Livestock board warns time is of the essence

NFU Cymru's Livestock Board has welcomed today's re-opening of livestock markets but warned that time is running out for Wales' livestock producers who desperately need further unravelling of Foot and Mouth restrictions at this crucial time of year.

Chairman of NFU Cymru Livestock Board, Ed Rees said, "There is huge desperation, frustration and anger amongst livestock farmers at the moment who are under intense pressure due to restrictions on the movement of stock and the knock-on economic and welfare problems. Time is of the essence as we only have a small window of opportunity when it comes to breeding and selling stock."

Mr Rees added, "The easing of the export ban from 12 October is clearly good news and a step in the right direction but we remain in the situation where we have had a build up of stock for the last two and a half months since exports were banned. There is a need to remove this backlog before we can expect this re-opening of the export market to have any meaningful impact in the market place and a light lamb disposal scheme remains absolutely essential.

"The economic and welfare problems continue to grow on farms as each day passes. As the autumnal weather hits there are increasing numbers of stock that have no grass and more and more stock that have no market. The situation is absolutely desperate.

Mr Rees "Time is running out fast, politicians need to sit up and listen, more so they need to act now to avoid a total market collapse."