LFAmeat profits to fall
LFAmeat profits to fall
PROFITS from upland beef and sheep farms in the UKs less favoured areas will show a considerable decline on last years figures, according to the chairman of the NFUs LFA committee, Tim Bennett.
Although figures on the effectiveness of hill livestock compensatory allowances, being carried out at Exeter, Aberystwyth and Edinburgh universities for MAFF have yet to be released, Mr Bennett said he predicted declines in both sectors.
NFU president Sir David Naish is due to meet farm minister Jack Cunningham on Oct 29, while meetings with the Welsh and Scottish Office to discuss the income figures will take place over the next fortnight. Results of the NFUs survey of all hill farms in the north-east will be announced on Mon (Oct 20).
"We want to discuss not only the income figures but the future for hill farming," said Mr Bennett.
And he rejected allegations that the NFU had halted its campaign to get MPs on to hill farms following governments announcement that it did not have the money to increase HLCAs: "Here in Wales most of the MPs have already had meetings with farmers."