DAIRY and beef farmers have been urged to draw up culling plans to safeguard their compensation under the Older Cattle Disposal Scheme. (OCDS)

The English Beef and Lamb Executive (Eblex) says it is vital to plan the culling of all cattle born before August 1996 over the final 16 months of the scheme.

Mark Topliff, Eblex policy advisor, said: "The introduction of mandatory OCDS booking from this month means only animals pre-booked into daily slaughtering slots with licensed scheme abattoirs will be allowed to enter the scheme and be eligible for compensation.

"Strictly limited local capacities and an early booking deadline for the peak winter period make careful advanced planning essential."

The available national OCDS capacity of 6,000 animals a week should cope with the 300,000 and more cattle born before August 1996, which are believed to be on UK holdings.

Mr Topliff said: "Disposal options are likely to become especially limited towards the end of this year ahead of the further ten per cent decline in compensation rates from the coming January, and also late in 2008 before the scheme finally comes to an end."

The Rural Payments Agency has set a deadline of September 30 for booking animals to be slaughtered between October 1 and December 31.

Further advice is available from the agency OCDS helpline on 0118-968-7333.