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The number of replacement cattle tags bought by NI farmers has fallen below 200,000, with the latest figures from 2018 putting the number purchased at 193,903 (approximately 12% of the cattle population in NI). That compares with pre-2016, when the figure consistently stood at around the 220,000 mark.
At a cost of up to £3.50/tag set, the industry total is estimated at over £700,000/year.
Since 2016, NI has moved to compulsory tissue tagging for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), which has changed the market dynamic. Prior to tissue tagging, Caisley tags supplied by Countryside Services in Dungannon had a small share of the market. It is now thought to hold the majority of the market in NI.
The other major market leader is understood to be Allflex, supplied via Fane Valley Stores.
No information is available on the replacement rate for individual tag manufacturers in NI, but data suggests that the overall quality of tags being used is better than previously. Prior to the BVD scheme there was a much broader availability of different tags.
“We are seeing replacement tag numbers in decline. We are confident about our product – the trend is there,” said Ian McNiece from Countryside Services.
He also confirmed that the company has teamed up with National Milk Records (NMR) and is soon to open a lab at the Dungannon site to undertake BVD sample testing.
“It means we will offer a quick turnaround in sample results. Farmers will also be able to bring samples to us in person, rather than relying on the post,” said McNiece.
He said that farmers applying the wrong postage when submitting samples is still an issue in some cases. However, the most common problem is farmers submitting samples, but not remembering to register calves.
Long-term, it looks as if Countryside Services could be moving from its base on the Moy road to a new facility at Granville, close to Dunbia and Linden Foods.
It is understood that the company, which is a subsidiary of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, has acquired a block of land in the area and received planning permission for a new build.
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