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A dairy beef scheme that would provide farmers with a payment of €150/head per beef-sired dairy calf has been proposed by the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA).
The scheme would be split into two segments - a €75 payment upon receipt of weighing records for animals aged between six and 12 months of age; and the remaining €75 at slaughter.
The organisation raised the idea of the scheme with new Minister for Agriculture Barry Cowen at a meeting last week.
The Minister undertook to consider the need for further integration between the beef and dairy sectors, according to ICMSA livestock chair Des Morrison.
Dairy beef
Morrison said over 60% of beef produced in Ireland came from the dairy herd, with the percentage likely to rise in the future. He said it was time to “recognise the reality” and begin work to integrate the sectors.
“The difficulties in the beef sector have been well documented and we know better than anyone that we need to maximise the return from all elements and aspects.
"Dairy beef production has considerable potential and a support scheme from the Government is not only justified in its own right, but will also deliver for the rural and wider economy.
"[The] ICMSA is earnestly hoping that the new Minister will see the merit, logic and undeniable benefits of implementing such a dairy calf scheme,” Morrison concluded.
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