DNA verification of the type of calf that is born would bring huge benefits to an evolving industry. At our Thrive dairy beef open day this week, farmer after farmer asked about the amount of information available to the potential purchaser when the calf enters the mart ring.

A black coat on the calf at three weeks of age is no longer enough to differentiate good potential from lesser potential.

In 20 months’ time, there could be €300/head of a difference in the value of two calves that look similar and have been managed the same way. The prospective buyer can’t carry that risk anymore. The inclusion of dam data has helped better inform the buyer but, the next step is surely DNA genotyping.

National hub

It needs to be managed from a national hub that can return results to owners within a manageable timeframe to allow business as normal.

The finances presented to over 2,000 farmers on Tuesday show that, even with a base price of €4.20/kg, there isn’t the margin in dairy beef to allow for bad management – or more importantly, selecting the wrong calf at the start.

The 19- to 20-month slaughter off grass system has costs of between €1,100 and €1,300, leaving a net margin of €100/head, allowing a minimal value on labour costs.

Costs

If you select the wrong calf, you risk losing €200-300/head as you incur costs at rearing, grazing and wintering irrespective of the type of animal that has been purchased.

Surely a DNA-powered database, funded by the Brexit adjustment reserve, to reinforce the credentials of our livestock industry is one project that would strategically place Irish livestock farmers in a world-leading position.