Contact details:- info@desertmartin-dfg.org

AGM held on 1st Oct 2007

Chairman's Report

Oct 06

This was our AGM and we had Sam Rooney from ABN and local area representative Gareth Gault. They were accompanied by Martin McConnell from Nutrition Services. ABN was promoting their new product G Lime. And Martin spoke on the importance of silage analysis for both the dairy and beef farmer, and the use of moist blends.

Nov 06

On 6th Nov we had Nigel McLaughlin as our guest speaker. At that time Nigel was the Chairman of the UFU Hill Farming Committee and an LMC board member. He presented a slide show of his visit to South America and it was interesting to see how beef production is carried on over there. We now know why they are so competitive. Beef production in South America is on a massive scale.

Dec 06

On this occasion we had as our guest speaker Terry Waugh of Action Renewables.
The topic of discussion was “Cost effective Renewable Energy for both dwelling house and farm business needs.”
Windmill power was also discussed.

On the 8th December our members with their wives travelled to Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena for our Annual Christmas Dinner. There was good food and music.
It was noted that some of our members are very talented dancers!

Jan 07

No meeting this month due to the New Year Celebrations.

Feb 07

On 5 Feb, Bill Rodgers from Genus was our guest speaker for the evening. Bill spoke on the bulls featured in the dairy and beef catalogues. The silage additive “Powerstart” was also discussed.

3 members later went on to learn how to A.I their cows and this will hopefully save them money in the long term.

March 07

5th March saw Jim Carmichael of NIAPA made his annual visit to our Group. In Jan 07 new regulations on phosphate and nitrogen levels came into effect and Jim explained further what the new regulations were with regard to the Single Farm Payment.

April 07

Seamus O’Neill from Weir & Co. Accountants, Moneymore was our guest. Many things were discussed including inheritance tax.
I think many of our members were hoping Seamus would tell us all how to avoid paying any income tax.
I suppose the answer was to find a better accountant!

May 07

On 17th May the Group organised a bus trip to the Balmoral Show and invited those outside the Group membership to come along. It was well supported with 51 on board. Many said the Show was much better this year and farmers were feeling very positive about the future.

June 07

From March of this year the Committee met regularly, making preparations for our

"Craft Demonstrations & Country Fair"

The final week in particularly was hectic. Many gave up their time to help e.g. making ready the field and taking shifts to guard the marquees.

I want to thank the Committee and those members for working so hard to make the Event such a success.
The evening BBQ was enjoyed by over 400 people.
I think it strengthened many friendships and created new ones.
Many in the area would like this to be an annual event but had it not been for the Rural Development Council grant aid under Measure 1.11 (Rural Regeneration & Reconciliation), our project would never have taken place.

JULY/AUGUST 07

In these months we have no monthly meetings as our members are too busy working on the farm. However the final payment under Measure 1.9 (Agricultural Holdings) was made so it is now officially closed.
We are still continuing with the final stages of Measure 1.11 (Rural Regeneration & Reconciliation)

September 07

As the result of money raised on the night of the BBQ & Dance on 30th June, we were able to present Slieve Gallion Playgroup with a cheque for £1000. The official presentation was made on the 19th Sept.
Also during this month the committee met and decided to run a trip to the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, County Offaly.(24th -26th Sept 07).
Graham Tours made all the necessary arrangements for us and in total we had 28 people. It was a very enjoyable Show.

This concludes my report.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the members and committee for their support.

After our AGM tea and sandwiches were served whilst a Microsoft Powerpoint presentation was shown, highlighting some of the events of the year. If you wish to download the file Click Here