THE chairman of Welsh Livestock Auctioneer in Wales has urged farmers to respond quickly to the TB valuation consultation.

Jednny Layton Mills, who is also a partner with McCartneys, says: "It is important that all Welsh cattle keepers read the TB Compensation – Consultation on a Table Valuation System, which was published on January 29 and reply to the consultation before April 22".

She adds "For the high quality beef producers across Wales it is important that your cattle which may sadly be affected by TB are valued using the most trusted valuation method by qualified Valuers who sell cattle every day of the week".

Jenny, who has been valuing cattle for 15 years, adds: "Table Valuations are an unfair way of comparing different breeds and types of cattle. There are differing age groups for Beef Commercial and Pedigree Cattle proposed but we all know an animal can change dramatically between 12 and 16 months especially in a beef finishing unit.

"The Pedigree cattle are also very varied in value as we see at many of these top sales. The consultation used the excuse of a time delay between the test result and a valuer being on farm. In my experience a valuer is always available from the approved list and the cattle are valued and moved quickly. Please read the consultation and give your views - they are important."

Last October Alun Davies, Minister for Natural Resources and Food, issued a written statement announcing his decision to consult on the introduction of a table valuation system for TB compensation.

The consultation document setting out proposals for the introduction of a table valuation system is published on the Welsh Government website.

Jenny says: "As the Minister said in his written statement, we are keen to hear the views of stakeholders on these proposals. They will be fully considered before any decision is made on whether to implement any changes to the existing system so if you have an opinion, we urge you to take this opportunity to respond to the consultation. If you would prefer to have a hard copy of the consultation document please let us know."

The consultation runs until April 22 and details of how to respond are set out in the consultation document which is available on the web at www.wales.gov.uk/consultations

For further information please contact Jenny Layton-Mills on 01547 528621.