It was a privilege to address the 400-plus farmers at Balla Mart on Tuesday for the Irish Farmers Journal/IFA suckler event. While the sector may be at a crossroads, few can question farmer commitment to maintaining production and the importance of these 400 farmers, and the 64,000 farmers involved in suckling, in maintaining rural economies.

However, commitment won’t safeguard the sector and the income challenges created by falling market prices, rising input costs and a sharp reduction in direct supports is starting to shape the direction of travel.

IFA president Joe Healy used the event to lend weight to the IFA campaign to increase the direct payment to €200 per cow – as in other EU member states. Regardless of technical efficiency, the viability of suckler production depends on support payments. The minister has a strategic decision to make on Irish beef – one that needs to be made quickly and with a full understanding of the economic fallout for rural Ireland.

It was encouraging to see the commitment of Department senior vet Michael Sheehan to developing the live export market. It will play a vital role in shaping beef farmers’ income in the years ahead.

The support of Aurivo Co-op, Progressive Genetics, Dovea Genetics, ICBF, local vet TJ Heneghan and the farmers that presented stock was very much appreciated.