Union Concerned Over Scottish Government Cattle Movement Changes

 Currently, 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 Scotmoves to an online holding register.

Commenting on the changes, NFU Scotland’s Vice President Andrew McCornick said: “As the industry will be aware, Scottish Government has been looking to end the use of linked holdings since 2007 but intervention by NFU Scotland has secured their continued use until now.

“Many cattle keepers around Scotland will now 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.

“We have also met with members in recent days who, because of the volume of cattle that they work with, will face significant challenges to their business if they are to comply with the new movement recording system. Consideration is needed to ensure large cattle trading businesses are not disproportionately affected.

“While Scottish Government is expected to be contacting all cattle keepers on these important changes, the Union will also be drawing up guidance for our members and we expect to make this available in due course.”

TheCattleSite News Desk