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In response to our coverage last week, Dr Paul Crosson from Teagasc Grange confirms that young bull beef systems have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per kg of beef carcase by up to 32% when compared to steer beef. The fact that there is very little difference in meat eating quality between bulls and steers is also highlighted.
Dr Crosson rightly identifies the marketing challenges put forward by processors but he also highlights the extent to which these market challenges are only reflected in the price paid to farmers when there is an oversupply of beef. Are such ad-hoc market signals really a solid basis on which to ignore a technology/production model that has such potential to help farmers dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
When it comes to hitting targets, the change and investment is being demanded at farm level. In contrast, we see a reluctance further up the supply chain to even consider investing in new technology or adopting new marketing strategies that would dramatically reduce emissions.
Moving a third of the current steer kill to young bulls would deliver a reduction in emissions three times that of LESS – a technology that requires huge farm investment. Sustainability schemes launched by processors that are not prepared to even recognise the environmental efficiency of young bull beef have little credibility.
This week's cartoon
Emissions: acknowledging climate achievements
Agriculture takes a lot of the negative headlines when it comes to climate action. Cattle numbers and methane emissions figures flash on television, but we need to hear more about the sector’s achievements and efforts.
Agriculture, forestry and land use were among the highest achieving sectors when it came to implementing the 2019 Climate Action Plan. The Climate Change Advisory Council’s annual review for 2021 showed that 102 of the 109 measures for the sector were achieved, seven were delayed and overall 94% of the plan was implemented. The transport sector had a 71% achievement rate and the electricity sector was at 79%.
AHI: investing in animal health
Also in this week's edition, Jack Kennedy speaks with Mike Magan as he steps down as chair of Animal Health Ireland (AHI). One of Magan’s greatest achievements was in ensuring AHI was led by the science and not by organisational agendas – not an easy task given AHI’s funding structure. At times he faced criticism for being overly ambitious on the pace at which AHI could influence change. But his level of ambition for the sector was no doubt critical to ensuring that AHI, operating on a shoestring budget, delivered constant results for farmers.
As the guard changes, it is an ideal time to review the funding structure of AHI. Does a budget of €2m, co-funded by the Department of Agriculture and the industry, reflect the impact that animal health plays in underpinning farm productivity, achieving emission reduction targets and maintaining market access for both live animals and meat and dairy products?
Live exports under threat in EU vote
The European Parliament will today (Thursday) vote on new animal transport recommendations. The recommendations from its committee on live animal transport could severely curtail the live export of calves and the movement of gestating livestock.
The IFA has pointed out the extent to which Irish farmers support and adhere to the highest standards of welfare in the transport of animals.
Ahead of the vote, some of the Parliament’s largest political blocs have agreed to support amendments which would increase these standards further but ensure trade can continue.
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