Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th May 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Irish farmers urged to sow wild bird cover
farmer
The most popular and easy to grow crop is the one year crop of oats and linseed.

Crop must be sown before the end of May

Irish farmers are being encouraged to take part in a scheme to provide a crop of wild bird cover.

Spring-sown crop or crop mixture must be sown before the end of May, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARDNI).

The schemes aim to give farmland birds  a valuable food source for the harsh winter months.

Farmers are paid a rate of around £500/ha depending on the scheme and crop type.

The most popular and easy to grow crop is the one year crop of oats and linseed.

Francis McElwee, who farms on the slopes of Slieve Gallion, Desertmartin, has been growing wild bird cover for eight years under his environmentally sensitive areas agreement.

He said: "I find oats hardier and surer to grow in poorer soils. This year along with oats I am sowing some barley, mustard and linseed. 

"With a lot less birds in the countryside now, it's great to see the swallows sailing over the field to pick up insects and the smaller birds feeding on the crop over the winter."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.