IFA calls on all sheep farmers to avail of new ewe scheme

KERRY IFA Chairman Sean Brosnan welcomed the €10 per ewe scheme launched at Kenmare Mart recently, saying it will be a massive boost to Kerry and Ireland’s sheep sector.

“It will improve and enhance the standards of animal welfare and health of their sheep flock. The welfare initiatives include task on lameness, mineral supplementation, parasite controls, flystrike and scanning,” he said.

“Farmers will have to undertake the tasks at various times throughout the year and keep a record of the work. Participants will be subject to the normal inspection process.”

Meanwhile, Kenmare Fine Gael County Councillor Patrick Connor-Scarteen, who invited the Minister to visit the tourist town some time ago, praised the Mart on the success of the visit.

“I asked the Minister to visit the town not long after he became Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and I’m delighted he obliged,” the Fine Gael Councillor said.

“I’d like to salute the Mart Committee and Mart Manager Dan McCarthy for putting on an additional mart to facilitate the Minister.”

Cllr Connor-Scarteen described the visit as a great occasion, adding that the sheep scheme will be a great boost to rural parts of the county.

Mr Brosnan meanwhile encouraged all sheep farmers to apply for the scheme, and called for the scheme to be well publicised.

Paddy Herlihy, Coolea, Terence O ‘Shea, Veterinary Supplies, Dan McCarthy, Mart Manager, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and Tadgh Sullivan, Coolea at Kenmare Mart on the launch of the new €10 per ewe scheme last week.