How new TB rules will affect cattle sales in marts

Each farmer's herd will be assigned to one of three different groups for both buying and selling cattle in livestock marts, under new TB testing rules, according to the Department of Agriculture. These groups will determine what cattle farmers are eligible to buy and what destinations their cattle can be moved to when being sold. Farmers will be able to view their groups for buying and selling cattle on Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) and it will also inform marts of animals’ grouping for selling cattle. AIM will automatically conduct checks when a farm-to-farm movement certificate has been applied for. as part of the bovine TB action plan. From 13 April, farmers will be able to see their herd’s grouping on the animal details screen on AIM through myAgfood.ie. When selling cattle, they will be grouped by AIM based on the destination they can be moved to as set out below. Can only be bought by non-milk supplying and non-breeding herd and controlled finishing units (CFUs). ...