The Department of Agriculture has confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that Datamars Ireland has been given conditional approval to supply ear tags to farmers.

However, the company has to undertake a number of developments to the department’s satisfaction prior to being in a position to obtain final approval.

Datamars Ireland also confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that it has conditional approval from the department.

“We are delighted about this,” said Dr Klaus Ackerstaff, CEO of Datamars, “and we look forward to serving the Irish farmers with our competitive products and services.”

Datamars Ireland is based in Leinster and is an affiliate of the global player in animal identification, which is based in Switzerland.

Dr Ackerstaff said the company would issue full details and prices once it gets final approval of the department.

So far only Mullinahone co-op has received full approval from the Department of Agriculture. Last week a second company, Cormac Tagging, received conditional approval for its cattle tags. It is currently waiting for the Department to sign-off on its IT system.

Slow tag orders

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal this week, Mullinahone Co-op said ordering is running at just 30% of expected levels.

Farmers risk severe penalties and even prosecution if calves are not tagged within 21 days of birth.

Mullinahone said it is concerned that a backlog will develop in the lead-up to Christmas and over the new year.

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Penalties risk as cattle farmers slow to order tags