I’m fed up with talking about the weather, but I can console myself with the fact we have grabbed every opportunity so far and progress is not too bad.Scottish Government extends BVD consultation
CATTLE producers in Scotland have been given a few more days to have their say on Scottish Government plans to eradicate bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD).
The deadline for responses has been extended until Friday, July 16 to allow the views of those attending a series of meetings organised by NFU Scotland to be taken into consideration.
The Scottish Government’s strategy to eliminate the disease would involve an initial voluntary phase followed by compulsory requirements to deal with BVD, giving the potential for Scotland to be BVD-free within a few years.
Several hundred farmers have already attended open meetings in Inverurie, Castle Douglas, Stirling and Ayr, with further meetings scheduled in Perth (on Thursday) and Campbeltown (tonight, July 12).
NFUS vice-president Nigel Miller said: “This is a genuine consultation on Scottish Government plans to eradicate BVD and I cannot stress enough the importance that every beef and dairy farmer takes the time to look at what is on the table.
“We think eradication is realistic, and potentially cost-effective, but only if the scheme is national, with an element of compulsion. We need to know if all beef and dairy farmers will support that kind of strategy.”
He said there was likely to be Scottish Government support available and it had to be decided where such funding could be best focused.
“There would also be a cost to producers in monitoring and removing BVD from their herds but that cost needs to be weighed up against the huge impact BVD has on our beef and dairy herds annually and the significant benefits that eradication would deliver.”
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