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Wool payments in line with last year
Balance payments to NI sheep farmers who supply Ulster Wool are set to be similar to last year, British Wool chief executive Joe Farren said at Balmoral Show last week.
“Our prices for the season finishing up are going to be in line with last year which is not a bad result given the headwinds of the US-Chinese trade war since September,” he told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Farren explained that 30- 40% of British Wool’s supply goes into China for processing.
“Chinese carpet manufacturers are now facing a 25% tariff on their exports to the US.
“They are no longer competitive and are looking for new markets which has had a dampening effect on prices,” he said.
Brexit uncertainty has weighed on carpet wool prices due to fewer housing transactions in the UK, Farren added.
The British Wool chief said that the threat of no-deal Brexit was a concern because of the long-term impact on the national flock in the UK.
“The tariff impact [for trading wool] would be relatively minor, but the fact is if the sheep are not there because the lamb industry is not competitive, then we won’t have the wool,” he said.
Dale Farm invests for Red Tractor milk inspections
Dale Farm has invested in additional field staff to help its suppliers prepare for Red Tractor quality assurance inspections.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal at Balmoral Show last week, Neville Graham, the co-op’s head of farmer services, said that the UK remains Dale Farm’s most important market and having access to it requires a Red Tractor-assured milk pool.
Ahead of Red Tractor introducing unannounced inspections for farmers with significant non-conformances in routine audits, Dale Farm has increased the help available to suppliers to prepare for inspections.
“If you have an upcoming inspection, speak to your farm liaison officer and satisfy yourself that you are ready for it,” Graham said.
He said it was not like an MOT where some drivers get their car tested first then make the required improvements ahead of a re-test.
“Don’t take that approach with Red Tractor, get it right the first time,” he suggested.
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