Technical Team

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UFU full farming members are able to avail of our exclusive technical officer service, which provides free one-to-one support with practical farm related issues, such as –

Information on BVD, Avian Influenza, Swine Flu and other infectious disease queries.
Condemned/ skipped carcasses
FQAS inspection preparation/ appeals
Livestock worrying
Processor disputes
Utility disputes – high bills, broken infrastructure, faults etc.
Public access – famers consultation events, coordinating local response
Agri- Vehicles on the road – provide information on the rules e.g young drivers
Farm safety / HSENI inspection preparation queries.
Small Claims Cases/ Legal Cases – can support members and/or legal team.
DAERA Review of Decision process

No query is too big or small, if it is affecting your farm business, Technical Officers are available to break down the problem and provide solutions. Technical Officers can be contacted through UFUHQ reception, directly via email addresses provided below or through local Group Managers and office staff. Technical officers are based in your local area, they can meet you to discuss concerns in local offices or at your home.

Wins for the Technical Team

CASE STUDY 2023

In 2023, a UFU member faced serious repeat charges under the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997, carrying fines up to £50,000 or unlimited if heard in Crown Court over alleged illegal infilling with controlled waste. Thanks to strategic negotiations by the UFU Technical Officer, the case was resolved informally with a Caution interview at the member’s farmhouse and settled for a modest three figure sum.

CASE STUDY 2024

A UFU member sought help after Openreach pole was installed at a field entrance, making machinery access unsafe. Openreach initially denied any issue and quoted over £3,000 to investigate and move the pole. Thanks to the intervention of a UFU Technical Officer and the member’s solicitor, a free site visit was arranged, and the pole was successfully relocated, saving the member more than £3,000.

CASE STUDY 2024

A UFU member faced an EFS penalty after river flooding washed away fencing. Despite a Force Majeure claim, discrepancies in measurements led to issues. The UFU Technical Officer visited the farm, verified the correct fencing length, and worked with DAERA to resolve the matter. The penalty was removed, saving the member £1,000. This case highlights the practical, one-to-one support UFU Technical Officers provide to members.