TB restricted options
My herd has tested positive for TB. What are the options open to me for selling my TB restricted cattle?
Jonny Dymond, senior auctioneer and valuer at Halls, replies: It’s sad fact that cases of TB in cattle are continuing to increase in 2017. Those farmers that have never had the disease on their farm often feel they are sitting on a ticking time bomb, while those under restriction hope beyond hope, in most cases. that their battle only lasts as long as a two-test cycle.
Depending on the type of livestock, TB testing interval and the latest rules of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (AHPA), the best method of sale varies. However, my preferred option, wherever possible, is the live auction.
It is very easy to forget when you’re under TB restrictions that you are not the only farmer in this situation and that buyer is not the only person who can buy your cattle. There are four types of buyer for TB restricted cattle in the UK and all must be approved under APHA licenses.
1) Slaughter House – RED Slaughter Markets
2) Approved Finishing Unit (AFU)
3) Approved Isolation Unit (AIU)
4) TB restricted Holdings
It is important to remember that due to the increased cases of TB in cattle in the UK, more and more buyers are looking for ways to purchase these cattle and avoid tracer testing.
The competition is improving and the result is the price gap between clean and restricted cattle is narrowing. It is widely accepted now that there is an identical trade for cull cows, prime cattle and store cattle over 400 kilos. The next step is to improve the trade on younger cattle and calves where some purchasers look to secure a 30% discount from open market value.
Having grown up in Cornwall, I saw the devastating effect of TB at first hand. When I was in my early teens, a TB test took 30 (75%) of our in-calf heifers, just weeks off calving, to slaughter. It left a mark that I’m sure many who have suffered the devastating effects of this indiscriminate disease can relate to.
Throughout my career, I have always tried to limit the financial effects this disease has on farming businesses. This has included co-ordinating the first ever TB Restricted ‘Orange’ auction in Holsworthy Market, Devon, in 2010, on-farm sales of store cattle and calves and weekly collections of black and white bull calves.
