DEFA Agricultural Justification

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture

Rheynn Chymmyltaght, Bee as Eirinys

Chris Kneale Agricultural Advisor Agriculture Division, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St. Johns, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Tel no (01624) 695726 Fax no (01624) 685851 Email: [email protected] www.gov.im

Date: 19 Sep. 12

Dear

Re: Erection of an extension to existing agricultural building - Ballamoar Farm, Patrick Road, Patrick Village 12/01036/B

Having spoken to the applicant on 19th September 2012 to consider the agricultural enterprise and in conjunction with information held by the department I have the following comments:-

• The agricultural business is based around 841 acres, 776 of which are owned including 120 acres of rough grazing. The remainder of the land is leased on various length tenancy agreements.
• Stocking includes 204 dairy cows, 191 young stock (from calves to in calf heifers) and 780 breeding ewes. All lambs are finished farm.
• 192.3 acres of grain are grown to supply the livestock needs of the farm.
• The Farming enterprises have a total labour requirement of 9.12 standard labour units. (see appendix 1)
• This Department would view this agricultural enterprise as a large Manx agricultural business.
• The proposed building is intended to replace two of the existing steel framed buildings currently utilised at Ballacallin farm for the storage of straw (for bedding) and hay (for winter fodder).
• The steel framed buildings at Ballacallin are centred around a "dutch" barn which requires refurbishment.
• The proposed barn is intending to replace the two buildings at Ballacallin farm, centralising the storage of straw bedding and hay fodder to reduce the amount of handling of the bales and travelling. Currently bales have to be carted to Ballacallin for storage and then carted back to Ballamoar for use.
• The applicant suggests that in the future they wish to convert the existing stone buildings at Ballacallin. Relocating the storage buildings would allow them to do this.

• The proposed building is approximately 63m² larger than the buildings it is intended to replace. This will provide extra storage for bales/feed/fodder or for the housing of livestock.
• Currently the farm has a demand for approximately 1209 bales of straw bedding. The proposed building will provide approximately 5m² more than the straw needed by the farm would utilise. (appendix 2)

In conclusion to these comments, the provision of an agricultural building is agriculturally justified.

Yours Sincerely

Chris Kneale Agricultural Advisor

Encl: Appendix 1 Appendix 2