The challenge in attracting young people into suckler farming was laid bare by Teagasc adviser Gerry Cregg at Friday night’s Save Our Sucklers event held in Elphin Mart, Co Roscommon. Gerry delivered a presentation which looked at the key aspects affecting technical efficiency on suckler farms. Using the Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm beef programme he highlighted areas where changes can be made to improve a farm’s bottom line.

The returns for a 40ha (100 acre) suckler farm operated in the Roscommon area with high levels of efficiency and a high stocking rate were highlighted as being in the region of €12,000 net profit or €300/ha. Gerry said that no young person could be expected to enter farming, generate €12,000 from a 40ha farm, and rear a family on it. Farmers operating on marginal lands which have endured a difficult few years are unlikely to generate this return.

New funding

The vulnerability of the suckler sector was highlighted by Kevin Kinsella, IFA director of livestock. Kevin said that since their peak in 2012, suckler cow numbers have fallen by 4,500 in Roscommon and now stand at just over 50,000 head. He said that without a new source of funding to support the sector, cow numbers will continue to fall. In outlining the campaign for a €200 per cow premium, Kevin said that a new source of funding outside of current supports is being sought.

“The IFA have never said we want a coupled cow payment. Some people are saying an 18% cut will need to be inflicted on every Basic Payment Scheme payment to make this happen, but I want to be clear here and say that the IFA is not looking to take money from one sector to give to another. "We are looking for new money. There is an additional €3bn available to the national exchequer heading into this year’s budget and it is certainly possible for a strong suckler scheme to be introduced. Investment in the agricultural sector represents tremendous value and we are absolutely determined to make this happen.”

Responding to a question that a scheme cannot be brought in to a specific area, Kevin said: “Yes, Minister Creed has said that he cannot bring in a scheme but we have gone to the EU and have been told we can bring in a targeted scheme, for example something like the animal health initiative that was introduced as part of the sheep welfare scheme is possible. We will not get a €200/cow payment if we don’t lobby hard and in the IFA that’s what we do well. We have a great team of representatives across the country and we will be stepping up our action, just like we did when we secured a payment of €10/ewe.”

Marts critical to community

Kevin said that marts are a vital part to communities and towns and as such he encouraged all farmers to support marts.

“Marts provide open competition that you don’t have everywhere else while also guaranteeing payment. The IFA’s advice is to sell and buy in your local mart,” he said.

SOS events continue this week and take place in:

• Kilkenny Mart, Kilkenny: Tuesday 13 March 7pm-9pm.

• Clare Marts, Ennis: Wednesday 14 March 7pm-9pm.

• Carnaross Mart, Meath: Thursday 15 March 7pm-9pm.

All events are approved for the Department of Agriculture Knowledge Transfer programme and will have speakers from the Irish Farmers Journal, IFA, local vets and AI companies. Live animals will be on display at each event with advice on nutrition, breeding and calving.