4/8/07 - FMD outbreak - Here we again. Where did it come from? Government spin very quick off the mark, possibly one of their research sites? Until they BAN meat and meat product imports from countries where FMD is endemic such as Brazil, Argentina, some parts of S Africa we are wide open to further infection.
Why won't they listen to the industry? We have weak leadership and weak representation. For pity's sake follow Australia's stance - stop anything that poses a threat to our country coming in, the British people deserve that security, the majority! voted Labour in albeit not with Gordon Brown at the helme, so it is now his chance to prove, unlike his predecessor, that he is dedicated to the country he has been chosen to lead.
Food shortages are already upon us, as an island we are vulnerable, support your farmers, Mr Brown, you need them, we produce the bread of life!
3/8/07 - Milk shortages- Record price for milk at United Auction - First Milk bring in force majeure on contracts.
FFA now recommend dairy farmers take total control of the market. Demand is now outstripping supply, the current milk price being paid in our view is currently 3ppl below where it should be.
FFA chairman, David Handley, is looking at setting up a milk brokering business. He has been approached by a large number of european buyers desperately seeking milk. Come on dairy farmers and farming press, tell processing and retailer sectors - pay up or we will ship supplies to those who will.
25/7/07 - The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) launch a report calling for better prices for dairy farmers, at the NFU stand at the Royal Welsh Show on Wednesday 25 July 2007. FFA have been involved in this campaign from the outset. For details click here.
25/6/07 - NON COMPLIANCE WITH DEFRA IN RESPECT OF TB CATTLE TESTING ON FARMS IN THE UK - David Handley
Following FFA’s letter to David Miliband on this issue,I explain our reasons for this below. We still await a response from his successor, Hillary Benn.
In no way do I want to see dialogue with DEFRA suspended on the issue of bovine TB, but following the Bourne report, I feel a line should be drawn. We have been talking about this issue for long enough, even the report is failing us on the science of this terrible disease and we now have a government department who wishes to wash its hands of the whole thing. That in my opinion is not an acceptable option.
Why should farmers therefore refuse to comply with DEFRA on cattle testing?
1. It is my belief farmers have been maligned over their views on badger culling. Farmers do not want to cull healthy badgers, just the infected ones. Therefore on farms where there have been TB reactors, all badger setts should be tested, if they are negative, then they would be left undisturbed but if there are clear positive TB reactors, they should be culled on humane grounds.
2. DEFRA would then be sending a strong message to the farming community and also the general public that they are prepared to deal with this endemic infection. It would also in my view bring this problem within our industry to a more rapid conclusion. There is no point in DEFRA culling a greater number of cattle if they are not dealing with infected wildlife. Surely there should be a partnership approach to tackle this issue involving parties such as the wildlife groups who I am sure do not want to see another badger or bovine contract this debilitating disease.
3. Finally, DEFRA must understand the stress that their handling of this disease is putting on farming families – not only in terms of its financial cost but also the mental torment you feel as someone who cares for the animals under your supervision. The time has come for Mr Miliband to grasp the nettle and share his responsibilities in the livestock industry. If he refuses to do so, that is then my reasoning for farmers not to comply with Defra’s draconian TB testing regime. - David Handley