Pedigree sales are just around the corner, with many of the main breed societies’ premier events set to take place over the next two months. Many of these sales rely heavily on Northern Ireland and UK buyers for some of their top lots.While Ireland to Northern Ireland trade will remain unchanged, stock can no longer be exported to mainland UK on the day of sale as was the case prior to 1 January.
Pedigree sales are just around the corner, with many of the main breed societies’ premier events set to take place over the next two months. Many of these sales rely heavily on Northern Ireland and UK buyers for some of their top lots.
While Ireland to Northern Ireland trade will remain unchanged, stock can no longer be exported to mainland UK on the day of sale as was the case prior to 1 January.
In an official statement to the Irish Farmers Journal, the Department of Agriculture press office said: “The situation remains as heretofore for NI. However, it has changed for Britain following the end of the Brexit transition period.
“There are new health certificates in place for the export of live sheep and cattle to Britain. British export health certificates require animals to reside for 40 days on the holding of origin before export.”
This means from here on, any animal purchased by a mainland UK buyer has to return to the breeder for 40 days before export can take place.
The animal must be dispatched from their holding of origin without passing through a market.
TB test
As it stands, TB tests need to be a minimum of 42 days apart, so prior planning ahead of sale day will need to be undertaken by breeders.
Added delays after purchase such as this could also lead to a reduction in the number of mainland UK buyers looking to Ireland to source genetics.
As mentioned, Ireland to NI exports will remain unchanged and vice versa from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.
In a normal year, roughly 20% to 30% of stock at the main breeds’ society sales would go for export.
The percentage of these cattle exported to mainland Britain varies greatly among breeds.
However, what’s the same across all is that these are generally many of the top prices of the sales and these help set a standard overall.
Views of the Irish breed societies
Peadar Glennon, Irish Simmental Cattle Society: “The first thing I’d ask is where is the rule coming from? Is it the UK or the EU? If this rule stays in place, it will have a serious impact on our premier sale trade, especially for the likes of the good bulls and heifers. Export trade has been driving these sales the last number of years.”Nevan McKiernan, Irish Charolais Cattle Society: “It will affect everyone. It’s not good for the pedigree end of things, but it’s also not good for the wider commercial side either. Many of the top-end commercial weanling bulls and heifers go across to Britain, especially from the likes of Elphin and that. I hope all breed societies come together to put pressure on getting this changed.”
Trevor Masterson, Irish Limousin Cattle Society: “As it stands, it’s very damaging to the pedigree industry. It’s especially disappointing given the standard and health status we have here in Ireland and across our membership. The recent success across the water with Irish Limousin genetics shows just how desirable a product we have. This will be hugely hindering to the marketing of our elite genetics in the UK. We hope that we will be able to work collectively in getting it changed.”Free transport
Due to the growth in this market and added boost it gives to trade, many societies have offered buyers free transport to collection points in the UK.
One of the leading exporters for this service is Andrew Ewing who said: “I see this having a dramatic effect on trade as it stands. The big attraction for the UK buyers was the export on the day and free delivery back to Britain.
“These rules could finish that market. Your special lots it probably won’t affect, but for your normal guy it’s nearly a non-runner.
“So numbers coming across will drop significantly.
“The other major concern is the logistics of collecting bulls after the 40 days. These sellers will be from all over Ireland. Getting route plans approved for different farm collections will be near-on impossible.”
British sales an
ongoing problem
For Irish buyers looking to buy at UK sales, animals can be exported after 40 days also.
This is up from 30 days previously.
NI breeders wishing to sell at upcoming British sales such as Carlisle and Stirling will see a significant change.
Breeders will no longer be able to return their animal to Northern Ireland if they fail to meet their reserve, without a six-month residence in mainland UK first.
This also means buyers from the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland can’t buy an NI-bred bull at these sales without the same six-month residence.
This has detrimental effects for NI breeders who regularly sell at these events.
It means if an NI breeder brings a bull or heifer to Carlisle or Stirling, they have to sell, as the cost of keeping them for six months before return would be too much.
These sales generally have pre-sale inspections also, so if the animal travelled badly or became tender on the feet after travel, breeders may not even get a chance to put their bull through the sales ring.
This then leaves the breeders with two choices.
Take a substantial cut on price and sell outside the ring or, if unsellable, send directly for slaughter.
This compulsory residence will also be in place for NI breeders wishing to exhibit at the likes of the Royal Highland Show.
Regular Stirling bull sale exhibitor Michael Robson of Kilbride Farm Simmentals in Co Antrim said: “We had 10 bulls planned for Stirling. However, these plans have changed and we are now focused on selling bulls privately.
“Thankfully, there are customers looking for breeding stock and we have sold bulls into Britain this month.
“The new rules are just too risky for local breeders. If a bull cannot be sold or is turned down in the pre-sale inspection, the breeder has little choice but to take an animal to slaughter.
“Standing an unsold bull in the livery yard for six months, with the intention of bringing the animal home, is a non-runner because of the cost.”
Regular exhibitor
James McKay of Ampertaine Limousin is similarly a regular exhibitor in the UK.
He said: “I have four bulls entered for Carlisle later this month. At the moment, I’m still planning to take the bulls across. Good genetics and well-bred bulls from NI will still attract buying interest in Britain. We have to be positive about selling top-quality breeding stock and not talk ourselves down. I am hopeful a solution can be reached that will allow local breeders to move animals across to the premier sales in Britain without any problems.”
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