Stamp set celebrates Manx agricultural heritage

A stamp collection celebrating the Isle of Man's farming heritage is set to be launched at an agricultural show at the end of month.

Created with the Manx National Farmers' Union (MNFU), the six-stamp set featured six original drawings of farm animals by local artist Yolande Alberts.

Proceeds from the collection will contribute to the union's Greener Grass mental health support scheme, and the Isle of Man Agricultural Benevolent Trust.

Ms Alberts said the "stamps celebrate free range farming on our beautiful island" and highlighted the work the MNFU does to support the industry.

The Isle of Man has an active meat, dairy and arable farming sector, and is home to one abattoir, one creamery and one flour mill.

The stamp collection will be launched to coincide with the first of the Isle of Man's major annual agricultural events, the Southern Agricultural Show, to be held on 26 and 27 July.

The colourful images, which feature drawings of a highland cow, a goat, a border collie, two hens, a ram and a dairy cow, will also go on display at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show on 8 and 9 August.

MNFU general secretary Sarah Comish said the shows welcomed thousands of visitors every year, highlighting the importance of the industry to the public.

She said the MNFU provided information and education and it would be "great to have this set of stamps to further support our work".

Union president Ean Parsons added that "high welfare and health standards" for all farmed animals was a priority for Manx farmers "along with protecting the environment".

He said he was "delighted" the Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) had been "keen to recognise Manx agriculture" with the artwork which "beautifully captures some unique images of the different types of stock on the island".

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