Ireland-Tagging sheep.

IRELAND-SHEEP CARRY AS MUCH DISEASE AS CATTLE IRELAND MADE A SONG AND DANCE ABOUT CATTLE IN BRAZIL NOT BEING TAGGED, NOW THET WONT TAG THEIR OWN SHEEP.

Farm organisations and the Department of Agriculture look to be on a collision course over the guidelines for tagging of lambs in 2010.

Different interpretations of the EU tagging rules emerged at a recent meeting between the Department and farmer representatives.

A new EU regulation stipulates that from January 1, 2010, all sheep in the breeding flock must be electronically tagged.

The farm organisations understood that lambs were exempt from this rule until they reached 12 months of age.

This was because most of the lambs would be going for slaughter and not into the breeding flock.

However, during the meeting, it emerged that the Department wants all lambs tagged from mid-August.

ICSA sheep chairman Mervyn Sunderland said the Department’s interpretation of the rule would cost farmers more money.

"Farmers could have to pay €1.50-2 per tag, on top of all the other costs of lamb production," he said.

"Given the state of the economy and the price of stock, they can’t afford it," he insisted.

"If it was of any advantage to the farmers we would do it, but if it is going to be extra expense and hassle for the farmer, no thanks."

If farmers were forced to tag lambs going for slaughter, it would be another stick to beat sheep producers with, he said.

Further meetings between the farm organisations and the Department on the EU regulations are expected to take place in the coming months.