Looking back on 2024 as my first year as National Livestock Board chair, I marvel at how much agricultural policy development there is, even just in the world of red meat.
We can expect to see lots of policy unfold in 2025.
New Livestock Information Service
2025 should see the launch of the new LIS (Livestock Information Service), the replacement database for the CTS (Cattle Tracing System).
The NFU is continuing to lobby Defra for a LIS that goes beyond a simple replacement of CTS and we believe that it must provide real value for the primary producer and the others in the supply chain.
In connection with this, we are anticipating a government decision on BeID (bovine electronic identification).
I’ve trialled ultra-high frequency on my farm and it has become an essential part of my cattle management; long gone are the days of someone shouting out ear tag numbers and another trying to write them down coherently!
“The NFU is continuing to lobby Defra for a LIS that goes beyond a simple replacement of CTS and we believe that it must provide real value for the primary producer and the others in the supply chain.”
NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton
Sheep carcass classification regs
From one species to another: Defra has confirmed that they have committed to introducing sheep carcass classification regulation. This would include standardising dressing specifications, no more rounding down – so weighing carcasses to 0.1 kg – and price reporting for larger abattoirs.
We must see this scheme delivered in 2025.
Revised BSE status
This year, Defra submitted an application to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for revised BSE status (England and Wales) from ‘controlled’ to ‘negligible’ status. A change in status would boost our reputation in many international markets and offer opportunities and savings when processing animals as the need to remove SRM (specified risk material) would be reduced.
We should learn the outcome of this application in 2025.
Finally, it would be remiss of me to not mention the bluetongue virus. Please be reassured that the NFU is in constant communication with Defra on the BTV control policy and we’re working to ensure that the impact of restrictions on your business and mental health are minimised.