Cross-border trade key for UK livestock sector, state young livestock auctioneers

The importance of cross border trade and minimising market disruptions were key themes as the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) Next Generation Group met, ahead of the extension of the BTV-3 Bluetongue Restricted Zone which now covers the whole of England.

In advance of the implementation of the extension, now meaning livestock movements from England into Wales or Scotland require pre-movement testing or vaccination (vaccination is only applicable to cattle), with the exception of movements to approved Red Markets in Wales, the LAA Next Generation Group raised concerns during the Open Discussion Forum at its AGM at the end of May.

The LAA has been vocal in its concerns over the impact of these regulations, and continues to represent the industry in negotiations with Defra. Welsh and Scottish governments, while also providing the latest advice and guidance for its members and mart customers.

“During our AGM, the Next Generation Group engaged in a frank and open discussion about the importance of cross-border livestock movements and the need for a harmonised UK-wide strategy,” explains Group chairman Will Alexander.

“This Group plays an influential role, feeding into the LAA National Council, and in this case helping to support the LAA in providing the latest advice and guidance on livestock movements, in what is a constantly evolving situation,” he adds.

While the subject dominated discussions during the Open Forum, following the formal AGM in which Mr Alexander and vice chairman Hywel Evans were re-elected to continue the second-year of their term in office, a more positive theme around exploring new opportunities was also embraced, during two enlightening farm tours.

Kindly hosted by Philip Halhead and his family at Norbeck Farm in Cockerham, Lancashire, the first farm tour provided the group with an insight into running a successful and progressive agri-business.

Having initially expanded the original family agri-business into a modern dairy unit and successful pedigree beef breeding operation, introducing Norbeck Genetics in 1999, and more recently launching Norbeck Self Storage, Mr Halhead challenged the Group to consider ways to strengthen and adapt their own livestock market businesses for the future.

“While providing a thorough insight into the progressive approach of his agri-business, Philip’s underlying message was to not be afraid of change, but to actively look to it to help to take our businesses forward, and this is something we can all adopt,” explains Mr Alexander.

Next up on the agenda was a visit to Netherhall Farm in Kirkby Lonsdale, kindly hosted by David and Maggie Kelly, who run the pedigree Netherhall Hereford herd from their 850-acre farm in South Cumbria.

“The Kelly’s strive to produce the best Herefords possible, giving us an insight into the way they source and choose genetics to achieve this, while providing a snapshot into the performance of the pedigree cattle herd,” he adds. 

The tours opened the full programme of networking activities for the Next Generation Group, and according to Will, this provided a positive opportunity to share experiences with some 20 delegates, coming from all parts of England and Wales.

“What I really value about the Next Generation Group, is that we can take the opinions and thoughts from the younger members, put them to the LAA council, and make sure their voices are heard,” he says.

LAA executive secretary Chris Dodds adds, “We continue to lobby Defra, Welsh & Scottish governments, highlighting the complex trade barriers, and economic and logistical burdens, the Bluetongue restrictions present. This is particularly felt by farmers and livestock markets situated on, or close to the borders.

“We do so by maintaining open communication channels, and it is vital that we have the input from our younger members, to ensure we fully reflect the concerns of the entire demographic we represent. 

“It was also fantastic that we could share in some of the commercial successes and innovative thinking from our farm hosts during this year’s Next Generation Group AGM programme, and we thank the respective hosts for their hospitality,” he concludes.

Latest guidance on requirements for livestock movements through markets can be found by visiting the LAA website at www.laa.co.uk/news/