MLC warns on slaughter-premium deadline

By FWi staff

FARMERS could be throwing money away if they dont start claiming their cattle slaughter premium quickly, according to the Meat and Livestock Commission.

The premium, introduced the 1 January this year, can be claimed on all prime and OTMS cattle and is worth 16.92 per animal for the coming year.

But there is a two-month deadline for claiming it, says the MLC.

“Anybody who has sold cattle at the beginning of January has until the end of this month to get the necessary forms filled in and returned to the relevant agricultural service centre.”

Senior MLC economist Duncan Sinclair says the premium is a significant amount for someone finishing prime cattle or selling into OTMS.

“In the current climate no livestock farmer can afford to ignore the chance to claim it,” he adds.