The UK farming unions have joined NFU Scotland in writing to Chancellor Philip Hammond warning that the recent UK applied tariff policy announcement is another example of how British farming will be damaged by a no-deal Brexit.

The potential for loopholes to be created when moving goods across the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland is one of many concerns the unions have brought to Mr Hammond’s attention.

NFU Scotland President, Andrew McCornick commented:

“We respect the government’s decision to avoid a customs border between Northern Ireland and the Republic in the event of leaving the EU without a deal. However, treating Northern Ireland in effect as a separate customs territory from Great Britain is not appropriate and government’s failure to secure reciprocal commitments from the Republic of Ireland is unacceptable. It is imperative that government does not allow the Northern Irish border to become a loophole that only works to the benefit of Irish businesses to the detriment of UK producers.

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 16 prime heifers at Ayr on Tuesday to a top of £1404 per head and 234p/kg to average £1193 or 225p.

In the rough ring all classes were firmer on the week. 73 beef cows sold to £1340 and 182p to average 121p, while 54 dairy cows peaked at £1080 and 122p to level at 96.5p. Six bulls sold to £1540 and 163p to average 126p, while 9 clean cattle peaked at £970 and 176p to level at 146p.

Eight dairy cattle sold to £2100 for a Holstein Friesian heifer.

Wallets Marts Ltd sold 746 prime hoggs in Castle Douglas on Tuesday to a top of £100 per head and 230p/kg to average 193p (+1p on the week). The 202 Blackface prime hoggs in the sale sold to £91 for heavyweights and to 208.5p/kg with export weights to 206.1ppk.

In the cast sheep section heavy ewes sold to £79.50 for Greyfaces, while light/export-type ewes peaked at £69.50 for Blackfaces.

Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 44 store heifers at Lockerbie on Tuesday to a top of £1110 and 225p/kg to average 203p (+11p), while 56 store bullocks peaked at £1165 and 262p and levelled at 207p (-4.5p).

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd had 1096 prime hoggs forward at their weekly sale in Newton Stewart yesterday. Top prices on the day were £94 per head and 220.5p/kg with the overall average levelling at 187p (-1p on the week). The 609 Blackface Hoggets in the sale averaged 189.3 p/kg and sold to a top of £85 or 207p/kg.

As small show in the cast sheep section saw 87 heavy ewes sell to £116 for Suffolks and averaged £77.82, while 135 light/export-type ewes averaged £49.23.