Collection centre nod - farmers weekly


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18 MAY 2001 ------------------------- COLLECTION CENTRE NOD PLANS to set up collection centres allowing farmers to pool small consignments of stock for onward movement to abattoirs were


expected to be approved by MAFF shortly after farmers weekly went to press. The first centres are likely to be running next week. The scheme will cut prohibitive haulage costs imposed on


small loads of stock to more acceptable levels, relieving backlogs on smaller farms caused by foot-and-mouth movement restrictions. And it will also allow producers to send small batches of


lambs to abattoirs before the main marketing period begins, says Peter Kingwill, chairman of the Livestock Auctioneers Association. He hopes the first centres will be running at marts early


next week. "Its a start, though it wont be the answer to everyones prayers. We are not going to make a market price – we will simply be acting as staging posts for deals made over the


phone." The next step is to restart auction markets, he says. "The problem is, there is no market out there. People are taking what they are offered, and we have seen prices fall


and fall. Once we are up and running as collection centres and we can show vets we have a lot to offer as far as traceability is concerned, we should have a case to restart markets in low


risk areas." &#42