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One wonders just how quickly some farmers were in bringing livestock indoors or lower down away from the worst of the snow that fell. While the amount was very heavy, it wasn't levels that haven't been seen in recent times and there was reasonable warning that higher ground areas were going to be hit with a lot of snow around 24 hours in advance. Arguably the time of year close to lambing caught some off guard, but how many were negligent either deliberately or passively? The rumours I heard (and if very wrong deserve to be shot down) was that many of the hill farmers in the Antrim Glens didn't take much if any action whereas most of those in the Mournes and Sperrins were quicker to react and as a result suffered less livestock loss.
IMO the Dept. Agriculture should have offered to cover the cost of the disposal of dead stock by waiving the normal fee, but no more unless there was an exceptional circumstance on a case by case basis.

Fionntamnach, I would say you would know a lot about taking animals down from the mountains, a couple of hours should take them down from the top of the sperrins, mournes or the glens and have them housed no bother, eh?

Agreed Rois.  Points well made.  I do feel however, despite claims made to the contrary, Norf is indeed on the wind up!

To digress somewhat from the topic at hand and to expand briefly on Bogball's sentiments - there already is a massive disparity between what a farmer is paid for milk/meat etc and what consumers pay for said products in shops/butchers etc.  Obviously there are numerous costs to be considered from when the product leaves the farm premises to it reaches the store.  But my point is the money you may pay for your litre of milk, or your fillet steak is in no way even close to what the farmer receives.

Farmers incomes may not be what you think Norf!

I agree, but can you imagine what the prices we pay for said foods would be like without government and EU subsidies if farmers put their prices up to operate without a loss?

I believe insurance companies do not provide cover for instances of severe weather like snow as it is regarded as an act of God or something like that

I guess its part of the whole subsidies which farmers get from both government and the EU. The idea behind this is that if farmers didnt get such support, then they would have to sell their animals, milk etc for a much higher fee to shops and supermarkets in order so they are not operating at a loss due to cost of animal feed, diesel, fertiliser etc-then its people like Norf who would be crying "those bloody farmers, look how much I am paying for a pint of milk, or a fillet of steak-they must be bloody loaded!"

If they weren't "bailed out" as Norf so elequently puts it, it wouldnt just be the farmer who is left out of pocket but, the ordinary man on the street who would have to pay a much higher price for their food!

Surely Norf Tyrone you aren't that naive not realise this given the nature of your locality??

With Tyrone playing this weekend in league semis, club league football has been pushed back to next weekend. If Tyrone beat Kildare i take it will be round 1 of the starred fixtures to be played or anyone know what the story what day games will be played?

Took a nosy at the dates on his website and came across a list of his singles, of which one is named "Tequilla makes her clothes fall off" 

"Jesus Christ John Bannon, ya seen what he did, he tried to take my f***in head aff"

"Give her to the green Spoofer!!"

"Give her to the Donegal man Spoofer!!"

Quick query, during my previous employment I was given a company vehicle for the purposes of my work and was insured under my employers insurance. I worked for over a year. Can I still claim 1 year's No Claims Bonus if I was insured in this way?

Staying down the saturday and sunday buzzman, where would be ideal for schoops before the match? Any Tyrone supporters for the Hill? Would Aidy McCrory be given the task of Brogan?

In around Agincourt and Carmel street are good and quiet for St Patricks, or hit the Hatfield if you fancy a quiet pint in doors 

Christ oh tell me more about Roddy Boland's Rois, sounds deadly already!

Well folks it's that time of year again, and Dublin sounded the perfect option for us with Tyrone and the Dubs playing on the Saturday night. Heading down nice and early on the Saturday, going to catch the rugby somewhere, throw down a few pints before the match, probably end up in Coppers that night!

Then straight back on her the next day. Anyone any good suggestions of watering holes we could visit in between on both days, somewhere where there is music and the craic is 90?

you would think you wouldn't get sent down for a first offence, but im sure EC will know of a case lately which involved a former tyrone minor from the east who got a hefty custodial sentence during what sounds like a similar incident?

You heard it here first-there is currently a major outbreak of rat and mice infeststions across Belfast with numerous food premises having to close due to the scale of the problem. The problem has heightened this week and is no doubt a consequence of the ceasing of baiting in Belfast sewers! At least one major shopping centre has shut (although this part of Belfast has seen quite a few 'pest' problems in recent months) with numerous other restaurants and businesses experiencing problems!

obviously I know I have no grounds for appealing, however I do not wish to pay the fine and was wondering if theres any excuse that I could give them which they would take and let me off!