Breeders also feeling pinch
Breeders also feeling pinch
THE BAN on livestock movements is having a considerable impact on the businesses of pedigree breeders as well as commercial livestock farmers.
Most sales falling within the next few weeks have already been postponed and it looks likely that more pedigree sales will fall by the wayside as the crisis develops (see p37).
So far amongst the casualties has been the Ryedale reduction sale of Limousin cattle at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, last Wednesday.
The decision to postpone the sale until May 23, was made the day before the ban on livestock movements was announced on Feb 23, said herd owners Peter and Anne Lang from Helmsley, North Yorkshire.
"We decided potential purchasers would not wish to buy animals in the present climate – it was better to postpone it," said Mr Lang.
Billed as one of the countrys top pedigree breeding sales so far this year, it was devastating news for the Lang family, who planned to reduce their herd over five months ago for personal reasons.
Now their cattle, which were in peak sale condition, will have to be built up and prepared again for the future sale date.
"We have potentially lost £1000s. Many hours of hard work have also gone by the board."
The annual show and sale of Lincoln Red cattle at the Lincolnshire Showground, has also been postponed although another date has yet to be announced.
A two day Belgian Blue show and sale at Chelford Market, due to start today has been postponed indefinitely.
Auctioneer John Farrall said a future sale date depends on developments. "We want at least 14 days clear with no more cases confirmed, before we reschedule. This is from both consumers and vendors point of view." *