Having just had a major overhaul of transport rules in 2005 that came into force last year, the livestock haulage industry is once again under threat from legislation the NFU considers impractical and costly.

Having just had a major overhaul of transport rules in 2005 that came into force last year, the livestock haulage industry is once again under threat from legislation the NFU considers impractical and costly.

A web consultation has been launched by the European Commission with the intention of reviewing the current rules on travelling times and stocking densities for animals in transit.

Nigel Miller, the NFU Scotland vice-president, said: "It beggars belief that only 18 months into the new transport legislation, the Commission has chosen to reopen the debate on transport times and stocking densities.

"The latest regulations, which have introduced transporter authorisations and driver competence tests to those hauling livestock, will already take welfare standards throughout Europe to a new level. These must be given time to bed in and be properly assessed before any discussion on further change.

"If those behind the consultation get their way, many journeys within the UK would be impossible, in particular, the movement of cattle and sheep from the Scottish Highlands and Islands and the transportation of pigs to England. These proposals wouldn't let us operate within our own country.

"Reducing journey length would have a huge impact on those producing cattle and sheep in more remote areas.

"Cutting the numbers of stock allowed to be carried on a vehicle will drive up costs with the possibility of poorer welfare conditions.

"Even if journey length cuts are restricted to those animals going to abattoirs, then the Scottish industry's reliance on slaughtering facilities elsewhere in the UK for cattle, sheep and pigs will be severely challenged."

Cheese price rise a positive start
ASDA has agreed that, as of August 1, it will increase the price it pays First Milk for cheese by £300 per tonne.

First Milk is the largest supplier of cheese in the UK and about 15% of its milk is used for cheese making. While a £300 rise in the price of cheese is the equivalent of an extra 3p a litre on the price of raw milk, the effect of the increase on the overall pool price is diluted.

Nevertheless, diary farmers see the increase as a positive move, as it should give momentum to their attempts to negotiate better milk prices.

Jonathan Betts, Asda's general manager for dairy, commented: "Asda has always been at the forefront of ensuring that dairy farmers receive a fair price.

"This increase is aimed at reflecting farmers' increased costs, and we will be working closely with First Milk to monitor the market over the coming months."

The Co-op is hoping to make an announcement shortly on its milk price from August 1.