Just under 100 members joined chief livestock adviser John Royle, NFU livestock board vice-chair David Barton, NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes and livestock adviser Phoebe Traquair for a discussion on changes to cattle identification and traceability.
The session was specially run to understand members views on the replacement of the current CTS (Cattle Tracing System) with a modern livestock traceability service called the LIS (Livestock Information System). The LIS would fulfil the function of both the CTS and the on-farm holding register.
Vital input from members
Members were invited to share their views through a series of interactive polls which will directly feed into Defra's consultation on changes to bovine identification, registration, and movement in England.
Missed the webinar and still want to have your say on changes to cattle identification and traceability? Members can feed into the NFU's response until 6 November 2023.
听
Meet the speakers
John Royle
Chief Livestock Adviser
John is responsible for representing the interests of beef and sheep members on a wide range of policy issues. The livestock team manage the national livestock board and uplands forum.
David Barton
NFU Livestock Board chair
Cereals grown on the farm are also used to feed his stock, allowing David to use the two businesses to support each other and provide sustainable produce. He also has a very small flock of pedigree poll Dorset sheep.
He has also previously stood as the NFU South West Livestock Board chair and has worked with AHDB as a strategic farm to improve profitability and efficiency.
Michael Oakes
NFU Dairy Board chair (2016-2024)
Milk is sold to Arla, with surplus heifers sold at calving.
Michael has held various roles within the NFU, as Worcestershire county chair, West Midlands regional board chair and council delegate. Michael has been on the NFU Dairy Board for nearly 14 years; two as vice chair and almost 8 as chair. He was re-elected to serve his fourth term as chair in March 2022.听
Michael believes strongly in farmer collaboration, as well as improving the mechanics of the supply chain听and is keen to improve relationships between farmers, processors and end users, whilst continuing to build consumer support for the industry.