Livestock farmers

UFU said it has been told by Northern Ireland's Chief Veterinary Officer that the current bTB strategy review was still in ‘draft form' and had not yet undergone scrutiny by policy developers

The survey of more than 400 farmers found of the 65% of Welsh farmers who had either already invested in infrastructure or who were planning to, 30% said it had come at a cost of over £100,000, with 12% stating the cost was more than £200,000

UFU president William Irvine said the union is 'appalled' by the actions of some within the farming community

UFU said the delay to the Suckler Cow Scheme will not suit farmers who are spring calving

It said the decision was a reflection of the 'reality' of the livestock industry right now with 'reducing stock numbers nationally' and the 'increasing financial pressures on the agricultural industry'

The cooperative said the outlook is stable

Many farmers want to see a ‘fundamental change' in Red Tractor and will be ‘suspicious' of the assurance body's attempt of ‘papering over the cracks' with enhanced communication efforts

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not yet licensed the use of BTV-3 vaccines, but said they would keep it under review

NFU livestock board chair David Barton said: "We are incredibly disappointed to hear that some farmers in the Restricted Zone are being unfairly penalised by having deductions taken from some processors in the supply chain"