Ulster Farmers' Union demands answers and action from report on culling of 51 cattle in Tyrone

Northern Ireland's farming organisation, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU), has demanded that an independent review into the destruction of 51 cattle in Co. Tyrone deliver answers, accountability and action. The incident took place in June near Fivemiletown, and the report on it is expected to be published next week.

The UFU wants the document to be robust, transparent and able to command the confidence of farm families and the wider public in Northern Ireland.

Call for transparency

UFU president John McLenaghan said the union has been clear from the start that there must be full transparency and accountability over the circumstances that led to the cattle being destroyed. In his view, farmers and the wider rural community deserve clear answers and a full understanding of how it happened.

He noted that farmers have heard assurances that lessons will be learned, but said such commitments mean little unless they lead to meaningful change and accountability.

Trust in the department

According to the UFU president, confidence in Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has been significantly damaged by the incident. Rebuilding trust, he said, will require full disclosure of the facts, complete transparency throughout the process and decisive action where mistakes or failings are identified.

McLenaghan stressed that farmers are required to meet rigorous standards every day and face consequences when they fall short, so the department should be held to the same standard of accountability.

Next steps

The UFU says publication of the report must be a turning point. If failings are identified, clear measures must be put in place to prevent a recurrence. The organisation said it will scrutinise the report in detail and continue to demand full accountability, robust action and meaningful reform.