Another 2,033 cattle gave a positive reaction to a bovine tuberculosis (TB) test in August 2026, leaving the total for the first eight months of the year at 13,033 head. That figure compares to 12,710 over the same period last year.
The data published by DAERA also now includes animals which gave a negative result to the skin test, but were positive to the interferon gamma blood test.
In August there were 284 positive reactors to this blood test, which is the highest monthly total in any of the last three years.
Annual TB herd incidence, which is the number of new reactor herds divided by the total number tested, stood at 9.58% in August.
Lakeland appeals NI court ruling
An appeal has been submitted by Lakeland Dairies after a court in NI ruled in favour of two dairy farmers who had been penalised by the co-op for leaving to supply other processors.
The cases were heard in Lisburn civil court on 10 September 2026, with the two farmers awarded £4,355.16 and £3,380.15 respectively, with “full costs to follow”. The monies related to 13th payments which were held back because the farmers had submitted their notice to leave.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Diana Armstrong has said farmers along the route of the A5 face being “short-changed” after Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed that vested land will be compensated at 2024 values.
At Stormont on Tuesday, the UUP MLA asked Minister Kimmins whether farmers would be compensated at current market rates.
“As the Member may be aware, in the legislation, it remains under November 2024 values. That is not within my remit to change. However, every case will be looked at on its own merits, and my officials will engage with those landowners in the time ahead,” responded the minister.
UFU
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) also called for an urgent review of land values along the route. “The UFU has consistently pressed for fair compensation that reflects current market values, and we now need to see action from the department without delay,” said Deputy President Glen Cuddy.
He added that the union will continue to seek reform of the vesting process.
The Ulster Ram Breeders annual Blackface ram sale at Ballymena Market on Monday saw an exceptional trade across the board with particular demand for Lanark ram lambs.
Father and son duo, Colm and James McAteer broke the existing sale record with their Lanark ram lamb which realised 50,000gns, selling to Scottish breeders Alan and Hugh Blackwood, Auldhouseburn.
James McCurdy also had a memorable day, reaching 45,000gns also with a Lanark ram lamb, while C and C Harkin, The Rock’s leading Lanark ram lamb made 32,000gns.
Leading the way in the Lanark shearling ring at 10,000gns was a ram from Patrick McGuigan.
Top of the Perth ram section was a lamb from Brendan Robinson which realised 13,000gns.
Shamonda virus has been detected in three cows on two different dairy farms in Co Cork.
The emergent disease is spread by biting midges and has been detected in cattle, sheep, goats and horse across Europe.
Cattle are most commonly affected and signs of the disease tend to be mild. Symptoms include fever, diarrhoea, lethargy and reduced milk production. Abortions are also possible.
Shamonda virus is closely related to the Schmallenberg virus. It is not a notifiable disease, so the outbreaks in Cork have not resulted in restrictions on trade or livestock movements.
The Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is establishing a new farmers’ forum to broaden its engagement with farmers across NI.
According to AFBI, the new forum will be used to “represent the wider interests and perspectives of the farming sector”.
The 15-member group will meet four times each year and will represent a range of farming backgrounds.
Anyone interested in joining the group can access an expression of interest form from the AFBI website. The deadline for submissions is midday on Friday 30 October.
The sale of native breeds at Dungannon Farmers Mart saw a top price of 5,800gns paid for an Angus bull offered by Jonathan Doyle.
The second highest price of 3,800gns was paid for a bull from Ivan Forsyth, although in general, it was a difficult trade for bulls.
However, Shorthorn heifers were in demand, selling to an average price of 2,100gns for six sold. Topping the heifer trade at 3,800gns was Robert Crozier’s first heifer into the sale ring.
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