OCDS Compensation: Sands of Time Slip Away
UK - Livestock keepers are being given one last chance to register for the Older Cattle Disposal Scheme (OCDS) which is set to end on December 31.Although the booking-in system closed on September 30, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has analysed the slaughter capacity and advised that there are a limited number of slaughter slots still available. This will allow producers to enter cattle and therefore gain compensation for any of the remaining cattle born or reared in the UK before August 1 1996.
NFU Vice President Paul Temple said: "We have pushed to ensure that as many producers as possible are able to make use of the scheme and gain compensation, so this is clearly the last chance saloon. However, it is important that when booking a slaughter slot, the animal's ear tag number is provided along with a valid CPH number.
"The NFU is working extremely hard with other stakeholders to lobby Defra and we will be writing to the minister to ensure that any anticipated collection and disposal costs for bovines are as low as possible for producers when the OCDS finally closes on December 31."
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