The Department of Agriculture has stepped up its implementation of the clean livestock policy in the last week.

More sheep have been rejected for slaughter across a number of plants and there was a significant increase in the number of sheep being shorn before slaughter.

After initial challenges, Kepak Athleague is working closely with suppliers and has seen a significant improvement in throughput. It is advising concerned farmers to contact its procurement team and it will hold information evenings next Monday and Tuesday at 6.30pm.

IFA sheep chair Sean Dennehy said the Department of Agriculture is implementing the policy “in an overzealous fashion and this is causing major problems”.

It is meeting with senior Department vets to push for a more sensible and realistic approach.