Weanling exporters planning to boycott of marts as of next week should have outlined their health-related concerns to farmers months ago, the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) has said.
Ray Doyle, ICOS livestock executive, has labelled the planned boycott as “unfortunate” and said if there were concerns they should have been addressed well ahead of peak throughput.
“It is unfortunate that there is a threat of trade disruption at a time of peak throughput when any such concerns should have been conveyed to farmers months ago, and not now when there is such a tight timeline to bring about immediate changes.
“At this time of year, weanling sales are very important and marts provide a reliable platform to move these young animals,” he said.
Doyle, who heads up ICOS’s marts representation, outlined that marts are an essential part of rural areas and they need stability.
“They are vital hubs in livestock trade and in the wellbeing of rural communities, encouraging competition and helping farmers achieve fair market value for their stock.
“It is essential that there is stability and certainty for farmers who depend on marts and related channels including live exports.”
Vaccination
Addressing the concerns exporters have reported around vaccination, Doyle said: “Irish marts have a long tradition of supporting and fully endorsing good vaccination and health protocols for all animals passing through sales.
“We remain fully committed to initiatives that improve animal health and welfare.
“Auctioneers have actively been highlighting animals offered which have been vaccinated either through the National Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS), or in their own right, and will continue to do so where asked by producers,” he added.
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Live exporters threaten to boycott mart weanling sales
Weanling exporters planning to boycott of marts as of next week should have outlined their health-related concerns to farmers months ago, the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) has said.
Ray Doyle, ICOS livestock executive, has labelled the planned boycott as “unfortunate” and said if there were concerns they should have been addressed well ahead of peak throughput.
“It is unfortunate that there is a threat of trade disruption at a time of peak throughput when any such concerns should have been conveyed to farmers months ago, and not now when there is such a tight timeline to bring about immediate changes.
“At this time of year, weanling sales are very important and marts provide a reliable platform to move these young animals,” he said.
Doyle, who heads up ICOS’s marts representation, outlined that marts are an essential part of rural areas and they need stability.
“They are vital hubs in livestock trade and in the wellbeing of rural communities, encouraging competition and helping farmers achieve fair market value for their stock.
“It is essential that there is stability and certainty for farmers who depend on marts and related channels including live exports.”
Vaccination
Addressing the concerns exporters have reported around vaccination, Doyle said: “Irish marts have a long tradition of supporting and fully endorsing good vaccination and health protocols for all animals passing through sales.
“We remain fully committed to initiatives that improve animal health and welfare.
“Auctioneers have actively been highlighting animals offered which have been vaccinated either through the National Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS), or in their own right, and will continue to do so where asked by producers,” he added.
Read more
Live exporters threaten to boycott mart weanling sales
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