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Irish minister calls for EU action on milk prices
cow
Liz Truss acknowledged that dairy farmers in the north are facing a "unique and extreme set of circumstances".
Liz Truss told of difficulties facing dairy farmers
 
Irish agriculture minister Michelle O'Neill has met with Defra secretary Liz Truss to outline the difficulties facing dairy farmers in the north.

Liquid milk prices stood at 19.85 pence per litre (ppl) in June 2015 - a fall of 9.88 ppl compared to last year. This is understood to be well below the cost of milk production.

Minister O'Neill urged Liz Truss to lobby the European Union on behalf of the northern farming industry.

Commenting after the meeting, the minister said the discussion had been "frank and constructive".

"It was very important for her to understand the difficulties facing farmers in the north. Our industry depends heavily on exporting and it has been impacted severely by a combination of adverse exchange rates and poor market conditions."

Liz Truss acknowledged that dairy farmers in the north are facing a "unique and extreme set of circumstances" and said she is committed to taking action.

Minister O'Neill said the issue cannot be resolved at a local level, but needs action from producers, processors, banks and politicians in Westminster and in Europe.

She will also attend next month's meeting of the council in Brussels, where she will call for a review of the current intervention price, which was last reviewed in 2008.

"It is my firm belief that we in the north can better tackle the challenges facing all parts of our farming industry, not just dairy, if we work together," minister O'Neill added.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.