Dismay as Abattoirs Cut Lamb Prices in Bluetongue Zone
Sheep farmers have reacted in dismay at lower prices being offered by abattoirs for lambs from within the bluetongue (BTV) restriction zone.
Price cuts of up to 50p/kg have been imposed by some sites looking to cover the additional costs associated with the disease.
National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker called the move by abattoirs “really disappointing”.
He added that farmers in the zones were being hit hard enough and the last thing they wanted was to feel that they were being penalised or discriminated against in the marketplace.
“There are abattoirs that have been under pressure for the past two years, while farmstock prices have been really high, so some abattoirs are looking for opportunities to knock prices down a bit,” he said.
Mr Stocker acknowledged that abattoirs were encountering additional costs, with controls and restrictions on when they can kill, as well as cleaning down procedures.
But he said It was about the industry working together and “not taking advantage of each other.”
The bluetongue restriction zone covers the majority of the east of England and has been expanded to include parts of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire.
Charlie Reeve | Farmers Weekly
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