Today, Red Tractor’s Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet Sector Board has agreed on the following derogation for members of this scheme, relating specifically to the temporary storage deadline of 31 October 2021.

Derogation details

• For grain destined for animal feed, biofuel, export and non-food users, there will be an industry-wide derogation on the temporary storage deadline which will be extended from 31 October, up to and including 15 November 2021.
• For grain destined for human consumption, the temporary storage deadline remains as 31 October 2021.
• Any temporary storage required after 31 October 2021 for human food use, and after 15 November 2021 for all other uses, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This will be subject to an individual application for a further derogation to your certification body being approved.
• Adherence to the protocols for temporary storage – especially grain moisture and temperature as set out in the AHDB Grain Storage Guide and the use of the Safe Storage Time Calculator – remains a scheme requirement.
• The standards for the temporary holding of grain outside a building are not changed.

We hope that this derogation will bring some relief to those members affected during this time of acute supply chain disruption. As ever, the team is working hard to balance the needs of members with strict food safety requirements and extreme supply chain pressures.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us

In addition to roles as Chair of the National NFU Livestock Board and Vice Chair of the European farmers’ union Copa-Cogeca, for the last five years Mr Mackintosh has held the position of Red Tractor sector chair for the beef and lamb board. 

During his tenure he has been instrumental in addressing key issues in his sector such as driving up improved animal welfare outcomes with the establishment of annual vet visits to improve the working relationship between vets and members, introducing recommendations for medicine training and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.  

 Mr Mackintosh will formally take up his new position in November, when fellow farmer Andrew Blenkiron’s second term comes to an end after almost eight years. 

Red Tractor Chair Christine Tacon said: “I am delighted that Alistair will become Red Tractor’s next vice chair. His wealth of knowledge and experience will be a considerable asset as we navigate the significant challenges our industry faces posed by climate change, international trade agreements, shifting public attitudes and the supply chain shortages.  

 “Findings from our Trust in Food Index have revealed how the public feels about the food they eat. This independent research found that by far the biggest reason why people trust British food, is the strength of our food standards, regulations, and independent assurance schemes like Red Tractor. If we want to maintain this high level of trust in UK produced food over the coming years, we need to make sure that we continue to show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British agricultural standards.” 

 Ms Tacon added: “I would like to sincerely thank Andrew Blenkiron for his leadership and years of dedicated service to Red Tractor, not only as vice chair, but throughout the scheme’s 21-year history. Personally, I am grateful for the support and guidance he has given me since my appointment as chair in January. I know everyone who is involved with Red Tractor will join me in wishing him all the best for the future when his term ends.” 

Alongside supporting and deputising for the chair, Alistair will be responsible for chairing the Standards Committee which oversees and recommends policies and actions on technical aspects of Red Tractor’s operations which effect all sectors.  

 The recruitment process for the Beef and Lamb sector board chair will begin later in the year. 

In addition to roles as Chair of the National NFU Livestock Board and Vice Chair of the European farmers’ union Copa-Cogeca, for the last five years Mr Mackintosh has held the position of Red Tractor sector chair for the beef and lamb board. 

During his tenure he has been instrumental in addressing key issues in his sector such as driving up improved animal welfare outcomes with the establishment of annual vet visits to improve the working relationship between vets and members, introducing recommendations for medicine training and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.  

 Mr Mackintosh will formally take up his new position in November, when fellow farmer Andrew Blenkiron’s second term comes to an end after almost eight years. 

Red Tractor Chair Christine Tacon said: “I am delighted that Alistair will become Red Tractor’s next vice chair. His wealth of knowledge and experience will be a considerable asset as we navigate the significant challenges our industry faces posed by climate change, international trade agreements, shifting public attitudes and the supply chain shortages.  

 “Findings from our Trust in Food Index have revealed how the public feels about the food they eat. This independent research found that by far the biggest reason why people trust British food, is the strength of our food standards, regulations, and independent assurance schemes like Red Tractor. If we want to maintain this high level of trust in UK produced food over the coming years, we need to make sure that we continue to show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British agricultural standards.” 

 Ms Tacon added: “I would like to sincerely thank Andrew Blenkiron for his leadership and years of dedicated service to Red Tractor, not only as vice chair, but throughout the scheme’s 21-year history. Personally, I am grateful for the support and guidance he has given me since my appointment as chair in January. I know everyone who is involved with Red Tractor will join me in wishing him all the best for the future when his term ends.” 

Alongside supporting and deputising for the chair, Alistair will be responsible for chairing the Standards Committee which oversees and recommends policies and actions on technical aspects of Red Tractor’s operations which effect all sectors.  

 The recruitment process for the Beef and Lamb sector board chair will begin later in the year. 

In addition to roles as Chair of the National NFU Livestock Board and Vice Chair of the European farmers’ union Copa-Cogeca, for the last five years Mr Mackintosh has held the position of Red Tractor sector chair for the beef and lamb board. 

During his tenure he has been instrumental in addressing key issues in his sector such as driving up improved animal welfare outcomes with the establishment of annual vet visits to improve the working relationship between vets and members, introducing recommendations for medicine training and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.  

 Mr Mackintosh will formally take up his new position in November, when fellow farmer Andrew Blenkiron’s second term comes to an end after almost eight years. 

Red Tractor Chair Christine Tacon said: “I am delighted that Alistair will become Red Tractor’s next vice chair. His wealth of knowledge and experience will be a considerable asset as we navigate the significant challenges our industry faces posed by climate change, international trade agreements, shifting public attitudes and the supply chain shortages.  

 “Findings from our Trust in Food Index have revealed how the public feels about the food they eat. This independent research found that by far the biggest reason why people trust British food, is the strength of our food standards, regulations, and independent assurance schemes like Red Tractor. If we want to maintain this high level of trust in UK produced food over the coming years, we need to make sure that we continue to show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British agricultural standards.” 

 Ms Tacon added: “I would like to sincerely thank Andrew Blenkiron for his leadership and years of dedicated service to Red Tractor, not only as vice chair, but throughout the scheme’s 21-year history. Personally, I am grateful for the support and guidance he has given me since my appointment as chair in January. I know everyone who is involved with Red Tractor will join me in wishing him all the best for the future when his term ends.” 

Alongside supporting and deputising for the chair, Alistair will be responsible for chairing the Standards Committee which oversees and recommends policies and actions on technical aspects of Red Tractor’s operations which effect all sectors.  

 The recruitment process for the Beef and Lamb sector board chair will begin later in the year. 

The nation’s vets play an important role in Red Tractor’s assurance scheme. Not only helping farmers keep their animals safe and healthy, but also to meet the required standards and improve on-farm performance.  

In doing so, vets help to uphold and protect the industry’s reputation as a world-leader in livestock production that’s traceable, safe and farmed with care.   

At a time of ever-increasing scrutiny, preserving the public’s trust in British agriculture has never been more important. With our revised farm standards taking effect next month, from 1 November, we have sought to strike the delicate balance between protecting and promoting our members, reassuring consumers, as well as addressing changes in legislation and industry best practice.   

As a core principle of Red Tractor, animal health and welfare has been enhanced, with welfare outcomes linked to standards for housing structures and cleanliness. We have also made it clearer what is and isn’t acceptable when handling animals.  

We know that the relationship between vets and our livestock farmers is incredibly important. So, with the aim of helping to strengthening it, for our dairy, beef and lamb producers, we’ve introduced a requirement for a nominated vet to visit the farm at least once a year to see the livestock. Members need to have a livestock health plan and to record key welfare issues on farm, including the actions taken to reduce or control them. This plan must be reviewed, sign and dated by a vet every year. Quarterly vet visits are still the requirement for pig producers  

New requirements for the dairy, beef and lamb sectors  

Tethered housing systems for stock of any age, will not be permitted on Red Tractor farms as they restrict normal animal behaviour. In the short-term, derogations will be offered to the small number of members who are tethering their cattle. Tethering or restraining cattle for any other purpose will still be permitted, including for showing, milking and veterinary procedures.  

A new standard with specific reference to administering analgesia for calves is being introduced after recommendations from the Farm Animal Welfare Council, the Ruminant Health & Welfare Group, and the British Cattle Veterinary Association.  

We know it isn’t always possible to replace or reduce the need for some routine husbandry procedures on farms, so in view of existing BVA policies on the use of appropriate analgesia and anaesthetic to manage pain, we are requiring their use for beef and lamb animals. Cauterising paste can only be used on animals under one week of age and we now recommend that analgesia is used for beef calves. However, for dairy members it’s a full standard requirement. 

New requirements for the pig and poultry sectors  

On assured pig units, initial euthanasia training must now be carried out by a vet or via a Humane Slaughter Association course. Additionally, stockperson competency in euthanasia must be assessed by a vet every two years, rather than every three. The farm’s euthanasia policy must now also include contingency procedures and be signed by a vet, to confirm these are appropriate.  

We also would like vets to recommend alternative disease control measures where possible, to minimise the prophylactic use of antibiotics on pig units. Members must now provide evidence to show why docking is needed, supported by a detailed quarterly veterinary review.  

On assured breeder replacement and layer poultry units, using macrolide and fluroquinolone medication under veterinary direction must be a last resort, just as it already is on most Red Tractor poultry units. 

All of the changes for Version 5 of Red Tractor’s standards have been shared with our farmer members, but it is vital that all farm vets are up-to-date and understand what’s changing and why. 

If you see anything on site, please tell us 

Vets play an important role in upholding the Red Tractor scheme, and the wider industry’s reputation. If you encounter ay issues around compliance with our standards or the law, the most effective way to raise a concern is directly with a member of the Red Tractor team. If you wish to report a concern anonymously, please use our independent confidential TELL US online reporting service.  

Further information 

For full details on the revised standards, and handy tips guides on the changes from 1 November, please click here. 

In addition to roles as Chair of the National NFU Livestock Board and Vice Chair of the European farmers’ union Copa-Cogeca, for the last five years Mr Mackintosh has held the position of Red Tractor sector chair for the beef and lamb board. 

During his tenure he has been instrumental in addressing key issues in his sector such as driving up improved animal welfare outcomes with the establishment of annual vet visits to improve the working relationship between vets and members, introducing recommendations for medicine training and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.  

 Mr Mackintosh will formally take up his new position in November, when fellow farmer Andrew Blenkiron’s second term comes to an end after almost eight years. 

Red Tractor Chair Christine Tacon said: “I am delighted that Alistair will become Red Tractor’s next vice chair. His wealth of knowledge and experience will be a considerable asset as we navigate the significant challenges our industry faces posed by climate change, international trade agreements, shifting public attitudes and the supply chain shortages.  

 “Findings from our Trust in Food Index have revealed how the public feels about the food they eat. This independent research found that by far the biggest reason why people trust British food, is the strength of our food standards, regulations, and independent assurance schemes like Red Tractor. If we want to maintain this high level of trust in UK produced food over the coming years, we need to make sure that we continue to show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British agricultural standards.” 

 Ms Tacon added: “I would like to sincerely thank Andrew Blenkiron for his leadership and years of dedicated service to Red Tractor, not only as vice chair, but throughout the scheme’s 21-year history. Personally, I am grateful for the support and guidance he has given me since my appointment as chair in January. I know everyone who is involved with Red Tractor will join me in wishing him all the best for the future when his term ends.” 

Alongside supporting and deputising for the chair, Alistair will be responsible for chairing the Standards Committee which oversees and recommends policies and actions on technical aspects of Red Tractor’s operations which effect all sectors.  

 The recruitment process for the Beef and Lamb sector board chair will begin later in the year. 

In addition to roles as Chair of the National NFU Livestock Board and Vice Chair of the European farmers’ union Copa-Cogeca, for the last five years Mr Mackintosh has held the position of Red Tractor sector chair for the beef and lamb board. 

During his tenure he has been instrumental in addressing key issues in his sector such as driving up improved animal welfare outcomes with the establishment of annual vet visits to improve the working relationship between vets and members, introducing recommendations for medicine training and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.  

 Mr Mackintosh will formally take up his new position in November, when fellow farmer Andrew Blenkiron’s second term comes to an end after almost eight years. 

Red Tractor Chair Christine Tacon said: “I am delighted that Alistair will become Red Tractor’s next vice chair. His wealth of knowledge and experience will be a considerable asset as we navigate the significant challenges our industry faces posed by climate change, international trade agreements, shifting public attitudes and the supply chain shortages.  

 “Findings from our Trust in Food Index have revealed how the public feels about the food they eat. This independent research found that by far the biggest reason why people trust British food, is the strength of our food standards, regulations, and independent assurance schemes like Red Tractor. If we want to maintain this high level of trust in UK produced food over the coming years, we need to make sure that we continue to show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British agricultural standards.” 

 Ms Tacon added: “I would like to sincerely thank Andrew Blenkiron for his leadership and years of dedicated service to Red Tractor, not only as vice chair, but throughout the scheme’s 21-year history. Personally, I am grateful for the support and guidance he has given me since my appointment as chair in January. I know everyone who is involved with Red Tractor will join me in wishing him all the best for the future when his term ends.” 

Alongside supporting and deputising for the chair, Alistair will be responsible for chairing the Standards Committee which oversees and recommends policies and actions on technical aspects of Red Tractor’s operations which effect all sectors.  

 The recruitment process for the Beef and Lamb sector board chair will begin later in the year. 

In addition to roles as Chair of the National NFU Livestock Board and Vice Chair of the European farmers’ union Copa-Cogeca, for the last five years Mr Mackintosh has held the position of Red Tractor sector chair for the beef and lamb board. 

During his tenure he has been instrumental in addressing key issues in his sector such as driving up improved animal welfare outcomes with the establishment of annual vet visits to improve the working relationship between vets and members, introducing recommendations for medicine training and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.  

 Mr Mackintosh will formally take up his new position in November, when fellow farmer Andrew Blenkiron’s second term comes to an end after almost eight years. 

Red Tractor Chair Christine Tacon said: “I am delighted that Alistair will become Red Tractor’s next vice chair. His wealth of knowledge and experience will be a considerable asset as we navigate the significant challenges our industry faces posed by climate change, international trade agreements, shifting public attitudes and the supply chain shortages.  

 “Findings from our Trust in Food Index have revealed how the public feels about the food they eat. This independent research found that by far the biggest reason why people trust British food, is the strength of our food standards, regulations, and independent assurance schemes like Red Tractor. If we want to maintain this high level of trust in UK produced food over the coming years, we need to make sure that we continue to show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British agricultural standards.” 

 Ms Tacon added: “I would like to sincerely thank Andrew Blenkiron for his leadership and years of dedicated service to Red Tractor, not only as vice chair, but throughout the scheme’s 21-year history. Personally, I am grateful for the support and guidance he has given me since my appointment as chair in January. I know everyone who is involved with Red Tractor will join me in wishing him all the best for the future when his term ends.” 

Alongside supporting and deputising for the chair, Alistair will be responsible for chairing the Standards Committee which oversees and recommends policies and actions on technical aspects of Red Tractor’s operations which effect all sectors.  

 The recruitment process for the Beef and Lamb sector board chair will begin later in the year. 

In addition to roles as Chair of the National NFU Livestock Board and Vice Chair of the European farmers’ union Copa-Cogeca, for the last five years Mr Mackintosh has held the position of Red Tractor sector chair for the beef and lamb board. 

During his tenure he has been instrumental in addressing key issues in his sector such as driving up improved animal welfare outcomes with the establishment of annual vet visits to improve the working relationship between vets and members, introducing recommendations for medicine training and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.  

 Mr Mackintosh will formally take up his new position in November, when fellow farmer Andrew Blenkiron’s second term comes to an end after almost eight years. 

Red Tractor Chair Christine Tacon said: “I am delighted that Alistair will become Red Tractor’s next vice chair. His wealth of knowledge and experience will be a considerable asset as we navigate the significant challenges our industry faces posed by climate change, international trade agreements, shifting public attitudes and the supply chain shortages.  

 “Findings from our Trust in Food Index have revealed how the public feels about the food they eat. This independent research found that by far the biggest reason why people trust British food, is the strength of our food standards, regulations, and independent assurance schemes like Red Tractor. If we want to maintain this high level of trust in UK produced food over the coming years, we need to make sure that we continue to show strong leadership to protect the integrity of the food chain and British agricultural standards.” 

 Ms Tacon added: “I would like to sincerely thank Andrew Blenkiron for his leadership and years of dedicated service to Red Tractor, not only as vice chair, but throughout the scheme’s 21-year history. Personally, I am grateful for the support and guidance he has given me since my appointment as chair in January. I know everyone who is involved with Red Tractor will join me in wishing him all the best for the future when his term ends.” 

Alongside supporting and deputising for the chair, Alistair will be responsible for chairing the Standards Committee which oversees and recommends policies and actions on technical aspects of Red Tractor’s operations which effect all sectors.  

 The recruitment process for the Beef and Lamb sector board chair will begin later in the year.