Processor-driven initiatives to try to link dairy farmers with calf rearers and beef finishers are likely to be a key element of the Agri-Food Strategy Board and its Going for Growth initiative.

The vision outlined by board chairman Tony O’Neill during two briefings for MLAs at Stormont this week is that the upcoming £200m business investment scheme should target 40% grant assistance to those capable of growing their business and working as part of a supply chain.

Example

The example he gave involved dairy farmers using some beef genetics on their farms, supplying these calves to a calf-rearing unit who then supply on to a beef finisher. The whole process works under a contract arrangement from a beef processor to ensure that supply is managed and margins are shared.