Disclaimer: This report has been prepared exclusively for the use of Mr. R. Quayle on the basis of information supplied, and no responsibility can be accepted for actions taken by any third party arising from their interpretation of the information contained in this document. No other third party may rely on the report, and if they do, then they rely upon it at their own risk.
Ballakilley and Ballagilley
AB Reference 1340
The farms of Ballakilley and Ballagilley are mixed livestock farms in Maughold operated by Robert Quayle and his son Andrew. Ballakilley extends to approximately 170 acres, and Ballagilley 130 acres, giving a combined total of 300 acres. All of the land is owner-occupied.
The main enterprises on the farm are a herd of 30 spring calving suckler cows, with all progeny finished on farm. There is a flock of 350 cross ewes producing finished lambs. In addition to these enterprises, the business also purchases around 80 store cattle for finishing each year. All of the land on both farms is utilised for either grazing livestock on, or for growing crops for rearing livestock.
Summary of Cropping
Acres
Spring barley
70
Grassland
227
Fodder rape
3
Total
300
Summary of Stocking
Number
Suckler cows
30
Finishing cattle (homebred)
30
Finishing cattle (purchased)
80
Breeding ewes
350
Other sheep
20
Using "Standard Labour Requirement Data" produced for agricultural and horticultural activities as agreed by DEFRA, SEERAD and DANI under the UK Farm Classification Working Party, the total labour requirement for Ballakilley and Ballagilley can be calculated – see Appendix 1.
Taking account of the cropping and livestock carried on the farm it is calculated the agricultural labour requirement is 2.09 labour units.
The size of this unit and the stock carried justifies 2 Full Time Equivalents (FTE) engaged in agricultural activities.
The following points should also be taken into account:
Currently there is no house available to the business at Ballagilley. There is one worker’s cottage on Ballakilley, but Mr. Quayle’s mother currently resides there, while Mr. Quayle lives in the farmhouse at Ballakilley. The original farmhouse at Ballagilley had to be sold.
The holdings of Ballakilley and Ballagilley carry a stock of breeding ewes and breeding cows. It is essential for animal welfare and desirable for security that those individuals responsible for looking after the livestock are resident on the unit.
During calving and lambing, livestock may require regular supervision throughout the day and night. It is therefore both practical and convenient that those involved with these duties are resident on the unit itself.
The proposed site for the dwelling house would not result in the loss of any trees hedges or walls, and as such will not impact upon the natural heritage of the site.
Total Standards Hours:-
Based on UK agricultural Wages Board 39 hour week, on Full Time Equivalent (FTE) = 1900 hours per annum
Calculated Standard Labour Requirement for Ballakilley and Ballagilley = 3964.4 1900 = 2.09 Labour Units
Crops
Area (ac)
Hours/ac/annum
Total
Spring barley
70
8
560
Grassland
227
1.6
363.20
Forage rape
3
2.4
7.20
Sub Total
930.40
Livestock
Number
Hours/head/annum
Total
Suckler cows
30
12
360
Finishing cattle
30
9
270
Finishing cattle (purchased, on holding for 8 months)
80
9
480
Breeding ewes
350
5.2
1820
Other sheep
20
5.2
104
Sub Total
3034
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