DEAR SIR: As a 71-year-old small suckler farmer, with 17 cows, I feel aggrieved at the ageist nature of the Beef Data Genomics Programme.
I’m sure you can see the problem of commitment for six years at my age. It would be spurious of the minister to say it’s a scheme that needs six years commitment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Surely any improvements could be measured on an annual basis, thereby allowing older entrants to participate.
I have participated in all suckler schemes, including SCWS and genomic testing. My calves are all bred out of AI and are among the top 30% of local marts.
I feel the IFA has represented me and others badly on this matter.
Finally, as I’m sure more than 10% are affected by these exclusive regulations, maybe we could have a referendum for equal treatment, regardless of age.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
Disgruntled Westmeath farmer
DEAR SIR: As a 71-year-old small suckler farmer, with 17 cows, I feel aggrieved at the ageist nature of the Beef Data Genomics Programme.
I’m sure you can see the problem of commitment for six years at my age. It would be spurious of the minister to say it’s a scheme that needs six years commitment.
Surely any improvements could be measured on an annual basis, thereby allowing older entrants to participate.
I have participated in all suckler schemes, including SCWS and genomic testing. My calves are all bred out of AI and are among the top 30% of local marts.
I feel the IFA has represented me and others badly on this matter.
Finally, as I’m sure more than 10% are affected by these exclusive regulations, maybe we could have a referendum for equal treatment, regardless of age.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS