I have been a small holder for the last ten years. I have pigs, sheep, chickens, geese and turkeys. All old breeds because they taste better and are healthier and tougher for outside rearing. I love raising my animals and eventually eating them.
Today I was brought to tears of rage while attempting to use the eAML2. Up till now I have sent two lots of pigs to slaughter with this system. My slaughter house has no computer so its a mishmash of sytems required. This morning I recieved 4 piglets from a farmer baffled by the process. After wasting a lot of time we achieved it but then I have to respond, there the trouble started again. Eventually I phoned the eAML2 helpline and it was done over the phone. BUT it is not confirmed in my records.
What I hate about this system is the time wasting aspect. These systems are devised for office workers who are happy to sit at commputers all day. The only way anything gets done on my smallholding is for me to spend real time on it.
Are there others out there who are battling with all these DEFRA rulings? Is there a case for exemption for small holders?