Offaly farmer demands fair treatment for beef finishers

Irish Cattle and Sheep Association Beef Chair John Cleary, from Killeigh,  as said that while the inclusion of beef farmers in the new National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme (NDBWS) is a step in the right direction, it does not go far enough in providing meaningful support for beef finishers.

“While the €20 per calf payment for beef farmers taking on dairy-bred progeny is welcome, it falls far short of what is needed. It also compares unfavourably to the potential €40 per calf available to dairy farmers through the combination of the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme and the NDBWS. This disparity is deeply unfair and fails to recognise the essential role of beef finishers in the supply chain,” he said.

Mr Cleary said he is calling on the Department of Agriculture to introduce a dedicated support measure for finishing cattle aged 12-24 months to ensure fairness across the sector. “For too long, beef finishers have been overlooked in support schemes. ICSA has consistently argued that farmers who commit to rearing and finishing cattle beyond 12 months - particularly those focused on earlier finishing - must be properly supported. Finishing cattle earlier aligns with environmental targets, but it comes at a significant cost and requires a serious financial commitment. If the government is serious about reducing emissions and improving beef sector sustainability, then targeted support for earlier finishing must be a priority.

Early finishing is not cost-neutral - it requires substantial investment in feeding, management, and resources. Farmers who take on this challenge should not be left to carry the financial burden alone. In our recent budget submissions ICSA proposed a Beef Carbon Efficiency Payment to assist farmers in feeding and weighing cattle between 12-24 months, with the goal of encouraging earlier finishing, up to a maximum of 150 animals. This must now be given serious consideration by Minister Heydon in the next budget. It is completely unacceptable that beef finishers continue to be excluded from meaningful budget supports,” he said.

Mr Cleary said ICSA will continue to push for a fair and balanced approach to beef support schemes and will demand recognition of the vital contribution of all beef farmers, particularly those finishing cattle efficiently.