Live markets now available for Approved Finishing Unit cattle

Farmers in England and Wales are set to benefit from easier access to TB-dedicated sales platforms for cattle from Approved Finishing Units (AFUs).

Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency said movements of AFU cattle to so-called “orange markets”, used for the trading of clear tested animals from TB-restricted herds, were now permitted.

See also: Approval of TB-restricted cattle sales welcomed in Wales

It follows lengthy negotiations with the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association and will enable sellers to benefit from live auction sales to achieve the best price possible for AFU cattle.

Under the rule change, cattle from AFUs, and Approved Finishing Units (Enhanced) with grazing (AFUEs), will be allowed to move under licence to, and be sold at, orange markets in England and Wales.

For these purposes, an unsold animal returning from an orange market to an AFU does not count as having made a move.

The news is a particular boost for calf rearers selling calves as stores, as it gives them access to the competitive live sales platform.

The move has also been welcomed by auctioneers, who are keen to provide contingency plans for those producers with TB issues.

Alastair Sneddon, senior partner of Bagshaws and managing partner at Bakewell Market, said: “We are in an area that has got worse rather than better, and have only just instigated orange markets, but have enjoyed a better trade than anyone expected. It certainly gives a more viable option for vendors.”