Sector busy in consultation about young livestock numbers

The sector parties LTO, NMV, NZO, Nevedi and the banks are in full consultation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs about an alternative for the number of young livestock. This is evident from inquiries from Boerenbusiness.

Several alternatives are on the table the young stock number, the third amendment to the Phosphate Reduction Regulation 2017 for dairy farmers. This means that the removal of young stock only counts if dairy cows are also removed. 

Investigate alternatives
Kees Romijn, chairman of LTO Dairy Farming: 'We are investigating all possible alternatives that are on the table, but it is difficult. We are working hard to come up with a solid alternative as soon as possible. Maybe that's before this weekend.'

Slightly less optimistic is Harm Wiegersma, chairman of the Dutch Dairy Farmers Trade Association (NMV): 'I don't expect an outcome until early next week at the earliest. We are working hard on it, but it is indeed not easy.'

Made last weekend French Labels, chairman of the board of the dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina, announced that he wanted to look for an alternative. The Ministry had failed to coordinate the number of young cattle and the impact with the dairy sector.

The various sector parties advise dairy farmers to continue with the reduction without taking into account the number of young cattle.

Lots of dissatisfaction and anger
After the introduction of the young stock number arose much dissatisfaction and anger among the dairy farmers, because this change suddenly disrupts their business strategy.  

The introduction of the young stock number also means that the removal of young stock only counts as reduction when to ratio dairy cows discarded become. The reference date for this is 28 April 2017. The same also applies to the removal via slaughter, slaughter or export. Initially, it mainly affected the export of pregnant heifers. The necessary cancellations for this already took place on April 28.    

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