Castlewellan Blackface Sheep Breeders

*IMPORTANT NOTICE RE NI EXPORTS/IMPORTS*
As from the 1st January it is reported on gov.uk website that Northern Ireland will be the same status as the EU for importing various good – THIS INCLUDES ANIMALS – this has not yet been confirmed by DAERA NI, but if this does go ahead it has serious implications for the sheep industry especially Blackface breeders.
There are two issues that must be dealt with immediately.
1. EWES/TUPS – If any NI member has ewes or tups in Scotland that you intend to take back then you must get them home before the first of January.
2. EWE LAMBS – As the rules stand, they can’t go into NI until after the 1st January and if the new rules come into force they will have to be scrapie monitored or ARR/ARR, which they will not be, so they may not allow them in. I urge those of you who this will affect to put pressure on DAERA to give the industry a derogation to get these home after the 1st January. This will become a welfare issue which is the main point to put to your DAERA officials.
We are putting pressure on the various government bodies to give us an extension on these rules coming into force. If you have any questions, please get in touch.