Farmer’s anger over TB threat

Farmer’s anger over TB threat

11 May 2016

AN award-winning Ballynahinch cattle breeder fears for his future in the industry following a dispute with the Department of Agriculture.

Sean Savage, who lives at the Newcastle Road, has won major titles for his champion Blonde D’aquitaine herd over two decades, but claims compensation he has been offered by the government department for a number of his pedigree herd infected with TB is a fraction of their value and will leave him thousands of pounds out of pocket. 

Mr Savage has also raised concerns about the timing of the tests at his farm and claimed the results were “inconclusive.”

Earlier this year, TB was discovered and 10 of his prized herd — six of which were in calf — destroyed. A further five cattle have been condemned but they have not yet left his farm for slaughter and Mr Savage insisting he is refusing to let them go until the compensation issue is addressed.

The breeder is concerned about how Department of Agriculture (DARD) officials have handled his case and claims the animals were tested for TB two weeks before an agreed date. He claims someone has made a mistake and is seeking answers and help.

Mr Savage said the compensation he has been offered for the affected livestock is almost 50 per cent less than what he believes the animals are worth and does not reflect the work he has put into developing a strong and award-winning herd and bloodline.

He added: “I am asking for someone to come in who knows this breed and their genetics and give us a fair value of what this herd is worth. I am fighting for all breeders who are fearful for their livelihoods.”

A DARD spokeswoman said with regard to the valuation, all animals removed for TB are compensated at 100 per cent of market value, suggesting that last year, 99.7 per cent of farmers accepted the department’s on-farm valuation.

She said when animals are to be valued, the department’s livestock valuation officers follow a standard procedure which includes a visit to the farm to inspect the animals to be valued and consider all verbal and written evidence provided by their owner. 

“A written determination of the current market value is then offered, which the farmer is invited to either accept or decline. The market value offered is the valuer’s opinion of current market value based on all evidence available and is 

not arrived at by a process of negotiation. 

“All animals removed for TB are compensated for at 100% of market value. Farmers can appeal the valuation, however, slaughter will proceed, irrespective of whether an appeal is being made,” said the spokeswoman.

She added: “The eradication of Bovine TB is a key priority for DARD because it is a serious animal health issue.TB is costly for the taxpayer, the industry and the farmer, placing great financial and emotional stress on the families whose farms are affected.

“An infectious disease of cattle, TB can also affect humans. The risk in the North is low due to the department’s rigorous routine testing and the slaughter of infected cattle.”