to production subsidies

The actions taken to reduce the costs atthe Meat Plant by £1M, also demonstratedthat subsidies had permitted the productionof animals of many different sizes, weightsand grades – creating such a varied supplyof product that successful local (and export)marketing of beef was severelycompromised. Individual farmers couldproduce for subsidy targets, with insufficientregard for market supplies.

Subsidies will never be able to react quicklyenough to customer requirements;additionally, the loss of the derogationremoved the restriction on consumers thatrequired them to purchase the products ofthe Meat Plant – whatever their quality. Inorder for the Plant to serve both farmersand customers, a more reliable supply ofbeef, in both volume and quality, is required– reflected in the new matrix payments.

Similar arguments apply to the otherprocessors. While the range of suppliesand product lines at the Creamery and Millare much fewer, farm production must betargeted at consumer requirements - notgovernment subsidies. If processors needsupport, this will come throughgovernment aid in establishing processingefficiency, not on-going producer subsidy.

Industry reviews

There have been many reports into ourindustry over the last 20 years; the mostrecent have produced common themes:

• Avoid commodity (base level) productsbeyond what is needed locally

• Develop a Manx product identity

• Identify and exploit new markets

• Increase processor’s efficiency

• Increase farming efficiency

There is a mutual inter-dependencebetween our processors, our farmers andconsumers. Sufficient marketable productneeds to be provided to our processors byfarmers committed to support ourpopulation who, in turn, support them.

Flat rate/extensive vs intensive farming

Other aspects of the CCS that have yet to beimplemented may also influence futuredecisions: more intensive beef rearing andespecially dairy enterprises, will experience afall in funding as the current schemeprogresses – is there a case to be made forcompartmentalising the scheme across thedifferent areas: livestock/dairy/milling wheat?

Environment

We can be justifiably proud of ourcountryside: it is part of our nationalidentity and the most valued part of ourIsland lifestyle. The CCS seeks to maintainthe landscape, yet we also have a small

Agri-environment scheme. Perhaps it istime to identify land that is unlikely toprovide produce for our population andseek to enhance our environment throughamending one or both of these schemes?

It has also been noted that the division ofland into two categories (above and belowthe mountain line) has had the effect ofreducing the transitional habitat areasbetween the two – perhaps we need toidentify a third category of significanthabitat value?

Availability of Land?

Comment has already been made bysome farmers that land is not being madeavailable for those that wish to increasetheir output. The Department would beinterested in whether this is a commonlyheld view.

The Review

The review of the CCS (the will ofTynwald) requires us to consider thefollowing three aims:

1. A reliable, sustainable and self reliantindustry capable of feeding the Manxnation with a diverse range of foodproducts including our staple foods.

2. An efficient production systemcombined with a tailored market focusand a strong, clean Manx brand imageso that reliable profits can be obtainedfrom the marketplace.

3. Responsible custodians of ourcountryside, natural heritage and foodlarder, whose contribution is trustedand valued by the Manx people.

I urge all of you to make the Departmentaware of your concerns, thoughts, andideas, for the future of agriculture and thebroader rural community.

More information is available at:http://www.gov.im/daff/food_and_farming/strategy.xml

Email: CCSreview@gov.im

Agri-News July 2011

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Red Meat Sector By Chris Kneale, Agricultural Adviser

The Red Meat Sector has been, and willcontinue to be, critically important to theIsland’s industry. We are in a time of greatchange; incentives and attitudes are alsochanging which are sorely needed foreveryone to stand the best chance ofcapitalising on the opportunities that areout there. We need to improve relationsand understanding to remove the historyof one sector participant capitalising atthe expense of the other.

Producers and processors must cometogether to address the threats to theirsector. The largest threat of all appears tobe profitability. The sector must developinto one that consistently sustainsprofitable businesses, attracting the nextgeneration of leaders into the industry.The appointment of Kewin Kerruish asmanaging director is encouraging. Ayoung man, willing to accept suchresponsibility, should send encouragingsignals to the rest of our industry.

Past practices at the plant have not beensufficiently focused on the profit margins;however, they are now, and Kewin has apractical understanding of all the stagesinvolved within the red meat sector.Supported by the team of Scott Baker, PaulReid, Dave Overfield and with RogerChadwick as Chairman of the Directors, thechanges implemented are significant andamount, to date, to £998,000. Kewin is notresting there; the team are constantlylooking to develop all stages of the supplychain to allow improved sustainable profitsfor all. The long term reliance ongovernment support is not healthy in thecurrent economic climate, and there hasbeen a commitment by the managementteam to strive to eradicate this.

Kewin has established himself as a “doer”.Leading the Meat Plant into a necessaryregulatory environment, Kewin hasensured that the Meat Plant has thepractices, procedures and paper work toassure that the food products leaving itsdoors have the quality assurance mark.This has ensured that even its toughestcustomers continue to source meat fromour plant: even now after the derogationhas gone. It’s now a global market andconsistent supply of a quality product isparamount to building up good customer

relationships. If we were building andselling cars, we wouldn’t last long if wecouldn’t guarantee consistent and quality vehicles.

Our Red meat industry has never faced thechallenges that it does today. The removalof headage payments has affected allcorners of the industry, and while therewas initial disruption and discomfort, with itis the opportunity for change. Farm gateprices have risen; they had to and neededto. In turn Isle of Man Meats need tosufficiently incentivise and reward theirproducers in order for them to haveconfidence in producing red meat; yetpassing these much needed price increaseson is not as easy, when super markets arecompeting harder than ever before forincome and don’t appear to be willing tobudge on reducing their profit margins.

The development of Isle of Man Meats isprogressing. A keen and dedicated team,headed up by Kewin is committed anddriven to working with the whole supplychain to ensure that opportunities are takenand our whole industry prospers together.

Scott Baker, Turnaround Director

Isle of Man Fatstock Marketing Association Ltd

From left to right: Paul Reid – Finance Director, Robert Kennedy – Vice Chairman, David Kermeen - Director,Roger Chadwick - Chairman, Kewin Kerruish – Managing Director, and Arthur Radcliffe - Director

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Isle of Man Creamery launches new products

Over the last month, Isle of Man Creameryhas launched a new 1% fat Milk, a range offruity cheeses, and grated and slicedversions of some old favourites. All areavailable via free doorstep delivery before8am, or from retailers around the Island.

1% Milk

Containing all the taste of semi-skimmedmilk, but with only half the fat, the new 1%Fat Milk is the perfect milk for healthconscious consumers who are looking for ahigh quality, local product that is also agood source of calcium and Vitamin B12.The milk is sold in one litre bottles, costing£1 – and, by popular demand, the name isalso provided in Manx: “Bainney 1% Saill”.

Return of Druidale – this time it’s fruity!

Fruit blended cheeses are increasinglypopular, so the Creamery has launched itsown delicious version. Based on aDruidale recipe created in 1922 by theIsland’s first cheesemaker, Gladys Davies,there are three great flavours:

Druidale Cheese with Apricots – a fusionof mellow, velvety-rich Druidale cheese,studded with fragrant, delicately flavoured apricots.

Druidale Cheese with Cranberries – smoothcreamy-rich Druidale cheese blended withrefreshingly zingy cranberries.

Druidale Cheese with Mango & Pineapple– Druidale cheese blended with sun-blessed mango and juicy pineapple for atangy tropical taste.

The Druidale Cheese with Mango &Pineapple has already been recognised forits quality and delicious flavour, winningthe Silver Award in the ‘Dairy InnovationCategory’ at the National Cheese Awardsat the Royal Bath & West Show inSomerset in June.

Finally, the new cheese packaging featureson-pack smart tag technology which, oncescanned by a smartphone, direct shoppersto the Creamery’s web-site.

“Grate” new products

The Creamery has introduced four newsliced and grated cheeses to their awardwinning cheese range - Grated MatureCheddar, Grated Mild Cheddar, SlicedMature Cheddar and Sliced Mild Cheddar.

Driven by consumer demand for moreconvenient formats of cheese, sales ofgrated and sliced cheese have grownhugely in the last 12 months. TheCreamery’s award-winning Isle of ManMature and Mild Cheddars are especiallysuitable for slicing because of their firmtexture. The grating process releases the

full creamy flavour of Manx maturecheddar, while the sliced and grated mildcheddars retain the fresh, clean, milkyflavour of Isle of Man Mild Cheddar.

Sales Director of the Creamery Rob Evanssaid "new products are a key part ofdriving the growth of any business. All ofthe new products have been based onunderstanding what our customers want,combined with tailoring them to meet theneeds of our retail partners. Initial saleson the Isle of Man are extremelypromising and we have also receivedorders for the fruit cheeses and the gratedand sliced products from our agent inSpain. Together with listings for theseproducts from UK and Irish customers,these sales will contribute to a period ofstrong growth for our business. Thisgood business will in turn result in uscontinuing to pay our dairy farmers thebest possible price for their milk”.

Agri-News July 2011

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The Department has extended its support forthe egg industry. A budget has beenestablished to provide financial assistance of50% towards the cost of boxes.

Conditions for support remain the same asbefore: restricted to egg producers registeredwith DEFA’s Food Safety Unit and all boxeshaving to carry the Department’s approvedlogo as a minimum (three legs in a circle withthe words “Produce of the Isle of Man” or“Manx Produce”).

All applications for support must be approvedin advance of placing an order. Claims mustbe accompanied by a relevant invoice. TheDepartment may restrict the size of an orderwhere it feels quantities are excessive for thebusiness requirements, or to manage thebudget available.

Longer term outlook

Production related support is not in keepingwith DEFA’s other support schemes and willcontinue to be kept under review.

Making a Difference By Chris Kneale, Agricultural Adviser“Making a Difference” is the headline forfarm business options available from theDEFA Advisory Service to assist in thedevelopment of all farm businesses. Theseoptions are the ones that will make a realdifference to you the farming business;they include a range of tools to assist in thekey areas of understanding businessperformance which then allows for progress:“Making a Difference” within your business.

Suckler cow fertility and analysis of thefinancial and physical performance ofindividual enterprises are the main twooptions. Also available is a “Whole FarmReview”, which includes a full audit of theall of the resources available to the

business – land, labour, capital, livestock,machinery and so on, as well as anoptions appraisal and action plan... All ofthe above are explored in conjunctionwith the your expectations and ambitions.

Complementing analyses that are based onactual information is “Enterprise Costings”,which is based on predicted information.This is frequently utilised for forwardbudgeting but more commonly found whenassessing business decisions and seekingfinance. “Enterprise Costings” is mostuseful for those “what if?” questions: forexample, what would happen if I increasedmy cow numbers by 30? What if I changefrom beef production to dairy?

The Advisory Service is already deliveringthese options to farm businesses.“Making a Difference” is being formalisedwithin the Advisory Strategy in ensuringthat the industry is fully aware of what isavailable and what options exist to helpfarmers develop their businesses.

Further information is planned for theRoyal Manx show, and both Andy and Ilook forward to seeing you at the DEFAtent or out and about on the show field,should you require further information orwould like to request a farm visit, pleasedo not hesitate to get in touch with us on 685835.

Support for egg boxes extended By Ed Clague, Agricultural Policy Manger

Knockaloe’s 3 Legs of Man Still Flying By Nigel Taylor, Forestry Directorate

With the Royal Manx Agricultural Show’snew home at Knockaloe, show visitors willhopefully appreciate a long-standing

feature; that of the 3Legs of Man designon the hillside to thewest of the showfield.

Following on from thework of the formerKnockaloe staff,William Qualtrough,who is one of theDepartment’s tenantsat Knockaloe, offeredto apply thenecessary fertiliser

to the 3 Legs for the 2011 season and theresults can be viewed from the farm andsurrounding roads and countryside.

The 3 Legs design was originally pegged-out in the early 1950’s by theDepartment’s first Agricultural Adviser,George Howie, who applied a heavydressing rate of nitrogen fertiliser todifferentiate the design from thesurrounding grassland.

The Department is very grateful to Williamfor offering to apply the required 3 cwt offertiliser. The 80ft high 3 Legs is generallyclearer to view in the morning when thesun is in the east.

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Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival 2011 By Kim Etherton, Local Food Marketing Manager

This year’s Festival will have not one, buttwo guest chefs, with Stacie Stewart, aMasterChef semi-finalist, giving cookingdemonstrations on Saturday 24thSeptember. Stacie has her own bakeryand will no doubt demonstrate herpassion for baking during the day. She willalso be at the Festival on the Sundaywhen the celebrity chef will be JamesMartin from BBC I’s Saturday Kitchen.Fans will be able to buy his new book andlucky ones might even be able to get asigned copy! Their chosen recipes areeagerly awaited and will be madeavailable to Festival visitors, together withthose being cooked in the Manx FoodTheatre by local chefs and producers.

Also new this year will be a restaurantmarquee complete with a bar selling avariety of Manx Ales. The restaurant willserve morning coffee and afternoon tea plusa carvery lunch (with vegetarian option),using Manx produce. In addition, there willbe stalls selling Queenie and Manx porkbaps, fudge, apple juice, chocolate andcakes so there will be no shortage ofsomething good to eat and drink.

Apart from opportunities to taste and buyfrom over 20 producers, there’s lots to seeand do whatever your age - sconemaking, races with a food theme, buttermaking demonstrations and much more in

the Activity Marquee. Other attractionsinclude a vintage threshing machine, theManx Mushroom Experience and, onSaturday only, the amazing antics of thePlay People. Manx radio will broadcastlive each morning, so you might even findyourself on air. The Festival will end onthe Sunday with an auction of Manxproduce, with 50% of the proceeds beingdonated to the “Dreamcatcher Appeal”.

On a practical note, car parking is free inthe field adjacent to the Nunnery Gardenswhere the Festival is being held – againstthe backdrop of the splendid building thatnow houses the Isle of Man InternationalBusiness School. The Festival will beopen from 10am to 5pm daily (lastadmissions 4pm) and tickets cost £3 peradult or £5 for the weekend; children upto the age of 16 are free.

The Festival is sponsored by Manx Gasand is run in association with Manx Radio.

The Challenge of Rural Leadership By Chris Kneale, Agricultural Adviser

DEFA is seeking to promote tomorrow’sfarmers by offering up to two places on aRural Leadership course run by the DuchyCollege in Devon next January.

The Agricultural industry is experiencing aperiod of significant and sustainedchange, and as a consequence never hasthere been such a need for Leadershipwithin the farming and rural community.

DEFA has previously sponsored 3 farmersto attend the course. Tim Johnson whoattended in 2009 said that “the messagethat was used throughout the course wasabout 'getting off the dance floor andonto the balcony' to see the bigger pictureof what the opportunities and challengesare facing us and how we can use that tohelp in our careers”

Pentti Christian and Juan Hargravesattended in 2010. Since attending, Juanhas recently met with his course cohorts

in Poland and commented that “Thecourse has made me look at the businessfrom a different perspective and askmyself if the current practices that wefollow are the right ones”.

The intensive two week residential coursegives delegates the opportunity to:

• Develop your own business by having abetter understanding and awareness ofthe strategic issues likely to occur overthe next five years.

• Critically evaluate the alternativeapproaches to management andleadership among rural businesses.

• Increase your ability to motivate andcommunicate not only with staff andcolleagues but the outside world.

• Increase the influence of theagricultural community both nationallyand internationally.

Places on this are limited and subject tostiff competition. Further information canbe found athttp://www.cornwall.ac.uk/downloads/rbs/rural_challenge/Course_Synopsis_2011.pdf

If you think you would benefit fromattendance on this course, please contactus for further details. Alternatively, ifsomeone you know would benefit fromthis course, please nominate them inconfidence.

For more details or to nominate yourselfor someone you know, please contactAndy Macdonald or Chris Kneale at DEFAon 685835 by the 28th of July

Chef Stacie Stewart

Agri-News July 2011

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DEFA at the 2011 Agricultural ShowsBy Kim Etherton, Local Food Marketing Manager

DEFA staff are busy planning their annualinvolvement in the Shows which includesgrowing plants for tubs, organising thelogistics of delivering heavy (and sturdy!)picnic tables and other sawmill products andproducing new displays and activities tointerest and inform Show visitors. For thisyear, there will be information about theproposed new Ramsey Marine NatureReserve, the potential for using woodfuel asa sustainable source of renewable energy,how to avoid food poisoning, what help isavailable from the Agricultural Advisors, whatDEFA does……..and a fun, agriculture relatedquiz devised by the Field Officers. There willalso be lots of free leaflets on walks andother topics for visitors to take away.

As in previous years, DEFA is also partfunding the local food and drink producers’marquees at the Southern and Royal and isfunding the Manx Food Theatre at theRoyal. The latter is run in conjunction withKathryn Sentance of Relish Cookery Schooland she will be introducing a number offarmers and producers whilst cooking greatrecipes featuring local produce. The FoodTheatre is an excellent way to showcase the

joys of cooking using fresh local ingredientswhose provenance is truly traceable – dopop in to watch and then taste!

At the Royal, Director of Agriculture StuartJaques will be on hand at 11am to 3pm inorder to hear feedback from farmers andothers in relation to the Countryside CareScheme (CCS) and strategy foragriculture. See articles on page 3 formore information about the review ofthese important matters. Ken Kinrade,

DEFA CEO will also be on hand to chat toshow visitors throughout the weekend.

On the evening of 12th August, an invitedaudience will attend the annual Tomorrows’Farmer awards which are sponsored byShoprite. Shortlisted farmers will find outwho has won the Tomorrows’ Farmer andJudges Award to a Young Farmer categoriesand the evening will end with a buffetfeaturing local Manx produce.

DEFA looks forward to seeing you at theShows – do call in to see us!

Tomorrow’s Farmer Awards 2011 – the final selectionBy Audrey Fowler, Marketing Officer

Now in its third year, the Tomorrow’sFarmer awards aim to showcase the bestfarmers on the Island. By telling theirstories we can spread best practice, inspireothers and influence the public about therole that farmers play in today’s society.

The sponsors, Shoprite, are delighted tocontinue their support for Manx Farmers bysponsoring the award again this year; forthe first time they have a member of staffon the judging panel.

Last year’s winners were Dougie andBelinda Coole of Ballamodha Mooar DairyFarm Malew and Trevor Quirk of CorvalleyFarm, Kirk Michael.

Howard Quayle past president of the ManxNFU, and judge for the past 2 years,

commented: “As a member of the judgingpanel of the Tomorrow’s Farmercompetition, I have found it very rewardingto visit farmers at their place of work in theManx countryside; witnessing first handsome of the exciting farming enterpriseswhich are both producing food for ourNation, and contributing in a variety ofways to our Manx economy. It has been aprivilege to go out on farm and see thediverse range of farming businesses whichcontinue to contribute to an ever expandingrange of top quality Manx produce.”

This year the majority of the nominees forthe award were under 36, so this made itless relevant to have 2 categories for shortlisting. One shortlist has therefore beendrawn up from the entries but 2 awards will

still be made: Tomorrow’s Farmer and aspecial award to recognise a “young” farmer.

We would like to congratulate the followingfinalists on getting to this stage:

Juan Hargraves, Cooil Bros, The Views, Port Erin

Adam Kelly, Upper Howe Farm, Braddan

Andrew Sanders, Ballalough Farm, West Baldwin

Kathy Irwin, Greeba Farm Mushrooms

The farm visits will take place on the 20thJuly, with the winners being announced atthe Tommorow’s Farmer Award Ceremonyat the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, onFriday 12th August 2011 at 6pm.

Visitors at the 2010 Royal Manx Agricultural Show enjoying the popular Manx Food Court.

Show

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As most people will know by now, the RoyalManx Agricultural Show (RMAS) is on themove this year to Knockaloe Farm atPatrick. On Friday 12th and Saturday 13thAugust, the Royal Show will be held for thefirst time in the west of the island. All yearour literature has promised, “the move toKnockaloe is a daunting prospect for theRMAS, but we believe we have theexperience and determination to make it asuccess” and now the time has almostcome to deliver on that pledge!

The RMAS has had a number of venues inits 153 year history and each has found aspecial place in the hearts of the localcommunity. Alternating between Douglasand Ramsey until 1991, the Show was heldat the Nunnery for over a hundred yearsbefore moving to King George V Park. Thenorthern venue was traditionally theLezayre Playing Fields until that became toosmall and the move was made to StawardFarm at Sulby. Now, although we are verysad to leave the north, the future lies at

Knockaloe and the RMAS is making a hugefinancial commitment to secure the futureof the Royal Show for many years to come.

Show planning is going well and we aregrateful for the great co-operation we havehad from DEFA, and the heartening supportfrom the local community; particularly thepolice who are working hard on the trafficarrangements. Entries are good, so weknow that our trade exhibitors, livestock,light horse and dog exhibitors will bemaking the move with us. So now all wehave to do is hope that the public will

“come for a skeet” and we will haveKnockaloe off to a great start. According tothe Mona’s Herald of the time, the show atthe Nunnery was frequented by “hundredsof worldly minded men, showy women,stallions rampant, bulls pawing up theconsecrated ground and sleepy pigs too fatto keep their eyes open.” So apart from thepigs, hopefully too much won’t havechanged by the time we get toKnockaloe….

With thanks to Harvey Briggs for excerptsfrom his History of the RMAS.

Royal Manx Agricultural Show - History in the Making By Christine Pain, Secretary

Isle of Man Southern District Agricultural Society30th and 31st July By Sarah Comish, Secretary

Show

The Southern District Agricultural SocietyShow, held annually at Great Meadow,Castletown, is a friendly community eventthat continues to attract thousands ofpeople, both the loyal regulars and manynew visitors each year.

The President this year is Mr Ian Quaylefrom Baldrine Farm, Baldrine, and theVice-President is Mrs Belinda Coole ofBallamodha Mooar Farm, Ballasalla. Thiswill be the first time Ian and Belinda havepresided over the Show and they are bothvery much looking forward to this year’sevent, which should prove to be as muchfun as ever, if not even more so, withsome exciting new attractions on offer.

The Committee have dedicatedthemselves for many years to producingthe Show and work tirelessly behind thescenes to make it a success. It is thisdevotion, and a continued enthusiasm forboth maintaining tradition and embracingthe new, that ensures the Show will

continue to provide enjoyment andvaluable memories for many moregenerations to come. The work thatcontinues behind the scenes all yearround is completed by a devoted team ofvolunteers. The generosity and support ofthe many local businesses that contributeto the Show is invaluable.

Show plans begin months in advance toaccommodate an ever increasing numberof Trade Stands and attractions. TheCommittee work hard to ensure that,while the Show adapts to an everchanging agricultural environment, it willalways stay true to its roots by providingan opportunity for local farmers toshowcase the best in Manx agriculture;creating a fantastic weekend’sentertainment for everybody.

The Society has developed the Show over97 years to encompass many differentaspects of Island life. Early on Saturdaymorning sees the judging of the light

horse classes, then on to judging of all theother entries from the Island’s primelivestock, to fine displays of Heavy horsesand harness. There are numerous otherattractions, from vintage machinery, to furand feather, photography and crafts. Thedog show is growing in numbers all thetime and is well worth a look.

The Grand Parade takes place in theafternoon and awards will be presentedthis year by His Excellency, the LieutenantGovernor, Mr Adam Wood. Entries can betaken on the day for all the classes inflowers, produce, craft and photography,and also for the fun pet and dog showson the Sunday, so there is alwayssomething for everyone to take part inand enjoy.

Agri-News July 2011

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Ho-Ho-Ho .... Christmas will be here before we know it.

Manx Food Heroes AwardsBy Kim Etherton, Local Food Marketing Manager

Shoprite, IOM Newspapers and theDepartment of Environment, Food andAgriculture have launched this new foodaward to recognise innovation, quality andcompany excellence in the food and drinkindustry in the Isle of Man.

Over 40 entries were received for the awardsacross the five categories in this first year ofthe awards. The judging panel consisted ofAndrew Thomas, Shoprite’s Chief Executive,Helen Byrne, the Managing Director of Isleof Man Newspapers, Kim Etherton fromDEFA and Roy McFarlane from popularDouglas restaurant McFarlane’s.

The winners of the Manx Food HeroesAwards received their certificates fromShoprite’s Chief Executive Andrew Thomasand John Shimmin MHK, Minister for theDepartment of Environment, Food andAgriculture at a reception held at DEFA’sHeadquarters in St Johns.

Award winners included the AppleOrphanage, who won the ‘Most OriginalIdea’ category, Greeba Mushrooms whowere judged ‘Best Large Company’ andBrassica Foods and Laxey Glen Flour whojointly took the ‘Best Small Company’ title.The Original Manx Fudge Factory andWagstaffe’s Coffee were judged the bestFood and Drink entries respectively. ThePeople’s Choice award for the FavouriteManx Brand or Company went to theIndividual Cake Company.

Andrew Thomas, Shoprite’s Chief Executive,commented: “Supporting local producersbrings proven, tangible benefits for the localeconomy and I would encourage people totry any of the products from the companiesthat have been recognised by these awards.There is really good quality in the localmarket and Shoprite will do everything wecan to support these fantastic companies.”

MostlyManx have launched a marketinitiative, by placing double-pageadvertorials in both Money Media andManx Life magazines, to promote theirManx food hampers. They are activelylooking for new products, in particularjams, chutneys, marmalades and curds.

Dian Skelton, proprietor of MostlyManx explains:

“The success of our hamper range lastChristmas has given us the confidence to“up” the tempo on this product range.The response we received to them wasexcellent and we feel confident that wecan double, or even treble, the quantitiesthis year by pro-actively developing them.

Work is already half-way completed in thenew show-room, and the corporatedecision-makers will shortly be invited tocome to take a look and, hopefully, placetheir orders for corporate-brandedhampers. Progress is also being made ingaining a liquor licence to be able to sellManx alcohol and our refrigerated unitsare already in place.

What we need though, is more highquality Manx goods to add to the offeringwe already have for our increasinghamper market. Given it’s fruit-pickingtime and well in advance of Christmasbeing upon us, now is the time to askproducers to contact us if they havegoods that would work well in our range.I think it’s fair to say that between thecorporate selling and walk-in trade, wewill be short of stock rather than over-flowing with it by the time New Year isupon us!

Consider the hampers as a “sampler” ofManx product at its best. We have alreadyproved that Manx products complementthe quality of the hampers. The wickerhampers we use are the same as thosereceived from Harrods and Fortnum &

Mason in London; we know this becausewe use the same suppliers. By fillingthem with a sample of products availableon the Island, we are able to promoteyou, as well as ourselves. It’s a lovelyway to show Manx-ness at its best.”

If you have products available pleasecontact Dian Skelton, Tel: 495467 oremail: dian@mostlymanx.com or seetheir website: www.mostlymanx.comfor more information.

Editor’s note: Currently over 10 Manxfood and drink producers are supplyingMostlyManx with products for their shopand hampers. If you require furtherinformation on food handlingrequirements then please contact DEFAFood Safety Unit by telephoning 685889.

Manx Food Heroes food stand at Shoprite, VictoriaRoad, Douglas highlighting Manx food and drink

producers on the Island.

David Cain – Chief Meat Grader – Job profile

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The DEFA Agricultural Directorate employsthree experienced meat graders at the meatplant. I joined in 1987 after working for theFatstock Marketing Association for 17 years,when Eric Teare retired. Eric Drinkwaterstarted a year later to replace WalterCollister and Wayne Kelsall was appointed in1998 replacing Brian Kelly. Eric and Wayneare also both experienced butchers.

We provide IOM Meats with an independentweighing and classification service, whichforms the basis for the deadweighttransaction between producers, wholesalersand butchers. This information is also used forpayments under the three subsidy schemes.

Pigs

The classification of pigs begins with avisual appraisal to identify any withcarcase faults (skin blemishes and partialcondemnations) and also those with poorconformation, particularly of the leg. Anoptical probe is used to measure thedepth of backfat on the loin and thismeasurement is used along with theweight to apply a grade to the carcase.

Cattle

Cattle are identified by individual tag numbersand must be accompanied by a validpassport. The carcase category is established

i.e. steer, heifer, young bull, cow or maturebull. Carcase conformation is referenced tothe “EUROP” scale where class “E” describescarcasses of outstanding shape and at theother end of the scale; “P” denotes a poorlymuscled animal. Fatness is assessed in 5classes from 1 (very lean) to 5 (over fat).

Sheep

The classification of sheep carcasses follows asimilar pattern to cattle although a dentitioncheck is also used to identify animals whichare over 1 year old as the spinal cord mustbe removed. Individual identity tag numbersare recorded, (which does not happenelsewhere) providing a robust level oftraceability unique to the Island.

Each of the three species have setdressing specifications which detail whichtissues can be removed from the carcaseprior to weighing and this is constantlymonitored for compliance.

Audit

Bi-monthly visits are made to the meatplant by George Allen who is the DivisionalManager for the Meat and LivestockCommission. He checks and reports on thegrading classifications applied, providing alink to UK standards. The reports provideexternal verification, ensuring that our

work deliversconsistency ofgrading, dressingspecification andstandards, over themeat industry.

David Cain

Dates for your diarySeptemberSt John’s Supporters Produce Show – 3rd September at 3pmSt John’s Methodist Hall - Contact: Mr J Kneen Tel: 801467 or Sue StaleyEmail sips@manx.net

Peel Gardeners Association AnnualShow – 8th September at 2pm Corrin Hall, Peel - Contact: MargaretKennaugh Tel: 803269 Email: johnkennaugh@hotmail.co.uk

Onchan Horticultural Society – 10th September at 2pmOnchan Community Centre - Contact: Mrs Jennifer Corrin Tel: 625892 Email:jennifer_corrin@manx.net

Ballaugh Horticultural Show – 17th September at 2pmBallaugh Parish Hall - Contact: Richard Clark Tel: 897311 Email: enquiries@ballaugh.sch.im

Maughold Produce Show – 17th September at 2pmMaughold Parish Church Hall - Contact:Corrina Perks Tel: 861101 Email corrina.perks@manx.net

Cronk-y-Voddy Annual Produce Show– 22nd September 11amBallakaighen Farm, Cronk-y-Voddy -Contact: Marian Caine Tel: 844154

Eastern Young Farmers ProduceShow – 24th September Entries 9amand 11am Viewing 1pm to 3pmThe Institute, Laxey, Contact: JanelleQuayle Tel: 410896 Email clucky.lucky@manx.net

Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival –24th and 25th September 10am to 4pmNunnery Gardens - Contact: Audrey FowlerTel: 685856 Email: Audrey.fowler@gov.imWeb: www.gov.im/defa/food_festival

OctoberKirk Andreas Root Show – 13th October at 3pmAndreas Parish Hall - Contact: Pam Kinrade Tel: 880331 Email pam.kinrade@manx.net

NovemberSouthern Chrysanthemum Society –5th and 6th November at 2pmMorton Hall, Castletown - Contact: Bill Mizen Tel: 834723

Isle of Man Beekeepers Convention andHoney Show – 12th November 2pmSt Johns Methodist Hall - Contact: Harry Owen Tel: 801315 Email: harryowens@manx.net Web: www.isleofmanbeekeepers.com

Jane Tierneyleaves DEFAIn the past, many farmerscommunicating with the Departmentwould remember the voice of JaneTierney who worked closely with MickGaffney in the Administration andFinance Division of DAFF. Jane has nowtaken early retirement.

Jane joined DAFF (now DEFA) in 1995when the department was based atMurray House, Douglas. Jane and Mickwere very much a team and workedtirelessly to meet various support schemedeadlines so that farmers received theirpayments on time.

The Department wishes Jane a peacefuland enjoyable retirement.

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Agri-News July 2011

Contact Information

Market Trends

Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, Isle of Man, IM4 3ASTelephone: 685835 Fax: 685851 e-mail: defa@gov.im Web: www.gov.im/defa

This independent commentary has been supplied by Richard King, Business Research Consultant from Andersons.Details of how the graphs have been calculated can be found at www.gov.im/defa/News/agricultual.xml

Cattle. Prices for all classes of cattle inthe IoM continue to outperform those oflast year. A commitment by the meatplant on the island to link its beef andlamb price to the GB liveweight price hasseen GB and IoM prices converge, it alsomeans the price received by GB farmersis now even more important to Manxproducers. Analysis of the GB price,reveals this has also remained well abovethat received during the same period lastyear even though slaughterings duringthe first half of 2011 have been aboveyear earlier levels. With supplies in theUK expected to reduce during the secondhalf of 2011, together with ananticipated increase in exports, firmprices are expected to be maintained.

Lamb. The finished lamb trade hasbeen strong both in the IoM and GBduring the first half of 2011. Similar tothe beef sector, going forward the GBprice will influence the IoM price evenmore now the prices are linked. Ashortage of supply from New Zealand ledto dramatic price rises as competitionincreased to fill the gap between old andnew season supplies, with prices

reaching a record high in the middle ofApril. As new season lamb numbersincrease, the seasonal decline in price istaking place. But it remains to be seenby how far it will slide. The UK lambcrop is expected to be greater than lastyear following a favourable early spring.Domestic consumption is expected todecline as high retail prices discouragepurchases and inflation continues to putpressure on household budgets. Butlower production in Ireland and reducedsupplies from New Zealand to the mainEuropean market is expected to keep theUK export market keen and domesticprices firm, although demand fromFrance, where the majority of the UK’ssheep meat is exported to, has lessenedduring the first half of 2011.

Pigs. The pig price in the IoM continuesto increase and is in the region of 13.5pper kg higher than levels a year ago. Inthe UK the DAPP has also continued toincrease. Tighter supplies in May helpedincrease the DAPP further and rise abovelast year’s price for the first time in 2011.A good barbeque summer should seeprices increase further before the seasonal

decline.However,despite the continued increase in theDAPP, prices remain considerably belowcosts of production. BPEX estimates thecosts of production for June to be 162pper kg and with the cereal price forecastto remain high for the remainder of 2011and into 2012 further exits from theindustry look inevitable.

Milk. Strong world market prices for dairycommodities have helped create upwardpressure on milk prices. This has seen UKfarmgate prices rise during months whenprices traditionally fall due to the springflush. World market prices for dairycommodities eased between March andApril, illustrated by the Northern Irelandprice which is more closely linked to thismarket. But they have since recoveredand should help to maintain prices. IoMand UK prices remain considerably higherthan last year and are expected tocontinue to do so. However, any priceincreases are being offset by high inputcosts. Going forward the weather will playa key part affecting both forage quality,quantity and the price of concentrates.

Steer R3 UK LW v IoM Lamb UK UL LW v IoM

Pigs IoM c DAPP

BACS payments By Jo Brew, Field Service Delivery ManagerAs part of the ongoing cost-savings acrossgovernment, it is now Treasury policy thatpayments are made by BACS wheneverpossible. We have taken this on-boardand with effect from July 2011, allscheme-related payments will be

made via BACS. For those of you whohave not yet supplied the Departmentwith your bank details, a form is availablefrom the Department. The promptcompletion and return of this form willensure the 1st interim CCS payment of

50% can be paid on time. Any forms notcompleted and returned could expectpayments to be made up to a month later, due to reduced creditor cheque runsby Treasury.

Milk IoM v UK & NI