Tagging delays are undermining genomics scheme warn ICMSA

THE delay in issuing tags in the Beef Genomics Scheme (BDGP) is preventing farmers meeting the scheme’s requirements and the issue must be resolved immediately, the ICMSA has warned.

ICMSA livestock chair Des Morrison described the current administrative backlog in issuing tags to farmers as “unacceptable and damaging” to the scheme’s reputation.

“ICMSA is calling on the Department to deliver tags in the coming week to farmers who need them.

“If the Department cannot deliver on their side, then they must allow farmers to sell their stock without repercussions,” he said.

“Farmers need to be able to sell when they believe the market is best for their cattle.

“They can’t be restricted from doing so because the Department failed to anticipate a backlog that was entirely foreseeable,” said Mr Morrison.

He pointed out that genomic testing of at least 60pc of calved suckler cows — to ensure they meet the minimum standards — is one of the six key compliance requirements of the scheme.

Fodder problems

The protracted delay in the issuing of tags is now undermining the livelihoods of some participants in the scheme, maintained Mr Morrison.

“Those farmers who have young stock ready to sell now and in the coming month are unable to sell them due to this requirement .

“Immediate action is required given the current fodder problems, said Mr Morrison.

“Cashflow pressures may have forced some farmers to sell stock now, only to have to buy back more later in the year to fulfil the criteria.

“Farmers are inspected in all schemes in which they participate and fined if they do not meet the conditions.

“Here we have a flaw and we have no sense whatsoever of any urgency around the need to fix this foreseeable problem,” added Mr Morrison.