Ministerial support for farmer Jack

Ministerial support for farmer Jack

22 August 2012

A DOWNPATRICK man who is in the running for the title of the UK’s most wildlife-friendly farmer has received Ministerial support.

Jack Kelly, who farms at Ballyalton, has already won the Northern Ireland Nature of Farming Award and is now up against three competitors from England who are all vying for the top prize.

The award, which recognises and celebrates the hard work and dedication that many farmers put into supporting wildlife on their farms, is open to voting to the general public.

This week Stormont Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill, lent her support to the inspirational local farmer whose management of his land over the last 20 years has helped threatened birds thrive on the farm.

Jack’s family have always been keen wildlife enthusiasts; they have placed boxes to provide nesting sites for tree sparrows, barn owls and kestrels and always ensure there is a sufficient supply of food for the birds, all the while maintaining a successful and functioning farm.

Miss O’Neill MLA said she is delighted Jack is a regional finalist in this year’s Nature of Farming Award.

“Jack has shown a commitment to nature and wildlife on his farmland through his previous participation in the Countryside Management Scheme,” she said. “I know he has a special interest in providing habitats for threatened birds and it is encouraging to know that species like yellowhammer and tree sparrow are thriving on his farm.

“He is to be congratulated on reaching the final and I wish him all the best with the competition and encourage people to vote for him before the closing date on September 5.

“Agri-environment schemes are both environmentally and financially important and it is deserving that local effort has been acknowledged in this competition. I hope that Jack’s success will inspire others to make a difference to wildlife and nature.”

RSPB Northern Ireland director, James Robinson, said Jack’s farm is a great example of how business and nature can exist side-by-side.

“Jack is a real ambassador for farming in the 21st century, running a sound family business with conservation at its core. We believe he deserves to be crowned the most wildlife-friendly farmer in 2012, but to do that, he needs your vote,” he said.

“The Award has been going since 2008 and Northern Irish farmers have won it twice in that time which goes to show how much care our farmers take of nature in this part of the world.

“This year, Jack is up against three farmers from England but we’d love him to make it a hat-trick of winners from Northern Ireland.”

To find out more and cast your vote, go to www.rspb.org.uk/farmvote.