The Farmers Mart Jun/Jul 2014 - Issue 34 | Page 6

FARM NEWS BRIGHTEN UP THE RAINY DAYS WITH JILEON WIDE FIT WELLIES In the countryside, we practically live in our wellies – and with the heaviest rainfall on record earlier this year, they are even more essential. Now Spring is here but as recent rainfall confirmed, wellies are still needed. But if you thought all the best wellies were green, and anything but a fashion item, it is time to think again. I recently “road tested” a pair of brilliant ladies wellies from Jileon (www.jileon.com) which my family described as “smartie wellies”, because of their multi-coloured polka-dot design! Pretty, feminine and colourful, they nonetheless ticked all the boxes for practicality and comfortable fit. Jileon developed this range for true wide calf wellies in response to customers’ requests. Wearers come in all shapes and sizes - so why not wellies? Jileon also has new 45cm wide fit funky wellies, perfect for this year’s summer shows and festivals, plus patented double gusset extra wide boots for men and women, half boots, welly socks and bags – and at prices a lot less than the bigger brand names. I predict our trendy young farmers will be checking out this colourful collection! EUSTICE TELLS BMPA: DEFRA NEEDS MORE TIME Defra to withdraw from implementing contentious new Welfare of Animals at Time of Killing rules. The government needs more time to consider the ramifications of imposing new welfare regulations, food and farming minister George Eustice (pictured) has told meat processors. Speaking at the British Meat Processors Association’s annual conference in May, the Minister defended the decision by ‘delay was necessary’ The last minute u-turn by Defra followed complaints and legal action by the meat industry, which had raised concerns over the increased stunning currents for poultry and its impact on religious slaughter. However, Eustice said the issue was complicated and the delay was necessary: “The issues surrounding religious slaughter are contentious, it takes longer to reach a consensus, so we decided we needed a little more time to consider this.” He repeated the government position on religious slaughter, stating that while the government would prefer all animals to be stunned before slaughter, it respected the rights of those who wished to carry out slaughter according to religious rules. Get FREE News E-Alerts LEADING ORGANIC BODY APPOINTS NEW CEO Roger Kerr has taken the reins at Shropshirebased Organic Farmers & Growers Ltd (OF&G), which inspects and certifies a significant proportion of the UK’s organic food and farming as well as commercial composting and digestate from AD plants. Mr Kerr is a former director of Welsh organic milk 6 Jun/Jul 2014 FarmersMart co-operative, Calon Wen, and most recently general manager of Proper Welsh Dairy Crest Ltd. He was appointed following the death, in December, of OF&Gs’ chief executive of 10 years, Richard Jacobs, who was just 50. OF&G provides organic inspection and certification to farms and businesses across Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Mr Kerr said: “This is a company with very strong core of expertise and professionalism that is respected throughout the organic sector for its practical approach to certification. I’m very happy to have been entrusted with framing the next chapter. I knew Richard Jwell and liked and respected him and the job he did. If someone has to follow him in ѡ