Following the announcement that farmers and vets are united in their opposition to the closure of Inverness Veterinary Surveillance centre, Ayrshire farmers have voiced support for their veterinary facility on the outskirts of Ayr, which is also threatened with closure.
Members of NFU Scotland met recently with representatives from SRUC (Scotland's Rural College) to discuss the future of the Veterinary Disease Surveillance centre at Nelly's Gate, Auchincruive.
Relocating the lab to the north side of Glasgow is one of the options included in an ongoing SRUC consultation on the future of veterinary disease surveillance in Scotland.
Speaking after the meeting, NFUS Ayrshire Regional chairman John Wildman said: "Given that the facility at Ayr is the second most utilised veterinary centre in Scotland, it is understandable that livestock producers in this area are questioning SRUC's threat of closure.
"This lab is located within one of the most densely populated livestock areas in Scotland. The use of the lab by Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and Galloway farmers demonstrates that there is a genuine demand for the service it provides and for it to remain at its current location."
The consultation on the future of both centres closes on July 10.
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 76 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1420 per head and 262p per kg to average £955.74 and 224.7p (+12.6p on the fortnight), while 124 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1410 and 274.1p to level at £920.16 and 235.1p (+9.9p). Forty-five store, B&W bullocks sold to £930 and 195.8p to average £792.66 and 181p (+11.6p).
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 1672 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £88 per head and 194p per kg to average 168.9p (+1.7p on the week).
A large show of 3565 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £142 for Texels and average £83.51 (-£3.33), while light ewes peaked at £80 for Hill Cheviots and levelled at £57.37 (-90p). Rams sold to £158 for a Texel and averaged £87.19 (-£15.16).
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