Concerns have been expressed that difficult weather conditions and ongoing fodder issues could see an accelerated decline in suckler cow numbers.

The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers has said the Government must send the strongest message possible to the sector and introduce a new ‘sustainable suckler cow payment’ with €120m in funding.

Survival

The call is part of the INHFA’s pre-budget submission and national president Colm O’Donnell said “action on this is needed now in order to ensure the survival of this sector.”

He pointed to the decline in suckler cow numbers which has seen the national herd fall by almost 10% over the last four years and a fall of calf registrations to beef dams of over 100,000 since 2012.

Colm said: “A national ‘sustainable suckler cow scheme' would, on a budget of €120m, be in a position to provide immediate support to suckler cow farmers by providing supports of up to €3,500.”

Qualification

He said any scheme introduced should be simple and easy to qualify for and implement. The INHFA recommended using a model similar to the old Sheep Grassland Scheme with the money targeted directly at smaller suckler farmers.

They said these farmers were the cornerstone of the industry and would ensure the scheme was sustainable from a budgetary and environmental point of view.

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