While brushing up on some facts and figures about the structure of dairy farms in Ireland this week, I noted with interest one cohort of farmers.

Of the 17,987 registered milk suppliers, some 901 herds have no cows. Surely a dairy without a cow is like an inflatable dart board or a chocolate teapot?

These farmers are not supplying milk but still have a milk supplier number.

The revelation means these farmers will now be entitled to a share of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM).