We received hundreds of comments in our exporter boycott survey, that took place last weekend. Below is a flavour of some of the reaction:
“Complaints about vaccinations should have been brought during the summer to allow for farmers to plan. I do agree that weanlings should be vaccinated, however with vaccine products some first shots need to be used six weeks prior. It is simply too late for January to March’s calves now. Vaccinating on the day of sale is of no use to either farmer or buyer, as it will not have taken hold. I’m all for correct vaccinations; if there was a way it could be proven that they were vaccinated it would be of benefit.”
– Michael Gill, Mayo
“I don’t blame the exporters for the boycott. I lost weanlings two years ago with an outbreak and could have lost more. Twenty cattle had to be treated. I was robbed with vets bills. The cattle lost condition and I ended up having to keep them to finish as they were no where near fit to sell as a store. Most of the batch went over 30 months too.
“We have weanlings bought in the last few weeks. None of them were weaned, so they all had to kept in for a week. Only three of them were vaccinated. And, at that, we only know that one of them was done for IBR and not RSV, etc. Only one calf was fully vaccinated for pneumonia, IBR and black leg. It’s not expensive to do and it should be compulsory, like a TB test.
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“I don’t think it’s fair a suckler farmer has the option of getting paid €15 to vaccinate and the person buying gets no support to vaccinate, yet they are taking a huge risk.”
– Eanna Tiernan, Roscommon
“Marts and farmers should make more effort to advertise at the sales which weanlings are vaccinated and which aren’t. If more is paid for vaccinated weanlings, then farmers won’t be long about using more vaccinations.”
– John Donohoe, Meath
“I have vaccinated weanlings previously, but have never seen any premium for the extra work. I previously weaned calves before sale, only to see unweaned calves with a bloom still on them get a premium. I understand however with the cost of weanlings now being so high that to lose one to pneumonia is expensive. The exporters should have made their request two months ago. Expecting to see vaccination done now is ridiculous.”
– Padráig Breen, Wexford
“A healthy animal is a plus for everyone. If vaccination is proven to aid this, then it should be compulsory. With the primary producer paying the initial cost, which should then be reflected in the price paid at following stages – finisher and factory. Proof of vaccination may be difficult. The use of mart boards to display information could also help.”
– Peter Coogan , Kilkenny
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We received hundreds of comments in our exporter boycott survey, that took place last weekend. Below is a flavour of some of the reaction:
“Complaints about vaccinations should have been brought during the summer to allow for farmers to plan. I do agree that weanlings should be vaccinated, however with vaccine products some first shots need to be used six weeks prior. It is simply too late for January to March’s calves now. Vaccinating on the day of sale is of no use to either farmer or buyer, as it will not have taken hold. I’m all for correct vaccinations; if there was a way it could be proven that they were vaccinated it would be of benefit.”
– Michael Gill, Mayo
“I don’t blame the exporters for the boycott. I lost weanlings two years ago with an outbreak and could have lost more. Twenty cattle had to be treated. I was robbed with vets bills. The cattle lost condition and I ended up having to keep them to finish as they were no where near fit to sell as a store. Most of the batch went over 30 months too.
“We have weanlings bought in the last few weeks. None of them were weaned, so they all had to kept in for a week. Only three of them were vaccinated. And, at that, we only know that one of them was done for IBR and not RSV, etc. Only one calf was fully vaccinated for pneumonia, IBR and black leg. It’s not expensive to do and it should be compulsory, like a TB test.
“I don’t think it’s fair a suckler farmer has the option of getting paid €15 to vaccinate and the person buying gets no support to vaccinate, yet they are taking a huge risk.”
– Eanna Tiernan, Roscommon
“Marts and farmers should make more effort to advertise at the sales which weanlings are vaccinated and which aren’t. If more is paid for vaccinated weanlings, then farmers won’t be long about using more vaccinations.”
– John Donohoe, Meath
“I have vaccinated weanlings previously, but have never seen any premium for the extra work. I previously weaned calves before sale, only to see unweaned calves with a bloom still on them get a premium. I understand however with the cost of weanlings now being so high that to lose one to pneumonia is expensive. The exporters should have made their request two months ago. Expecting to see vaccination done now is ridiculous.”
– Padráig Breen, Wexford
“A healthy animal is a plus for everyone. If vaccination is proven to aid this, then it should be compulsory. With the primary producer paying the initial cost, which should then be reflected in the price paid at following stages – finisher and factory. Proof of vaccination may be difficult. The use of mart boards to display information could also help.”
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
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