See a valuer before accepting fast-track compensation – LAA
See a valuer before accepting fast-track compensation – LAA
By Rebecca Austin
FAST-TRACK compensation rates have been set up by MAFF to speed up stock clearance from farms affected by foot-and-mouth disease.
Although the Livestock Auctioneers Association – furious that some of its members have been blamed for slowing slaughter times – admits the rates (see table) are reasonable, it strongly advises producers involved in an outbreak to consult their valuer.
"Speak to your valuer before you commit yourself," warns Frank Yeo, director of Devon and Cornwall-based auctioneers KVN Stockdale.
"MAFF might hold the cards and try to push farmers down this route, but we are instructed by our clients and they have every right to use a valuer to help them make up their minds.
"I am worried many farmers will go ahead and commit themselves to the fast-track rates."
But they might be better off following an individual valuation, he says. Farmers have the choice between an individual stock valuation, the standard valuation tariff and a mixture of both on one farm.
Mr Yeo says that all stock valuations are individual, every case is different and, therefore, confidential.
Producers need to balance the figures offered on the system. For example, the quoted rate for a breeding ewe (in-lamb/lamb at foot) is £90. This, however, would under-value a ewe suckling twins.
LAA secretary, David Brown, did not want to comment on the rates, but there were some odd aspects: "For example, steers under 30 months old are now worth £600. Just think of the implications of this because steers start at about 20 days old – when a bull calf is castrated."
Mr Brown adds that valuations might now set the market value, which could upset producers who have already had stock valued for slaughter. *
Fast track valuation rates (£)
Sheep
Breeding ewes
(in lamb/lambs at foot) 90.00
Cull/draft ewes 32.00
Hoggets (male and
female old season lambs) 55.00
New season lambs 60.00
Rams 150.00
Pigs
Gilts 190.00
Breeding sows 130.00
Cull sows 80.00
Piglets on sow 18.00
Stores – breeding
units (weaners) 30.00
Stores – finishing unit 55.00
Boars 520.00
Cattle
Clean cattle – steers
(under 30 months old) 600.00
Clean cattle – heifers
(under 30 months old) 500.00
Clean cattle – young bulls
(under 30 months old) 580.00
Breeding 1,100.00
Breeding heifers 900.00
Breeding 1,000.00
Cull cattle (including clean cattle
over 30 months old) 325.00
Source: MAFF.