I AM writing in response to Eileen Girling's letter regarding battery hens.

I have to say I am utterly sick of the battering British farmers are constantly getting.

It appears they are forever on the receiving end of criticism from the general public.

While I appreciate Eileen's opinion, as everyone is entitled to their own, I have to pose the question, does she have any history at all of being involved in the farming industry?

It isn't just a job, it is a way of life and they are under constant scrutiny to make sure that they conform with the strict British guidelines.

This often leads to them being unable to compete with cheaper imported products and, quite frankly, is running them out of business.

I have been involved in various areas of livestock farming and never has anything been given greater priority than the health and welfare of the animals.

Farmers are often more than willing to try out innovative ideas to improve the quality of life for their stock which, compared with many foreign countries, is already at a high level.

Yes, everyone loves the idea of chickens happily pecking around a farmyard in their idyllic fantasies, but unfortunately these people have next to no knowledge of what it is like on a real farm.

The harsh fact of the matter is that we are living in overpopulated times and these farmers are meeting a need. More to the point, let it be said the standards on British farms are a great deal higher than most countries that we regularly import our meat and dairy produce from.

The real issue in my mind is buy British.

Our farmers are struggling, I don't have a lot, but I make sure what I buy is from British farmers and I think it is of the upmost importance people are aware that while foreign countries are thriving in farming, our isn't.

The low wage and hard work means young people are less and less interested in getting involved and this is having a devastating effect.

So before people get caught up once again in attacking our country's bread and butter, they might do well to look at the bigger picture and support our farmers.

They are doing their level best to keep their heads above water and the last thing they need is more misinformed bigotry.

Kate Fowler,

Welwick.