Movement restriction threatens shows (From Western Telegraph)

Movement restriction threatens shows

THE success of agricultural shows is under threat due to the Government's livestock movement restrictions, the Farmers' Union of Wales protested this week.

Although the movement standstill was recently reduced from 20 days to six, DEFRA has failed to allow farmers the same exemptions for taking animals to and from shows that they allowed last year.

DEFRA's failure to allow exemptions for the movement of cattle, sheep and goats to and from shows will hit hard, as many shows are held within a few days of each other," said FUW presldent Bob Parry.

The six-day rule runs until July 31st, while DEFRA carries out a risk assessment and cost benefit analysis before a decision is taken about extending the restrictions into the autumn and beyond.

FUW South Pembrokeshire area officer Susie Morgan, secretary of Martletwy Show, said they were hoping for the introduction of an exemption before their event is held on August 27th.

"If it isn't, the six-day restriction will definitely have a serious impact on our show and it could cause a problem for many other local shows scheduled to take place before ours.

"Breeders usually assemble a show team which often takes in a county show and a local show during the same week but that could be impossible if an exemption is not allowed," Miss Morgan added.

In West Wales, for example, many local shows are sandwiched between the larger county shows. At the peak of the season this year the calendar includes the following shows Cardigan (July 30th), Fishguard (August 1st), Nevern (August 6th), United Counties at Carmarthen (August 14th and 15th), Pembrokeshire County (August 19th, 20th and 21st) and Martletwy (August 27th).