Approved Finishing Unit

[unlacedgecko]

Been reading the regs on these. I've read that they need to be BT tested every 60 days. Who is responsible for the cost of this, the farmer or DEFRA?

Thanks

 

[sidjon]

Always thought once in a afu they didn't need to be tested as only route out is inot slaughterhouse.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

@matthew or @gone up the hill will know

 

[Sheep135]

An AFU doesn't need to test at all once set up, you get an inspection every 12 months to make sure everything is how they want, but I believe a grazing AFU you have to test every 60 days.

 

[unlacedgecko]

An AFU doesn't need to test at all once set up, you get an inspection every 12 months to make sure everything is how they want, but I believe a grazing AFU you have to test every 60 days.

Do you know who bears the cost of that?

 

[Sheep135]

No idea, we looked in to but it was a lot more difficult to achieve and we are still able to graze cattle round the farm apart from next to AFU so there was no advantage.

 

[The Son]

I have a grazing afu, test every 90 days, ministry pays, and normal compensation for any reactors.

I believe you can still get a grazing afu, but the rules are so tight as to make it not worthwhile.

A non grazing afu, no testing, but site has to be badger proof.

 

[Beef farmer]

Do you know who bears the cost of that?

Tax payers

 

[unlacedgecko]

I have a grazing afu, test every 90 days, ministry pays, and normal compensation for any reactors.

I believe you can still get a grazing afu, but the rules are so tight as to make it not worthwhile.

A non grazing afu, no testing, but site has to be badger proof.

Thanks very much. Would it be possible to get a new unit on rented land?

 

[Sheep135]

Thanks very much. Would it be possible to get a new unit on rented land?

Probably, but would be risky investing a lot of money in to something you rent unless on a long term lease.

 

[gone up the hill]

Thanks very much. Would it be possible to get a new unit on rented land?

You can only get new grazing afu's in certain areas now I believe, the longer term aim is too phase them all out regardless of area.

Subject to the above it wouldn't be a problem on rented ground thou it will all have to be double fenced etc etc which if you give up the land done the line you wont get this money back, also you would need to de stock for at least 6 months before you give up the tenancy unless the landlord agrees other wise and is happy to re let/ take on the AFU themselves.

 

[unlacedgecko]

Probably, but would be risky investing a lot of money in to something you rent unless on a long term lease.

What about a grazing AFU? Could be done with temp electric fencing and a poly tunnel for shelter?

No permanent infrastructure investment. Less risk?

 

[Sheep135]

What about a grazing AFU? Could be done with temp electric fencing and a poly tunnel for shelter?

No permanent infrastructure investment. Less risk?

For a normal AFU electric fencing is fine for surrounding the buildings, only need 4 strand with 5,10,20 and 30cm spacing for it to pass. I don't know whether it would be allowed but if you could electric fence it and have the field acting as a normal AFU it would be the simplest way.

 

[Beef farmer]

You can only get new grazing afu's in certain areas now I believe, the longer term aim is too phase them all out regardless of area.

Subject to the above it wouldn't be a problem on rented ground thou it will all have to be double fenced etc etc which if you give up the land done the line you wont get this money back, also you would need to de stock for at least 6 months before you give up the tenancy unless the landlord agrees other wise and is happy to re let/ take on the AFU themselves.

No grazing Afu in cull areas. And existing grazing Afu in cull areas are shut down.

 

[unlacedgecko]

No grazing Afu in cull areas. And existing grazing Afu in cull areas are shut down.

Well that's f cked it then.

 

[Sheepykid]

How difficult is it to setup a AFU whilst being tb clear? Or for instance you fail a test an then want to apply to transition into a AFU?

 

[gone up the hill]

What about a grazing AFU? Could be done with temp electric fencing and a poly tunnel for shelter?

No permanent infrastructure investment. Less risk?

A polytunnel wont work for cattle, for an AFU you will be buying 500 kilo + cattle and you will need to have a concrete base and proper handling/loading set up etc or else it will be a non starter, you will need a shed to house them as you wont fhinsh them outdoors in the middle of winter, also you cant graze sheep in the same fields as cattle on a AFU ( as far as im aware )

 

[gone up the hill]

No grazing Afu in cull areas. And existing grazing Afu in cull areas are shut down.

These badger culls are starting to create more problems than they are solving!

 

[unlacedgecko]

A polytunnel wont work for cattle, for an AFU you will be buying 500 kilo + cattle and you will need to have a concrete base and proper handling/loading set up etc or else it will be a non starter, you will need a shed to house them as you wont fhinsh them outdoors in the middle of winter, also you cant graze sheep in the same fields as cattle on a AFU ( as far as im aware )

I was more thinking of buying TB restricted calf's to rear in a field and then sell to other AFUs as yearlings?

 

[gone up the hill]

I was more thinking of buying TB restricted calf's to rear in a field and then sell to other AFUs as yearlings?

AFU's only want big cattle 18 months + that will fhinsh in 120 days max.

Not sure AH would let you do that ref the calves, you would need to speak to a TB vet.