New Red Tractor rules for 1st Nov

[westwards]

I am led to believe that the practise will be outlawed in Europe too before long. RT claim they are moving before animal welfare legislation outlaws it.

Are the EU going to allow tin pot dictators to stop a way of farming in the alps that has been going on for years ? I think not.

 

[Jackov Altraids]

Every bloody rule should be referenced to an explanation as to why that rule exists, not just dictated.

The NFU's principles for assurance;

3,

• Retain its leading position on cost effective assurance and protect members from inspection and regulatory duplication. Any additional costs associated with implementing new standards should be supported with a clear and simple cost benefit analysis or business case.

RT have failed to do this from everything I've seen. Still supported by the NFU though.

 

[bigw]

Are the EU going to allow tin pot dictators to stop a way of farming in the alps that has been going on for years ? I think not.

Yes you are right but these changes are being pushed by the retailers and processors and RT is their mechanism for doing it in the UK. All imports below UK standards should be banned or RT should be chucked in the the bin!

 

[Princess Pooper]

Responding to the consultation made sod all difference. I responded and fed in plenty via NFU but they just steam rollers their ideas through oblivious of what RT members wanted.
Worse than being in Sicily

Seemed to drop quite a few of the things that I objected to, as an individual.

 

[An Gof]

Seemed to drop quite a few of the things that I objected to, as an individual.

Perhaps your aspirations were lower than mine

 

[lazy farmer]

Had the new hand book arrive today.
still at least it will help me get to sleep

 

[westwards]

Had the new hand book arrive today.
still at least it will help me get to sleep

When you read it they must think we are stupid, and you can tell the vets on RT are trying to get more work for themselves.

 

[frederick]

When you read it they must think we are stupid, and you can tell the vets on RT are trying to get more work for themselves.

I'm not disagreeing that overall if has become more onerous.
However I've read your post and now looked at the new standards and I would like you to tell me where vet input has changed. Some vet standards are revised but I can't see any significant changes.

 

[lazy farmer]

I'm not disagreeing that overall if has become more onerous.
However I've read your post and now looked at the new standards and I would like you to tell me where vet input has changed. Some vet standards are revised but I can't see any significant changes.

Now compulsory Yearly visit ?

 

[roscoe erf]

The NFU's principles for assurance;

3,

• Retain its leading position on cost effective assurance and protect members from inspection and regulatory duplication. Any additional costs associated with implementing new standards should be supported with a clear and simple cost benefit analysis or business case.

RT have failed to do this from everything I've seen. Still supported by the NFU though.

Ronnie and reggie

 

[sidjon]

Now compulsory Yearly visit ?

Does it not needed to be do so vet can prescribed drugs anyway? Our are here for Tb testing and can see every animal anyways.

 

[lazy farmer]

Does it not needed to be do so vet can prescribed drugs anyway? Our are here for Tb testing and can see every animal anyways.

Sorry I meant to do the herd health plan yearly.

 

[pappuller]

Had the new hand book arrive today.
still at least it will help me get to sleep

I've let the boy test the water before I get involved in that one

 

[vantage]

Had the new hand book arrive today.
still at least it will help me get to sleep

What, you get the Mrs to whack you over the head and lay you out with it?!

 

[manhill]

Is there a list of required points/actions to be covered with the vet?

 

[lazy farmer]

Is there a list of required points/actions to be covered with the vet?

Normally the vet will have a pre determined form. They ll ask you required questions and fill in the answers and recommendations. It’s upto what you then do with that info.
bizarrely some farms have the visit pay for the visit but find it of no benefit to their businesses.

 

[westwards]

​ ​ Red Tractor Member Mailing​ Dear Red Tractor Member We know that you work tirelessly to maintain our standards that keep animal welfare at the core of your business. However, whilst we know it is not common in the UK, Red Tractor recognises that the practice of tethering cattle poses a reputational risk for the industry. Following recommendations from the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) , when version 5 of our standards come into force 1November 2021, it will bring to an end the allowance of tethered housing systems for cattle of any age on a Red Tractor Assured farm What is the definition of tethered housing? A practice used throughout the housed period whereby the stock is fed, watered and sleeps within the area defined by the reach of its restraining method. Why are we making this change? Tethering severely restricts normal animal behaviour such as self-grooming and exercise, unless used for very short periods whilst husbandry procedures are being undertaken. Tethering also limits the amount of physical contact between animals which can cause distress plus there is epidemiologic research which has found a high prevalence of both lesions and lameness in cattle housed in tethered systems. You must act now if you are using a tethered housing system on your farm You must consider whether you can make changes to your housing system to be able to meet the new standard, which simply says that tethering housing system are not permitted. If you are unable to meet this requirement you must apply for a derogation, which will be for a specific length of time, directly from Red Tractor before 1 November 2021. To apply for a derogation: Go to the Red Tractor website here, download and complete the application form. You can also get the application from by calling Red Tractor on 020 7630 3320 or by emailing [email protected] Send the completed application form to Red Tractor, either by email to [email protected] or post to Red Tractor Assurance, 5th floor, 10 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 5JD There will be no cost to members for derogation applications made before 1 November 2021. After this date, derogation applications may be subject to an administration fee. What happens next The derogation will be granted. A Red Tractor technical manager will arrange to visit your farm during the housing period, primarily to verify the information on the derogation application form. They will want to look at your cattle and discuss the challenges you have in moving away from a tethered housing system. Our ambition is to gather on the ground intelligence about how prevalent tethering housing systems are, and, crucially what the barriers to their elimination are. The assessment of all farms who apply for a derogation is expected to be completed by Spring 2022 at which point Red Tractor will make an informed decision on setting the timescale for removing the derogations that have been awarded. Over the past 20 years we have worked hard to drive up standards in animal welfare. We are an independent source of assurance that shoppers know they can trust. As we look to the future, we can’t take this trust for granted, we must be more focused than ever on ensuring we are world leading in our standards and making changes to align with our customers and consumers expectations. Regards Red Tractor Team Red Tractor 5th Floor, 100 Fenchurch Street, London. EC3M 5JD. [email protected] 020 7630 3320 You have been sent you this message because your email address is associated with a user account with access to Red Tractor Services.​

So the spin war begins !!

Reply Reply All Forward

 

[In the pit]

Is there a list of required points/actions to be covered with the vet?

The whole point in sitting with the vet to discuss points/actions is to set out a plan to make your farm better
Less mastitis , less lameness , calf health etc

 

[westwards]

I spoke to a girl from RT about tethering and she say's they are willing to be flexable but so far there are only 10 producers in the UK have applied for a derogation.

 

[sib]

Any other dairy farm assurance schemes other than red tractor?