Government should think again on stock transport proposals
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From the Farm by Victoria Ballantyne
It’s been a busy month – not so much on the farm, but in the wider farming industry.
I like to look at the positive side of farming and see the potential in the future, but whilst we have been feeding livestock to ensure they come through the worst of the winter in good condition, many businesses have been facing an onslaught from all sides.
Snow and floods have made conditions in much of the country difficult. We got off fairly lightly here with just a few bad days of rain, but we did have to evacuate the cows from the swedes when the Clyne burn overflowed, flooding the field.
The UK and Scottish Governments are currently consulting on animal transport changes. I believe we should always aspire to make the lives of our animals as stress free as possible. However, one of the areas up for consultation is the prevention of movements in ‘extreme weather’. This is classed as below 5C and above 25C. I’m not sure if anyone has told these governments that, in much of Scotland. 5C is not ‘extreme’ by any means, just normal seasonal weather.
They are also looking to restrict journey times from start to finish, which includes time spent off-loaded at marts. There has been very little thought about the practicalities of this, particularly the impact on remote areas. Our cattle, and others often travel to the mart a few days before sale to allow them to settle. The proposed rules do not account for this kind of movement and will in fact result in poorer animal welfare. Farmers are always willing to consider and work with sensible proposals, but this has created a real frustration at the disconnect of urban rule makers.
The dairy industry has also been having to fight its corner again after a new and rather crass Oatly ‘Oat Milk’ ad aired, using out of date and incorrect data to ‘shame’ parents into giving up cows milk. Oatly have acknowledged the data is wrong, have back-pedaled on it but still won’t pull the ad. It has been reported to advertising standards.
And then there is Brexit. The level and cost of new paperwork required to send small batches of product direct to EU consumers is now prohibitive. Several businesses have declared they can no longer send goods to Northern Ireland. Let’s hope this is a just short term period of re-adjustment.
Having got that off my chest, let’s look at some good news! Both sheep and cattle prices continue to hold up well despite all of the above and gives the industry confidence to invest in the future.
The Scottish Government has set up a new committee to look at climate change in a Hill, Upland & Crofting context. Joint chaired by Joyce Campbell from Sutherland and soon to be NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy. They want to hear from people in these areas so don’t hesitate to feed into the discussion.
I’m currently reading ‘The Drove Roads of Scotland’ by ARB Haldane. Published in 1960, it is a fascinating look into the past, quoting data and accounts from as far back as the 1200’s. Anyone with even a passing interest in Highland history will find it enjoyable.
Next big job is scanning the ewes in a few weeks. Always a nerve-racking time of year as it determines how we manage the animals for the rest of the year and is a judgement on our previous management. Fingers crossed our scanner has good news for us!
Victoria and Jason Ballantyne run Clynelish Farm, Brora.
