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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 comment to the Irish Farmers Journal, the Department press office stated: “The situation remains as hereto fore for NI. However, it has changed for GB following the end of the Brexit transition period."
Health certificates
“There are new health certificates in place for the export of live sheep and cattle to GB.
“GB export health certificates require animals to reside for 40 days on the holding of origin before export.”
The animal must be dispatched from their holding of origin without passing through a market
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.
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 north to south.
Irish buying in the UK
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 in the mainland UK at upcoming 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 southern Irish buyers can’t buy an NI bull at these sales without the same six-month residence.
This compulsory residence will also be in place for NI breeders wishing to exhibit at the likes of the Royal Highland Show.
Full details in next week’s Irish Farmers Journal.
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