Wales-EID Ear tag trials
WALES-A NEW TRIAL to test the impact of electronically identifying sheep on livestock markets is to be carried out.
EBLEX is conducting the test in conjunction with the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association.
A delegation from the European Commission visited an EID trial at Sedgemoor Auction Centre, Bridgewater, last week to see electronically- tagged sheep put through a simulated market day.
The trial – running on normal market days over eight weeks – will look at tag reading options, integration with the market computer system and the production of movement licenses.
It is also hoped to gain an insight into additional labour requirements and capital costs necessary to ensure the legislation is adhered to.
Liz Ford, regional project manager at EBLEX is co-ordinating the trial.
She said: "EBLEX is very aware of the widespread industry concerns on the implementation of EID, both on farm and across the supply chain.
"This trial will provide practical information, which can help live markets assess how EID could operate in a working market on a dayto- day basis."
Christopher Dodds, executive secretary at the LAA, said: "Livestock markets run commercial businesses servicing both ends of the supply chain, therefore it is essential that we properly prepare for EID.
"The involvement of EBLEX in the market trial has been essential in allowing us to mitigate the potential logistical and practical problems facing the industry."
Peter Morris, chief executive of the National Sheep Association said last week’s visit by EU officials was at times "hard-nosed and difficult".
He said: "On several occasions there were very obvious stand-offs between NSA representatives and the officials both from Defra and the EU whose view is that there is no way back from this regulation being implemented in 2010.
"NSA, on behalf of the GB sheep industry, is just not prepared to accept that this is a done deal and we will never stop opposing it."
Mr Morris said it was frustrating that the EU officials were still unable to identify a single animal disease situation where individual recording of sheep would reduce disease spread.
"All we have had shoved down our throats as a sheep industry is that this is all about coping better with disease outbreaks, yet no one can tell the sheep farmers who will have to live with it how it will make a difference," he said.
"There is now less than 11 months left until this ridiculous regulation is due to be forced upon us as an industry.
"If ever there was a time when all sheep farmers should get behind NSA in its opposition to these new rules, then that time is now.
"Without very visible support from grassroot farmers our battle is much more difficult, so now is the time for farmers to be very vocal and get at their MPs and MEPs because it is politicians that will need to act if this is to be stopped."
