THE Department for Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Minister George Eustice has lodged an amendment to the Agriculture Bill that will create a mechanism for the repatriation to Scotland of the £2 million of red meat levies collected annually on Scottish animals slaughtered south of the border.

Welcoming the move, NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick said: "The announced cross-party support for the amendment to the Red Meat Levy section of the Agriculture Bill is excellent news for NFUS members and a win for NFUS lobbying. An amendment to the Agriculture Bill on this issue, when passed in Parliament, will deliver the right framework to address the current issues with Red Meat Levy repatriation in Scotland.

"The issue of red meat levy repatriation is a long-running sore for the industry. Following years of negotiation, it is now understood that the issue of Red Meat Levy repatriation will only be resolved through primary legislation.

"For over two years, the industry has been advised by Defra that the issue will be resolved when a legislative window presents itself. NFUS has lobbied MPs to ensure that the Agriculture Bill addresses the issue of Red Meat Levy and we are glad to see swift progress. Scottish farmers want flexibility in whether our levy is spent in Scotland or in the UK for industry activities."

Market round-up

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold five prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 233p per kg and an average of 216.8p.

In the rough ring 37 beef cows sold to 131p and averaged 99p, while 18 dairy cows peaked at 137p and levelled at 79p.

There were also 822 prime lambs that sold to £82 per head and 186p per kg to average 163p (-3p on the week).

The 547 cast sheep forward met a similar trade to last week with heavy ewes selling to £107.50 for Texels and averaging £58, while light/export-type ewes peaked at £74.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £34.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd had 1,049 prime lambs forward in Newton Stewart on Wednesday when lean, handy weights were dearer on the week, but fat types cheaper. Top prices on the day were £88 and 206.3p with the overall average levelling at 169.1p (+5.1p).

Cast sheep were cheaper on the week with a show of mainly common types harder to cash. The265 heavy ewes sold to £114 for Suffolks and averaged £60.36, while 208 light ewes peaked at £49.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £30.18.