16 AUGUST 2018

ICSA sheep chairman John Brooks has said that sheep farmers right around the country are struggling to have their lambs slaughtered with factories fully booked up. “We are seeing big throughput numbers of sheep, however, questions about the origin of these sheep are arising.”

Continuing Mr Brooks said, “ICSA has been getting reports of extra quantities of lamb coming down from the north of Ireland for slaughter in the south. Sheep from across the border have always been brought down here but the larger numbers are getting out of hand. They are having too much of a knock on effect with farmers in the south having difficulty getting their own slaughtered. As far as we can see, this is just another ploy to keep prices down at a time when farmers are suffering due to drought costs.”

“This again brings up labelling issues and puts at risk the whole idea of traceability, origin green and quality assurance. It also shows a complete lack of respect for both the producer and the consumer. Our cattle don’t enjoy the same welcome in the north, certainly not under the same terms and conditions.”

ENDS