Cross-border differences in bovine TB (bTB) cattle control measures and concerns surrounding the proposed provision of open access farm-level Welsh bTB data next year were some of the issues highlighted to Monmouth MP David Davies during a recent farm visit.
Senior officials from the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) met Mr Davies at Penterry Farm in St Arvans, near Chepstow, on Friday (16 October) to discuss several aspects of TB policy in Wales in order to identify areas of concern and potential future strategies.
FUW members Rhys and Judith Parry farm 400 acres of organic beef just a mile from the English border and supply Waitrose with 200 fat cattle a year. Replacement store cattle are purchased between July and November.
“A TB breakdown in July prevented us from buying in replacements until the first week of October," said Mr Parry.
"This has meant that we missed a number of sales and will result in us being around 100 cattle short for the coming 12 months. The impact on cash flow for the business is therefore enormous and it will take years to recover the position.
“TB has restricted the market for our cattle and this has led to a loss of up to £300 per head compared to what we would normally expect."
FUW senior policy officer Dr Hazel Wright said: “The recent TB Order consultation issued by the Welsh Government takes this issue further by proposing to reduce the compensation provided to cattle that have legally, with a licence, been moved onto a TB restricted holding if such cattle subsequently go down with TB.
"This could place members in an untenable position, due to issues such as breaches of their milk contract, and puts them on a no-win situation.
“The FUW is currently seeking members’ views on this consultation and we will reply on behalf of our membership in due course."
Mr Davies added: "It was heartbreaking to hear from people whose businesses are being ruined because of the failure to grips with the TB epidemic.
"TB is being spread by badgers. The Welsh Government has responded with a vaccination policy and, in England, culling is being carried out in areas with a particularly acute problem.
"We need to give both policies a chance to work then adopt whichever is more effective."
David is pictured with FUW senior policy officer Dr Hazel Wright, FUW vice president Brian Walters, Rhys Parry, FUW president Glyn Roberts and FUW Gwent county executive officer Glyn Davies.