North’s cattle farmers ponder industry plans
Following a mixed reaction to a year’s use of the system in the south, Ulster Farmers’ Union deputy president Harry Sinclair said unless northern farmers are satisfied with the outcome of tests, the UFU would not agree to introduction of the new system.
While farmers’ questions remained unanswered and proposals were still to be discussed with farmers, UFU remained opposed to VIA in Northern Ireland.
However, Oisin Murnion, chairman of the National Beef Association (Northern Ireland region) has welcomed the testing of VIA in the province.
The January 17 introduction of VIA north of the border will also end the last resort for southern farmers unhappy with the south’s QPS.
Within weeks, northern farmers will also be dealing with a new payment grid extending possible payment grades from the current 54 to 225.
However, the basis for factory quotes in the north will be the U-3 grade. Increments will be paid or deductions made for each movement along the scale away from the base grade. For example, an animal killing at U+3= is awarded base price plus 4p/kg. An animal killing at R=4- is awarded base price minus 6/kg.
The impact of moving one point along the scale from R=2= to R=2- is a reduction in price of 2p/kg. However, moving from R=2- to R=1+ brings a price cut of 12p/kg.
