UFU Launch New Pest Control Scheme
NORTHERN IREALAND, UK - A new Pest Control Scheme from the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) in conjunction with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) aims to help solve pest problems by putting farmers in touch with BASC members who are available to help with pest control.
2 September 2011
2 minute read
The new scheme allows members of both organisations to cooperate to try and prevent damage caused by the likes of woodpigeons, crows, rabbits and foxes.
Farmers are increasingly under time pressures and this relieves the hassle of taking time out to protect your crops or livestock from pests.
BASC have compiled a register of their members who are keen to take up shooting opportunities and in return the UFU member will be put in touch with an insured BASC member who will provide a service free of charge.
Promoting the Scheme, Ulster Farmers’ Union Deputy President Ian Marshall said: “We are constantly hearing from farmers who have crops damaged or livestock killed by pests which, along with the spread of disease, are costing us ill afforded time and money. This scheme provides a win-win situation for both UFU and BASC members.”
Tommy Mayne, BASC Northern Ireland director, said: “The most effective way of reducing pest damage is by shooting but some farmers have reported difficulty in making contact with shooters. Therefore the BASC NI team is offering to put BASC NI members in touch with their local farmers who may be experiencing difficulties with pests.”
For UFU members affected by on-farm pests, simply contact BASC who will put you in touch with a number of local BASC members. This service is completely free to UFU members and after your initial contact with BASC all the rest of the contact will be between you and the shooter.
You must have the landowner’s permission to shoot if you do not own the ground and where possible you will need to give BASC as much notice as possible. There will be a permission slip for both the farmer/landowner and the shooter to sign which will be available on the UFU website and the BASC website or you can ask the shooter to bring it with them.
For further details of the Pest Control Scheme please contact either the BASC on 028 9260 5050 or email [email protected]
Or you can contact the UFU on 028 9037 0222 or your local group office.
If you are not a member of the UFU please contact your local office or UFU headquarters for a membership form. This scheme is only open to shooters who are BASC members, if you are not a member contact BASC NI on 02892 605050.
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