Live valuations for TB reactors called into question

Questions have been raised about the independence of live valuers and the accuracy of the guideline prices used for valuing TB reactors.

IFA animal health chair Bert Stewart has claimed that the issues are preventing farmers from achieving a fair and accurate market value assessment of their animals through the Live Valuation Scheme.

“IFA has raised very serious problems since last year with the minister and his senior Department officials about the accuracy of the guideline prices and the lack of independence of the live valuers,” maintained Stewart.

Undermined

He claimed that the independence of the live valuers has been “seriously undermined” by the use of non-market criteria in assessing the value of animals and compounded by the bureaucratic approach by the Department with live valuers.

“Cows which still have a number of years of breeding and production are being deemed to have a higher cull value. This clearly points to the gross inaccuracy in the current guideline prices,” he added.

The IFA wants guideline prices to be compiled only from full clearance and dispersal sales, as agreed when the scheme was established nearly 20 years ago. This, the organisation claims, would provide a fair reference point for all breeding animals.

Meeting

A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture told the Irish Farmers Journal: "The Department regularly meets with stakeholders representatives and contractors.

"Representatives of the Department have recently met with both the Valuer Representative Group and the IFA to discuss aspects of the Live Valuation Scheme. A follow-up meeting with the IFA is due to be scheduled shortly.”

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