Sir, The EU plans to introduce a calf slaughtering premium (Ann O Brien's letter, September 6th) would result in yet more damage to the beef industry, still reeling after the angel dust and BSE controversies. The astonishing thing is that this premium has been thought up by those who are supposed to represent the best interests of farmers.
Instead of slaughtering and incinerating 10 week old calves, why not pay the farmer income compensation not to put his cows in calf at all? Cows will continue to produce milk whether they have a calf every year or not. The abattoir and disposal costs (about 25 per cent of the premium) would also be saved. Yours, etc., The Cloisters, Terenure, Dublin 6W.