Electronic sheep tagging in the spotlight

Electronic sheep tagging became a reality at the beginning of this year and the event, organised jointly by Craven Cattle Marts (CCM) and the NFU in Skipton, is designed to take the wraps off the new legislation, supported by informative discussions.

The event on Wednesday, February 18, coincides with Craven Champions Day, the mart’s annual show and sale of store cattle with show potential.

The drop-in day will also feature demonstrations on the latest developments in tag reading, tag reading software and integrated handling systems.

CCM’s general manager Jeremy Eaton, livestock sales manager Ted Ogden and junior auctioneer Sam Bradley will be on hand when not on duty on the podium to answer any queries.

Also present will be Skipton NFU group secretary Tim Palmer and West Riding county advisor Chris Dickinson, supported by representatives from the NFU’s national headquarters.

Keynote speaker Ian Cairns, from DEFRA’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS), will give presentations throughout the day on cross compliance and sheep identification.

EBLEX will also be present, as well as officers from North Yorkshire Police’s Craven Country Watch initiative, the Animal Reporting and Movement Service (ARAMS), who are administering the electronic movement reporting system, the National Sheep Association (NSA), and industry representatives.

Mr Eaton said: “The fact is that, while controversial, the individual electronic identification of sheep is now compulsory.

“We have assembled a very strong team of industry experts and suppliers for the drop-in day and hope as many people as possible from our agricultural communities will find time to attend.”

The EID drop-in day runs from 1pm to 7pm. Refreshments will be on offer.