Welfare scheme lambs are devalued
30 August 2001
Welfare scheme lambs are devalued
By Fwi staff
FARMERS are furious that sheep entered into the extended welfare scheme are likely to raise half of what they would fetch in a normal season.
Food and farming minister Lord Whitty confirmed in an announcement on Tue (Aug 28) that the scheme would offer payment rates of 10 a lamb.
But Dillwyn John, who farms next to the Brecon Beacons, described the light lamb payment and 18 for ewes as shamefully small amounts.
At that level returns would not cover production costs let alone provide his family with an income, he said.
My sheep are not cull ewes fit only for the knackers yard, yet I am being treated as though I have only got rubbish, claimed Mr John.
The government should value all livestock individually to ensure that those with quality animals are properly recompensed.
My family have done all the hard graft, he added.
We have build up the farm and livestock over 32 years and now I feel we are being battered into submission by having to accept these scandalous prices.
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