ICOS welcomes the DAFM initiative which will allow on-farm auctions to enable farmers locked up with TB to sell their animals to approved feedlots, via a live auction process operated by the marts.

 ICOS requested this facility during the pandemic years and welcomes DAFM’s decision to facilitate this.

 Ray Doyle, Livestock and Environmental Policy Director of ICOS said, “Farmers who are locked up with TB already have serious stress associated with having an outbreak and this facility will enable the sale of animals to the restricted feedlots rather than having to hold animals with the associated potential of animal welfare issues and fodder supply requirements.

 “Farmers selling animals through the mart system can be assured of the security of their funds. Local co-op mart managers are best placed and look forward to supporting farmers who, through no fault of their own, have a TB breakdown. Every initiative must be undertaken to support farmers in the currently difficult economic climate and most particularly those who experience a TB crisis.”