Join your breed society

YOUNG farmers have been urged by Macra president Colm Markey to join breed societies.

Registering pedigree stock with societies adds to their value, and breed societies help members develop and improve their stock, said Mr Markey.

He said registration can also provide insurance against disease, because of the substantial difference in the valuation of registered animals in disease eradication schemes. Mr Markey said that it was unfortunate that many farmers were reluctant to get involved because breed societies are sometimes viewed as elitist.