NFU SCOTLAND has called for clarity from meat processors in the wake of slaughter sector giant Dunbia's move to reduce the payment for cattle that have been moved more than three times in their lifetime,

The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers has reported that within its own membership different abattoirs are deducting different amounts, for varying numbers of moves. This week, NFUS said the definition of a 'move' was unclear, as some abattoirs defined it as a change of ownership, whereas others view it as a change of residency - even if the cattle remain within the same farm business.

It has been claimed that such restrictions could cost beef producers in the region of £60 per animal - a prospect that elicited a furious reaction from the National Beef Association.

NFUS livestock chairman Charlie Adam said: “It is already apparent that every processor appears to be operating to its own individual standards hence the need for NFUS to contact all plants to find out just what is happening.

“First and foremost we need clarity from each processor on its definition of a move. There appears to be two different rules in use - one based on the number of times an animal has changed ownership, the other counting the number of farms the animal has been on – regardless of whether those farms are owned by same business.

“We also need processors to clarify how many moves are permitted before deductions are applied and what the level of deduction will be," stressed Mr Adam. “Farmers buying and selling cattle need to know exactly where they stand. We are contacting processors this week to get a clear understanding of each plant’s policy. Given that each processor is taking a different approach, we will collate the responses we receive so that members are in no doubt about any individual plant’s position on this.

“The union’s livestock committee has already discussed this matter and agreed that limiting the number of moves cattle can have before penalties kick in at the abattoir is a worry. Given Scotland’s geography and climate, it is not unusual for cattle to be born on one farm, then moved to another over the winter months to secure the best shelter then moved elsewhere to graze the next summer. Within Scotland’s traditional systems, the number of movements cattle make can quickly stack up," he noted.

“Once we have clarity on the different policies plants have in place, we will be discussing with retailers and processors the effect these rules have on beef farming.”

- For in-depth news and views on Scottish agriculture, see this Friday’s issue of The Scottish Farmer or visit www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk