Ban on older cattle may run until 2006

Marts: The ban on over 30 months cattle from the food chain in Britain may now run until early 2006.

It was thought the older cattle might be permitted into the food chain in Britain by autumn 2004, which could have a disruptive effect on demand for Irish beef, with the additional supply of home beef becoming available.

Latest indications are that it will be autumn 2005 at the earliest before the ban is lifted and the more likely date for the ending of the ban is early 2006.