Last week the Irish Farmers Journal reported more detail on the plans for a Dawn Meats suckler demonstration herd for the west of Ireland, which will be established at the Teagasc site in Athenry, Galway.

Reaction has been mixed. Some have welcomed it, saying there is a real need for advancements in the suckler herd. Others have criticised the placement of the herd in Athenry. Critics of the site selection point to the fact that Teagasc Athenry has unusually good land for the west of Ireland, is not fragmented and is taking away some 58ha away from sheep research.

We spoke to suckler and sheep farmers in the west to gauge their reaction to the plans.

Conor Deely Suckler and sheep farmer, Loughrea, Co Galway

I live only about 10 miles from Teagasc in Athenry – it’s where I did my agricultural degree – but the difference between that and my land is the difference between night and day. There’s been plenty of talk about the herd locally. Lots of people are saying that it’s not like most suckler farms – and that is true.

It’s a no-brainer, though. We need more research and development for the suckler herd, that’s for sure. The farm might not be reflective of a traditional suckler herd, but hopefully it will deliver what we need from it.

My big concern is for the sheep sector, though. We’re taking away land from the sheep research. Teagasc in Athenry is the only research facility in the country that we have left for the sheep sector. Sheep farmers are committed. We’ve been through tough times and with things starting to look good again, the last thing we need is a disruption to our research.

Trevor Boland Suckler farmer, Dromard, Co Sligo

I’m somewhat concerned it has to be said, but overall it must be welcomed as a good thing.

The land in Athenry isn’t what you’d call traditional west of Ireland land – it’s a bit too good and not really reflective of farmers further west.

From my point of view I’ll be looking at what the setup costs are for the herd. It’s crucial that they [Dawn and Teagasc] put out regular reports and updates from the project. We need to see how the thing is going.

The fact that it is going to be mainly Angus cattle is interesting. Most cattle here would be continental, Limousin, Simmental X. Not many farmers have thought about going for the lighter animal on heavier land, so we’ll see how that goes. I hope that there is an open day in the summer too.

PJ Finnerty Suckler and sheep farmer, Brideswell, Roscommon

Sheep farmers have witnessed the closure of numerous research centres, so it is worrying to hear that the area of land available in the last research centre is being limited by plans to introduce a suckler herd. I am all for research and demonstration and as a farmer who runs a mixed enterprise am glad to see more research and demonstration flocks or herds. However, in this case it is hard to accept that it (the introduction of a suckler herd into Athenry) could have long-term implications and prevent the expansion of existing sheep research programmes.

Sheep research in Athenry gained a lot more following in the last few years. In my own case, I am working with my local adviser James Kelly and following the work that Phil Creighton is doing on stocking rate and prolificacy and am trying to put in place similar paddock grazing systems to improve grassland management.

It would be good to see the potential to expand trials like this and investigate other areas such as feeding meals to finish lambs or alternative crops to finish lambs or winter sheep.

A relevant research programme that can show areas for improvement is vital to help sheep farmers make a living.