Archive Article: 2002/08/09
Another mart gives up the struggle
Another livestock market will close its gates for the last time later this year. Northampton, one of the countrys biggest cattle auctions, has seen stock numbers dwindle since it re-opened after foot-and-mouth. Its directors have decided to cut their losses from the end of October this year.
What a pity yet another market cant make a profit. Farmers want live markets and will support them because they give transparent prices and open competition. The government, on the other hand, seems determined to strangle the sector with new rules and regulations, such as the much-hated 20-day rule.
Auctioneers believe that more markets will follow Northamp- ton if restrictions and red tape remain in place. Unless government allows markets to operate without constraints, their predictions will become reality.
DEFRAso slow to tackle bovine TB
Loss of livestock, loss of milk sales disruption of breeding plans, movement restrictions – sounds sadly familiar?
You could be forgiven for imagining we are referring to the foot-and-mouth crisis. But the same dire consequences also follow a bovine TB outbreak.
But, unlike over-zealous slaughtering of livestock last year, DEFRAs response to TB continues to be depressingly slow. Waiting four years for the outcome of Krebs trials is intolerable. Farming businesses cannot afford to wait that long.
DEFRA should face up to TB now and get behind local vets and producers in their struggle to eliminate it from Britains cattle herds.
Lamb deaths are a real sickener
Imagine how youd feel walking into a field and discovering 25 of your prime lambs, ready for sale, dead. Pretty miserable, to put it mildly.
Yet every sheep producer in the UK is losing the equivalent to infectious diseases every year -£1000 off bottom line. As you contemplate buying replacement breeding stock this autumn, it is worth remembering those animals represent one of the largest potential threats to flock health.
So, as well as looking at back ends, feet and teeth, it may pay to ask about health and take sensible precautions when stock arrive on your farm. Flock health and profitability depend on it.
Farm vehicle road deaths too high
Carnage on the road. Road accidents involving farm vehicles are one of the most common causes of fatal accidents in the industry, according to the Health and Safety Executive.
Nearly 80 farmers and their employees have been killed in transport related incidents over the past 10 years. So, at this busy time of the year when every minute counts, ensuring all vehicles are roadworthy makes sense for everyone.
Meanwhile, the HSE and Sussex police are making spot checks on vehicles and implements, both on the road and on the farm. Offenders risk a £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison. But whats that compared with a possible death sentence?
Weed control cutting can be false economy
One years seeding leads to seven years weeding. Theres much truth in the old saying as those who drop their guard on weed control know to their cost.
With crop values at rock bottom there is a great temptation to make severe cuts to herbicide spending. But that can all too easily become a false economy, particularly with the added risk of herbicide resistance.
Our special herbicides supplement provides a comprehensive guide to autumn weed control.
View from east not too rosy either
The prospect of east European countries joining the EU is viewed with apprehension by UK farmers. Lower labour costs, lack of red tape and assurance schemes, make east European producers hard to compete with.
But how do they view EU enlargement? With some scepticism too. Large numbers of smaller-scale farmers will have to go out of business if their industry is to modernise.
Western supermarket chains are also making big inroads in east Europe. So, their farmers are finding out what it feels like to be a small business trading with giant, ruthless retailers.