SIR, – I would like to commend Jim Walker's Farmer's View column of July 21.

I was last in his company when I was farming in the Shetland Isles, but his article pushed all the buttons on Scottish livestock farming issues for me.

Jim and his farming family, along with others, all too well know the cost of keeping livestock and enduring the horrendous weather that we have had to contend with over seven months of extreme challenges and costs during this past winter.

I think our British government and ministers have a massive obligation and duty to the best mixed livestock sector in the world, never mind Europe!

My advice would be to look after our livestock industry in its entirety, from producers, hauliers, to marts and processors, because we all need a little piece of the cake.

Thanks Jim for pushing so many crucial buttons with regard to the future of the Scottish farming economy and future generations of young farmers.

Malcolm Symington

Castle Douglas.