Revamped suckler scheme seen as a move towards ‘simplified, practical measures’

THE DESIGN of a new €90/cow suckler scheme may signal a shift in direction by the Department of Agriculture away from the increasingly complex schemes of recent years, farm organisations have indicated.

With funding of up to €35m, the new Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (BEEP) scheme will see a higher level of payment on the first 10 cows – a measure it is hoped will attract traditional smaller producers.

“This finally shows a change in direction by the Minister [Creed] away from cumbersome complicated interventions towards more simplified practical measures,” said Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) president Colm O’Donnell.

“This will no doubt see a better uptake by smaller extensive suckler farmers”.

IFA president Tim Cullinan said that the scheme is an important component in ensuring a stronger support structure for suckler cow farmers.

However, he added that the IFA is determined to build on the supports now in place to ensure a targeted suckler payment of €300 per cow in the future.

Suckler cow farmers, who complete all of the mandatory and optional actions under the scheme will receive payment of €90 per cow on the first 10 cows and €80 on the remainder, up to a limit of 100.

The weighing aspect of the scheme is mandatory and will involve a payment of €50 per cow/calf on the first 10 and €40 on the remainder.

An additional €30 will be paid for an animal welfare action, with an option of a pre-weaning meal feeding programme or vaccination. Another €10 is available for a faecal egg testing programme.

ICSA suckler chair Ger O’Brien also welcomed the scheme. “All in all, these are sensible measures that will lead to less stress for calves at weaning time which in turn will benefit buyers including Irish finishers and live exporters.

“Taking samples will assist in ensuring that dosing is much more targeted and will help counteract immunity from dosing products,” he said.