This is a subscriber-only article
Valuers who determine TB compensation rates should be given free rein to do their jobs without interruption from the Department of Agriculture, according to the ICSA.
“When it comes to breeding stock, or animals with show potential, there has to be flexibility in the system to allow valuers to give an honest and true assessment of what an animal is worth.
"In these cases, average price ranges from thousands of animals sold in marts each week is meaningless,” ICSA animal health and welfare chair Hugh Farrell said.
Too much subtle pressure is being put on valuers
Currently, a ceiling of €3,000 is applied for payments in respect of any individual bovine reactor animals.
Exceptions are made for a €4,000 payment for one stock bull per breakdown or €5,000 for one pedigree stock bull.
“[The] ICSA is concerned that too much subtle pressure is being put on valuers to avoid giving the real value of a high-calibre cow or heifer.
While the farmer can appeal the valuation, so too can the Department
“As it stands, the odds are stacked against a farmer who has TB reactors. While the farmer can appeal the valuation, so too can the Department.
“Unless there is a strong body of evidence that a valuer is continuously getting it wrong, the Department should accept that, at times, there will be stock that are much more valuable than any paper exercise in average values.”
SHARING OPTIONS: