Butter up

Butter prices are presently soaring across Europe as, since early March, spot prices in Europe have increased by 50 per cent, or more than 2,000 euros/tonne, to reach their highest ever price above 6,000 euros/tonne.

The foundation for the current price of butter was laid in the second half of 2016 when, with farmgate milk prices on the floor, a milk supply reduction scheme being rolled out by the European Commission.

There were big declines in supply from some of Europe’s largest milk producers, including France and the UK, and this reduction was one of the main reasons why total butter production across the EU declined more than five per cent last year to just over 2.15 million tonnes.

However, in early 2017 there was little concern in the market that a butter shortage was on the horizon - even with the depleted stock levels. The price outlook for butter was actually quite subdued in January as prices declined week-on-week.

But dry weather across mainland Europe for much of the spring resulted in some major declines in milk supply. In total, cumulative milk production from the EU’s 10 largest producers was down more than 15 per cent or nearly 800 million litres in the first three months of this year.

From the start of May to the end, the price of butter in Europe shot up 850 euros/tonne, with the last two weeks of the month particularly frantic.

Ultimately, butter prices will come back from these highs, but the question remains by how much. Given the demand for milkfats at present, it’s possible to wonder whether butter has reached a new price level in Europe.

Food price warning

The 2008, EU recession saw prices of food fall across the EU economy over a number of years, but despite retailer dominance, new EU members and the EU-wide recession, but Irish consumers are still paying 120 per cent the EU average for food.

In the three-year period up to 2005, Irish food prices were running at about 120 per cent of the EU average according to Eurostat. At the time, there was a lot of debate as to what was the major cause of this price differential compared with their EU neighbours, awarding the country the title of ‘rip-off Ireland.’

Moreover, sales of supermarket or own-label products which are supposed to be cheaper than branded product sales have doubled in key categories over the last 10 years.

However, despite all of these changes, Irish food and groceries prices are still 19 per cent higher than the rest of the EU, according to the latest 2016 Eurostat survey.

Join in our parade

The NFU is giving eight young farmers and a Back British Farming supporter the unique opportunity to land a starring role representing British farming in one of the oldest and most popular historic civic pageants in the world.

They are looking for a group of young farming champions from across England and Wales to join the Worshipful Company of Farmers and New Holland in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show (November 11, 2017) to help take the Back British Farming message into the heart of the City of London.

In addition, they are inviting one passionate Back British Farming supporter to join them and help to spread the word.

The union are calling for nominations of a young farmer, aged 18-30, that has made an outstanding contribution to the farming sector, someone who is helping to make a difference or who has a great story to tell - nominations are also open to members of the public over the age of 18 who are passionate about Backing British Farming. Perhaps they go to extraordinary lengths to support British farmers or spread the word to friends, family and their local community?

How to nominate

It’s easy to nominate a young farming champion, Back British farming supporter, or even yourself! Complete the nomination form - available from the local NFU office - and include as much information as possible on why you think your nominee deserves to represent British farming and the wider farming industry.

Nominations close on July 12 and a shortlist of finalists will be drawn up for July 28 by a panel of farming experts.

Lessons from life

John Savage, Canada’s first Welsh-born provincial Premier died in May 2003, aged 70. Born in Newport, Mon., he was the son of an Irish doctor and his Welsh Baptist wife, and followed his father by obtaining his MD at Queens University, Belfast.

He earned his Blue as a second row forward and became the first Catholic president of the Students Union although everyone assumed that, as a Welshman, he had to be a Protestant.

He returned to his home county, but eventually became disenchanted with the National Health Service and emigrated to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia when in his early 30s with his wife and six young children where he later became a school trustee and then Mayor of his adopted city.

He was eventually asked to run for the leadership of the provincial Liberals and narrowly won in a telephone ballot against four candidates. A year later, he was swept into power.

He had sworn to end the system of patronage that had been the rule in Nova Scotia. To the dismay of the party faithful, he did so. No one really believed he intended to keep his word! He was soon being denounced as inexperienced, stubborn and arrogant; charges he never denied.

With the polls indicating the government could not be re-elected under his leadership, he was forced to resign as Premier. He scoffed at the suggestion that he become the ambassador to Chile, but could not return to medicine as he had passed a law preventing any doctor taking up practise after ceasing to operate in the field for a certain period.

He threw himself into foreign aid work and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. He died of cancer on his birthday, six weeks after the death of his wife Mary.

Old habits

I’ve never made a fortune, and it’s probably too late now. But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow.

And as I go along life’s way, I’m reaping better than I sowed; I’m drinking from my saucer, ’cause my cup has overflowed.’

Haven’t got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going’s tough, but I’ve got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He’s bestowed; I’m drinking from my saucer, ’cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin but, all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed; I’m drinking from my saucer, ’cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough I’ll not ask for other blessings, I’m already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads; then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer, ’cause my cup has overflowed.

Guidelines

If you have a wonderful man who is your whole world, Who isn’t perfect but perfect for you, Who works hard and would do anything for you, Who makes you laugh, Who is your best friend and, sometimes, your only friend, Who you want to grow old with (if you don’t kill him first!), Who you are thankful for everyday –then place this in a place of prominence on the door of your fridge.

Fact of life!

BT have just informed me that the broadband ‘service’ I am getting is 94 per cent below the national average!

Men and Women

Women are born with something men will never have - a clue!

Men don’t try to drive women crazy - it comes naturally!

Larry knows!

Little Larry attended a horse auction with his father.

He watched as his father moved from horse to horse, running his hands up and down the horse’s legs, rump and chest.

After a few minutes, Larry asked, “Dad, why are you doing that?”

His father replied, “Because when I’m buying horses, I have to make sure that they are healthy and in good shape before I buy.”

Larry, looking worried, said, “Dad, I think the postman wants to buy Mammy...”