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The introduction of a new calf weighing measure for farmers rearing dairy beef calves is an important first step to improving the integration between the dairy and beef sectors, ICMSA president Pat McCormack has said.
The announcement, which came part of Budget 2021, will see both dairy and beef farmers rearing dairy calves qualify for payment.
The ICMSA has said it will be seeking an enhanced scheme in future years and has called on the Department to increase the €5m budget further to encourage the maximum level of participation.
Simple terms
ICMSA livestock committee chair Des Morrison said that the acceptance of the need to accelerate integration between the dairy and beef sectors was very significant and put another positive option in front of farmer.
“This can and will work, but it’s essential that the terms and conditions of the scheme are kept as simple as possible to encourage the maximum level of participation,” Morrison said.
“Farmers will avail of it if it’s practical and works for them and the integration that we need will gather pace and momentum that way.”
SHARING OPTIONS: