DEFA Agricultural Report Duplicate
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: 3 April 2014
Dear
Re: PA 14/00236/B – Erection of Livestock Shelters, High Tilt, Kirk Michael.
Further to your recent enquiry to the agricultural justification of the proposed animal shelters having corresponded with the applicant, I have the following comments:
- The Applicant suggests that they are farming land that extends to 40 acres.
- All land is utilised for the production of grass only.
- The applicant informs me that they currently have 68 breeding does plus a further 95 young goats of various ages. 4 bucks are also present.
- The size of the agricultural enterprise is currently 1.56 standard labour units. (See appendix 1).
- The applicant intends to farm 100 breeding does, rearing approximately 150 young goats through to slaughter.
- The housing needs for the 100 does plus young stock livestock (including bedding and winter hay fodder) is approximately 601m² (See appendix 2).
- Currently there is an agricultural barn (209m²) on site utilised for the housing of feeds and some goat housing.
- The proposed shelters will provide a further 415.45m². A difference of 30m².
- The field shelters are essential for the goats due to the goats having no lanolin and minimal body fat to protect themselves from the variable weather especially rain & cold winds.
- Goats are highly prone to bullying and as a result the applicant suggests an increased area than that of sheep is required to limit the bullying problem.
