Cattle compensation deadline warning; FARM & COUNTRY.

FARMERS with cattle born before August 1996 are being urged to book slaughter slots as soon as possible before a compensation scheme runs out at the end of 2008.

Part of the measures to eradicate BSE saw cattle born before August 1 1996 permanently excluded from the food chain and it is an offence to send these cattle to an abattoir that slaughters for human consumption.

If they are received at such abattoirs, the animals will be killed, binned and the farmer may face prosecution.

The OCDS currently provides a voluntary disposal route for such animals, with compensation at 292 euros (approx pounds 230, as at 11 September) per head.

This scheme ends on December 31 and farmers are advised to book slaughter slots by the end of September.

The scheme accepts animals (including on farm casualties, but only if they have died or had to be put down because of an accident) that were born or reared within the UK before 1 August 1996 and would, otherwise, be eligible for the food chain.

To be considered for OCDS compensation, the animal must be presented and slaughtered at an OCDS-approved abattoir.

DUE to high demand in the last quarter of the year, a special booking system runs at these abattoirs. Slaughter slot availability is regularly updated on the Rural Payments Agency website at www.rpa.gov.uk.

OCDS helpline is 0118 968 7333.