Ireland: A €4 Million Initiative for Irish Dairy Beef Farmers

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has acknowledged the introduction of the National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme (NDBWS) as "a step in the right direction." Launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, the €4 million initiative supports farmers raising progeny from the dairy herd, aiming for greater integration between dairy and beef sectors.

Despite its introduction, IFA Livestock Committee chair, Declan Hanrahan, emphasized the need for further development. Hanrahan stated that for the scheme to be effective in supporting long-term investments, payments per calf should increase from the current €20 up to €100. Additionally, he recommended eliminating the cap on the number of eligible calves per farmer and suggested incorporating the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) as a criterion.

This new measure begins in 2025, with the minister needing to present detailed and future-oriented support plans. "Farmers require clarity on long-term aids available to them," Hanrahan noted, addressing both immediate and future needs of the agricultural community.