IT is a disgrace that milk processors want to pay less to dairy farmers, many of whom are struggling to survive.

Since the year 2000, the number of dairy farmers has shrunk by 40 per cent.

Many dairy farmers are planning demonstrations against supermarket chains in protest at lower milk prices that will bankrupt them. The grocers pay around 27p a litre for milk, below the 30p cost of production by farmers.

What is also at stake is the intensification of the dairy industry into large indoor process plants such as broiler farming. Industry like this would spoil and change the countryside forever by the large amounts of slurry disposed.

There also appears to be little concern for animal welfare.

Dairy farmers work long, hard and unsocial hours in all weathers. They should receive a sustainable income.

PAMELA TREADWELL Dodgson Road Cowley