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Pedigree sales have been dealt another blow, as society fertility insurance policies will no longer cover animals exported to Northern Ireland, Scotland, England or Wales.
Many of the main breed societies in Ireland have made it compulsory that bulls sold at their sales have to be fertility tested and insured at the drop of the hammer.
These policies were generally underwritten by FBD, but as of 1 January, any bull sold outside of Europe will no longer be covered.
Another blow to breeders
This news comes as yet another blow for pedigree breeders in Ireland, who are already getting to grips with the new exporting rules for this market.
We are now at the eve of society spring sales, with the Irish Charolais Cattle Society the first to kick off with its sale in Tullamore on 27 February.
Northern Irish buyers play a big part in southern Charolais sales and the policy cover is seen as a big concern.
Breed society representatives have been in contact with FBD, but it’s understood they have stood firm on the ruling of animals sold outside the EU will not be covered.
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