Compulsory electronic sheep tagging ‘burden on farmers’

COMPULSORY electronic tagging of sheep would have severe detrimental consequences for the sector, the Irish Farmers Association warned yesterday.

Sheep Committee chairman Henry Burns said it would impose an impossible burden on farmers, marts and processors.

“Electronic tagging of sheep is unproven, impractical and unsuitable in Irish conditions. Up to 30% of sheep farmers could be driven out of business with output losses of €60 million and massive job losses,” he said