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The Rural Payments Agency and Scottish Government have taken the opportunity to reduce the number of permitted dressing specifications down to three and to simplify the names. These are:

MLC Standard Condition is now Standard Specification

Old EC Specification is now EC Reference Specification

New EC Specification is now UK Specification

New National Specification is now Discontinued

Company Specification is now Discontinued 

Company specification has not been in use for a couple of years and very few plants use the New National Specification so this should have very little impact.

New EC Specification is almost universally used in the Scottish beef plants so producers will see this change to UK Specification over the coming months.

Adjustments will be needed in procedures and software and so plants have a period of grace until the end of 2008 before they must all abide by the three renamed specifications.

The following summarises the differences between the three specifications that will be in use from now on:

Standard Specification:

Cod / Udder Fat: ON

Crown Fat: ON

Bed Fat: ON

Brisket Fat: ON

Thin Skirt: ON

EC Reference Specification:

Cod / Udder Fat: OFF

Crown Fat: OFF

Bed Fat: ON

Brisket Fat: ON

Thin Skirt: OFF

UK Specification:

Cod / Udder Fat: OFF

Crown Fat: OFF

Bed Fat: OFF

Brisket Fat: OFF

Thin Skirt: OFF

Under the UK Specification, brisket trimming is allowed but the underlying meat must not be exposed. However, common sense will be used in the enforcement of this measure because it is accepted that the trimming fat at full commercial line speeds is an imprecise science.

One minor change for all specifications is that removal of the pizzle sheath and trimming of the surrounding flank edge will no longer be permitted before classification. The Rural Payments Agency is currently producing a booklet that will provide photographic guidance for all interested parties.

If anyone has questions about the changes to beef carcase dressing specifications, please contact Andy McGowan on 0131 472 4116.

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Chairman James Cullens is seen here presenting Mr Kerr with his award for unsung hero of the year which Caledonian Marts( Stirling) Ltd had sponsored. Mr Kerr also won the Champion award at

the event.

CHANGE OF SHOW DATE FOR FEBRUARY 2009 HIGHLAND SALE in OBAN LIVESTOCK CENTRE, PROGRAMME AS FOLLOWS

SHOW SATURDAY 7th FEBRUARY 2009 at 1.00 PM

AGM AND DINNER SUNDAY 8th FEBRUARY 2009

SALE MONDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2009 Contact Highland Cattle Society for further details,

Contact Advice  on our LINKS  PAGES FOR  the Society.

 ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW THANKS CALEDONIAN MARTS (STIRLING) LTD FOR SPONSORING THE INTER BREED SHEEP CHAMPION AT THIS YEAR EVENT

Looking for an unusual gift, see our links page and view the excellent quality of woodwork from FYNEWOOD. Walking Sticks Etc Etc.

OCDS SCHEME INFORMATION

• The compensation rate for 2007 is €324 per head.  That is approximately £225, but fluctuates depending on exchange rates.
• From 1 January 2008, the rate drops by 10 per cent to €292, approximately £195.
• The OCDS ends on 31 December 2008.  Eligible animals must be slaughtered by an abattoir by this date to qualify for compensation.  After this date, no compensation will be paid and farmers may incur costs for disposal for these animals.
• For further information, contact the OCDS Helpline on 0118 968 7333 or visit the website www.rpa.gov.uk

• Strict biosecurity should be maintained.

Control of animal gatherings and gatherings of people in a restricted zone
     6. —(1) Subject to sub paragraph (4), no person shall–

(a) hold any animal gathering which includes susceptible animals in a restricted zone;

(b) collect or distribute susceptible animals in a restricted zone for such an event; or

(c) hold any gathering of people on premises in a restricted zone in connection with the sale of any susceptible animal kept there at which more than two people (other than the owner or keeper of the animal and that person's representatives) are present,

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CAR BOOT SALES AND CAR AUCTIONS COMMENCING SUNDAY 8th APRIL 2007

AT 10.00 A.M. AND 2.00 PM RESPECTIVELY
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