Since a debacle over tariffs on beet pulp began back in early December, there has been confusion over which Government department is responsible for sorting it out.

The feed industry seemed to be last to know about the 25% tariffs affecting orders made well in advance of their implementation.

And it seems the back and forth on what department is to deal with the fallout is still going on. Last week, when answering a parliamentary question on the matter, Minister McConologue made it clear that “questions regarding international trade are primarily a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment”.

Since that answer, the Department of Trade has said the Department of Agriculture is best placed to respond to the comments.

Feed markets are tricky enough at the minute without a game of tennis in the background.