THE Scottish Government has announced that significant changes to Scotland's system of recording cattle movements are to be introduced at the end of the year when the CTS (Cattle Tracing System) linked holding rules (CTS Links) will end.
Currently, cattle keepers can register holdings that they regularly use so cattle movements between these linked holdings do not need to be electronically reported, although they do have to be noted in the farm's herd register.
The new rules will see all cattle movements in Scotland reported through the modernised online system, known as ScotMoves, to an online holding register. All cattle keepers, including those currently using linked holdings, will be formally notified by Scottish Government of the changes.
NFU Scotland has welcomed the Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing's reassurance that, given this is a fundamental shift in recording requirements, there will be no financial penalties for any first-time breaches for anyone working with the new recording system.
Commenting on the changes, NFUS vice president Andrew McCormick said: "Many cattle keepers around Scotland will be concerned about the replacement system, its reliance on figures being accurately recorded on a central database and what that means for potential penalties and cross-compliance.
"The Cabinet Secretary's announcement that penalties will be waived for first time offences is very welcome. Looking further ahead, should the new system be seen to fail or be difficult to comply with, then further consideration on whether penalties are appropriate must be considered."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 184 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1110 per head and 230p per kg to average £866.52 and 205.3p (-4.4p on the fortnight), while 328 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1315 and 233.8p to level at £902.78 and 201.6p (-12.9p). Ninety-nine store, B&W bullocks sold to £790 and 152.4p to average £612.83 and 138.5p (-5.3p).
The firm also had 1777 store lambs and 581 breeding sheep forward when store lambs were fully £2 sharper on the week selling to £67 (three times) for Beltex, £66.50 Texels, £63 Suffolks, £59 Mules and £47 for Blackfaces.
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4035 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £103 per head and 244p per kg to average 178p (-9p on the week).
A good show of 5044 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £148 for Texels and average £70.38 (+£6.35), while light ewes peaked at £64 for Blackfaces and levelled at £39.14 (-£8.56). Rams sold to £152 for a Texel and averaged £85.92.
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