New weighing scheme 'does not go far enough' for beef finishers
The new National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme, which was announced yesterday (Tuesday, March 25) "does not go far enough" for beef finishers, according to the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA).
ICSA beef chairperson John Cleary said that while the inclusion of beef farmers in the new scheme is a step in the right direction, it does not provide "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," Cleary said.
"This disparity is deeply unfair and fails to recognise the essential role of beef finishers in the supply chain."
Cleary called on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to introduce a dedicated support measure for finishing cattle aged 12-24 months to ensure fairness across the sector.
He claimed that "for too long, beef finishers have been overlooked in support schemes".
"The 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," he said.
"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," the ICSA beef chair added.
However, the association said that early finishing is not cost-neutral, and requires substantial investment in feeding, management, and resources.
"Farmers who take on this challenge should not be left to carry the financial burden alone," Cleary said.
The ICSA has called on Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon to give "serious consideration" ahead of the Budget 2026 to a payment to assist farmers in feeding and weighing cattle between 12-24 months, with the goal of encouraging earlier finishing.
The ICSA said it 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".
