ICMSA Chairperson Urges Prompt Allocation Details for Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme Funds

The chairperson of ICMSA’s Livestock Committee, Michael O’Connell, has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine, Martin Heydon, to announce the details on the allocation of the additional €20 per head provided in Budget 2025 for the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme.

Mr. O’Connell highlighted the importance of releasing these details promptly to help interested farmers make informed decisions, especially as calf sales reach peak levels. Despite the additional funding being considered small, its distribution is deemed crucial for maximizing potential benefits.

The existing scheme offers €20 per calf for up to 50 calves sired by beef-bred bulls born to dairy cows. The ICMSA strongly advocates that the additional funding should target 'calf rearers,' regardless of whether they are the breeders.

Improvements in calf quality in recent years, driven by technologies like sexed semen, have increased the quality of beef-bred calves from dairy herds. However, challenges persist due to a shortage of rearers willing to invest time and resources, highlighting the need for incentives.

O'Connell asserted that the additional payment would acknowledge the significant effort and investment by rearers. While not transformative, it could enhance dairy calf-to-beef production systems, supporting their viability and potential.

The ICMSA, a long-term advocate for an effective dairy calf-to-beef scheme, has criticized prior underfunded efforts and emphasized the potential benefits of a well-structured program. With over 60% of cattle slaughtered in Ireland originating from the dairy herd, the ICMSA underscores the scheme's carbon efficiency.

Concluding, O’Connell stressed the necessity of directing the additional funds to calf rearers with minimal restrictions, urging for decisive action to allow timely farmer decision-making.