The Ulster Farmers’ Union has officially launched its Farm Water Project training video, guidance notes and farmer checklist to help farmers identify and reduce the risk of point source pollution on farms.
The Farm Water Project, funded through DAERA’s Environment Fund, was established by UFU in partnership with Countryside Services Ltd and The Rivers Trust to raise the awareness and advise farmers on farm water quality issues. The launch marks the conclusion of Phase 2 and the beginning of Phase 3 of the Farm Water Project. Phase 3 will focus on building awareness, encouraging more farmer engagement and supporting the wider roll-out of the project’s key messages across Northern Ireland.
UFU president, John McLenaghan, said, “These resources are important tools in helping farmers to identify and reduce the risk of pollution on farm. I would strongly encourage all farmers to familiarise themselves with the training video, checklist and guidance notes as part of their own farm review.
“The UFU would like to thank its project partners, The Rivers Trust and Countryside Services for their expertise and support throughout the project. Their input has been important in developing practical resources that farmers can use on the ground. We are also grateful to farmer, Kenneth Martin, for hosting the filming on his dairy farm in Dundrum; helping to demonstrate these messages in a practical farm setting.”
Alongside the video, the UFU has released the ‘Farming and Water Quality Guidance Notes’ on point source pollution and an accompanying ‘Farmer’s Checklist’.
These resources are designed to support farmers in taking a simple, practical approach to reviewing their own farms through the checklist key message: Check it, find it, fix it, and check it again.
“This checklist allows farmers to walk around their yards and identify potential pollution risks before they become an issue,” continued Mr McLenaghan.
“It also encourages positive action by helping farmers spot where improvements can be made, whether through better drainage management, separation of clean and dirty water, or checking that collection systems are working effectively.
“Farmers have an important role to play in protecting water quality which does not only help farm business but has benefits throughout wider society. This project is about providing practical support that can be used on farms across Northern Ireland.”
The UFU is encouraging farmers to watch part one and two of the training video, by clicking here: https://youtu.be/pbDFEdqJ0cc use the guidance notes and checklist as part of their own farm review, which can be viewed here: Education resources | Ulster Farmers Union.
