Farmers must talk to abattoirs about show cattle movements

Farmers who show cattle are being advised to ask the abattoirs they deal with whether travel to and from shows will count as a livestock movement when the animal is finally slaughtered.

NFU Scotland said many abattoirs have specifications, which put a maximum limit on the number of moves before a penalty is applied.

Movements to and from shows need to be registered with the British Cattle Movement Service.

Charlie Adam, NFUS livestock chairman, said: “For most abattoirs, movements of cattle to agricultural shows does not contribute towards the maximum number of moves rule.

See also: Livestock marts call for clarity over cattle movement charges

“We have made it clear that moves within businesses should not contribute toward a penalty. Nevertheless, farmers need to be aware of the situation as it stands and we urge members to speak to their processor to investigate further”
Charlie Adam, NFU Scotland

But he added: “Before taking your cattle to an agricultural show, NFU Scotland recommends speaking to your abattoir to understand exactly how their specification rules are applied.

“We have made it clear that moves within businesses should not contribute toward a penalty. Nevertheless, farmers need to be aware of the situation as it stands and we urge members to speak to their processor to investigate further.”

Mr Adam said the union also recommended that where possible, farmers made their abattoir aware of any show cattle within a consignment before it left the farm.

This would allow the farmer to explain that the movements on the passport were caused by taking the animal to a show and not due to a change of ownership or residency.