The number of cattle births reported on RPA’s electronic service – online or over the phone - leapt 10 per cent in December 2010.

Farmers chose to ring the self-service phone line or use CTS Online to tell RPA about 83 per cent of cattle births in December 2010 compared to 73 per cent the year before. And 80 per cent of cattle movements were reported electronically in December 2010 compared to 74 per cent in December 2009.

The increase, shown in the latest figures published by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS), shows that new electronic services provided for cattle keepers are proving valuable and popular.

Sue Mellor, BCMS Operations Lead said: “It is encouraging to see so many farmers turning to the electronic services rather than traditional paper-based reporting. Farmers tell us it is quicker and easier, saving time and money.”

The self-service phone line was launched in summer 2010 and figures for the last quarter already show an increase of 45 per cent in calls compared to the previous quarter.  

More information on the new electronic services can be found on the BCMS pages of the new RPA website at rpa.defra.gsi.gov.uk by phoning the BCMS helpline on 0845 050 1234 (English) or 0845 050 3456 (Welsh-language)  or by email to bcms-enquiries@rpa.gsi.gov.uk