Disposal queue critical
Disposal queue critical
NUMBERS of cattle awaiting disposal through the over 30-month scheme have reached critical levels, according to the National Beef Association.
"With a backlog of at least 180,000 cattle to be cleared, and numbers increasing by about 12,000-15,000 cows a week, stocking pressures are building daily," says Robert Forster, NBA chief executive.
"And the weekly build-up is going to be even greater now as the spring clear-out starts."
OTMS was suspended in late February due to foot-and-mouth restrictions, but Mr Forster says that a resumption is urgent. The NFU estimates that, if the scheme were to function at full capacity, it would take nearly two months before the number of cows waiting to go into OTMS returns to normal levels.
"If the backlog is to be cleared before the autumn flush, disposal needs to start by the end of June at the latest," says NFU meat hygiene adviser Tom Hind.
Both the NFU and NBA have consulted MAFF about compensation for cattle that went over the 30-month limit due to F&M restrictions.
"Nothing is on the table yet but MAFF is considering some form of recompense," says Mr Hind. *