IN BRIEF

26 March 1999

IN BRIEF

&#8226 DONT FORGET…..British Summer Time begins this weekend. Clocks go forward an hour on Sunday morning.

&#8226 THE Farmers Union of Wales has complained to the British Cattle Movement Service about the reliability of compulsory ear tags.

Arwyn Owen, the unions commodity officer, said members reported that up to 20% of calves lost their primary tags. Time had to be spent checking the identity of animals and money spent on replacements.

"There are examples of tags breaking rather than being accidentally ripped out and farmers question what level of scrutiny there is to ensure that tags are being produced to the approved standard," Mr Owen said.

&#8226 FARMERS busy with spring cultivation have been urged by the Country Landowners Association to ensure they restore footpaths and bridleways and safeguard public rights of access. Anyone failing to obey the ploughing code and obstructing rights of way risked heavy fines, the CLA said.

&#8226 THE Health and Safety Executive has launched a new video and advice leaflet dealing with the dangers to agricultural workers when working at a height on farm buildings.

Over the past 10 years, more than 20 people have died due to falls through fragile roofs on farm buildings. The leaflet, available from HSE, gives information on inspection, small-scale repairs, maintenance and cleaning.