Cattle farmers ‘confused’ over charges at beef plants

FARMERS are confused and cynical over the charges and deductions that are applied to the prices they are paid from the sale of their cattle at beef processing plants, according to the findings of a survey published today.

Only 14% of farmers knew that the flat rate VAT refund was 5.2%, while 79% felt that the system was of greater benefit to the processor than the producer.

Meanwhile, only 20% of farmers knew how much they were being charged for BSE testing, although many expressed anger at the charges, considering them to be the worst type of rip-off.