Andrew Burleigh is concerned over European economy
As I write this article I am looking out at the hailstones, which are bringing me back to the reality that it is still only the second week in April. What a rollercoaster of weather we have had since mid-February. I am wondering where the early spring has gone, and whether all the fertiliser spread in early March is wasted.
With minus temperatures at night for the last week, grass growth has all but stopped and all the surplus silage may well be needed if the stock have to be housed.
The recent British Blue sale in Moira was dull, with a top price of 3,200gns; there was the noted absence of what I call the southern men with mortar on their boots. We have one Simmental bull for the Simmental export sale on 1 May in Dungannon. And with less than a month to go until the Balmoral Show, Matthew is flat out getting his Beltex entries ready. We had our yearly TB test on 10 April, and it is always a relief when the vet gives you the all-clear on the second day. Spring lambs in the shop were costly this easter – 24kg were costing £6.20/kg and the full legs were selling out at approximately £65 each.
Live trade for all stock in the rings is still very strong, with more and more fat cattle being sold through the rings, which is great for the marts. It looks as if the banking problem in Europe is going to pop its head up again with the news of Spain and Italy being on shaky ground. This could affect the live trade for us, as a large number of our light lambs go to Spain and baby calves go to Italy.
Andrew Burleigh farms a mixed farm and runs a traditional butchers shop in south-west Fermanagh with his wife, Rosalind, and sons Alan and Lee. The home farm is run by his brother and nephew, and is home to a Beltex pedigree flock along side a commercial flock, suckler cows, stores and beef cattle.